Introductory description

This module will provide an understanding of the reasons why joint ventures and other collaborative associations now form an increasingly important part of business and commercial activity. It will identify the many types of collaborative ventures now in common use and provide guidelines on the selection of the most appropriate formats to suit particular business needs. The module will also provide an overview of the practical, cultural, legal and financial aspects of joint ventures which can be critical in ensuring successful project implementation.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Why Collaborate - benefits & risks.
• Collaboration Strategy.
• Types of Collaboration.
• Legal and Contractual Aspects
• Practicalities of Collaboration.
• Cultural aspects.
• Financial aspects.
• Case studies.
• Collaboration exercise.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Interpret the language of joint ventures and collaborations to evaluate the various types of collaboration used in business
• Critique specific examples and appropriate theory to determine the benefits and risks of collaboration, both for the business community as a whole and for their own organisation
• Systematically analyse the business implications of potential collaborative structures and control procedures throughout both the development and implementation phases of collaborative ventures
• Systematically develop effective control processes for the key financial and legal aspects of collaboration ventures
• Evaluate the risks of ineffective or inappropriate negotiating and project development skills, based on realistic syndicate exercises

Indicative reading list

• Maude, Barry (2014) International business negotiation: principles and practice. AU: Palgrave Macmillan ISBN 9781137270511
• Thompson, Leigh l. (2015) The mind and heart of the negotiator. Sixth Ed. Boston: Pearson ISBN 1292073330, 9781292073330
• Gomes, Emanuel (2011) Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances: understanding the process. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 0230285368, 9780230285361
• Gibbs, Richard; Humphries, Andrew (2009) Strategic alliances & marketing partnerships: gaining competitive advantage through collaboration and partnering. London: Kogan Page. ISBN 0749454849, 9780749454845

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module, students should develop their skills in a number of areas, such as:

• Analysis of the implications, benefits and risks of collaboration in an international context
• Negotiation (planning and implementation) skills, including the inter-cultural aspects in an international context
• Financial analysis skills
• Analysis of the implications and development of control mechanisms for associated legal and contractual issues

Transferable skills

By the end of the module, students should develop their skills in a number of areas, such as:

• Business report writing
• Negotiation
• Presentations
• Team working and planning