Understanding to Choose Between International Business and Business Administration Fields
Understanding How to Choose Between International Business and Business Administration is an important step in determining your career path. The International Business field focuses on trade and management activities in a global environment, requiring knowledge of international markets, laws, and multicultural cultures. Meanwhile, the Business Administration field provides an overview of business management, with in-depth knowledge of finance, human resources, marketing, and business strategy. Understanding the characteristics of each field will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your interests, abilities, and career goals. Let’s explore the differences together to make the best choice!
1. What is International Business?
The International Business field is the study and practice of business activities that take place on a global scale. This includes managing and conducting trade transactions between countries, understanding international regulations, being knowledgeable about multicultural markets, and developing international business strategies. Students in this field will be equipped with knowledge of import and export, international logistics, international marketing, and risk management in the global business environment. This field requires a deep understanding of the global economy, foreign language skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
2. What is Business Administration?
The Business Administration field is a specialized area of study focused on managing and operating business activities. This field encompasses various aspects such as financial management, human resources, marketing, production, and business strategy. The goal of Business Administration is to develop leadership and management skills to help organizations operate efficiently and achieve their business objectives. Students in this field will gain knowledge of management principles, analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and problem-solving capabilities in diverse business environments. This is an ideal field of study for those who aspire to hold management or leadership positions within organizations and businesses.
3. The Differences Between International Business and Business Administration
| International Business | Business Administration | |
| Scope of activities | Focuses on business activities that take place on a global scale. Students in this field learn how to manage international transactions, understand international laws, and adjust business strategies to suit multicultural markets. The work environment often involves multiple countries and requires coordination skills across different geographical regions. | Has a broader scope of activities but typically focuses on managing and operating the internal functions of a business. This field includes aspects such as financial management, human resources, marketing, and strategy. The scope can be domestic or international, but it does not necessarily involve cross-border activities. |
| Goals | The goal is to optimize business operations on a global scale, including developing strategies tailored to each international market, managing international risks, and overseeing import and export activities. | The goal is to effectively manage the internal operations of the business, including optimizing processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and achieving business objectives through management functions such as finance, human resources, and marketing. |
| Necessary skills | Requires skills in foreign languages, knowledge of international laws, the ability to work in a multicultural environment, and an understanding of the global market. Negotiation skills, international logistics, and supply chain management are also very important. | Requires leadership, analytical, decision-making, human resource management skills, and a deep understanding of business functions. Strategic planning abilities and financial management skills are also important factors. |
| Job opportunities | Career opportunities are often related to multinational companies, import and export, logistics, international supply chain management, and international market development. | Career opportunities are diverse and include positions such as business manager, financial director, marketing director, human resources manager, and leadership roles in organizations and businesses both domestically and internationally. |
| Study and research | The curriculum focuses on subjects such as international law, logistics, international trade, and international marketing. | The curriculum typically includes subjects such as financial management, human resource management, marketing, and business strategy, with a focus on the overall management aspects of a business. |
4. Studying International Business at Hoa Sen – De Montfort
4.1. Duration of Study
The duration of study is 3 years (excluding 1 year of foundational courses), with 2 semesters each year. Instruction is conducted in English.
- The International Business program opens up global career opportunities for students.
- Students are equipped with knowledge about the activities of multinational companies, learn about key aspects of emerging markets, and gain insights into practical, geographical, and socio-economic factors in the business field.
- In addition, soft skills are developed through courses taught by guest lecturers from the industry, field trips, and case studies based on real-life scenarios.
The program provides knowledge that meets the recruitment needs of businesses. Graduates of this program currently hold key roles in major companies such as Rolls Royce, IBM, Walt Disney, the NHS, and Siemens. - The program is designed according to DMU’s Education Strategy 2030, where the ‘modular learning’ timetable is simplified, meaning students will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage in their learning, receive quicker feedback from instructors, and enjoy a balance between life and study.
4.2. Training program
| Year 0 | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
| IYZ | International Business | International Business | International Business |
| English for Academic Purposes 1 | Global Business Environment | Multinational Enterprise in the Global Economy | International Business Strategy and Governance |
| English for Academic Purposes 2 | Business Dynamics, Ethics and Culture | Data Analytics and Research Skills | Choose one of the two subjects: (Emerging Markets and the Size of Digital Transformation) |
| Academic and Study Skills | Economics in Global Business | International Organisational Behaviour and Leadership | Emerging Markets: Economic Geography and Trends |
| Maths Study Skills: Quantitative Methods | Marketing for International Business | Choose one of the two subjects: | Dimensions of Digital Transformation |
| The Context of Business | International Supply Chain Management | International Trade Management | |
| International Financial Management and Decision Making | Choose one of the two subjects: | ||
| Dissertation | |||
| Business Project |
5. Summary
Understanding How to Choose Between International Business and Business Administration is the key to determining the most suitable career path for you. The International Business field focuses on activities in a global environment, requiring knowledge of international markets and the ability to work in a multicultural setting. Meanwhile, the Business Administration field emphasizes overall management within organizations, with extensive knowledge in various areas such as finance, marketing, and human resources. Choosing the right field of study should be based not only on personal interests but also on long-term career goals, helping you maximize your potential and achieve success in the future.
If you are interested in international business, follow our page to stay updated with valuable information about the Hoa Sen – De Montfort International Partnership Program! To receive more details about the program, please register here.
See more:
- What is an International Joint Bachelor’s Degree? What are the Advantages of International Joint Programs?
- What is Studying Abroad Locally? Opportunities for Studying Abroad Locally with the Hoa Sen – De Montfort Program.
- Overview of International University Tuition Fees for Over 30 Institutions in Vietnam.
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