MBA in International Business Project Topics for Final Year Students

04-Jul-2025

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a highly recognisable degree in the world of business. This two-year programme imparts knowledge about business administration and management in various fields such as finance, marketing, international business, and strategies, etc. The value of an MBA degree is also characterised by the specialisations it provides to learners. Along with the specialisation comes the project that is dedicated to the concentration.

An MBA in international business is focused on preparing students for a global marketplace. Its curriculum emphasises international aspects with general management, finance, operations, and marketing. It further focuses on international trade, foreign policies, foreign investments, export management, and foreign exchange risk management. The students are taught through various case studies, projects, and simulations to provide practical applications of theoretical knowledge.

Read more: Master of Business Administration by EIMT

Importance of choosing the right project

The projects are an integrated part of the MBA’s curriculum and are also known as dissertation or capstone projects. They aim to provide in-depth knowledge and experience in specified business areas. It allows them to apply academic knowledge to real-world scenarios. It is very important to choose the right MBA project, as it 

1. Impacts career: It influences the career opportunities during placement drives and in the future. Employers and institutions are often interested in project work to better assess the candidates for their capabilities. It works like a profile for your skills. An innovative and thoroughly researched project can give you an upper hand over other candidates.  It can further lead to better and higher job offers and research opportunities. 
2. Helps in skill development: Practical skills like management, research, problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and leadership are enhanced through the making of projects. These skills are highly valuable in the workplace and entrepreneurship. It allows you to showcase your expertise, knowledge, and specialisation. 
3. Enhance Networking: It can help to foster connections with peers and professors of the institution. Further, it introduces you to field experts, professionals, and potential recruiters.

Read more: MBA Final Year Project Topics in Healthcare & Hospital Management

Project ideas for international business

Always remember to choose projects that highlight your strengths and interests. Here are a few key and trending project topics for MBA final-year students in international business: 

1. Impact of trade wars on the global supply chain: 

We often hear about the ongoing international conflicts between nations. They can be in the form of external aggressions or trade wars. For example, the recent trade war between China and the USA, and the USA and the EU (European Union). These trade wars disrupt the global supply chain. This project will help you analyse its impact on industries like electronics, automotive, or agriculture. You can investigate how multinational corporations (MNCs) adapt through these dynamic changes. 

Evaluate the effects on goods prices, supply chain design, and risk management strategies. Keep an eye on ongoing trade policies that are affecting global commerce. For references, case studies, industry reports, and international organisations' reports, such as those of the IMF and WTO, can be used to analyse. You can also contact various supply chain managers and businessmen to understand the ground effects of such tariffs.  

2. Sustainability in International Business: 

Climate change is a global concern for people, politics, scientists, and the government. Sustainability has become a global priority for consumers and governments all over the world.  So it is impacting the way of businesses. The project focuses on how MNCs adapt sustainable practices to their global business, address global environmental regulations, achieve carbon neutrality, and fit in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework. 

Study the companies that are solving ecological problems with their unique business models and products. Explore the rules and regulations set by different countries, like the EU’s Green Deal, the National Green Tribunal in India, and more.

Look across various strategies like shifting to renewable energy, sustainable sourcing, and the circular economy concept. Analyse the challenges involved in balancing profit and sustainability.  

3. Digital Transformation in Global Trade:

It looks into how AI and other techno-industries are modifying facets of international trade for more efficiency, transparency, and security. Interrogate applications such as AI-based demand forecasting, blockchain smart contracts, or trade finance platforms (IBM TradeLens, etc.), focusing on industries like shipping or retail, and researching cost savings, process automation, data privacy issues, or the cost of technology adoption.

Digital transformation is reshaping global business and trade with the adoption of blockchain technology for safe and secure cross-border transactions. You can refer to various case studies related to technology adoption frameworks and view various industry expert interviews for more insights.

4. Geopolitical Risks and Their Impact on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Explores how geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict or Iran-Israel rivalry, influence FDI decisions and risk management for MNCs.

Study how companies assess risks (technology and energy sectors) within unstable regions such as the Middle East or Eastern Europe and reshape their investment strategies. As geopolitical instability continues to shape global investment, with 2025 seeing increased tensions in key industrial regions. Analyse various risk assessment models, diversification strategies, the role of diplomacy, and political risk insurance.

Students can analyse the quantitative FDI flows through UNCTAD data, case studies, and geopolitical risk reports for reference

5. E-commerce Expansion Strategies in Emerging Markets

The project analyses how global e-commerce giants such as Amazon, Alibaba, Walmart, and Jumia expand into emerging markets, including countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Students are required to examine various market entry strategies, localisation efforts, and the logistical challenges encountered in regions characterised by low digital presence or insufficient online regulatory frameworks.

Research price strategies, local partnerships, and local consumer patterns in such markets as Nigeria, Indonesia, or Brazil. Emerging markets are high-growth regions for e-commerce, with increasing internet penetration and middle-class consumers in 2025. Market research, consumer research, and case studies of successful/failed expansions.

6. Currency Fluctuations and Hedging Strategies for Multinational Corporations

Currency fluctuations remain a continuous change and challenge for all businesses. It leads to economic uncertainties in major countries. This project will investigate how volatility in exchange rates impacts MNCs’ financial performance. It will also help to find the different financial techniques that MNCs use to mitigate risks.

During the project, focus on companies operating in volatile currency markets, like in emerging economies, and their use of financial instruments like forwards, options, or swaps. Analyse the effectiveness of their hedging strategies, costs involved, and the strategies' impact on companies' profitability.

Students can do financial data analysis, case studies on big brands like Coca-Cola and BMW, and interviews with treasury managers to gain insights and resources for the project. 

7. Cultural Influences on Effective Global Marketing Strategies

Cultural sensitivity is a critical factor for global brands to navigate through diverse markets in the world. Students can explore how cultural differences from countries can shape the success or failure of a global marketing campaign. How companies focus on branding and consumer engagement. For example, many brands in India often create campaigns around Diwali, emphasising gifting, buying new things, and family time. 

You can further analyse various case studies like Nike, McDonald’s, or Coca-Cola, analysing their successes or failures in a specific country. For instance, McDonald’s Indian menu and the failures of Pepsi's Come Alive campaign in China.

One can examine cultural frameworks, localisation strategies, and consumer perceptions regarding a particular place. Include case studies, consumer behaviour analysis, and marketing campaign evaluations in your project to make it more effective.

8. Role of Free Trade Agreements in Shaping Global Business Strategies

FTAs have always shaped the global trade flows between two or multiple countries. After 2022, RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), the world's largest trading bloc, has grown in the Asia-Pacific region. Study how it impacted industries like automotive, agriculture, or electronics in 15 member countries over the years.

Analyses how free trade agreements (FTAs) like RCEP, CPTPP, or USMCA influence market access, tariffs, and competitive strategies.

Research can be focused on studying tariff reductions, supply chain adjustments, and competitive advantages gained by firms during the FTA.

You can trade data analysis from the WTO, World Bank, etc., case studies, and policy reviews of the FTA between different nations.

9. Global Talent Management:

It is difficult to manage staff in many states and nations with various cultures, government rules, and even time zones. Research on how multinational corporations manage a diverse workforce while remaining true to their goals. Determine what efforts a corporation must take to address cultural, legal, and operational difficulties.

Deloitte, Accenture, Meta, and Amazon are all companies that can be studied. Focusing on employees' recruitment, training, and retention strategies for the global market. Analyse how they align with local labour laws, time zones, and work culture. 

For project research, students can do HR policy analysis of various companies, conduct an employee survey, and take help from various case studies. 

10. Impact of De-globalisation on International Businesses

A distinct movement has emerged as a result of rising global tensions and worries about privacy and security: de-globalisation. This results in higher tariffs or trade barriers, increased domestic production, and regionalisation. These issues can greatly limit the expansion of a multinational corporation.

The research must focus on the impact and business solutions for adapting to regulations such as tariffs and supply chain localisation in countries such as the United States and India. Examine in depth the impacts of transitioning from global to regional supply networks. Cost implications and important strategies. Students can employ approaches such as case studies, trade policy reports, and industrial reports.

11. Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions: Drivers and Challenges  

Cross-border M&As remain a key growth strategy despite regulatory and cultural complexities. The dynamics of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) encompass several critical aspects, including due diligence, cultural behaviour, and regulatory compliance.

Students would compare recent M&As (recent examples: Tata Air India, Microsoft-Activision, Results). Learn success factors such as strategy alignment, post-merger integration, and regulatory hindrances.

Looking at real cases, crunching numbers, and talking to people who know the depth can make the project even better.

12. Dealing with Global Supply Chain Problems: What We've Learnt from Troubles

In 2025, multinational organisations will continue to face supply chain difficulties, which will require effective planning for success. The project emphasises how global supply chain issues—such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the blockage of the Suez Canal—have transformed trading and shipping practices, as well as our understanding of preparedness and contingency planning.

Students can focus on vital industries such as semiconductors, drug production, or retail, and explore recovery plans such as having two suppliers or stockpiling extra supplies for emergencies. Analyse the frameworks established for recovery, consider the benefits and drawbacks of backup strategies, and go over significant lessons. Students can tap into methods like using real-world examples, crunching supply chain numbers, and looking at what the industry managers and experts point to. 

13. The Role of Emerging Economies in Global Business Trends

Emerging economies enhance global growth, offering big markets and opportunities. Dewels, how developing countries like India, Brazil, or Nigeria have a growing impact on worldwide trade, investment, and new ideas. The project must cover areas such as tech making goods or services, and how they add to markets around the world.

Research markets related to technology, manufacturing, or services, and how they help feed into international markets. Evaluate market potential, investment trends, and challenges like infrastructure or governance.
Students can utilise economic data analysis (e.g., Global Bank, IMF), case studies, and market entry analysis.

14. Ethical Challenges in Global Business: Balancing Money and Morals

When companies move into international markets, they are faced with varied ways of working and running businesses. For example, some Asian countries value long working hours, but in Western nations, people often prioritise balancing work with personal life. In certain regions, weak systems of governance allow corruption and misuse of resources to happen. As expectations grow, both consumers and governments push businesses to stay transparent and act.

This project examines ethical challenges like mistreatment of workers, corruption, and environmental damage tied to global operations. It brings up examples like Nike’s sweatshop controversies, Shell’s issues with environmental harm, and illegal mining in South Africa. It also points out how lithium extraction for batteries can damage the environment. The project looks at how these companies have addressed such issues.

To explore this further, researchers need to study ethical models, what stakeholders expect, and corporate social responsibility plans. Students can add case studies, reviews of stakeholder perspectives, and assessments of CSR reports to explain why this topic is important. This broad perspective is to explore the tricky aspects of corporate responsibility. It also aims to show why industries that affect the environment must adopt sustainable habits. Combining different opinions and real-world proof, the study hopes to explain how businesses can stay ethical while balancing the needs of today’s world.

15. Effect of Digital Currencies on Global Trade and Finance

Digital currencies such as cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are transforming global trade and finance at their core. Their use is growing, as private companies and governments are pushing new developments in cross-border payments, better access to financial systems, and policies around money. These currencies are becoming more widespread, with nations like China and India planning trials of CBDCs in 2025. The rise of UPI and online transactions has further aided the digital currencies.

The project investigates how cryptocurrencies and CBDCs are transforming cross-border payments and trade financing.

Students should focus on applications like Bitcoin in remittances, CBDCs in trade settlements, or blockchain in trade finance. Analyse the various barriers to adoption, regulatory frameworks, and methods for achieving cost efficiency that companies employ. Students may incorporate case studies, regulatory analyses, and interviews with financial institutions to enrich their work. Examining how technology changes transaction speed and security can help understand the shifting environment better. Think about how these elements have an impact on consumer trust and on how people are willing to use digital currencies in regular financial systems.

Read more: Master of Business Administration by Birchwood University

Next Steps

There are many more topics and ideas that you can dwell on for your final project. If a single topic doesn't click, try to mix and match the relevant topics with focused areas. Get your project approved in advance from your mentor and start working early. In this way you have ample time to research and make corrections. Additionally, consider seeking feedback from peers throughout the process, as their insights can be invaluable in refining your work. Remember that the more engaged you are with the material, the more rewarding the final outcome will be.

Before submitting, remember to give credits and references. Highlight the key findings and ensure that the project is error-free.

MBA Project Topics