MGT530 International Business

Assessment item 1 Forum Participation

Value: 15%

Due date: 30-Mar-2018

Return date: 24-Apr-2018

Length: Approx 1500 words total

Submission method options

Alternative submission method

Task

For most topics in this subject you will find an associated "Topic Activity" task. You are encouraged to post a response to each of these questions. You are also encouraged to make additional posts in response to other students' postings or to raise issues and to stimulate dialogue. You should ensure that your posts address all parts of the forum question, however the length of the posting is not crucial. Concise but focused postings can be very effective and where possible they should 'engage' with earlier postings by other students.

We understand that posting on every occasion may not be possible for every student. Therefore the minimum number of Topic Activities you are required to complete in order to satisfy this assessment task is three (3) posts within the first 5 teaching weeks of session. However, we strongly encourage you to keep making postings throughout the session as they will assist with your learning and ability to pass the other assessments.

It is important that you complete the "Topic Activity" topics during the week the associated topic is scheduled (ie between Monday and Sunday evening). Postings made after the scheduled topic week cannot be counted towards the 3 forum postings to be considered for marking.

At the completion of week 5 you are required to copy and paste your three (3) best forum posts into a word document, tidy up the formatting to 1.5 spacing, normal margins and then submit the document for final assessment via Turnitin. The word count listed above is for all three postings.

Rationale

This assessment task is designed to:

* provide an alternative forum for discussion between students in the absence of lectures and tutorials

* facilitate interaction and peer learning between students

* encourage active and ongoing participation in this subject; and

* provide you with an opportunity to test your understanding of the theory covered in the subject

The forum Topic Activity tasks have been carefully scaffolded to assist you in achieving the learning objectives of the subject and in completing your major assessment tasks.

Marking criteria

Marks will be awarded based on the following criteria.

	FAIL	PASS (50 to 64%)	CR (65 to 74%)	DI (75 to 84%)	HD (85 to 100%)
Quality of each post (8 marks)	Posts information unrelated to topic or does not post or posts too late. OR posts are simply a cut and paste with no discussion or synthesis of information	Posts on time. Some of the work is focused on the aims and themes of the question. Posts not well supported.	On time posts containing clear and realistic answers to question. Provides support for argument. Meaning is clear but structure may not always flow logically.	Clear and realistic answers to questions demonstrating strong grasp of international business concepts, issues and topics under discussion. Good clarity of expression, well structured, logical flow of ideas.	Clear, realistic and thorough answers to questions demonstrating strong and broad grasp of international business concepts, issues and topics under discussion. Excellent clarity of expression, well structured, logical flow of ideas.
Collegial discussion and engagement (7 marks)	Does not respond to others or merely agree.	Limited attempts to engage or respond to others.	Good comments on others posts and willingness to broaden the discussion by including additional related information.	Active engagement in discussion and responds to others’ ideas and demonstrates being collegial. Willing to share additional information and respond to others.	Active engagement in discussion including evidence of attempts to stimulate dialogue with new information and respond to others’ ideas. Very collegial. Willing to share information and respond to others.

Occasionally students have expressed concern that the first student to make a post seems to have "said it all". While in fact it is preferable that you build on and complement each others' posts, if this is the case then it is strongly advised that you create your posting in your own words 'as if" the first posting had not been made. While some ideas may be inevitably repeated, there should be sufficient originality in your post to make it clear to the reader that you have considered the matter yourself. Alternatively you could ensure you are the first to post on a later topic.

It is expected that you will treat your fellow students with respect and acknowledge their contributions to the discussions. Students should provide each other with a supportive, positive and inquiring environment where ideas can be shared regardless of individual levels of experience and expertise.

Lastly, it is expected that you will adopt a professional approach to these postings. Remarks that are deemed to be offensive, rude, discriminatory or in bad taste will attract immediate action from the subject coordinator. CSU has an extremely low tolerance for inappropriate online behaviour.

Presentation

At the completion of week 5 you are required to copy and paste your three (3) best forum posts into a word document, tidy up the formatting to 1.5 spacing, normal margins and then submit the document for final assessment via Turnitin. The word count listed above is for all three postings.

Assessment item 2

Major Assignment - Part 1

Value: 35%

Due date: 27-Apr-2018

Return date: 18-May-2018

Length: 2500-3000 words

Submission method options

Alternative submission method

Task

This Major Assignment is in two parts and together creates a complete International Business Report. This assessment item is Part 1 of this report.

Your task is to:

• Choose an organisation


• Select an overseas country of your choice


• Conduct a analysis of the macro environment (ie the economic, political, legal, cultural and ethical environment) that your chosen business would need to be aware of if they were going to "do business" in this country.

Most companies have websites from which you should be able to acquire sufficient information to address this assignment task. Students may choose to conduct this analysis on their current workplace organisation. However, if choosing your own organisation the country selected must not be one in which your company currently operates. If you are having trouble identifying an organisation for this report then please contact the lecturer who will be able to provide you with a choice of companies based on case studies.

Note that you need to ensure that you refer to the theory covered in the topics 1 to 6 within your report and find additional relevant literature. This should not be a general descriptive report, but rather must be a report that explains the relevant theory relating to international business, as well as using it to analyse the environment. That is, when providing data on type of government or economic factors you should not just state the information but you should also explain how it is significant and why it is of interest/importance to your particular organisation.

Your assessment should be prepared in report style format and should include the following content:

• Executive summary of main findings of report


• Introduction to the report


• Brief company background including why it might consider overseas expansion (Topics 1 & 2)


• Brief introduction to chosen country


• Economic Analysis (Topics 3 & 4)


• Political & Legal Analysis (Topic 5)


• Culture and Ethics (Topic 6)


• Conclusions


• Reference list (in APA format)

Rationale

This assessment has been designed in order to:

• assist you to develop and demonstrate your learning about the nature of international business and the importance of macro-environmental scanning and research, focusing on Topics 1-6;


• allow you to develop your information searching and critical thinking skills; and


• provide you with further experience in academic writing.

It addresses the following learning objectives for this subject

• be able to describe international business practices and discuss how they are being shaped by economic theories, financial, socio-cultural and political forces; with particular emphasis on the business practices of Australia's major trading partners;


• be able to identify general, and special problems, issues facing managers of international business operations


• be able to investigate different socio-cultural and ethical environments in the international arena and explain the implications for conducting business.

Marking criteria

A copy of the marking guide for this assessment item follows.

CRITERION	Fail (N) 0-49 Poor/unacceptable/Not attempted/requires further development/needs improvement	Pass (P) 50-64 Acceptable/Satisfactory/Proficient	Credit (C) 65-74 Good/Well done	Distinction (D)  75-84 Very good/ exceeds expectations	High Distinction (HD) 85-100 Excellent/exemplary/exceeding high standard
1 - Executive Summary (10 marks)	The executive summary was missing or poorly constructed e.g. it acted as a table of contents or introduction outlining what the report contained rather than summarising the key findings.	Summarised some key findings but still reads more like an introduction than an Executive Summary (i.e. “the report will cover …” rather than “the report found that…. )	ES provides a summary of most of the key findings in the report. Some evaluation of implications included.	A good summary of the key findings in the report was provided. The report provides an informed evaluation of the implications of these findings in terms of risks and opportunities.	Provided a concise summary of the findings of all sections of the report. Findings for all important factors were provided in the summary. Evaluation of implication demonstrates strong understanding of macro environmental risks and opportunities.
2 – Introduction covering scope of report, introduction to company, brief background and identification of chosen overseas country. (10 marks)	The introduction did not highlight the scope of the report and/or background of the company effectively. It provided generic information with no clear focus on key issues such as core business, goals, mission etc. Chosen country not identified or information provided not well considered.	Background information on the company provided but not well synthesised. Some information on key issues such as core business. Scope of the report outlined and chosen overseas country identified.	Background information on the company provided. Shows evidence of research. Information on key issues such as core business, mission and goals synthesised and conveyed concisely. Scope of the report outlined and chosen overseas country clearly identified with relevant issues discussed.	Background information on the company demonstrates evidence of research. Information is synthesised and then summarised effectively with key issues identified. Scope of the report clearly articulated. Clearly identifies chosen overseas country and provides justification for choice.	Background information on the company demonstrates ability to research and synthesize information into a clear and concise exposition of knowledge. Scope of the report clearly and concisely articulated. Clearly identifies chosen overseas country and provides clearly articulated yet concise justification for choice.
3 – Macro, analysis & discussion of implications (Economics, political, legal, socio-cultural sections) (40 marks)	The economic, political, legal, economic and socio-cultural section displayed little or limited understanding of key concepts/theory and the application of those concepts to the country analysed. Data was either presented uncritically with no discussion of implications or poor arguments were made in regards to the data and the chosen firm. Limited research evident.	The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew some connections to key concepts/theory. Some analysis of the implications of the data in relation to the chosen country and the chosen firm. Evidence of research using some authentic and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International)	The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country outlined implications for the chosen firm. Evidence of research using a range of authentic and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International, Globaledge etc).	The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew clear connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country clearly outlined relevant implications for the chosen firm and demonstrates ability to synthesise and extract relevant information. Evidence of research using a broad range of authentic , current and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International and beyond).	The economic, political, legal and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew clear and concise connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country clearly outlined relevant implications for the chosen firm and demonstrates ability tosynthesise and extract relevant information only. Evidence of research using a wide range of authentic , current and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International and beyond).
4 - Overall knowledge and application of cultural frameworks (10 marks)	Demonstrates little understanding of the complexity or elements of chosen culture. Limited or no discussion of theoretical frameworks.	Discussion of elements of chosen culture shows some research. Tends to rely heavily on etiquette and custom. Lacks strong analysis using cultural frameworks. Minimal evaluation or discussoin of implications.	Demonstrates good research into the chosen culture. Clearly identifies important elements and discusses deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Evaluates implications.	Demonstrates good research into the chosen culture. Clearly identifies important elements and discusses deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Draws connections with wider macro-environmental elements. Evaluates implications.	Demonstrates excellent research into the chosen culture. Effectively synthesizes information to identify important elements. Provides and insightful analysis into deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Draws connections with wider macro-environmental elements and evaluates implications for management of chosen firm demonstrating strong insight and analysis.
5 - Discussion of ethical & CSR issues (5 marks)	No or limited research into ethical/CSR issues. Minimal discussion.	Some research into ethical/CSR issues. Highlights some key aspects (eg corruption index score). Some discussion of implications.	Research into ethical/CSR issues evident. Highlights main aspects (eg corruption index score, cultural differences impacting values, beliefs perceptions). Some discussion of implications.	Research into ethical/CSR issues evident. Highlights main aspects (eg corruption index score, cultural differences impacting values, beliefs perceptions). Discussion of implications is informed and well supported.	Excellent research into ethical & CSR issues international manager is likely to face in environment. Links analysis to cultural aspects. Strong ability to synthesize information, analyse implications and relate to theory.
6 – Structure, organisation, presentation and grammar (10 marks)	The report was unprofessional, unclear and not well structured. Table of contents, headings, page numbers etc were missing or inconsistent. Meaning unclear and/or grammar and/or spelling contained frequent errors	The report was neat and well structured. Presentation mostly follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page. Some minor issues. Meaning apparent but language not always fluent. Some spelling and grammatical errors.	The report was neat and well structured. Presentation follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page. Language mainly fluent. Grammar and spelling mainly accurate.	Organisation and presentation was of report was of a professional, standard. Presentation follows guidelines. Fluent writing style.Grammar and spellines accurate.	Organisation and presentation was of an excellent standard. Presentation follows guidelines. Fluent writing style. Grammar and spelling accurate.
7 - Research and referencing (15 marks)	Referencing needed improvement. Sources were uncited / poorly cited / demonstrated little attempt to comply with APA system. Reliance on few and/or poor quality sources. There was likely a reliance on one source of literature.	Referencing was of a satisfactory standard with consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Shows clear attempt to follow APA method of referencing. Some errors evident e.g. page numbers missing from direct quotations or errors in referencing websites. Overall references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references). Used a variety of authentic information sources.	Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Most citations follow APA method of referencing with few errors. These references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references). Used a variety of authentic information sources with majority being current.	Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Referencing was of a high standard. Majority of citations in report and references in reference list conform to APA standard. Used a variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate information sources and texts.	Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Excellent referencing with majority of citations correctly adhering to APA method. Comprehensive reference list. Wide variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate sources used in appropriate context.

 

Presentation

This assessment item is to be presented in Report format. Information about the structure and nature of reports is provided elsewhere in this Outline.

Requirements

The following is a useful self check guide:

Structure and Content
Are all areas covered fully? Does the report include clear explanations and understanding of the relevant information? (i.e. not merely descriptions) Do you clearly demonstrate that you understand the significance of the macro-environmental variables for the entry of your company into the overseas country? Are the arguments convincing and well supported? Is there clear evidence of an understanding of the fundamentals of theory relevant to international business?).

Arguments
Quality of the arguments: Is some in-depth analysis evident or has the source material presented been accepted uncritically? Is the content simply a description rather than analysis? Is there strength and substantiation of arguments through supporting evidence (eg, established theory, examples, critical reasoning, etc).

Sources with breadth and depth of reading: Has research from a range of authoritative sources been integrated into your work? Is a critique of the readings reflected in the report?

Expression and Presentation: Is the report developed logically and well-structured? Does the writing flow well? Is the overall impression of a convincing professional report, with credible logical arguments supported by theory and facts from published sources? Is the style concise and lucid to give a coherent succinct summary, or is it difficult for the reader to get the point? Is the grammar and language appropriate for a postgraduate level academic report? Is there overall quality of the written expression, punctuation, spelling and grammar? Does the report have good overall appearance and layout

Assessment item 3

Major Assignment - Part 2

Value: 50%

Due date: 01-Jun-2018

Return date: 25-Jun-2018

Length: Approx 3,000 to 3,500 words

Submission method options

Alternative submission method

Task

This assessment item is Part 2 of your International Business Report and focuses on Topics 7 to 12 of this unit.

Having now completed a major analysis of the environment in which your business will operate you will need to prepare Part 2 of your International Business Report which will offer strategy recommendations to your organisation. Your assessment will again be in report format and should cover the following:

Executive Summary (a 2 page (maximum) summary of key findings, strategies and outcomes).

Introduction to the report.

Brief background to company and selected international country: ie brief approx 2 page synopsis of Assessment 2 (Topics 1-6 as well).

Additional analysis reflecting your further country analysis (Topic 7)

Recommendation for entry mode and multinational structure/competitive strategy with
justification (Topics 8 and 9)

Marketing and R&D considerations (Topic 10)

Recommendations regarding production (Topic 11)

International HRM issues and considerations (Topic 12)

Conclusion

References in APA format

Note that you need to ensure that you refer to the theories covered in the Topics 7 to 12 within your report demonstrating your understanding of these theories and concepts and their application to international business. As with the first part of this Task, you are expected to find sources beyond your textbook to strengthen your arguments.

Rationale

The aims of the assignment are:

• to provide you with an opportunity to apply the theoretical ideas and models you have studied to a real organisation;


• demonstrate the application of the knowledge gained in the first six (6) topics to the development of strategies and marketing decisions in an international market (Topics 7-10);


• allow you to develop your information searching and critical thinking skills; and


• provide you with further experience in academic writing.

It addresses the following learning objectives for this subject:

• be able to identify general and specific issues as well as new trends facing managers of international business operations, and design strategies to respond to these issues;


• be able to research and evaluate the attractiveness and viability of conducting business in specific locations around the globe;


• be able to research and recommend appropriate strategies for the form, location and operational strategies of an international firm.

Marking criteria

The marking criteria for this assessment is as follows:

 

CRITERION	Fail (F) 0-49 Poor/unacceptable/Not attempted/requires further development/needs improvement	Pass (P) 50-64 Acceptable/Satisfactory/Proficient	Credit (C) 65-74 Good/Well done	Distinction (D) 75-84 Very good/ exceeds expectations	High Distinction (HD) 85-100 Excellent/exemplary/exceeding high standard
1 - Executive Summary (10 marks)	The executive summary was missing or poorly constructed e.g. it acted as a table of contents or introduction outlining what the report contained rather than summarising the key findings.	Summarised some key findings but still reads more like an introduction than an Executive Summary (i.e. “the report will cover …” rather than “the report found that…. )	ES provides a summary of most of the key findings in the report. Some discussion of implications included.	A good summary of the key findings in the report was provided. The report provides an informed discussion of the implications of these findings in terms of risks and opportunities.	Provided a concise yet comprehensive summary of the findings of the report. Findings for all important factors were provided in the summary. Discussion of implication demonstrates strong understanding of macro environmental risks and opportunities.
2 – Introduction - covering scope of report and summary of key macro issues arising from previous report. (10 marks)	The introduction did not highlight the scope of the report. Summary of key macro issues missing or poorly constructed.	Scope of the report outlined. Key macro areas identified but not well defined and implications not addressed or addressed superficially.	Scope of the report outlined clearly. Information on key macro issues clearly identified and implications identified. Clear links between previous report and current report.	Scope of the report clearly articulated. Information on key macro issues clearly identified and implications discussed. Clear links between previous report and current report.	Scope of the report clearly articulated. Information on key macro issues concisely and clearly identified. Discussion shows expert ability to synthesize information to present a clear exposition of knowledge. Clear links between previous report and current report.
3 – Strategy recommendations & justification for entry mode, multinational structure/competitive strategy (25 marks)	Recommended strategies missing or not supported by findings from macro environment and firm situation.	Recommended strategies are reasonable and generally supported by findings from macro environment and firm situation.	Suggested entry mode, corporate, business and competitive strategies are appropriate and justified in relation to macro environment, company size, strategy and resources.	Suggested entry mode, corporate and business strategies are appropriate and justified in relation to macro environment, company size, strategy and resources. Competitive strategy takes into consideration cultural findings, firm capabilities and wider macros issues.	Suggested entry mode, corporate and business strategies are appropriate and well justified in relation to macro environment, company size, strategy and resources. All recommendations take nto consideration cultural findings, firm capabilities and wider macros issues. Discussion shows expert ability to synthesize information to present a clear exposition of knowledge.
4 – Strategy recommendations & justification for Marketing, R&D, Production, & International HRM (30 marks)	Recommended strategies missing or not supported by findings from macro environment and firm situation.	Recommended strategies are reasonable and generally supported by findings from macro environment and firm situation.	Suggested marketing, production and HR strategies are appropriate and justified in relation to macro environment, company size, strategy and resources.	Suggested marketing, production and HR strategies are appropriate and justified in relation to macro environment, company size, strategy and resources and take into consideration cultural findings, firm capabilities and wider macros issues.	Suggested marketing, production and HR strategies are appropriate and well justified in relation to macro environment, company size, strategy and resources. Strategies also take into consideration cultural findings, firm strategy and wider macros issues. Discussion shows expert ability to synthesize information to present a clear exposition of knowledge.
5 –Structure, organisation, presentation and grammar (10 marks)	The report was unprofessional, unclear and not well structured. Table of contents, headings, page numbers etc were missing or inconsistent. Meaning unclear and/or grammar and/or spelling contained frequent errors.	The report was neat and well structured. Presentation mostly follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page. Some minor issues. Meaning apparent but language not always fluent. Some spelling and grammatical errors.	The report was neat and well structured. Presentation follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page Language mainly fluent. Grammar and spelling mainly accurate.	Organisation and presentation was of report was of a professional, standard. Presentation follows guidelines. Fluent writing style. Grammar and spelling accurate.	Organisation and presentation was of an excellent standard. Presentation follows guidelines. Fluent writing style. Grammar and spelling accurate.
6 - Research and referencing (15 marks)	Referencing needed improvement. Sources were uncited / poorly cited / demonstrated little attempt to comply with APA system. Reliance on few and/or poor quality sources. There was likely a reliance on one source of literature.	Referencing was of a satisfactory standard with consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Shows clear attempt to follow APA method of referencing. Some errors evident e.g. page numbers missing from direct quotations or errors in referencing websites. Overall references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references). Used a variety of authentic information sources.	Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Most citations follow APA method of referencing with few errors. These references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references). Used a variety of authentic information sources with majority being current.	Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Referencing was of a high standard. Majority of citations in report and references in reference list conform to APA standard. Used a variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate information sources and texts.	Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Excellent referencing with majority of citations correctly adhering to APA method. Comprehensive reference list. Wide variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate sources used in appropriate context.

 

Presentation

As is the case with Part 1 of this Major Assignment, a report format is required, the details of which are contained in an earlier part of this Outline.

Requirements

Students should ensure their report addresses the following:

Key strategies

Is a suitable strategy presented that explains the position that the organisation should try to achieve in the overseas country?

How sensible are the strategies in light of the information gained in Assessment 2?

How reliable or realistic are the strategies? Do they demonstrate sound understanding of international business?

Critical Analysis

Is information gained in Assessment 1 applied when developing strategies?

Is adequate consideration given to macro-economic variables and country specific issues?

Are company and competitor issues evaluated effectively?

Research

Has research from a range of authoritative sources been integrated into your work?

Structure

Is the report developed logically and well-structured? Does the writing flow well?

Writing style

Is the overall impression of a convincing professional report, with credible logical arguments supported by theory and facts from published sources? Is the style concise and lucid to give a coherent succinct summary, or is it difficult for the reader to get the point? Is the grammar and language appropriate for a postgraduate level academic report?

Presentation

Have you presented a quality product with tidy layout, and free of typos?

Referencing

Have books, articles and websites which have contributed directly to the assessment been acknowledged appropriately in APA format throughout the report?

Has a well-formatted reference list been included?