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Unit outline_

IBUS1101: Global Business

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides the foundational knowledge in international business. The focus is on understanding the strategy of firms in the context of increasing globalization of markets and production. Students gain knowledge about multinational enterprises from the developed and developing economies, theories and frameworks explaining foreign direct investment and trade and country and firm level factors that impact global strategy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit International Business
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Joseph Boulis, joseph.boulis@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Joseph Boulis, joseph.boulis@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Discussion and debate
Participation Week 1 - 3 #earlyfeedbacktask
5% Multiple weeks Prework and engagement in activities
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small continuous assessment Quizzes
MCQ via Canvas
16% Multiple weeks 15 mins each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Small test Quiz
MCQ via Canvas #earlyfeedbacktask
4% Week 03 15 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Assignment group assignment Written analysis
Reflection of group project findings
10% Week 10
Due date: 29 Apr 2024 at 09:00
800 to 1200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Group presentation
Presentation
20% Week 10 15 mins, 20 slides, Q&A, peer comments
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Short release assignment Final Assessment Short Release
Analytical questions of topics covered in the semester
30% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 31 May 2024
2300 Words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Participation Discussion and debate
Participation
15% Weekly Prework and engagement in activities
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Tutorial participation: Attendance, active participation, engagement and reflection on learning are essential to pass. Students are expected to do prework and readings assigned to benefit from class discussions and exercises. Grading is based on the quality of the student’s responses and consistent contribution in the semester. 

  • Group Presentation:  The tutor will assign students to groups (comprising an average of 4 members each) in Weeks 3 to 4. Following the guidelines provided, each group will research and analyse a firm’s internationalisation plan. A group representative will submit the required documents by the due date. Group members are expected to present their project, address questions in class, and provide feedback on other groups’ work.

  • Group written analysis: The same members as the group presentation will submit a writeup, integrating your analysis, understanding and reflection of the lessons learned from the group project.    

  • Small continuous quizzes: MCQ are assigned in selected weeks. Each test comprises questions on topics and course contents of the preceding weeks. The test must be completed during the available times and within the time limit specified.  

  • Final Assessment: Students will be provided with a case study which they have to analyse and answer questions provided in the assessment as part of a short-release assignment. Students will be required to refer to what they have learned during the year, apply this information to the case study, analyse, and critically evaluate outcomes and recommendations.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Students are encouraged to seek guidance and feedback from teachers throughout the semester. 

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

in accordance with business school policy

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to International Business Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Challenges of globalisation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 03 Global Strategy Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Role of Culture Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Country risks: political & economic systems Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Entry Strategy Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 International Trade Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Foreign Direct Investment Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 FDI from emerging economies Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Strategies of MNEs Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Structure, functions and operations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Current issues Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 13 Review and Conclusion Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance of all live non-clashable timetabled classes (lectures and tutorials) is required. Students who do not attend at least 80% of classes will struggle to perform at an average level due to missed content and guidance. Preparation and participation in interactive classes is strongly encouraged as it enriches learning and leads to better outcomes. 

All lectures are recorded and will be uploaded on Canvas if available. Please note that the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that every lecture will be recorded and shared online.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Essential textbook: 

Hill, C.  (2022) Global Business Today, 12th Edition McGraw Hill 

Alternative reference:

Cavusgil, S.T. et al (2020) International business : the new realities, Pearson 

More weekly readings from the library will be assigned and can be accessed via Canvas reading list.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Identify key challenges that impact firms in different cross-border environments
  • LO2. Identify and analyse different strategies MNEs employ to exploit international business opportunities and develop competitive advantage
  • LO3. Apply relevant IB concepts and theories, and appreciate the variety of approaches to address international business issues.
  • LO4. Work effectively in diverse settings to develop ideas and accomplish team project
  • LO5. Source, interpret, and use relevant data in research and analysis
  • LO6. Communicate reflection on readings, research findings and ideas effectively and professionally in verbal and written modes

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessments are changed to improve engagement, this will be done through tutorial participation, check understanding and provide more feedback and learning support. Change to Final Assessment Short Release.

Work, health and safety

Check updates from the university and NSW government on health and safety requirements on campus. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.