Outline

Overview

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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Tutorial participation Preparation & participation in class discussions & activities.	20%	Ongoing	Ongoing (Week 1 - Week 13)
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Early Feedback Task Online quiz based on readings & content - Week 1 to 3 #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2025 at 17:00 Closing date: 16 Mar 2025	Online Multiple Choice Quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Short release assignment	Case Analysis Analyse a case study & demonstrate understanding and critical thinking	30%	Week 05 Due date: 01 Apr 2025 at 22:59 Closing date: 06 Apr 2025	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project analysis and reflection Report analysing & reflecting on the project	20%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2025 at 08:00 Closing date: 23 May 2025	1500 word report
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Project In class presentation	20%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 09:00 Closing date: 06 Jun 2025	15 minutes presentation (includes Q&A)
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = early feedback task ?

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

Group Work: Student will work on a semester long project to develop an international business plan and submit a presentation and report

Tutorial participation: Students will be assessed based on the qualiy of their comments and questions during case discussions and debates during tutorials.

Case analysis: Students will receive two cases at the end of semesters for analysis.

MCQs for #earlyfeedbacktask: Students will answer 3 MCQs in third week from lectures.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

As per University policy, However, no late submission is possible or practical for assessments, tutorial participation, presentation, and MCQs for #earlyfeedbacktask.

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.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to International Business	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Challenges of globalisation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Global Strategy	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Role of Culture	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Country risks: political & economic systems	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Entry Strategy	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	International Trade	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Foreign Direct Investment	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Emerging Economies & FDI	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Strategies of MNEs	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Structure, functions and operations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Current issues	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Group Presentations and Conclusion	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

1) Minor changes in assessments, including a reduction in the number of assessments, leading to a re-evaluation of all assessments, and 2) Sessional changes.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

IBUS1101: Global Business

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links