Outline

Overview

Critical to effective management in international and multicultural business environments is an understanding of cultural differences and how to manage those differences. This unit provides conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that develops an understanding of the ways in which cultures differ, how these differences can impact management, and how cultural issues can limit organisational effectiveness. Strategies for managing and harnessing cultural differences are also evaluated. The subject matter is explored from an internal perspective as well as from an external perspective, looking at issues within the company as well as issues between the multinational company and its host environment. Major topics include the significance of culture in international management; the meaning and dimensions of culture; comparative international management styles; managing communication across cultures; global business ethics; cross-cultural negotiations; cross-cultural leadership and motivation; culture and consumer behaviour; and managing cross-cultural conflict.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	IBUS1102
Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	IBUS2102
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Connie Chan, chui.chan@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Analytical questions from topics covered in the semester	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Quizzes MCQ via Canvas	20%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes each
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial Participation Attendance and engagement in exercises and discussions	10%	Ongoing	Weekly
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Project Submit 20 slides, 15 min video; class presentation, Q&A and comments	20%	Week 08	15 minutes presentation and documents
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written analysis Reflect on the lessons learned from the group project.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2023 at 23:59	800 to 1200 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Tutorial participation: Attendance, active participation, engagement and application of learning are essential to pass. Students are expected to do prework and readings to benefit from class discussions and exercises. Grading is based on the quality of the student’s responses and consistent contribution during 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, identify and analyse cross-cultural management issues in their selected countries, topics and cases. The group representative will submit the required documents by the due date. Group members are expected 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 exam: Students are required to provide short to medium length answers to questions on international cross-cultural management issues by drawing on their learning in the whole semester.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to international cross-cultural management (live online session)	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Concepts and frameworks	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Introduction and exercises on cultural frameworks	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Context and Complexities	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Exercises and group formation	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Motivation and managerial environment	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Exercises and group formation	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Decision-making	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Exercises and discussions	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Global leadership	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Case discussion	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Cross-cultural communication	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Exercises (alternatives for classes on Good Friday)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Cross-cultural negotiation	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Group Presentation (1)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Managing global teams	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Group presentation (2) and online practice exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	International assignment	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Exercises and discussions	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Multicultural individuals	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Case discussion and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Cultural competence	Lecture and tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Exercises, reflection and discussions	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Review and concluding insights	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Revision and practice exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures and Tutorials / Workshops

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. Participation in interactive classes is 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 class will be recorded and shared.

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:

Steers, R. M. & Osland, J.S. (2020) Management across cultures : challenges, strategies, and skills . Fourth edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.’

Alternative reference:

Deresky, H. (2016). International Management. Pearson Education UK.

More assigned readings will be posted on Canvas and can be accessed through the Library 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. apply relevant frameworks and disciplinary knowledge to management across cultures
LO2. identify, analyse and critically evaluate cross-cultural management issues in global business
LO3. develop communication and negotiation skills to work effectively in diverse and global environments
LO4. demonstrate problem-solving skills and suggest practical and well-justified resolutions
LO5. identify and analyse ethical, social and institutional issues that have implications on international management
LO6. identify the facilitators and constraints on managerial decisions and conflict management in global environments

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.

Changes are made to align the weights of assessments with learning objectives and support different levels of learning. Assessments are supervised in accordance with the university and business school changes and current guidelines.

Additional information

Business School Policies

Site visit guidelines

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/writing/help-support.html https://www.library.sydney.edu.au/help/online-training/ https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/learning-hub-academic-language.html

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

IBUS1102: Cross-Cultural Management

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect