Outline

Overview

International businesses must navigate an increasingly complex environment encompassing different laws, ethics, social movements, stakeholders, social and environmental responsibilities, consumers, and policies. These differences associated with operating across borders places immense pressure on an international business to consider their environmental impact and responsibility both upstream and downstream, of which is extensively more complex than that of a local-operating business. This unit examines the shifting mindset from profit maximising to acting as a responsible business. It explores how an international business can assess, manage and improve their operations to be accountable and transparent in relation to key global social and environmental challenges and opportunities including transitioning to a net-zero global economy, the United Nation's SDGs, biodiversity and modern slavery. On completion of this unit, students have enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to the understanding of how international businesses can be socially and environmentally responsible and sustainable.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Completion of 48 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	BUSS1000
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Carlos Vazquez Hernandez, carlos.vazquezhernandez@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Case studies	Interactive Stakeholder Simulations / Case Studies Individual assessment (Week, 4, 7, 10)	30%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Individual assessment #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 17:00	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Sustainability Impact Project Group assessment	30%	Week 12 Due date: 28 Oct 2025 at 12:00	1200 words and 10 minutes presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Case Study Analysis Individual assessment	30%	Week 13 Due date: 04 Nov 2025 at 23:00	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

1. Early Feedback Task (10%). Individual Assessment.

Assess students’ understanding of basic concepts in sustainable international business. Provide students with a clear sense of the course’s scope and depth, helping them decide if it meets their academic and career objectives.

2. Interactive Stakeholder Simulations/Case Studies (30%). Individual Assessment.

This exercise would mirror real-world interactions and negotiations, focusing on human factors in sustainability decisions. Multiple weeks: Week 4, 7, and 10.

3. Sustainability Impact Project (30%). Group Assessment.

Develop a comprehensive plan to integrate sustainable practices (e.g., energy efficiencies, waste reduction programs, sustainable supply chain, carbon footprint reduction, water conservation measures, product lifecycle management, employee wellness, community engagement and development) into an international company, focusing on human decision-making and engagement and how to implement the practice, and its impact.

4. Case Study Analysis (30%). Individual Assessment.

Analyse and present on a specific case (using the organisation in your group assignment or other from the approve list), where human decision-making dramatically impacted the sustainability outcome of an international business.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

Late submissions will incur a 5% deduction of the total marks per day of delay (including weekends and public holidays).

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 Sustainable International Business	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	Global Sustainability Frameworks and the Role of Behaviour Change	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Behavioural Approaches to UN SDGs	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	Biases, Decision-Making, and the Circular Economy	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Human-Centric Approaches to International Environmental Management	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	Decision-Making Strategies for Better Stakeholder Engagement (incl. CSR)	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 07	Regenerative Economy, and Mid-Term Review	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 08	Biodiversity, Business, and Human Behaviour	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 09	Modern Slavery, Human Rights, and Ethics in Decision-Making	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	International Economics of the Net-Zero Transition	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	Innovating International Sustainable Practices and Behaviours	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	Group Project Presentations: real-world sustainability challenges.	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 13	Synthesising Behavioural Insights and Sustainability	Seminar (3 hr)

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.

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 key theories, frameworks, and concepts in insightful ways to address core sustainability-related issues international businesses face.
LO2. Evaluate core debates and challenges to international business dilemmas and provide UN SDGs supportive solutions.
LO3. Develop verbal and written communication skills within the context of sustainable business practices.
LO4. Work collaboratively and effectively within a team examining social and environmental challenges international businesses face, developing solutions supporting UN SDGs and embracing a global responsible business mindset.
LO5. Identify how to make a positive impact within the international business environment by evaluating sustainable and ethical approaches to address current challenges international businesses and society face.

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.

This is a new unit offered from 2024.

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)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

IBUS2106: Creating Sustainable International Businesses

Semester 2, 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)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links