Outline

Overview

This unit provides a foundation of the key concepts and practices of international business. Students gain knowledge on the factors that impact international managerial strategy. Through discussions of authoritative literature, case studies, and current issues, students learn to assess the opportunities and challenges of operating in a global environment. The unit emphasizes the development of analytical skills and competency of working in diverse teams and the global context.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	IBUS5001
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Vikas Kumar, vikas.kumar@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Group Presentation Part 1: Post Presentation Q and A Questions will be asked by the tutor/facilitator in the class after the presentation of Part 1.	20%	Week 06	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Part 1 : Presentation A group project will be conducted by students in groups of 4-6 students and presented in class tutorials. This is Part 1 of the group project.	10%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 to 20 slides	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Group Presentation Part 2: Post Presentation Q and A Questions will be asked by the tutor/facilitator in class after presentation of Part 2	20%	Week 10	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation Part 2: Presentation A group project will be conducted by students in groups of 4-6 students and presented in class tutorials. This is Part 2 of the group project.	10%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2026 at 23:59	15 to 20 slides	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Case Study - short release A case will be given to students on the Monday of Week 13, followed by case questions on the Friday of Week 13. Responses to the case questions will have to be written and submitted on the Saturday of Week 13.	25%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jun 2026	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Online Quiz There will be 5 Quizzes across the 13 weeks. Each Quiz will be worth 3 points. The Quiz will cover content covered in the prior 2-3 weeks.	15%	Weekly Due date: 11 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 May 2026	10 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Online Quiz (15%): You will complete five short quizzes across the semester (approximately 10 minutes each). Each quiz is worth 3 marks. Quizzes assess understanding and application of concepts covered in the prior 2–3 weeks of lectures/tutorial material, using multiple-choice and/or short-answer style questions.
Group Presentation Part 1: Presentation (10%): Working in groups of 4–6, you will prepare and deliver an in-tutorial presentation (15–20 slides). The presentation will analyse a global business topic/case and require clear application of relevant frameworks and evidence-based arguments.
Group Presentation Part 1: Post Presentation Q&A (20%): Immediately following the Part 1 presentation, your group will respond to questions asked by the tutor/facilitator. This assessment evaluates your ability to defend your analysis, demonstrate conceptual understanding, and respond clearly and professionally in real time.
Group Presentation Part 2: Presentation (10%): Working in the same group, you will deliver a second in-tutorial presentation (15–20 slides). This presentation builds on the project and requires deeper analysis, integration of feedback/learning across the unit, and stronger theoretical and managerial implications.
Group Presentation Part 2: Post Presentation Q&A (20%): Immediately following the Part 2 presentation, your group will respond to tutor/facilitator questions in class. This assessment evaluates your ability to justify your strategic arguments, engage critically with concepts, and demonstrate mastery of course material through interactive discussion.
Final Case Study – short release (25%): In Week 13, you will complete an individual written case analysis (1500 words). The case will be released on Monday of Week 13, followed by case questions on Friday of Week 13. You will write structured responses to the case questions and submit your final written case analysis on Saturday of Week 13.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. (e.g., assessment details and submission instructions are published 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:

In-class assessments (Post Presentation Q&A for Part 1 and Part 2) are completed live in tutorials and cannot be submitted late. A missed in-class Q&A will be treated as a non-submission unless Special Consideration is approved. Group presentations (Part 1 and Part 2) are delivered live in tutorials and therefore cannot be submitted late. Failure to present at the scheduled time will be treated as a non-submission, unless Special Consideration is approved. Online quizzes must be completed within the available quiz window published on Canvas. Late submission is not available after the quiz closes. The Final Case Study – short release must be submitted by the due date/time. Late penalties apply in accordance with University policy unless an approved extension or Special Consideration applies.

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 Globalization	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Globalization	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Strategic Challenges in Globalization	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Strategic Challenges in Globalization	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Global Strategy Framework	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Global Strategy Framework	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Strategic Role of Culture	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Strategic Role of Culture	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Entry Strategy	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Entry Strategy	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Factors affecting Entry Strategy	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Factors affecting Entry Strategy	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	International Trade	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	International Trade	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Foreign Direct Investment	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Foreign Direct Investment	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	FDi from Emerging Markets	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 09	FDi from Emerging Markets	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Internationalization Strategies	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Internationalization Strategies	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Global Outsourcing and Offshoring	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Global Outsourcing and Offshoring	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Global Marketing and R&D	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Global Marketing and R&D	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Review and Wrap-up	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Review and Wrap-up	Tutorial (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures and Q&A during the semester are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. We cannot gurantee the quality and completeness of the proceedings that are captured. Students are encouraged to attend and participate in all the classes.
Attendance: Please note that the Business School has general attendance rules in place: If you are unable to attend a tutorial because of illness or misadventure, you must apply for Special Consideration with the Business School.

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

All required and optional readings will be posted on Canvas

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 theoretical concepts of international business to issues faced by global companies
LO2. identify opportunities and challenges for multinational companies
LO3. design market entry strategies during the internationalisation process
LO4. apply learning of institutions and cultural context to business and managerial decisions
LO5. identify drivers of international investments
LO6. apply to real world companies the benefits and problems of internationalisation
LO7. assess global strategies of firms from developed and developing countries

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.

The basic structure and format of remains the same. Contents and reference materials have been updated to reflect more current issues.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Business School Policies

Work, health and safety

Maintain social distance for face-to-face classes.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

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

IBUS5003: Global Business

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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