Outline

Overview

An understanding of cultural differences and how to manage such differences is critical to effective management in international and multi-cultural business environments. The aim of this unit is to provide conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that will develop an understanding of the ways in which cultures differ, how these differences can impact on management, and how cultural issues can limit organisational effectiveness. Major topics include the significance of culture in international management, the meaning and dimensions of culture, comparative international management and leadership styles, managing communication across cultures, ethics and social responsibility in global management, cross-cultural negotiation and decision-making, forming and managing global teams, and developing the international and global manager.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	IBUS6002
Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
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
Final exam (Record+)	Final exam Short answers to four questions (1200 - 1600 words)	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Project Preview, abstract, video, presentation, Q&A, peer comments	20%	Multiple weeks Due date: 09 May 2022 at 12:00	10 min video, 200 word abstract
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Quizzes MCQ via Canvas	15%	Multiple weeks	10 mins
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Tutorial Participation Attendance, discussions, engagement and reflection	10%	Ongoing	Weekly
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case study analysis Response to questions based on given case notes	15%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2022 at 12:00	1200 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Tutorial participation: Attendance, active participation, engagement and reflection on learning are essential to get a satisfactory mark for this assessment. Students are expected to read course contents of the preceding and current weeks to benefit from class discussions and exercises. Grading is based on the consistency and quality of the student’s responses.
Group Project: There are two parts to this assignment which should be accomplished by the due dates. Each group comprises 5 members assigned by the tutor. Part 1 is a preview / presentation in Week 6 to identify the problems in the selected case and linkage to international CCM (1 mark). Part 2 entails the submission of required documents including video and abstract, followed by in-class presentation and Q&A (15 marks). Additionally, each group will provide constructive feedback of other groups’ work (4 marks).
Small continuous quizzes: Open-book MCQ are assigned in five selected weeks. Each test, comprising six questions from topics and course contents of the preceding weeks, is to be completed in 10 minutes.
Case analysis: A take-home written response to questions on a given case. Students are expected to apply their knowledge from the course, including relevant concepts, frameworks, and analysis of cross-cultural management issues.
Final exam: This is a closed book assessment. Students are required to provide short answers to four questions on problems and situations in international cross-cultural management by drawing on their learning from this course.

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.

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	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Conceptual Frameworks	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Introduction and foundation exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Organisational environments and complexities	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Discussions and exercises. Group formation.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Motivation and managerial environment	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Decision-making & organisational environments	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Exercises and role play	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Global leadership and cultural competence	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Group Assignment: part 1	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Communications across cultures	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Negotiations in international CCM	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 08	No in-class tutorial. Work on case analysis assignment and Canvas discussions.	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Managing diverse global teams	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 10	International assignments and human resource management	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Multicultural individuals	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Group Assignment: part 2	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Emerging topics and changes	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Group assignment: part 2 (continuation)	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Review and concluding insights	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures and Tutorials / Workshops

Attendance of all live non-clashable timetabled classes is mandatory. Students are required to attend 90 per cent of the classes to pass the course unit as per Business School policy. Absence without penalty must be supported by approved Special Consideration (up to three per semester unless there are exceptional circumstances).

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

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

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 good communication and negotiation skills and capabilities to work effectively in culturally diverse teams and multicultural 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 cross-cultural management
LO6. identify the facilitators and constraints on managerial decisions and conflict management in diverse 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 reflected the streamlining of topics and offering assessments that would be conducive to a diverse cohort.

Additional information

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

IBUS6002: Cross-Cultural Management

Semester 1, 2022 [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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect