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	Lee Martin, lee.martin@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Extended response questions on topics covered in the semester	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quizzes Online multiple choice questions	10%	Multiple weeks	5 - 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Reflections Short written reflections on your learning	10%	Ongoing	250 - 500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group oral presentation Oral presentation during class time	10%	Week 08 Due date: 18 Apr 2024 at 23:59	10 minutes plus Q&A
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group written report Analysis of a cross-cultural management case	30%	Week 11 Due date: 08 May 2024 at 23:59	1300 to 1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Final exam: This exam is designed to assess not only students' ability to critically analyse and evaluate international cross-cultural management scenarios but also their reflective learning throughout the semester. Students are required to provide extended responses to questions, integrating concepts across the entire course.
Group project: This assessment is designed to develop teamwork and analytical skills in the context of cross-cultural management. In small groups, students will analyse a cross-cultural management case study. The project has two components: an oral presentation around Week 8 for preliminary feedback and a final written report around Week 11, improved based on the feedback received from the oral presentation.
Reflections: The ongoing written reflective exercises aim to enhance students' cultural intelligence and critical thinking skills. These reflections should demonstrate the student's understanding and personal growth in cross-cultural management as they engage with course materials and intercultural learning opportunities.
Quizzes: Quizzes serve to reinforce learning and ensure ongoing engagement with course material. Time-limited and scheduled in selected weeks, these multiple-choice tests cover recent topics and core concepts.

More information for each assessment can be found on Canvas, and further guidance will be provided by the teaching team in class. Students are encouraged to seek guidance and feedback from the teaching team throughout the semester as needed.

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:

As the group oral presentation must be delivered in the designated week during your tutorial, late presentations are not allowed. As the ongoing reflections and quizzes are small continuous assessments intended to help you keep up with the course content, late submissions are not accepted.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 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 2023. 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 cross-cultural management	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 01	Introduction and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Concepts and frameworks	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	Discussion and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Context and complexities	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	Group formation and team exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Communication across cultures	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 04	Discussion and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Motivation & managerial environment	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Decision-making & organisational environments	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Negotiations	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Global leadership	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 08	Group oral presentations	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Extension study (no classes on ANZAC Day, 25 April)	Independent study (1.5 hr)
Week 09	Extension study (no classes for ANZAC Day, 25 April)	Independent study (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Managing global teams	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Multicultural individuals	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Cultural competence, changes, emerging topics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Discussions and exercises	Tutorial (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Review and concluding insights	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Revision, discussions and 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

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

Steers, R. M., Osland, J. S., and Szkudlarek, B. (2024) Management across cultures : challenges, strategies, and skills . Fifth edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Alternative reference:

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

More weekly 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. compare cultures in terms of key cross-cultural dimensions and frameworks, interpret national cultural scores in a nuanced way, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of key concepts, theories, and models in cross-cultural management
LO2. critically analyse and evaluate issues in cross-cultural management scenarios, incorporating the appraisal of contextual factors, and apply relevant theories and models
LO3. formulate and justify strategic action plans to address cross-cultural management challenges, demonstrating practical application of theoretical concepts
LO4. apply theoretical knowledge of cross-cultural management to practical situations in your personal and professional lives.
LO5. critically reflect on your own cultural intelligence, including your strengths and areas for improvement, and articulate strategies for enhancing your effectiveness in cross-cultural interactions
LO6. develop and demonstrate improved communication, negotiation and teamwork skills in diverse cultural settings, particularly in the context of group projects

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 unit has been redeveloped this semester in response to student feedback. This includes improved an improved Canvas site, the introduction of reflective writing and changes to the group project to provide students with more scaffolded support for assessments and to encourage more active engagement and deeper learning. The low rate of failure shows that the current UoS works well.

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://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/15054/pages/university-and-business-school-policies https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/learning-hub-academic-language.html

Work, health and safety

Please keep up-to-date with university guidelines 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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

IBUS6002: Cross-Cultural Management

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

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

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect