Skip to main content
Unit outline_

MIBS6004: Managing Global Operations

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

While Global Strategy (MIBS6003) lays out the concepts and theory relevant to a firms' entry into a new market, this unit focuses on how to successfully implement and manage foreign market operations. The key question addressed is how to design business models that allow a company to adapt to unique host country conditions, and operate successfully and sustainably across a range of diverse markets. The unit draws on knowledge previously gained regarding the diversity among cultures and among various international markets (MIBS6001 and MIBS6002). It focuses on issues related to designing environment-appropriate business models and on the challenges of business model innovation in light of dynamic global change. To complement the conceptual discussions, students gain first-hand experience in launching the overseas operations of a business.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit International Business
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
MIBS6001 and MIBS6002
Corequisites
? 
MIBS6003
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Majid Abdi, majid.abdi@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Majid Abdi, majid.abdi@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final exam
Short and long answer questions
30% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
In-semester test (Take-home short release) Type D in-semester exam Mid-term exam
Specific questions based on a case study.
20% Week 08
Due date: 11 Apr 2022 at 18:00
3 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment group assignment International group project
Report, presentation, and peer-evaluation
25% Week 12
Due date: 16 May 2022 at 12:00

Closing date: 16 May 2022
3000-word report & 20-min presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment group assignment Group based case analysis
Presentation
15% Weekly 20 min presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Participation Participation
participation
10% Weekly Weekly
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?
Group assignment with individually assessed component = group assignment with individually assessed component ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?
Type D in-semester exam = Type D in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

In-semester exam: Mid-term exam (20% of the course value) is an open-book “individual” exam consisting of a few specific questions based on a case study. The mid-term exam will be held in the scheduled time for lecture 8 (April 11, 6-9 pm). The case study text will be shared with you a week in advance (by April 4) through Canvas. Specific questions to which you should respond will be shared with you at the begining of exam (i.e., April 11, 6 pm, Sydney time) and you should submit your responses by April 11 (9 pm, Sydney time). Material needed for responding to the case is included in the case study text: you are just expected to apply the analytical lenses learned in the unit into the material provided in the case study text to respond to the specific questions. Please note that your responses will go through Turnitin plagiarism checks: so please make sure that you work on the case individually and cite your used references (if any) properly.

Group assignment (case analysis): During most sessions you are required to prepare case analyses in groups. The groups alternate in preparing and presenting their view of case findings to the class. After the presentations, a discussion will take place about the contents of the presentations and how the readings enlighten the answers to the case. This setup intends to promote a discussion of the interplay between the theory of the readings and the case and is designed to emulate the exam.

Each group will be involved twice: (i) as the presenting group (10% of the course value) and (ii) as the opponent group (5% of the course value) to debate the perspectives of the presenting team. The groups alternate in preparing and presenting their view of case findings to the class. The dates when each group takes the role of presenting and the opponent team will be determined before lecture 2.

All students must read all cases in order to be prepared for discussion and learn from this exam-emulating discussions. There also could be in-class quizzes based on the case study that would count toward your class participation mark.

Participation (class and case discussions): Engaging in discussions and debating the concepts are essential to learning soft concepts and developing critical thinking and communication skills. Cultures associate different connotations to eloquence and sometimes impede active participation in discussions. To formalize your right to have your voice heard, this item assesses you based on your contributions to the class discussion. The following criteria will be considered for your participation mark (10% of the course value):

  • Canvas discussion board: Each lecture has its weekly page (see under the quick link) which posts some tasks including links to the discussions section of the Canvas. You are expected to contribute to those discussions. The best contributions do not repeat the existing comments posted under the question. They add something to the debate: they bring in a new perspective, draw attention to a different angle, or synthesize the information more effectively (compared to what has been done already)
  • Quiz and surveys: Unlike the classroom setting, it is a bit hard to keep track of your engagement during a zoom session. So there will be occasional surveys and quizzes to gauge if you are following the discussion. Some of these surveys will be made available through Canvas.
  • Open camera: For noise issues, we must keep the microphones mute (unless when you ask questions) but we aim to reconstruct the classroom experience through interactions. To partially achieve this, we need to sense each other presence, observe each other’s facial impressions and build a community that produces enthusiasm. Open cameras allow me to get a sense based on your facial gestures to regulate my speed, and understand whether we need to spend more time on something or maybe we should start from elsewhere. It also assures me that there are some people on the other side of the line. Please help us reconstruct the classroom experience as closely as possible (and keep your cameras on as much as possible).
  • Contribution to class discussion and activities: Still, the most important criterion (for getting an HD mark in participation) remains your contribution to the class discussions. Please raise your hand and speak during the lecture, ask questions, and challenge what the instructor presents. That's how learning occurs both for you and for other participants in the lecture (who observe this interaction). Your participation and questions also help me regulate myself (in terms of what should be explained further, where the ambiguities are, and when we can comfortably move on). So, this is a service to the class and the learning of everybody.

International group project (including peer evaluation): This assessment item will be performed in teams each composed of five students. Each team has taken over as managers of a multinational company (MNC) and will be reporting on the “global” aspects of the firm's “operations”. Groups will be using the course concepts to think critically about managing “global operations” of their firm with a particular focus on local adaptation vs. standardization of activities/offerings, centralization/concentration of each activity, and the extent to which activity benefits from location-specific advantages. Examples of critical thinking could be (i) assessing the compatibility of these dimensions (e.g., does local adaptation matches with the degree to which authority is concentrated at the headquarter: if so what mechanisms are enabling this?), (ii) comparison with major industry players and (iii) examining the compatibility of operational level decisions with the business model of the firm. You are responsible for the performance of this unit: use your analytical thinking to examine the global aspects of firm operations and suggest alternatives if possible. The outcomes of this project will be (a) a written report where you elaborate on global aspects of the firm operations (i.e., adaptation, concentration/centralization, and location), (b) a 15-min presentation of the “most important/interesting” parts of your findings (please do not present the whole report), (c) a peer-evaluation of your teammates’ contribution to this group project.

Final exam: The final exam is a closed-book assessment and will test your understanding of and the ability to apply key concepts and knowledge you have learned from the unit. It is based on the material covered in this unit, including assigned readings and lecture slides. The final exam includes both short- and long-answer questions.

Further information about each assessment item will be released in Canvas.

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 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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the course Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Business model innovation Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Cross-border transfer of the business model; Blue ocean strategy Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Global marketing (I) Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Global marketing (II) Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Global sourcing & production (I): outsourcing vs. vertical integration Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Global sourcing & production (II): offshoring & value-chain configuration Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Mid-term exam Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Global financial management: intra-firm trade and fund repositioning techniques Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Leveraging knowledge resources globally Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Organizing globally dispersed work Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 International project team presentation Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Class review and final exam preparation Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recording: All lectures and seminars 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. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

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 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.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. evaluate and explain concepts, frameworks, and theories in the domain of managing global operations
  • LO2. identify, collect, classify, evaluate, and utilise useful information about the domain of managing global operations
  • LO3. analyse the complex decision-making processes related to the management of international business operations.
  • LO4. Effectively communicate, collaborate and reflect on the arguments of self and peers from diverse backgrounds

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

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.