Students

BUS 201 – Introduction to Global Business

2017 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Murray Taylor
Contact via email or in person
E4A512
I am happy to discuss matters with students at the end of each lecture. Consultation hours TBD
Tutor
Hector Viveros
Contact via email or in person
Consultation hours to be disclosed in tutorials
Tutor
Monica Rouvellas
Contact via email or in person
Consultation hours to be disclosed in tutorials
Tutor
Simran Talwar
Contact via email or in person
Consultation hours to be disclosed in tutorials
Tutor
Maryam Mathers
Contact via email or in person
Consultation hours to be disclosed in tutorials
Rebecca Young
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
BBA102 or BBA111
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
International business includes all business activities that involve business organisations from two or more countries. Although international business has many similarities with domestic business, there are significant differences which this unit examines. At an international level, managers must accommodate a highly complex environment. Key variables in this environment include: different currencies; different government policies concerning trade; subsidies and controls on foreign investment; as well as the variables that exist in any domestic environment such as competition, costs and customer characteristics. Topics examined in the unit include: forms of international business; the political and cultural context of international business; theories of international trade and investment; regional economic integration; and an introduction to multilateral institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank group and the World Trade Organisation.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Analyse the complexity of the international business environment by understanding international business trends along with the changes and contrasts between foreign markets through the differences in their legal, cultural, economic, ethical and political systems.
  • Identify the core principles of contemporary IB theory to international business development and practice through the study of international trade and investment, FDI, regional economic integration, international monetary systems and ethics
  • Analyse and integrate literature on international business to communicate a coherent, practical, rigorous argument.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect upon international business decisions, systems and policies through the use of applied questions in written form
  • Collaborate effectively with a team to develop and articulate an industry report focused on a national context

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assessed coursework 20% No In tutorials
Report and Presentation 40% No Monday 4pm Week 10
Final Examination 40% No University Examination Period

Assessed coursework

Due: In tutorials
Weighting: 20%

Submission:  A hard copy must be submitted to your tutor in class at the time of your tutorial for each week of assessment.

Extension:  No extensions for this assessment task will be granted except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved

Penalties:  No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.

What is required to complete the assessment satisfactorily:

The assessed coursework is made up of two weeks of tutorial work of which the best week is assessed (worth 20%). The two components total 20% of your final grade.

Each student will be expected to submit coursework throughout the unit. The format for the assessment will be a combination of short answer and essays. However, the specific format will differ from week to week. Over the semester, 2 random weeks of coursework will be collected, of which the students best week will be assessed i.e. only the best out of the 2 collected weeks will be assessed. When collected both assessed weeks will account for 20% of your total grade. Students should be aware that some coursework details will be made available during lectures in the prior week. It is expected that each student is prepared for and attends the tutorial. The two selected weeks of assessment (of which the best one will be selected) will be chosen at random. 

In the case of a student missing a tutorial they may apply for disruption to studies.

Please see the Assessment Guide for more information including evidence of criteria and standards required for this assessment task. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the complexity of the international business environment by understanding international business trends along with the changes and contrasts between foreign markets through the differences in their legal, cultural, economic, ethical and political systems.
  • Identify the core principles of contemporary IB theory to international business development and practice through the study of international trade and investment, FDI, regional economic integration, international monetary systems and ethics
  • Analyse and integrate literature on international business to communicate a coherent, practical, rigorous argument.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect upon international business decisions, systems and policies through the use of applied questions in written form

Report and Presentation

Due: Monday 4pm Week 10
Weighting: 40%

Submission:  A hard copy of the report must be submitted to BESS by Week 10 -  Monday 4pm. Submission on an earlier date to your tutor is acceptable. You will need to submit a soft copy to Turnitin on iLearn for plagiarism checking (NOTE: electronic submission is NOT a substitute for the hard copy, if we do not receive a hard copy from you by the due date, you will be penalised as per the guidelines below). The presentation component will be submitted in tutorials from Week 10-13. The exact time and date of your presentation will be worked out with your tutor. 

ExtensionNo extensions for this assessment task will be granted except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved

Penalties:  No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.

What is required to complete the assessment satisfactorily:

The mark is divided up between the report and presentation contributions. The report is worth 20 marks (20%). It is due in Week 10 Monday 4pm to BESS and via Turnitin. The presentation is worth 20 marks (20%). It is due from Week 10-13. The exact time and date of your presentation will be organised with your tutor.

In your teams you will develop a 4000 word written REPORT.

As this is a  team exercise all members of the team are expected to contribute actively and substantially. While it is understood that some members of the team may have different input in the research and the written component the team will be required to acknowledge that all team members have given quality time to the project. It is expected that each report will highlight each team members contribution.

Based on the report each team is expected to present their findings. Each member of the team will be marked on their individual presentation i.e. not as a team. Although your presentation will be presented as a team you will be individually assessed based on the marking criteria attached to the assessment guide. Each team member will give a presentation that will not exceed 3 minutes. There will be an emphasis on your presentation style and delivery of content.

Late tasks will be accepted up to 72 hours after the submission deadline.  There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption to studies is made and approved.

All team work is peer moderated (see Assessment guide)

Please see the Assessment Guide for more information including evidence of criteria and standards required for this assessment task. 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify the core principles of contemporary IB theory to international business development and practice through the study of international trade and investment, FDI, regional economic integration, international monetary systems and ethics
  • Analyse and integrate literature on international business to communicate a coherent, practical, rigorous argument.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect upon international business decisions, systems and policies through the use of applied questions in written form
  • Collaborate effectively with a team to develop and articulate an industry report focused on a national context

Final Examination

Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 40%

Examination conditions:

 

A compulsory final exam will be set during the exam period. The format of the final exam will be long essay questions.

 

You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The timetable will be available in Draft form approximately eight weeks before the commencement of the examinations and in Final form approximately four weeks before the commencement of the examinations.

http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/exam

 

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Disruption to Studies. The University’s policy on the Disruption to Studies process is available at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/procedure.html

 

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption to Studies process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period. (Individual Faculties may wish to signal when the Faculties’ Supplementary Exams are normally scheduled.)

 

The Macquarie university examination policy details the principles and conduct of examinations at the University.  The policy is available at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/examination/policy.htm

 

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the complexity of the international business environment by understanding international business trends along with the changes and contrasts between foreign markets through the differences in their legal, cultural, economic, ethical and political systems.
  • Identify the core principles of contemporary IB theory to international business development and practice through the study of international trade and investment, FDI, regional economic integration, international monetary systems and ethics
  • Analyse and integrate literature on international business to communicate a coherent, practical, rigorous argument.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect upon international business decisions, systems and policies through the use of applied questions in written form

Delivery and Resources

Classes

This unit is taught using lectures and applications lectures (whole-of-class tutorials). The course consists of 36 hours of instruction.

The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/

Required Texts and/or Materials

It is expected that students have a copy of the textbook. The BUS 201 textbook is subject to change. Students will be notified about the textbook via iLearn. Any textbook will be made available through the Co-Op Bookshop. 

Other required readings will be made available through eReserve and the iLearn web page. 

Changes since the units previous offering

The group report is now marked as an individual component and a group component. No other major changes exist.

Technology Used and Required

Students need access to a personal computer throughout the semester as a portion of the submitted work will be typed and students are required to keep a copy of all work. Students will also need access to iLearn on a very regular basis as that will be our method of communication and allocation and submission of assessments.

Requirements for satisfactory completion

Students will be expected to work within a group for the group report. Students need to achieve a final result of 50% or more to satisfactorily complete the requirements of the unit. 

Unit Web Page

Course material is available on the learning management system (iLearn) http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Timetables and timetabling information can be found at http://timetables.mq.edu.au

 

 

 

Unit Schedule

Lecture Schedule

Date

Topic

Corresponding textbook chapter

Week 1

Introduction and Expectations–

Explanation of unit outline & course expectations

The implications of globalisation

Chapter 1

Week 2

Introduction and Expectations–

Explanation of unit outline & course expectations

The implications of globalisation

Chapter 1

 

Week 3

International trade and investment theory

The conceptual basis and theoretical benefits of trade and investment

Chapter 5

Week 4

The Political Economy of Trade and Investment

WTO and trade liberalisation and regulation; regionalism and trading blocs; the rise of bilateralism

Chapter 6

Week 5

Foreign Exchange

The impact of foreign exchange for IB

Chapter 9

Week 6

International Monetary System

The monetary system and capital markets major players, and systems

Chapter 10

Week 7

Foreign Direct Investment

History and structures

Chapter 7

Week 8

Regional Economic Integration

Different economic systems and their implication for international business

Chapter 8

Week 9

Cross-Cultural Business

Chapter 2

Week 10

National Differences in Political Economy

Political, legal and transitional variations

Chapter 3

Week 11

Economic Environment and Development

Issues and levels of economic development

Chapter 4

Week 12

Ethics and corporate responsibility

Behaving responsibly around the world

Chapter 11

Week 13

Course Review

Exam Preparation

N/A

Tutorial Schedule

Session

Topic

Assigned Work

Week 1

No tutorials in Week 1

Week 2

Globalisation

Tutorial discussion –The globalisation of markets in our everyday lives.

Read Chapter 1 and readings, answer assigned questions

 

Form groups

Week 3

Globalisation

Tutorial discussion –The globalisation of markets in our everyday lives.

Read Chapter 1 and readings, answer assigned questions

 

Form groups

Week 4

International Trade and Investment Theory

 

Read Chapter 5 and readings, answer assigned questions

 

Finalise groups

Week 5

Political Economy

Read Chapter 6 and readings, answer assigned questions

Week 6

Foreign Exchange                                          

Read Chapter 9 and readings, answer assigned questions

Week 7

International Monetary System                       

Read Chapter 10 and readings, answer assigned questions

Week 8

Foreign Direct Investment

Read Chapter 7 and readings, answer assigned questions

Week 9

Regional Economic Integration

Read Chapter 8 and readings, answer assigned questions

Week 10

Presentations

 

Week 11

Presentations

 

Week 12

Presentations

 

Week 13

Presentations and course revision

Read any readings, answer assigned questions

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Academic Honesty

The nature of scholarly endeavour, dependent as it is on the work of others, binds all members of the University community to abide by the principles of academic honesty. Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:

  • all academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim
  • all academic collaborations are acknowledged
  • academic work is not falsified in any way
  • when the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately.

Further information on the academic honesty can be found in the Macquarie University Academic Honesty Policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Grades

Macquarie University uses the following grades in coursework units of study:

  • HD - High Distinction
  • D - Distinction
  • CR - Credit
  • P - Pass
  • F - Fail

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Grading Policy which is available at:

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grading Appeals and Final Examination Script Viewing

If, at the conclusion of the unit, you have performed below expectations, and are considering lodging an appeal of grade and/or viewing your final exam script please refer to the following website which provides information about these processes and the cut off dates in the first instance. Please read the instructions provided concerning what constitutes a valid grounds for appeal before appealing your grade.

http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/new_and_current_students/undergraduate_current_students/how_do_i/grade_appeals/

Disruption to Studies Policy

The University is committed to equity and fairness in all aspects of its learning and teaching. In stating this commitment, the University recognises that there may be circumstances where a student is prevented by unavoidable disruption from performing in accordance with their ability. A Disruption to Studies policy exists to support students who experience serious and unavoidable disruption such that they do not reach their usual demonstrated performance level. The policy is available at:

http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

 

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the complexity of the international business environment by understanding international business trends along with the changes and contrasts between foreign markets through the differences in their legal, cultural, economic, ethical and political systems.
  • Identify the core principles of contemporary IB theory to international business development and practice through the study of international trade and investment, FDI, regional economic integration, international monetary systems and ethics
  • Analyse and integrate literature on international business to communicate a coherent, practical, rigorous argument.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect upon international business decisions, systems and policies through the use of applied questions in written form
  • Collaborate effectively with a team to develop and articulate an industry report focused on a national context

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed coursework
  • Report and Presentation
  • Final Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the complexity of the international business environment by understanding international business trends along with the changes and contrasts between foreign markets through the differences in their legal, cultural, economic, ethical and political systems.
  • Identify the core principles of contemporary IB theory to international business development and practice through the study of international trade and investment, FDI, regional economic integration, international monetary systems and ethics
  • Analyse and integrate literature on international business to communicate a coherent, practical, rigorous argument.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect upon international business decisions, systems and policies through the use of applied questions in written form
  • Collaborate effectively with a team to develop and articulate an industry report focused on a national context

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed coursework
  • Report and Presentation
  • Final Examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and integrate literature on international business to communicate a coherent, practical, rigorous argument.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect upon international business decisions, systems and policies through the use of applied questions in written form
  • Collaborate effectively with a team to develop and articulate an industry report focused on a national context

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed coursework
  • Report and Presentation
  • Final Examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the complexity of the international business environment by understanding international business trends along with the changes and contrasts between foreign markets through the differences in their legal, cultural, economic, ethical and political systems.
  • Identify the core principles of contemporary IB theory to international business development and practice through the study of international trade and investment, FDI, regional economic integration, international monetary systems and ethics

Assessment tasks

  • Assessed coursework
  • Final Examination

Changes from Previous Offering

This unit has updated its assessment components from S2 2016.

Research & Practice, Global contexts & Sustainability

BUS 201 is a unit that is focused around the global business environment. This extends to the importance of global contexts. This is a key theme throughout the unit and is prevalent in the units learning outcomes and assessment tasks. 

The issue of sustainability is also a key element of the unit material. Within the course, we will discuss the importance of sustainability for harmony and wellbeing e.g. human rights, economies and economic wellbeing e.g. trade and development systems, and implementation and governance e.g. participation of stakeholders in decision making.

Research and Practice

TEXTBOOKS

Cavusgil, S.T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J.R., (2012) International Business: The New Realities, Upper saddle River, N.J. : Pearson Prentice Hall, (ON RESERVE)

Cavusgil, S.T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J.R., Rammal, H.G., Freeman, S., (2012) International Business: The New Realities Australasian Edition, Pearson Australia, (ON RESERVE)

Czinkota, M.R., Ronkainen, I.A., Moffett, M.H., (2010) International business, 8th ed, Mason, Ohio: Thomson South-Western – (ON RESERVE)

Daniels, J.D., Radebaugh, L. H., Sullivan, D.P., (2012) International business: environments and operations, 12th ed, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall (ON RESERVE)

Hill, C.W.L., (2013) International business: competing in the global marketplace,  9th ed, Boston : McGraw-Hill/Irwin (ON RESERVE)

Hill, C.W.L., Cronk, T., Wickramasekera, R., (2014) Global Business Today, 3rd ed, North Ryde, Sydney: McGraw-Hill Australia (ON RESERVE)

Morrison, J., (2009) International business : challenges in a changing world, New York: Palgrave Macmillan (ON RESERVE)

Peng, M., (2013) Global, Mason, Ohio, Southwestern Cengage Learning, (ON RESERVE)

Rugman, A., Brewer, T.L., (2001) The Oxford handbook of international business, Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press (ON RESERVE)

Sitkin, A., Bowen, N., (2012) International business: challenges and choices, New York, Oxford University Press (ON RESERVE)

Wild, J.J., Wild, K. L., Han, J.C.Y., (2013) International business: the challenges of globalisation, 7th ed, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall: (ON RESERVE)

 

ACADEMIC JOURNALS

There is a range of journals in the fields of international business and management. The titles below are indicative only of such publications. Most are available on the library databases:

  • Academy of Management Review
  • Asia Pacific Journal of Management
  • Cross Cultural Management
  • International Business Review
  • Journal of Asia Business
  • Journal of International Business Studies
  • Journal of International Management
  • Journal of World Business
  • Management International Review

PERIODICALS

There is a range of periodicals in the fields of international business and management. The titles below are indicative only of such publications:

  • Business Review Weekly (BRW)
  • Business Week (Asian edition)
  • Harvard Business Review
  • The Wall Street Journal
  • The Economist

USEFUL WEBSITES