| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Senior Teacher
Imran Shahzada
Contact via Email
Macquarie University College (MQ College)
Email Staff Member
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
20cp at 1000 level
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
International business includes all business activities that involve 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. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Term Dates & Calendar
Details of key dates during the term can be found on the Important Dates calendar.
Enrolment and Timetables
General enrolment and timetable information is available via the Macquarie University College enrolment dates and instructions page and Macquarie University’s unit enrolment page.
Students will be able to enrol and register for classes via eStudent and view their personal timetable. It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that classes they have registered for do not clash.
Students are only permitted to attend classes in which they have registered via eStudent unless they have written approval. To seek approval, students must contact Macquarie University College Student Services, or speak to a member of the Student Administration and Services Team at The College Student Desk (Ground Floor, 8 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue). Approval will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
The last day to enrol, add or change units is the Sunday, 9.00pm (AEDT) before the start of the Term. Changing class groups is not possible after the enrolment period has concluded.
Attendance Requirements – All Students
Attendance will be monitored in each lesson and students are able to see their current attendance percentage to date and potential attendance percentage for each unit they have enrolled in via iLearn.
When a student is present for a part of a lesson (for example arrives late, leaves early, leaves the class frequently, particularly for lengthy periods), the teacher reserves the right to mark a student absent for that part of the lesson.
Public Holidays and Make-up Lessons
If any scheduled class falls on a public holiday, a make-up lesson may be scheduled. Please check the iLearn announcements and your emails for details of the make-up lessons.
In Term 5, 2025 there will be a recess starting from 22 December 2025 up to and including 2 January 2026, there will be no classes during this period and the University will be closed. Classes will resume on Monday, 5 January 2026.
In addition, in Term 5, 2025, there will be one public holiday:
Technology Used and Required
Using your Own Device
Macquarie University students are entitled to free access to the Microsoft Office Suite, which can be accessed here. For any problems related to this link and Microsoft Office Suite please contact OneHelp.
Students are required to use Windows or Mac devices to study. They will need to have access to Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Internet browsers.
iLearn
iLearn is Macquarie's online learning management system and a principal teaching and learning resource which will be used throughout the Term.
For any resource related iLearn questions contact your teacher. For any technical or support issues using iLearn, please contact the IT helpdesk (Ph. 02 9850 4357) or lodge a ticket using OneHelp.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is now readily available for download and use, offering a secure platform for student-to-student communication and collaboration at Macquarie University.
Teams facilitates seamless communication among students and streamlines student group work within academic units. Additionally, students can leverage specific apps within Teams, such as Whiteboard and Planner, to enhance collaboration and planning efforts.
Useful Study Resources
The Learning Hub and WHUB1000 iLearn resource are specifically designed by Macquarie University College to support your studies. The Learning Hub is a study space available to all College students and offers workshops, study sessions and one-to-one and group consultations with academic staff during the Term. In addition, the WHUB1000 iLearn resource provides self-access support to help you strengthen your academic and numeracy skills.
Academic Succes empowers you to reach your study and professional goals by developing your academic writing, communication, English language and study skills.
StudyWise is an iLearn resource created by the Academic Success Unit. This resource is specifically designed to help you to manage your studies, strengthen your study techniques, write effective assignments and improve your English language proficiency. Once you enrol in StudyWise, you can access it from your iLearn course list under the category "Student Support".
Lib Guides provide students with links to electronic sources and websites that are good starting points for research in different fields or disciplines.
MultiSearch will connect you to Waranara Library and allow you to search library resources, databases, unit readings and past exam papers.
Waranara Library has released a mobile device app called libMQ. The app allows students to easily access MyLibrary (be notified about loans, renewals, holds and fees owing), book a computer, Library floor maps, see new books lists and search MultiSearch.
It can be downloaded from either Google Play or the App store.
Assignment and Study Skills Support provides information about:
Numeracy Support is provided by the Numeracy Centre. Students can attend these support classes on a drop-in basis as required.
Studiosity offers free support to students via:
You can access Studiosity via iLearn. The first time you use the service you will create your own account using your Macquarie student ID. You will then be able to submit your work as often as you like, for free.
Please note that this is an external service and feedback provided is generic in nature (for example comments on grammar and cohesion) and may not be specific to the requirements of the task. If students require specific feedback on how their work aligns with the expectations of the unit or marking criteria, they should consult their teacher.
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class Test | 30% | No | Week 3 Lesson 3 |
| Group Report | 30% | No | 11:55pm Sunday at the end of Week 4 |
| Presentation | 40% | No | File: 8:00am Tue, Wk 7; Present: Wk 7, Lesson 2 or Lesson 3 |
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 3 Lesson 3
Weighting: 30%
Students will sit an in-class test. The purpose of this assessment is to provide feedback on your progress in the unit.
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 11:55pm Sunday at the end of Week 4
Weighting: 30%
Students are required to produce a group report which will involve critically analysing an emerging/developing economy and a developed economy as possible sites for a firm to establish a subsidiary. The purpose of this task is to develop your knowledge and skills in identifying and analysing external factors of the international business environment. You will also develop your skills in professional communication and working collaboratively.
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: File: 8:00am Tue, Wk 7; Present: Wk 7, Lesson 2 or Lesson 3
Weighting: 40%
In collaboration with their peers, students will need to deliver a presentation, which is based in part on the Group Report. Each group member is required to deliver a section of the presentation. While students within a group will be required to work together to research, structure and deliver their presentation, each student will receive an individual mark for this assessment task. The purpose of this task is to develop your ability to identify and analyse international business issues and construct practical solutions to problems. You will also further develop your skills in professional communication and working collaboratively.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Term Dates & Calendar
Details of key dates during the term can be found on the Important Dates calendar.
Enrolment and Timetables
General enrolment and timetable information is available via the Macquarie University College enrolment dates and instructions page and Macquarie University’s unit enrolment page.
Students will be able to enrol and register for classes via eStudent and view their personal timetable. It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that classes they have registered for do not clash.
Students are only permitted to attend classes in which they have registered via eStudent unless they have written approval. To seek approval, students must contact Macquarie University College Student Services, or speak to a member of the Student Administration and Services Team at The College Student Desk (Ground Floor, 8 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue). Approval will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
The last day to enrol, add or change units is the Sunday, 9.00pm (AEDT) before the start of the Term. Changing class groups is not possible after the enrolment period has concluded.
Attendance Requirements – All Students
Attendance will be monitored in each lesson and students are able to see their current attendance percentage to date and potential attendance percentage for each unit they have enrolled in via iLearn.
When a student is present for a part of a lesson (for example arrives late, leaves early, leaves the class frequently, particularly for lengthy periods), the teacher reserves the right to mark a student absent for that part of the lesson.
Public Holidays and Make-up Lessons
If any scheduled class falls on a public holiday, a make-up lesson may be scheduled. Please check the iLearn announcements and your emails for details of the make-up lessons.
In Term 5, 2025 there will be a recess starting from 22 December 2025 up to and including 2 January 2026, there will be no classes during this period and the University will be closed. Classes will resume on Monday, 5 January 2026.
In addition, in Term 5, 2025, there will be one public holiday:
Technology Used and Required
Using your Own Device
Macquarie University students are entitled to free access to the Microsoft Office Suite, which can be accessed here. For any problems related to this link and Microsoft Office Suite please contact OneHelp.
Students are required to use Windows or Mac devices to study. They will need to have access to Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Internet browsers.
iLearn
iLearn is Macquarie's online learning management system and a principal teaching and learning resource which will be used throughout the Term.
For any resource related iLearn questions contact your teacher. For any technical or support issues using iLearn, please contact the IT helpdesk (Ph. 02 9850 4357) or lodge a ticket using OneHelp.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is now readily available for download and use, offering a secure platform for student-to-student communication and collaboration at Macquarie University.
Teams facilitates seamless communication among students and streamlines student group work within academic units. Additionally, students can leverage specific apps within Teams, such as Whiteboard and Planner, to enhance collaboration and planning efforts.
Useful Study Resources
The Learning Hub and WHUB1000 iLearn resource are specifically designed by Macquarie University College to support your studies. The Learning Hub is a study space available to all College students and offers workshops, study sessions and one-to-one and group consultations with academic staff during the Term. In addition, the WHUB1000 iLearn resource provides self-access support to help you strengthen your academic and numeracy skills.
Academic Succes empowers you to reach your study and professional goals by developing your academic writing, communication, English language and study skills.
StudyWise is an iLearn resource created by the Academic Success Unit. This resource is specifically designed to help you to manage your studies, strengthen your study techniques, write effective assignments and improve your English language proficiency. Once you enrol in StudyWise, you can access it from your iLearn course list under the category "Student Support".
Lib Guides provide students with links to electronic sources and websites that are good starting points for research in different fields or disciplines.
MultiSearch will connect you to Waranara Library and allow you to search library resources, databases, unit readings and past exam papers.
Waranara Library has released a mobile device app called libMQ. The app allows students to easily access MyLibrary (be notified about loans, renewals, holds and fees owing), book a computer, Library floor maps, see new books lists and search MultiSearch.
It can be downloaded from either Google Play or the App store.
Assignment and Study Skills Support provides information about:
Numeracy Support is provided by the Numeracy Centre. Students can attend these support classes on a drop-in basis as required.
Studiosity offers free support to students via:
You can access Studiosity via iLearn. The first time you use the service you will create your own account using your Macquarie student ID. You will then be able to submit your work as often as you like, for free.
Please note that this is an external service and feedback provided is generic in nature (for example comments on grammar and cohesion) and may not be specific to the requirements of the task. If students require specific feedback on how their work aligns with the expectations of the unit or marking criteria, they should consult their teacher.
The following schedule is a guide to topics being covered. Please note that the topic order of delivery provided below may be subject to change.
|
Week |
Topic |
Recommended Reading |
Assessment Task |
|
1 |
Globalisation |
Textbook: Chapter 1 |
|
|
RECESS |
Due to the Recess period there will be no Week 5 (Study Week). |
|
|
|
2 |
Culture, Political and Legal Factors |
Textbook: Chapter 2 and 3 |
|
|
3 |
Economic Environment |
Textbook: Chapter 4 |
In-class Test |
|
4 |
Ethics, Trade Theories |
Textbook: Chapter 3, 5 and 11 |
Group Report |
|
6 |
Political Economy of Trade, FDI, Regional Economic Integration |
Textbook: Chapter 6, 7 and 8 |
|
|
7 |
International Financial and Monetary System |
Textbook Chapter 9 and 10 |
Presentation |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Academic Integrity
Using the work or ideas of another person, whether intentionally or not, and presenting them as your own without clear acknowledgement of the source is called Plagiarism.
Macquarie University promotes awareness of information ethics through its Academic Integrity Policy. This means that:
All breaches of the Academic Integrity Policy are serious and penalties apply. Students should be aware that they may fail an assessment task, a unit or even be excluded from the University for breaching the Academic Integrity Policy.
Penalties for Plagiarism and Collusion
The University may commence applicable disciplinary procedures if a person breaches the Academic Integrity Policy.
If students’ work is found to be similar to another source and considered to include instances of plagiarism or collusion, they will be penalised.
Plagiarism occurs when a person takes someone else's work or ideas and presents them as their own, that is, without acknowledging where the work or ideas came from originally.
For example, if a student was awarded 52/100 marks for an essay, which contained 20% similarity (i.e. 20% of the work was identified to be copied from another source), the 20% of the 100 marks allocated to the task (i.e. 20 marks) could be deducted as a penalty. The final score would be 32/100 marks.
Penalty calculations may vary by unit.
Collusion takes place when a student copies work or ideas from another student with or without this student’s consent to complete a task that is supposed to be done individually. Please note that all students are penalised in collusion cases, regardless of who produced the original work.
For example, if a friend asks another student for assistance and the student provides them with a copy of their work, both students will receive exactly the same penalty for the act of collusion.
Turnitin and other Plagiarism Detection Software
Student submissions for assessment tasks are subject to plagiarism detection software, for example, Turnitin, or similar software approved by the University. This software compares electronically submitted papers to a database of academic publications, internet sources and other student papers that have been submitted to the system to identify matching text. It then produces an Originality Report which identifies text taken from other sources and generates a similarity percentage.
Multiple submissions may be possible via Turnitin or other software prior to the final due date and time of an assessment task and originality reports may be made available to students to view and check their levels of similarity prior to making a final submission. Students are encouraged to use these reports to ensure that they do not breach the Academic Integrity Policy through high levels of similarity (plagiarism).
If you have not planned your submission time carefully and note high levels of similarity in your work after the due date, you can still resubmit your work (if it is not a time-limited assessment); however, a late penalty will apply. For instructions on how to resubmit your work, please see the “Resubmissions (applicable to non-time limited assessment tasks)” section in this Unit Guide.
Teaching staff will use the originality report to judge whether plagiarism has occurred and whether penalties should apply for breaches of the Academic Integrity Policy. Any similar text identified by Turnitin on iLearn will be considered carefully to see if it is indeed a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.
There is no set percentage which indicates whether plagiarism has occurred; all identified matching text should be reconsidered carefully. If plagiarism has occurred or is suspected and resubmission is possible prior to the due date, students are advised to edit their work before making a final submission. Help may be sought from teaching staff and students may also access Assignment and Study Skills Support provided by the library or writing and study skills support provided by the Academic Success unit.
Please refer to these instructions on how to submit your assignment through Turnitin on iLearn and to access similarity reports and feedback provided by teaching staff.
Should you have questions about Turnitin on iLearn or experience issues submitting through the system, you must inform your teacher immediately. If the issue is technical in nature, you may also lodge a OneHelp Ticket; please refer to the IT help page.
Submission of Drafts through Turnitin.
In some instances, students may be required to submit drafts of written work via Turnitin in iLearn prior to the due date of the assessment task so that they can receive feedback prior to making a final submission. If the student does not make a final submission prior to the due date, their draft will be counted as the final submission or late penalties will be applied.
Assessment Policy
Students should familiarise themselves with their responsibilities under the Assessment Policy, and notably the Assessment Procedures, Section 3, Part E – Examinations.
Final Examination Script Viewings
A student may request to view their final examination script once results have been released but scripts remain the property of Macquarie University.
Students should view their final examination paper prior to submitting a grade appeal, if this is relevant to their case. The viewing will be conducted in a secure location under supervision.
To request a final examination script viewing, you will need to submit an MQ College Script Viewing Request. Please note that the form will only be available for 10 working days after the publication of results for the current Term. Details about the date, time, and location of the script viewing will be sent to your student email. Further information and the MQ College Script Viewing Request link are available here.
Grade Appeals
A student who has been awarded a final grade for a unit has the right to appeal that grade as outlined in the Assessment Policy, Assessment Procedures, Section 3, Part F. Grade appeals apply to the final mark and the grade a student receives for a unit of study. They do not apply to results received for individual assessment tasks.
Students considering lodging a grade appeal are recommended to review the information outlined in Appealing a final grade, and also the Guide to Grade Appeals, provided by Student Advocacy, prior to submitting their application.
Grade appeals must be submitted via the Service Connect portal within 15 working days from the published result date for the relevant unit. Before submitting a Grade Appeal, please ensure that you read the Assessment Policy and note valid grounds for appeals.
Students are expected to seek feedback on individual assessment tasks prior to the award of a final grade. Students may request generic feedback from teaching staff on their overall performance in the unit, including in a final examination. This can be done at any time in the six-month period starting from the day on which the final grade of the relevant unit is published.
Course Progression
The College closely monitors students' academic progress as per the Progression Policy for Courses and Programs delivered by Macquarie University College.
To maintain satisfactory academic progress, a student must successfully complete (pass) 50% or more of their enrolled units in a Term of study and meet any other requirements to pass listed in the Unit Guide.
Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress will be classified as "at risk" and will be notified in writing. At-risk students may be required to undergo academic counselling, undertake certain initiatives or have conditions placed upon their enrolment to help them make satisfactory progress.
Students must also pass 50% or more of the units in two or more terms in order to meet Minimum Rate of Progress (MRP) requirements. A student is deemed not to be making Minimum Rate of Progress if they fail more than 50% of their enrolled units in two consecutive Terms of study, or if they have failed more than 50% of their units after studying two or more terms.
If students do not satisfy academic progression the University may impose a suspension of their studies. For international students, this can have an impact of their visa status.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Weekly face-to-face contact for this unit will be 6 hours per week (36 hours per term).
There will be 3 lessons per week consisting of two-hour lessons.
Lessons
Lessons will include a mixture of activities. New content and topics will be presented during lessons, and students will be given problems, practice questions and other interactive activities to apply the knowledge and the skills gained in the lesson. Students will be required to take notes, complete set tasks and engage in discussions and individual and group activities.
In class, specific time may be dedicated to work on assessment tasks and students will be given guidance and feedback to complete these. Certain lessons may be dedicated to independent research and reading related to the unit whether in the classroom or a computer lab.
Active Participation
In the workplace, at university and in the surrounding community, a person’s contributions are important. Students will be required to not only attend but also actively participate in lessons.
Active participation entails:
The following text has been prescribed for this unit.
Wild, J. J., Wild, K., Daniels, J., Radebaugh, L., & Sullivan, D. (2020). Introduction to global business (custom edition). Pearson Education Australia.
The text supports what you will learn by providing additional explanations, examples and practise questions.
Texts are be available for purchase from Booktopia or directly from the publisher. Please see iLearn for more information regarding how to purchase the textbook.
All students should ensure that they have access to the prescribed text(s) from the start of the Term as failure to do so could jeopardise their academic progress in this unit.
Other editions or formats of the above resource(s) may be acceptable, but students must consult teaching staff prior to purchasing these.
Unit information based on version 2025.02 of the Handbook