Students

BUS 202 – International Business Operations

2015 – S3 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor & Lecturer
Dr Ty Choi
ty.choi@mq.edu.au
Contact via 0400 499 008 (SMS Preferred) & email
Building E4B 104 Sessional Staff Consultation Room (during consultation hours)
Wednesdays 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Tutor
Dr Joseph Kim
joseph.kim@mq.edu.au
Contact via Consultation hours & email
Building E4B 104 Sessional Staff Consultation Room (during consultation hours)
Wednesdays 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(30cp including BUS201) or (30cp and admission to BeBus)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the key concepts of business operations from an international perspective. Major issues considered include: modes and patterns of international expansion; the management of international strategic cooperation; an emphasis on small to medium size businesses and how they compete on a global level; and the development of new international organisation forms and their implications for management. Structure and strategy are explored from the perspective of their roles as foundations of the organisation, with an emphasis on how all types of businesses have grappled with the operational and organisational challenges of international business.

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:

  • Understand the principles underlying the international expansion of firms
  • Comprehend the key features of international business operations on the scale, scope and pace of international business activity
  • Appreciate the nature of international firms specifically, their strategy, organisation and nationality
  • Understand the main characteristics of the various foreign market entry strategies available to firms and the principles which govern the selection of these entry strategies

General Assessment Information

Please note that students who have not submitted, or sat for, an assessment task will be awarded a mark of '0' for that task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Study is made and approved by the Unit Convenor.

Late submissions of written assessment (ie individual or group work) 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 Study is made and approved.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
Test 10% 18 December 2015 No
Individual Assignment 25% 4pm, 5 January 2016 No
Group Report 25% 4pm, 14 January 2014 No
Final Exam 40% Exam period No

Test

Due: 18 December 2015
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:

A class test is a time-limited invigilated assessment held in class and designed to assess a student's knowledge, skills or capabilities, requiring students to respond to one or more questions.

A test - covering the topic areas across topic 1 to 4 (Week 1 Day 1-3 & Week 2 Day 1) - will be held in the Week 2 Day 6 tutorials on 18th December 2015.

Students who do not sit for the test will be awarded a mark of '0', except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Study is made and approved. There will be no transfers of marks from the class test to the final exam.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the principles underlying the international expansion of firms

Individual Assignment

Due: 4pm, 5 January 2016
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:

Each student will be expected to submit an ESSAY of 1800 words (excluding references) due by 4:00 pm Tuesday 5 January 2016. First, read the following article (a copy of which is loaded up to iLearn):

Dave Crick, (2009) "The internationalisation of born global and international new venture SMEs", International Marketing Review, Vol. 26 Iss: 4/5, pp.453 – 476

Students will be then required to write an essay that provides a critical analysis of the following statement/question:

Some suggest that foreign markets are graveyards for entrepreneurial firms that overextend themselves. Others argue that foreign markets represent the future for SMEs. If you were the owner of a small, reasonably profitable firm, would you consider expanding overseas? Why or why not?

In undertaking this assignment students’ need to:

  • Research the topic (internationalisation of SMEs) in an in-depth manner
  • Provide a critical perspective of the literature on a topic
  • Construct a sustained argument in response to the question

Remember, it is expected you will demonstrate strong analytical skills in your essay. 

Your essay should incorporate at least 12 different references.  These should be sourced from the following:

  • Academic articles
  • Relevant textbooks
  • Periodicals
  • Newspapers
  • Relevant online sources

The 12 references should be evenly balanced between these five resource options. Examples of all of these reference options are detailed in this guide.

Students are expected to maintain an appropriate standard in presenting their essay Remember to acknowledge your sources throughout the paper using the Harvard referencing system. The report is to be typed and 1.5 spaced (a standard 12 point font should be used).  Students are expected to maintain an appropriate standard in presenting their essay.  It should be checked for spelling, consistency and clarity of expression.  

The assessment sheet for the report is available on iLearn.  Your essay must be submitted to Turnitin at www.turnitin.com by the due date and time specified above. 

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 Study is made and approved.No extensions will be granted. Please note that students who have not submitted, or sat for, an assessment task will be awarded a mark of '0' for that task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Study is made and approved by the Unit Convenor.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the principles underlying the international expansion of firms
  • Appreciate the nature of international firms specifically, their strategy, organisation and nationality

Group Report

Due: 4pm, 14 January 2014
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:

You will be required to join a group (comprising MAXIMUM four students) and develop a 4,000 words written REPORT - due for submission by 4:00pm on Thursday 14 January 2016 in Week 4 - on the topic detailed below: 

Your team has been commissioned by BOOST JUICE (www.boostjuice.com.au) to undertake a review of their current international business strategy and operations. You have been specifically asked to compile a report covering the following areas;

Develop and write a report that consists of:

  • Brief background and history of the Boost’s international business

o   Include here an overview of the planning of its international activities

  • Recent development of the Boost’s international business

o   Include here an overview of the management of its international operations

  • Three (3) distinctive issues of the Boost’s internationalisation process

o   These issues must address relevant topics covered during the semester

  • Outline a strategy for the future of the Boost’s international expansions/operations

As this is a group exercise all members of the group are expected to contribute actively and substantially. While it is understood that some members of the group may provide more input in the research area whereas others may do more of the actual written work, the group will be required to acknowledge that all group members have given quality time to the project.

While writing your report, you should incorporate relevant theories and concepts to justify your arguments. Remember to acknowledge your sources throughout the paper using the Harvard referencing system. The report is to be typed and 1.5 spaced (a standard 12 point font should be used).  It should be checked for spelling, consistency and clarity of expression.  Your report should incorporate at least 30 different references.  These can be sourced from the following:

  • Academic articles
  • Relevant textbooks
  • Periodicals
  • Newspapers
  • Relevant online sources

The 30 references need to be evenly balanced between these five resource options.

The assessment sheet for the report is available on iLearn. Your report must be submitted toTurnitin at www.turnitin.com by the due date and time specified above.

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 Study is made and approved.  Please note that students who have not submitted, or sat for, an assessment task will be awarded a mark of '0' for that task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Study is made and approved by the Unit Convenor.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the principles underlying the international expansion of firms
  • Comprehend the key features of international business operations on the scale, scope and pace of international business activity
  • Appreciate the nature of international firms specifically, their strategy, organisation and nationality
  • Understand the main characteristics of the various foreign market entry strategies available to firms and the principles which govern the selection of these entry strategies

Final Exam

Due: Exam period
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:

A compulsory two hours final exam will be set during the exam period at the end of the session.  The examination will be “closed book”.

The format of the final exam will be advised in the latter part of the session. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the principles underlying the international expansion of firms
  • Understand the main characteristics of the various foreign market entry strategies available to firms and the principles which govern the selection of these entry strategies

Delivery and Resources

This unit is taught using lectures and ‘applications lectures’ (whole-of-class tutorials). The course consists of 36 hours of instruction. Students are expected to read in advance of lectures, and actively participate in applications lectures. It is an expectation that students will attend at least 80% of classes.  Students will be expected to attend lectures fully prepared to discuss assigned readings as per the course outline. If you have a recurring problem have the courtesy to discuss this with your lecturer/tutor. The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at  http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au

Your lecturer will advise you of their consultation times and availability during the semester.

Technology Used and Required Students are required to use information technology in this unit. Students are required to use own PC or have access to PC in the university computer labs. Students will need to use: Library databases to source materials for the research reports, which are accessed electronically for conducting, research for assignments; Electronic (internet) access to iLearn to download unit learning resources and upload assignments or other materials required for class activities and assignments; Microsoft word and Power point (where applicable) for the research reports and presentations).

Unit Web Page Course material is available on the learning management system (iLearn). The web page for this unit can be found at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/

Requirements to complete this unit satisfactorily Students are required to attempt all of assessments for this unit to pass. All students must be involved in Group Projects. There will be no alternate arrangement in lieu of Group Project under any circumstance. 

Text and Readings A custom edition has been prepared for this subject entitled - International Business Operations BUS202:Complied by Dr. Rob Jack, Macquarie University, Pearson - this is available for purchase at the University Bookshop.

Other useful book references (on Reserve in the library)

  • Buckley, P, J., (2011) Globalization and the global factory, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Cassia, L., (2010) Global outsourcing strategies: The internationalisation of the electronics industry, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Daniels, J.D., Radebaugh, L. H., Sullivan, D.P., (2011) International business: Environments and operations, 13th ed, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall
  • Dick, H., & Merrett, D., (2012) The internationalisation strategies of small-country firms: The Australian experience of globalization, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Dodgson, M. Gann, D. Salter, A., (2008) The management of technological innovation: Strategy and practice,  Oxford: Oxford University Press
  • Dolfsma, W., Duysters, G., & Costa, I (2009) Multinationals and emerging economies: The quest for innovation and sustainability, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Dunning, J. H., Lundan, S., (2008) Multinational enterprises and the global economy, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Forsgren, M., (2009) Theories of the multinational firm: A multidimensional creature in the global economy, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Gabrielsson, M., & Manek Kirpalani.V.H., (2012) Handbook of research on born globals, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Ietto-Gillies, G., (2012) Transnational corporations and international production: Concepts, theories and effects, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Jansson, H (2007) International business marketing in emerging country markets: The third wave of internationalisation of firms, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Mentzer, J.T., Myers, M. B., Stank, T.P., (2007) Handbook of global supply chain management, Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications
  • Peng, M. W., (2008) Global business, Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning
  • Verbeke, A., & Merchant, A (2012) Handbook of research on international strategic management, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar
  • Welch, L.S., Benito, G.R., &  Petersen, B (2007) Foreign operation methods: Theory, analysis, strategy, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar

Other references - 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 Business Review

·      International Business Review

·      International Journal of Human Resource Management

·      Journal of International Business Studies

·      Journal of International Management

·      Journal of World Business

·      Management International Review

·      Sloan Management Review

·      Thunderbird International Business Review

Other references - 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 Week (Asian edition)

·      Harvard Business Review

·      The Wall Street Journal

·      The Economist

Unit Schedule

Important Notice:

It is required that students will attend all of scheduled lectures and tutorials. Failure to meet this requirement will result a denial to sit for the final examination. Attendance will be recorded.

 Date Lecture topics Textbook Chapter/s

Week 1: Day 1 

7-Dec-15

Topic 1 – Introduction (and some revision)

International business and internationalisation of the firm

 Chapter 1 & 2

Week 1: Day 2 

9-Dec-15

Topic 2 – International Business Theories

Overview of international business theories

 Chapter 15

Week 1: Day 3 

11-Dec-15

Topic 3 – The fundamentals of strategy and organisation

International strategy development and firm organisation

 Chapter 5

Week 2: Day 4 

14-Dec-15

Topic 4 – Global market opportunity assessment

Assessing external and internal suitability for internationalisation

 Chapter 6

Week 2: Day 5 

16-Dec-15

Topic 5 – International Business Showcase: Australian business making a big step into challenging IB arena

Guest Lecture: Mr Brendon Cho, Commercial Manager & Chief Business Analyst, Exeter Pty Ltd

 Various chapters

Week 2: Day 6 

18-Dec-15

Topic 6 – Organisational participants in the internationalisation process & Analysing and classifying markets

Classification of firms and key stake holders in internationalisation

Emerging markets, developing economies and advanced economies

 Chapter 3 & 4
  No classes – Mid-session break 21 December 2015 – 1 January 2016 (Merry Christmas & Happy New Year)  

Week 3: Day 7 

4-Jan-16

Topic 7 – Entering foreign markets – Part 1

The various modes firms can use to enter overseas markets – Exporting and countertrade

 Chapter 7 

Week 3: Day 8 

6-Jan-16

Topic 8 – Entering foreign markets – Part 2

The various modes firms can use to enter overseas markets – FDI and collaborative ventures

 Chapter 8

Week 3: Day 9 

8-Jan-16

Topic 9 – Entering foreign markets – Part 3

The various modes firms can use to enter overseas markets – Contractual strategies & strategic alliances

 Chapter 9 & 12

Week 4: Day 10 

11-Jan-16

Topic 10 – Entering foreign markets – Part 4

The various modes firms can use to enter overseas markets – Global sourcing

 Chapter 10

Week 4: Day 11 

13-Jan-16

Topic 11 – International operations management

Ensuring that international business operations are efficient and effective

 Chapter 13

Week 4: Day 12 

15-Jan-16

Topic 12 – The strategic use of human resources in an international context

The use of ‘human capital’ in international markets

 Chapter 11 & 14

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.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

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

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

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.

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://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

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

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Comprehend the key features of international business operations on the scale, scope and pace of international business activity

Assessment task

  • Group Report

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 outcome

  • Understand the principles underlying the international expansion of firms

Assessment task

  • Test

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 outcome

  • Appreciate the nature of international firms specifically, their strategy, organisation and nationality

Assessment task

  • Final Exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Understand the main characteristics of the various foreign market entry strategies available to firms and the principles which govern the selection of these entry strategies

Assessment task

  • Individual Assignment

Changes from Previous Offering

No major changes in the balance of the assessment tasks - some changes to the lecture content and sequence

Global and Sustainability

This unit builds upon macro international business contexts introduced in BUS 201 and further introduce micro international business contexts relevant to international firms. Specific focus of sustainability will be emphasised not just in terms of firm level however taking more macro view of the firms and in a stance of stakeholders point of view of the firms. This will entail students to take more conscious approach in analysing and making sustainable business decisions for a greater benefits to the wider spectrum.

Research and Practice

This unit uses research from external sources (ie books, academic journal articles, periodicals)

This unit gives you practice in applying research findings (both primary and secondary) in your assignments