Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Coordinator
Brett White
Contact via Via Email
Wednesdays - 3pm to 4pm
Dr Meena Chavan
E4A Level 6 Room 625
|
---|---|
Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
|
Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
Co-badged with BUS854
|
Unit description |
Unit description
To succeed in a globalised business environment, it is imperative for managers to understand contemporary approaches to leading and managing in culturally diverse environments and explore strategies and tactics for managing international assignments and teams.
Core objectives of this unit are to enhance multicultural competence skills and impart an understanding of how cultural diversity affects managerial behaviour and processes which is highly valued by future employers. The unit utilises a range of assessments such as simulations, experiential exercises, forums, reflective tasks, case studies, presentations and group activities in order to synthesise students' understanding of cross-cultural theories and their ability to apply their learning. |
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:
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
1. CASE STUDY | 30% | No | Week 2 - Week 13 |
2. REPORT | 20% | No | 30th May 2017 @5pm. |
4. CLASS PARTICIPATION | 10% | No | W1 - W10 |
Research Based Project | 40% | No | Week 14 |
Due: Week 2 - Week 13
Weighting: 30%
Weekly Case Analysis 15% & Presentation 15%
Submission : Case analysis to be submitted via Turnitin on iLearn and presentation in class
Estimated student workload: 10 hours
Marking Criteria: Please see rubrics on iLearn
Length of case study analysis: Not specified as each case has differing requirements but as a general guide line no more than 4 A4 pages.
Please note groups will clearly notify the sections done by each individual student in the case analysis document before uploading the case analysis on turn it in.
Group assessment mark will not be a common mark but will be based on individual contribution to the case analysis and presentation.
Of the 15% mark for case analysis 7.5% will go towards the individual contribution and the rest of 7.5% towards group work.
Of the 15% mark for case presentation in class 7.5% will go towards the individual presentation and the rest of the 7.5% will go towards group work.
Late Submissions (All assignments)
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.
Task Overview
The class will be divided into 10 groups and each group will pick a case in a draw in the first week. Each group will discuss and present the analysis for the week’s case study within a time period of 30 minutes in class.. Students are supposed to read the week’s case study before coming to class and come ready to discuss, defend and question other students. Each group only presents once during the 13 weeks of the semester. Students will upload the case analysis on turn it in .The process of analysing a case study will be taught to you in the first lecture and a "How to analyse a case study" document can be found on iLearn.
Deliverables
The case analysis should address the following:
A. Introduction
A Brief of the case environment, company, industry, country, culture and case problem
B. Body
Should include the following sections: Identification of major stakeholders and their problems, objectives and concerns, recommended solutions, managerial implications.
C. Conclusion
Briefly summarize the essential complexities posed in this case and the practical implications and lessons learned.
D. Case question
Every case study has case questions at the end of the case which will serve as a direction to analyse the case study you do not have to answer these case questions.
Detailed marking rubrics for this assessment can be seen on iLearn.
Due: 30th May 2017 @5pm.
Weighting: 20%
REPORT (Individual assignment)
Length: 2500 words
Due Date :30th May, 2017 @5 pm
Submission: Online through Turn it in
Estimated student workload: 10 hours
Grading Criteria: Please see rubrics on iLearn
Brief description :
THE EU CULTURE
Britain may be in the front line of the Euro crisis, but it is not the only country affected. The Eurozone is a massive market for businesses from the United States, China, India, Japan, Russia and the other major world economic powers. China has considered lending money to Europe, they are that concerned that the Euro may collapse. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which was set up to help countries in economic difficulty, set aside hundreds of billions of dollars for a bailout of some of the Eurozone countries. The wider world is so keen to see the Euro survive — even if that means it has fewer members — for the following reasons.
To preserve the Eurozone’s massive consumer market. A staggering 322 million Europeans use the Euro every day. It’s the currency of seventeen nations. Besides daily activities, these people use the Euro to buy goods and services from overseas — if there was a collapse in its value, then they would be less able to buy imports.
To prevent a global recession. A collapse of the Euro or a situation where some European governments would be unable to repay their debt would have a huge, negative impact on the world economy. It would resemble the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008 (in truth, it could be much worse than that). At the very least, businesses around the globe would think twice about investing and taking on new staff while others might start to trim their operations and cut jobs. A global economic recession would be highly likely.
To protect the world financial system. Banks around the globe have invested in the government debt of Eurozone countries. These banks also hold large amounts of Euros. If the current crisis gets much worse, then the government debt and currency that they hold will fall in value, which could undermine their own financial well being. It could be like the 2007 and 2008 financial crash all over again, with the global banking system under threat. This would be bad news for everyone.
It’s not just the 322 million people in the Eurozone which depend on their currency — there are 150 million people in African countries whose currencies are pegged to value the Euro. If the Eurozone fragments and the value of the Euro collapses, these African countries will see the value of currency collapse too.
Against a backdrop of this ongoing Euro zone volatility, companies are continuing to review their exposures in Europe, including the nature and extent of their Euro-related contracts, and are asking what measures they can put in place to protect their assets and limit cash flow threats. This uncertainty has affected business confidence in different ways in nations across the world.
Please read the following extracts and papers in the context of the task outlined below -
http://www.pwc.com/us/en/issues/eurozone-business-impact/index.jhtml
http://www.economist.com/node/2156423
http://www.internationalbusinessreport.com/2012/eurozone_impact.asp
http://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_9_May_2012/28.pdf
http://www.cis.org.au/images/stories/issue-analysis/ia132.pdf
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/obrien-browne/a-different-take-on-the-e_b_1212418.html
http://www.cresc.ac.uk/publications/deep-stall-the-euro-zone-crisis-banking-reform-and-politics
http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/audit-services/publications/eurozone-crisis-impact.jhtml
YOUR TASK: You are a consultant tasked with a submission for developing a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Euro crisis on "THE WORLD" in general and "AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS" in particular to assist them with their strategy in the Euro zone. Whilst doing this your focus will be on the "CULTURE" of the European country you select and you will analyse the situation based on the cultural dimensions and cultural theories that you study in class.Your report should encompass all risks: Political, Cultural, Social, Legal,Economic and provide advice on their impact to Australia business operating in EU. Please note you can select any country of your choice in the EU. In particular you are required to critique,analyse and assess the following four issues with CULTURE as a basis:
i. Global impact of Euro crisis on businesses and industries in EU, Australia and the World.
ii. Country (EU country of your choice) specific economic, political,legal, cultural, social, cultural characteristics and history
iii. Possible implications and contingency planning for Australian business
GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN ASSESSMENTS
All assignments submitted for assessment must adhere to the following standards.
1. Cover Page
For each of the assignment, you must use a cover (or title) page that provides the following information:
(a) your full name and student number;
(b) contact details: email address;
(c) unit code and name
(d) assignment number and assignment title;
2. Presentation of Assignments
Assignments should meet normal academic and professional standards of presentation, including:
a) all pages, excluding the cover page, should be numbered;
b) page margins should be at least 2.5 cm on all four edges and 1.5 line spaced;
c) Times New Roman font type and font size of 12 points should be used.
d) Harvard referencing system should be used.
3. Submission Procedure (Individual)
Students are required to submit an electronic copy of their assessment to Turn it in via the Internet as part of the submission process for assignments. Your assignment will then be automatically compared to work of your classmates, previous students from Macquarie and other universities, with material available on the Internet, both freely available and subscription-based electronic journals. Before submission, name your electronic file in a Word document with your surname and student number, e.g., Smith20101309.
4. Late Submissions (All assignments)
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.
Due: W1 - W10
Weighting: 10%
A) In-Class Case Analysis & Discussion
B) In-Class Reflective Experiential Activity
C) In- Class Video Case discussion.
Due: Week 14
Weighting: 40%
Research Based Project – (Individual assignment- 40%)
The assignment is research based and requires the student to become more knowledgeable about using varied research sources and understand research methodology. The assignment will develop critical thinking and analytical skills and enable students to synthesize information and develop informed views.
This assignment requires students to explore and apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of current contexts in the Cross Cultural Management/Business or Cross Cultural Leadership/International Business discipline.
Complete details are available on iLearn.
Summary of Assessments
Task |
Weight |
Due Date |
Linked Learning Outcomes |
Linked Graduate Capabilities |
Class Participation- a) Case study inclass discussions -10% b) Video Case and experiential exercises -Reflective activity -10% |
10% |
From Week 1 |
1,3,5 |
1,2,3 |
Case Study Analysis and Presentation |
30% |
Week 3 to Week 13
|
1,2,5 |
1,2 |
Consultant's Report Submission |
20% |
Deadline on Turn it in - 30.5.2016 @ 5pm
|
2,3,4 |
1,2,3 |
Research Based Project |
40% |
Week 14 |
1,2,4 |
1,2,3 |
The consultation hours for this unit are on Wednesdays 4 pm to 5 pm.
Number and length of classes: 3 hours face-to-face teaching per week.
The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
You must attend all lectures. Medical certificates must be provided if you are not able to attend a class without incurring a penalty.
Students are expected to arrive on time, and not to leave until the class ends. If you have a recurring problem that makes you late, or forces you to leave early, have the courtesy to discuss this with your lecturer/tutor, this will not be allowed as it interrupts the class. Students must be quiet during classes, unless of course when class participation is required. Mobile phone must be turned OFF and not simply set to ‘silent’. Students who disturb or disrupt in lectures will be asked to leave.
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Material
Required text: ‘International Management: Managing Across Borders and Cultures – Text and Cases’, Ninth Edition (International Edition) by Helen Deresky, Pearson Education, 2016. This contains all the required chapter readings and case studies in addition to material posted on iLearn. A copy of the required text is also available in the Macquarie Library and obtainable from Macquarie University Coop Bookshop (macq_byr@coop-bookshop.com.au)
Required unit materials and/or recommended readings will be available through eReserve.
Students should have their own copy of this text. It is mandatory that you have the 9th edition, 2016 version as this text contains all the case studies and experiential exercises that will be done in class. There are some copies on the library shelves and in library reserve. Lectures support and add to the textbook but cannot replace it. It is a standard work of reference on cross cultural management. Classroom sessions are backed up online with lecture notes, case studies, articles and discussions.
Technology Used and Required
Students are required to use information technology in this unit. Students will need to use: Library databases to source materials for the research reports, which are accessed electronically for conducting research for assignments;
Computer and 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).You can check that your computer’s software and hardware are compatibility with Macquarie University standard requirements at:
https://learn.mq.edu.au/webct/RelativeResourceManager/25994001/Public%20Files/uw/softw
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/
To complete the unit satisfactorily students are required to submit all assignments on time and sit the final exam.
|
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.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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.
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Changes from previous offerings are as follows:
a) A few case studies have been updated with new cases.
b) Experiential activities have been updated
c) All old videos have been replaced with new longer ones
d) Reflective inclass activitites have been included in the inclass activitites .
e) Video case analysis is the new reflective activity that has been added to the inclass activities.
f) PPT's have been reduced to one hour and interactive, reflective and application based group activities have been increased.
The unit utilizes research from several external sources namely academic journals, books, media articles and government publications as listed below to support your learning of cross cultural concepts, theories and current happenings:
Journal of Cross Cultural Management
Diversity in organisations, communities and nations.
Journal of International Business studies
Management International review
OECD Publications
SUPPLEMENTARY RESEARCH RESOURCES
Official website of Geert Hofstede
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/
Global edge Global business resources
Country profiles
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/country-profiles.html
Virtual Library on International Development
http://www2.etown.edu/vl/intldev.html
The World Index of Chambers of Commerce & Industry
The United Nations
International Business Times http://www.ibtimes.com/
This unit gives you opportunities to conduct research and gives you practice in applying research findings in your assessments.
The unit works in collaboration with industry bodies like Optus,Department of Fair Trade, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,United Nations Organisation and Sustainable Business, Austalia to understand the progress in Global Climate Agreements worldwide and the imapact of culture on its acceptances towards Sustainable Global Business Practices.