INTBUS 3501 - Corporate Responsibility for Global Business III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course gives students an insight into how to anticipate and deal with some of the major challenges faced in the international business arena. Topics include: an introduction to the economics and politics of globalisation and the emergence of "corporate social responsibility"; internal corporate governance issues - how a company identifies new markets, manages risks, overcomes exporting and importing challenges while dealing with trade law and the WTO; external challenges - how a company navigates corporate legal obligations, consumer concerns, labour and human rights issues, poverty, sustainable development and environmental issues.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code INTBUS 3501
    Course Corporate Responsibility for Global Business III
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Business School
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Course Description This course gives students an insight into how to anticipate and deal with some of the major challenges faced in the international business arena. Topics include: an introduction to the economics and politics of globalisation and the emergence of "corporate social responsibility"; internal corporate governance issues - how a company identifies new markets, manages risks, overcomes exporting and importing challenges while dealing with trade law and the WTO; external challenges - how a company navigates corporate legal obligations, consumer concerns, labour and human rights issues, poverty, sustainable development and environmental issues.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Susan Freeman

    Academic in charge:

    Associate Professor Susan Freeman
    Discipline Leader – International Business
    Business School, University of Adelaide
    Email: susan.freeman@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Website: www.myuni.adelaide.edu.au

    Biography/ Background

    Associate Professor Susan Freeman is the Discipline Leader for International Business in the Adelaide Business School, Faculty of the Professions, University of Adelaide. She is also the Director of the International Business Research Group (IBRG); and the Program Director - Master of International Business (MIB). In 2011 she was the Associate Dean (Research and Higher Degree) in the Faculty of the Professions. She is the Associate Editor - International Marketing Review and the Vice President of the Australian New Zealand International Business Academy (ANZIBA), the leading regional association of international business colleagues.

    Susan holds a PhD in marketing/international business from the Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Marketing, Monash University. Her last position was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash from 2004-2009. Previously, she taught in the Department of Marketing at Monash from 1995-2003. She has extensive local and overseas teaching experience in international business, strategic management and marketing. She taught at universities in the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Belgium while living in the Netherlands and Austria from 1989-1995. Her research focus is international business strategy including early accelerated internationalising smaller firms; international entrepreneurship; services internationalisation; and emerging markets. She has held diverse senior administrative roles at Central, Faculty and Department levels within Monash. They have included Director of Education, Department of Management (2008-2009); Associate Director Monash European and EU Centre (ongoing); Deputy Director International Business Research Group (2007-2009); Faculty Course Coordinator Masters of International Business (2007-2009); Director Higher Degree Research, Department of Management (2005-6); Monash Research Graduate School Steering Committee Member 2005-6; Monash Ethics Management Committee (2005-6) and Reader (2000-6).

    She has supervised 8 PhDs, 3 Masters and 18 honours students and currently supervises 8 PhD students in International Business, Management and Marketing disciplines in the areas of early accelerated internationalising smaller firms; cross border international management; foreign direct investment (FDI); international entrepreneurship; international buyer-seller relationships; emerging markets; and cultural sensitivity. She has received a number of competitive research grants including the national New Zealand competitive grant scheme, the Marsden Grant, looking at SME internationalisation from advanced markets into Asia; European Union, Industry and Monash University, analysing SME and MNE FDI and exporting strategies, including early accelerated internationalisation. She has conducted research with UK Trade & Investment, British Consulate on international business since 2004. In 2006, she was a member of the judging panel for UK Trade & Investment’s International Business Awards in Sydney.

    She has co-edited the international business text book, Cavusgil, S.T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J.R., Rammal, H.G, & Freeman, S. (2012) “International Business: The New Realities”, Australasian Edition, Pearson Australia, written numerous book chapters and published journal articles on international business/ management/marketing in Management International Review, Journal of World Business, Journal of International Marketing, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Business Ethics, Supply Chain Management, International Business Review, International Marketing Review, International Journal of Service Industry Management, European Business Review, Journal of Services Marketing and Journal of East-West Business, with an emphasis on smaller firm internationalisation strategy. She has also presented extensively in this field at international conferences and provided a number of reports to industry on Australian internationalising firms. She was one of 16 Higher Degree Research supervisors across Monash nominated for the 2006 Top PhD Supervisor of the Year Award, awarded by the Monash Post-Graduate Association; and nominated for the Vice-Chancellors Award for Excellence in honours supervision in 2009. She has taught International Business in the MBA program at Monash since 2005, and Adelaide University since 2010. She was nominated for The Dean’s Award for Outstanding Teaching 2008 by the Director, MBA Program, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash. She was on Outside Study Leave from 1 July to 31 December 2007, when she spent time researching at the Manchester Business School in the International Business Group, where she was appointed as a visiting scholar for 3 years and also at King’s College, London University, London, in the United Kingdom; and in 2013 from 1 July to 31 December 2007, where she worked on research projects in Auckland University and Otago University, New Zealand; ESCP, Paris and Kedge Business School, Bordeaux in France; and University of Florence in Florence, Italy.

    Qualifications
    PhD (Marketing), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, Australia (2003)
    MEdSts (Education), Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia (1989)
    DipEd Mercy College, Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia (1983)
    BEco Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, Australia (1980)
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Course Timetable
    Weekly Lecture - Topic Week - Date and Lecturer - Chapters

    Course Information and Introduction to the Corporation in Society 1 Monday 28th July
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    Chs. 1 & 2

    Business and the Social Environment 2 Monday 4th August
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    Chs. 3 & 7

    Business and the Ethical Environment 3 Monday 11th August
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    Chs. 4 & 5

    Business and Government in a Global Society – The Challenges of Globalisation 4 Monday 18th August
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    Ch. 6

    Business and Government in a Global Society – Relations 5 Monday 25th August
    Ms Kristin Hah
    Ch. 8

    Business and Government in a Global Society – the Political Environment 6 Monday 1st September
    Ms Kristin Hah
    Ch. 9

    The Corporation and the Natural Environment 7 Monday 8th September
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    Chs. 10 & 11

    Business and Technological Change 8 Monday 15th September
    Ms Kristin Hah
    Chs. 12 & 13

    MID SEMESTER BREAK

    22nd September to
    3rd October MID SEMESTER BREAK

    Building Relationships with Stakeholders – Stockholder Rights and Consumer Protection Ch. 9 Tuesday 7th October, 12-2pm, Medical School Nth N103 Florey Lecture Theatre (290)
    Ms Kristin Hah
    NOTE: Monday 6th October is a Public Holiday Chs. 14 & 15

    Building Relationships with Stakeholders –Employees and Diverse Workforces 10 Monday 13th October
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    Chs. 16 & 17

    Building Relationships with Stakeholders – Community, Business and the Media 11 Monday 20th October
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman Chs. 18 & 19

    Exam Information and Revision
    12 Monday 27th October
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from the Course Planner at https://access.adelaide.edu.au/courses/search.asp
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    This course is designed as an introductory course in corporate responsibility for global business. The objectives of this course are to provide students with an understanding of the key concepts of corporate responsibility for global business and to provide an insight into the role of the corporation and its stakeholders including the social environment, the business and ethical environment, business and government in a global society, the corporation and the natural environment, business and technological change, and how the corporation can build relationships with stakeholders. In meeting these objectives, this course will:

    Knowledge and Understanding
    • Broaden students’ appreciation of corporate responsibility for global business issues across the corporation and society;
    • Enhance their understanding of how organizations go about corporate and socially responsible decisions in global business;
    • Develop their necessary skills so as to be able to be involved in international operations within an awareness of how to identify and address issues of corporate responsibility for large and smaller global organisations;
    • Appreciate multiple perspectives of culture, business arrangements and organizational structure for addressing corporate responsibility in global business; and
    • Understand the ethics and environmental impact of global business activities.
    Communication Skills
    • Provide students with the opportunity for continuing development of good inter-personal and communication skills, which is widely recognized as important for Business graduates; and
    • Develop students’ abilities to analyze documentary material, to work in groups, and to write a group management report.  
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3,4,5
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3,4,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2,3,4,5,7
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6,7
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6,7
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,3,4,5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Prescribed text

    Anne T. Lawrence and James Weber (2014). Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics, Public Policy. (14th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill and Irwin, McGraw Hill Companies.
    Recommended Resources
    Reference Books

    Bainbridge, S. (2008) The New Corporate Governance in Theory and Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Hill, C. W. L., Cronk, T. & Wickramasekera, R. (2008) Global Business Today: An Asia-Pacific Perspective.

    Hoekman, B. M. & Kostecki, M. M. (2010) The Political Economy of the World Trading System. (3rd edn.) Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Homann, K., Koslovski, P. & Luetge, C. (2007) Globalisation and Business Ethics. Hampshire, UK: Ashgate Publishing Company.

    Litvin, D. (2004) Empires of Profit: Commerce, Conquest and Corporate Responsibility. (2nd edn.) New York: Texere.

    Monks, R. A. G. & Minow, N. (2008) Corporate Governance. (4th edn.) Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

    Shapiro, A. C. & Sarin, A. (2008) Foundations of Multinational Financial Management. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

    Sharma, S. & Starik, M. (eds) (2003) Research in Corporate Sustainability: The Evolving Theory and Practice of Organizations in the Natural Environment. Cheltenham UK: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.

    Soros, G. (2009) The Crash of 2008 and What It means: The New Paradigm for Financial Markets. New York, Public Affairs.

    Soros, G. (2005) George Soros on Globalization. New York: Public Affairs.

    Stiglitz, J. (2007) Making Globalization Work. New York: WW Norton & Co.

    Stiglitz, J. (2003) Globalization and Its Discontents. New York: WW Norton & Co.
    Tricker, R. I. (2009) Corporate Governance: Principles, Policies and Practices. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Vagelos, P. R. & Galambos, L. (2006) The Moral Corporation : Merck Experiences. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Waddock, S. (2008) Leading Corporate Citizens: Vision, Values, Value-Added. (3rd edn.) New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

    Articles

    Berry, H. (2009) ‘Corporate Governance: Beyond Convergence? A Comparative Analysis in the Wake of the Global Credit Crunch’ Global Business and Economics Review, 11(3-4): 234-250.

    Brennan, M. N. & Solomon, J. (2008) ‘Corporate governance, accountability and mechanisms of accountability: an overview’ Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 21(7): 885-906.

    Borsch, A. (2004) ‘Globalisation, shareholder value, restructuring: the (non)-transformation of Siemens’ New Political Economy, Sep2004, 9(3): 365-387.

    Dine, J. & Shields, K. (2008) ‘Fair trade and reflexive democracy’ European Business Organization Law Review, 9(2): 163-186.

    Doyle, T. & Doherty, B. (2006) ‘Green public spheres and the green public state: the politics of emancipation and ecological conditionality’ Environmental Politics, Nov2006, 15(5): 881-892.

    Driver, C. & Shepherd, D. (2005) ‘Capacity utilisation and corporate restructuring: a comparative study of the US, UK and other EU countries’ Cambridge Journal of Economics, Jan2005,29(1): 119-140.

    Frederiksen, C. S. (2010) ‘The Relation Between Policies Concerning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Philosophical Moral Theories – An Empirical Investigation’ Journal of Business Ethics, May 2010, 93(3): 357-371.

    Fritsch, S. (2008) ‘The UN Global Compact and the global governance of corporate social responsibility: complex multilateralism for a more human globalisation?’ Global Society, 22(1): 1-26.

    Kristin Hah & Freeman, S., ‘Multinational enterprise subsidiaries and their CSR: a conceptual framework of the management of CSR in smaller emerging economies’ Journal of Business Ethics, (forthcoming).

    Holmes, L. (2009) ‘Good guys, bad guys: transnational corporations, rational choice theory and power crime’ Crime Law and Social Change, Apr2009, 51(3-4): 383-397.

    Kurihara, Y. (2005) ‘The changing corporate governance in Japan: adapting to globalisation’ Global Business & Economics Review, Feb7-2005, 1(1): 82.

    Lewis, A. & Juravle, C. (2010) ‘Morals, Markets and Sustainable Investments: A Qualitative Study of “Champions” ‘ Journal of Business Ethics, May2010, 93(3): 483-494.

    Moshirian, F. (2008) ‘Globalisation, Growth and Institutions’ Journal of Banking and Finance, 32(4): 472-479.

    Newell, P. (2005) ‘Citizenship, accountability and community: the limits of the CSR agenda’ International Affairs, May2005, 81(3): 541-557.

    Turner, M. (2007) ‘Society must be protected: Polanyi’s “double movement” and the regulation of conflict goods’ Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 26: 85-100.

    Utting, P. & Zammit, A. (2009) ‘United Nations – Business Partnerships: Good Intentions and Contradictory Agendas’ Journal of Business Ethics, Oct2009, Supplement 2, 89: 39-56.

    Welford, R. (2003) ‘Beyond systems: a vision for corporate environmental management for the future’ International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, Aug 27-2003, 2(2): 162.

    Useful Web Sites

    Acumen Fund: www.acumenfund.org

    Aspen Institute, Colorado (US): www.aspeninstitute.org

    Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility: www.accsr.com.au

    Australian Institute of Company Directors: www.companydirectors.com.au

    Business Ethics - The Magazine of Corporate Responsibility: www.business-ethics.com

    Centre for Research on Globalisation and Economic Policy, Nottingham University (UK): www.nottingham.ac.uk/economics/leverhulme

    Corporate Watch: www.corpwatch.org

    Corporate Responsibility Coalition of NGOs (CORE): www.corporate-responsibility.org

    CSR Asia: www.csr-asia.com

    CSRWire: www.csrwire.com

    EthicsWorld: www.ethicsworld.org

    FTSE4Good: http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/index.jsp

    GreenBiz: www.greenbiz.com

    International Development Research Centre (Canada): http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-1-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html

    Justmeans: www.justmeans.com

    Multinational Monitor: www.multinationalmonitor.org
    Online Learning
    Lecture slides will be uploaded to MyUni.

    In addition, course communication and possible additional readings and links will be provided in MyUni throughout the course.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    4.1 Teaching & Learning Modes
    Lectures (2 hours per week) and tutorials (1 hour per week). Please NOTE tutorials begin in Week 2 of Lectures. There are no tutorials in Week 1 of Lectures.
    4.2 WORKLOAD
    Students in this course are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials throughout the intensive program.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.


    4.2 WORKLOAD
    Students in this course are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials throughout the intensive program.
    Learning Activities Summary
    1.1 course Timetable
    Weekly Lecture Topic - Week Date and Lecturer - Chapters
    Course Information and Introduction to the Corporation in Society 1 Monday 28th July
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    1 & 2
    Business and the Social Environment 2 Monday 4th August
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    3 & 7
    Business and the Ethical Environment 3 Monday 11th August
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    4 & 5
    Business and Government in a Global Society – The Challenges of Globalisation 4 Monday 18th August
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    6
    Business and Government in a Global Society – Relations 5 Monday 25th August
    Ms Kristin Hah
    8
    Business and Government in a Global Society – the Political Environment 6 Monday 1st September
    Ms Kristin Hah
     9
    The Corporation and the Natural Environment 7 Monday 8th September
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    10 & 11
    Business and Technological Change 8 Monday 15th September
    Ms Kristin Hah
    12 & 13
    MID SEMESTER BREAK
    22nd September to
    3rd October MID SEMESTER BREAK
    Building Relationships with Stakeholders – Stockholder Rights and Consumer Protection 9 Tuesday 7th October, 12-2pm, Medical School Nth N103 Florey Lecture Theatre (290)
    Ms Kristin Hah
    NOTE: Monday 6th October is a Public Holiday 14 & 15

    Building Relationships with Stakeholders –Employees and Diverse Workforces 10 Monday 13th October
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    16 & 17
    Building Relationships with Stakeholders – Community, Business and the Media 11 Monday 20th October
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman 18 & 19
    Exam Information and Revision
    12 Monday 27th October
    Assoc Prof Susan Freeman
    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from the Course Planner at https://access.adelaide.edu.au/courses/search.asp

    TUTORIALS

    Tutorials will be held on the dates indicated in the Timetable. In preparation for each Tutorial, students are expected to read the allocated case and prepare written (typed) answers. Do not answer the questions located at the end of the case in the textbook. Instead, you will follow the Preparing Written Answers to Cases outlined below, which will enhance your problem solving skills. Schedule for Tutorials is listed below.

    Tutorials are an important component of your learning in this course. The communication skills developed in tutorials by regularly and actively participating in discussions are considered to be most important to the Business School and are highly regarded by employers and professional bodies.

    Preparing Written Answers to Cases: (limited to 3-4 pages, maximum)

    1. Begin by reading the case thoroughly, and underline the key facts.

    2. Provide a brief ‘situation analysis’ summarising the key facts that comprise the case. This should take a paragraph or two at the most. You might like to use dot points here if this is easier.

    3. Analysis of the case begins by identifying the most important problems that the case raises and then trying to highlight the main problem. It is important to highlight the main problem and other important problems by using a Stakeholder Theory Approach. This means we are trying to include a number of different stakeholders and their views. You are not just relying on presenting one group of stakeholders as more important than another. We are trying to understand the problems that the case raises but from the perspective of various stakeholders. This may often involve a wider social and economic perspective. Refer to p. 8 of your prescribed textbook for a summary of the Market Stakeholders of Business, and to p. 10 for a summary of the Non Market Stakeholders of Business. Choose 3-4 Market and Non-Market stakeholders and discuss how they might view the case in terms of problems. What is their main problem? Why? This should take a page or two at the most.

    4. Finally, we need to provide a Solution or Recommendation. Refer to p. 17 of your prescribed textbook to see how a Stakeholder Map of a Proposed Plant Closure has been displayed with ‘for’ and ‘against’ views or ‘position on the issue’. Choose some Market and Non-Market Stakeholders of the Business Case and briefly summarise the positions for these selected stakeholders. You might like to offer a short term and a long term summary of your selected stakeholders and their ‘position of the issue’. This should take no more than one page.
     
     
    Tutorial Case - Tutorial Number - Week Beginning - Reference Text

    Coca-Cola’s Water Neutrality Initiative 1 Monday 4th August
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 43-44
    Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct and Foxconn’s Chinese Factories 2 Monday 11th August
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 155-157
    Chiquita Brands: Ethical Responsibility or Illegal Action 3 Monday 18th August
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 88-89
    Conflict Colton in the Global Electronics Industry Supply Chain 4 Monday 25th August
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 134-136
    Derivative Losses at JPMorgan Chase 5 Monday 1st September
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 180-182
    Stop Online Piracy Act – A Political Battle between Old and New Media 6 Monday 8th September
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 207-208
    Clean Cooking 7 Monday 18th September
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 232-233

    University Mid-Semester Breaks

    Cardholders’ Information at Citigroup Hacked 8 Monday 6th October
     Monday 6th October is a PUBLIC HOLIDAY. Tutor(s) are to check with students on replacement tutorial/ i.e. students must attend another tutorial for this week only.

    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 305-306
    Big Fat Liability 9 Monday 13h October
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 353-354
    No Smoking Allowed – On the Job or Off 10 Monday 20th October
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 376-377
    “Pink Sliming” the Processed Beef Industry 11 Monday 27th October
    Lawrence & Weber (2014), pp. 444-445
     
    Tutorials are an important component of your learning in this course. The communication skills developed in tutorials by regularly and actively participating in discussions are considered to be most important by the School and are highly regarded by employers and professional bodies.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Small Group Discovery Experiences (SGDE)

    SGDE is available in the Individual assignment with research skills developed as a process of developing an international company, and reporting on the research analysis required to analyse the external market factors and the necessary product adaptation given the nature of the host market.

    You will also develop individual problem-solving skills in the weekly tutorials where you do a situational analysis of a real-life CSR and Global business problem, identify the problems and focus on the main problem of the case study, and then extend your analysis skills by developing a number of short term and long term solutions that address your main research problem. This is a weekly SGDE.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    5.1 Assessment Summary

    Assignment: Business Report 30%
    Individual Assignment
    Due Date: 12.00 pm on Wednesday 8 October 2014 (Week 9)
    Location: Please submit Business Report to the hub desk on the Ground Floor of the Business School.
    Formative/summative assessment to evaluate the students’ practical implementation of the main concepts covered.
    The continuing development of good written communication skills is widely recognised as important for Business graduates. This course specifically seeks to develop students’ abilities to analyse documentary material, to apply relevant theories, and to write an individual management report.
    Application of current concepts and theories is expected in the written report.
    Active use of online sources is encouraged. Assess the students’ knowledge of various links and data sources to search for Corporate and Social Responsibility and Global Perspective related information.

    Contribution in Tutorials 10%
    Formative assessment of the students’ application of current concepts and theories, individually, and in group discussions.
    Active use of online sources is encouraged. Assess the students’ knowledge of various links and data sources to search for Corporate and Social Responsibility and Global Perspective related information.

    Final Exam 60%
    Summative test to assess the students’ basic understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of corporate responsibility for global business, and application of current concepts and theories, individually.
    There will be a 3 hour exam which will include a comprehensive case study and discussion type questions. (Closed Book).The date of the exam will be communicated through the University’s Central Student Administration.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    TUTORIALS
    For tutorial sessions, hand-ins of student preparation work to the tutor is required. The case analysis MUST be TYPED. Marks will be allocated for class participation and contribution to class discussion. To be eligible for the 10% tutorial contribution mark, students are required to achieve “satisfactory” for at least 8 tutorial hand-ins. Students failing to fulfil this requirement will be awarded 0% for this assessment item.

    EXAM
    To gain a pass, a mark of at least 50% must be obtained on the examination as well as a total of at least 50% overall. The final examination will comprise of a case study and discussion questions. Students not achieving the minimum exam mark will be awarded no more than 49.
    Assessment Detail
    The assessment components are as follows:
    Assignment: Business Report 30%
    Individual Assignment
    Due Date: 12.00 pm on Wednesday 8 October 2014 (Week 9)
    Location: Please submit Business Report to the hub desk on the Ground Floor of the Business School.

    Details: “Critical Analysis in the Real World”
    Task
    You are an analyst for Ethical Investments, a company specialising in investing long-term in companies which are demonstrated to have consistently high business performance, good corporate governance and environmentally friendly practices.
    You are to undertake research into the prospects of three Australian-based companies, which are listed on the Top 100 companies on the Australian Stock Exchange. This will ensure that you can obtain important company reports, such as the annual report, to assist you with background information.
    Your aim is to recommend a single company in which to invest A$15,000,000. You are to provide a business report of approximately 3,500 words, which analyses the relative merits of these companies and provides a reasoned recommendation for the selection of one of these three. You should analyse the companies in terms of their:
    (i) Financial performance and prospects
    (ii) Corporate governance performance
    (iii) Environmental protection credentials
    (iv) Contextual factors (e.g. legal/political issues, global or regional economic pressures, etc.).
    Your report must include:
    1. Executive Summary (one page only) (not included in the word count).
    2. Introduction, which must include a statement of the purpose of the report. Since your recommendation is to be based on multiple, potentially conflicting, criteria (financial merit and environmental merit), you should also include an explanation of how you are going to use these criteria in reaching your decision (for example, only one criterion might be applied as a hurdle requirement, or both criteria might be equally important in your final decision, etc). Your introduction must also include an explanation of the scope of the report, and your methodology (how you obtained your data, and whether it was primary or secondary data).
    3. Body (Discussion), which must include a research-based comparative critical analysis of the three companies based on criteria (i) – (iv). Remember, you should be aiming to present an argument as to why one of these three is better than the other two and hence should be chosen.
    4. Conclusion/Recommendation, which must clearly state the action to be taken and summarise the reasons for the final choice.
    5. Reference List (not include in the word count).
    6. Proper footnotes and reference citing all sources of data or quotation is essential, (words not counted) for the report, and the report will be returned without a grade if insufficient. Loss of marks will result for insufficient referencing as is deemed as plagiarism.

    Tables and figures should be clearly labelled and unit of measurement indicated, (words not counted) for the report.

    It is essential that grammar and spelling are of high standard and will affect the overall grade if they are not. The student Hub on the Ground Floor provides advice on language and learning advisors.

    In undertaking this task, you will not be expected to use sophisticated analysis tools. It is sufficient if you provide common-sense analysis of the prospects of the companies against the given criteria, using concepts and principles discussed in this unit.

    Contribution in Tutorials (10%)
    For tutorial sessions, hand-ins of student preparation work is required. A copy must be handed to the tutor in the tutorial. Students should retain a second copy for note taking during the tutorial. These will not be graded, but will each be assessed as one of:
    · Satisfactory (made a satisfactory attempt to answer all questions and applied relevant theory)
    · Unsatisfactory (did not attempt all questions & failed to demonstrate an understanding of relevant theory)
    · Not submitted.
    Hand-ins (minimum 1 page length and typed) will be collected from the first tutorial (in Week 2 –Lectures) till the final tutorial in Week 12 (Lecturers) inclusive.
    Tutors will not annotate your hand-ins with comments. It will be your responsibility to keep notes of what you learned from attending the relevant tutorial.
    Marks will be allocated for class participation and contribution to class discussion. To be eligible for the 10% tutorial contribution mark, students are required to achieve “satisfactory” for at least 8tutorial hand-ins. Students failing to fulfil this requirement will be awarded 0% for this assessment item.
    Sample answers will not be issued - given that for ‘live’ cases (very recent current events). There is never one perfect solution!

    NOTE: Marks will not be earned by mere attendance at tutorials or by preparing answers to the Case for tutorials. Marks will be allocated for class participation and contribution to class discussion.

    Final Exam 60%

    Exam Period: November 2014

    To gain a pass, a mark of at least 50% must be obtained on the final examination as well as a total of at least 50% overall. The final examination will comprise of a case study and discussion questions. Students not achieving the minimum exam mark will be awarded no more than 49.

    There will be a 3 hour exam which will include a comprehensive case study and discussion type questions. (Closed Book).The date of the exam will be communicated through the University’s Central Student Administration.
    Submission
    5.1 Submission
    Students must retain a copy of all assignments (Business Report) and tutorial activities (Cases) submitted.
    All individual assignments must be attached to an Assignment Cover Sheet which must be signed and dated by the student before submission.
    Markers can refuse to accept assignments which do not have a signed acknowledgement of the University’s Policy on Plagiarism: www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/230/.


    Assignment Guidelines including Referencing Details
    A copy of the Postgraduate Programs: Communication Skills Guide will have been given to you at the beginning of your program. This guide will assist you structure your assignments. A copy of the guide can also be downloaded from http://www.business.adelaide.edu.au/current/mba/download/2009MBACommSkillsGuide.pdf

    This publication also provides guidelines on a range of other important communication skills including writing essays and management reports, making oral presentations, etc.
    In preparing any written piece of assessment for your postgraduate studies it is important to draw on the relevant ‘literature’ to support critical analysis. Also essential is to reference the literature used. Correct referencing is important because it identifies the source of the ideas and arguments that you present, and sometimes the source of the actual words you use, and helps to avoid the problem of plagiarism. (Further information on plagiarism is provided later in this course outline.)
    The Harvard system is widely used in the Business School. Guidelines for the use of this style of referencing can be found in the Communication Skills Guide.

    Further assistance with referencing is available from the Faculty’s Learning Support Advisors. The contact details are provided on page 6 of the Communication Skills Guide.


    Late Assignment Submission
    Students are expected to submit their work by the due date to maintain a fair and equitable system. Extensions will generally only be given for medical or other serious reasons. All requests for extensions must be emailed to the lecturer in charge of the course before the due date. Each request will be assessed on its merits. A late assignment (without prior arrangement) will be penalised by a 5% mark reduction for each day that it is late. It includes the weekend.


    Return of Assignments
    Lecturer has an aim to mark and return assignments to students within three (3) weeks of the due date with written feedback. Students are responsible for collecting their marked assignments from the Student Hub desk. The marked assignments will be available at the Student Hub for two (2) weeks. The remaining assignments will only be posted out to the students, if the correct mailing addresses are on the assignments.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.