INTBUS 7506 - International Business Strategy (M)

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2023

The course focuses on the development of skills to understand the issues that managers face in operating in international markets and supply chains. Students will develop an understanding of the conceptual frameworks that clarify the relationships between the business environment, domestic and global strategies. They will also have the opportunity to develop an applied research project that focuses on a key strategic decision facing senior management involved in entering an overseas market for the first time; or expanding existing operations into a new foreign market as part of a corporate strategy. This course addresses how multinational firms leverage their capabilities and competencies to create competitive advantages in international and global markets. Topics include assessing foreign markets attractiveness; understanding the impact of institutional differences across countries entry mode choice, international strategic alliances, competitive dynamics, global innovation, strategies and structures and assessing the challenges of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility for international business. The course will include problem-based learning, with case study workshops, as an integral part of the program

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code INTBUS 7506
    Course International Business Strategy (M)
    Coordinating Unit Management
    Term Trimester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 36 hours per Trimester
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites MARKETNG 7104, ECON 7200, ACCTNG 7025, INTBUS 7500, COMMERCE 7039, COMMGMT 7006
    Course Description The course focuses on the development of skills to understand the issues that managers face in operating in international markets and supply chains. Students will develop an understanding of the conceptual frameworks that clarify the relationships between the business environment, domestic and global strategies. They will also have the opportunity to develop an applied research project that focuses on a key strategic decision facing senior management involved in entering an overseas market for the first time; or expanding existing operations into a new foreign market as part of a corporate strategy. This course addresses how multinational firms leverage their capabilities and competencies to create competitive advantages in international and global markets. Topics include assessing foreign markets attractiveness; understanding the impact of institutional differences across countries entry mode choice, international strategic alliances, competitive dynamics, global innovation, strategies and structures and assessing the challenges of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility for international business. The course will include problem-based learning, with case study workshops, as an integral part of the program
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Chanaka Wijewardena

    Adelaide Business School
    The University of Adelaide
    Office: 10.35, Nexus 10
    Email: chanaka.wijewardena@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

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

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Apply their understanding of theories and conceptual frameworks to explain what determines the success of firms regarding competitive, corporate and organisational strategies in the global business environment.
    2 Develop and enhance argumentation skills by participating in current debates in international business.
    3 Critically evaluate academic research in international business.
    4 Develop and enhance problem-solving skills by addressing relevant managerial problems in international business strategy.
    5 Apply the skills and content learned in this course in a real-life experiential learning project.
    6 Collaborate in and lead teams and solve team-level problems.
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2,4,5,6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    4,5,6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    5,6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,2,4,5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Peng, M. (2022). Global Business (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
    Recommended Resources
    See reading list in Course Outline (via MyUni).
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is problem-based, i.e., each session will be anchored in at least one international business strategy managerial problem. Therefore, each session often initiates with a case study that leads over to an interactive lecture during which we discuss key concepts and theories, often making reference to what happened in the case study. The lecturer-in-charge will not talk through endless power point presentations. Instead, we will place most emphasis on the application of what students have learned through their readings (textbook and articles) and critical reflections of their applied research activities.

    The course will be conducted in seminars adopting a hybrid mode of delivery. Those in Adelaide are required to attend all seminars in person, and a Zoom invite code will be sent out to those who are overseas and register as learning remotely at the beginning of the trimester, and the students should log in to each online session prepared to summarise and comment on their understanding of what they have read for the session. During each session students will be asked to contribute to discussions in relation to relevant materials such as, for example, case studies and journal articles.
    Workload

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

    The following information is provided as a guide to assist students with engaging appropriately with the course requirements. The University expects full-time students (i.e., those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This means that you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours for a three-unit course of private study outside of your regular classes. Each student can expect to dedicate approximately 156 hours to undertaking this Course. Students in this course are expected to attend all weekly sessions throughout the semester.
    Please see our University policy for details: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/669/
    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

    Specific Course Requirements
    For a successful learning outcome, we strongly recommend that students have passed Fundamentals of International Business (INTBUS 7500) and Business Research Methods (COMMERCE 7039) and Economic Principles (ECON 7200) before they enrol in International Business Strategy (INTBUS 7506).
  • 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
    Assessment Task Weighting Learning Outcome
    Active participation (in-class discussions) 10% 1-6
    Case study reflections (x3) 30% 1-5
    Application research project - team presentation 10% 1-6
    Application research project - team report 20% 1-6
    In-class test 30% 1-5
    Total 100%

    Notice that some assessment items can be modified in accordance with the delivery mode of the course (weekly, semi-intensive, intensive). For specific due dates see MyUni.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students must complete all course assessment requirements and achieve an aggregate of at least 50% to be eligible to pass the course. Students in this course are expected to attend all seminars throughout the trimester.
    Assessment Detail
    1. ACTIVE PARTICIPATION (10%)

    Your participation in class is essential to the course as we will construct knowledge through student-engaged in-class discussions. Basically, your participation will be assessed using three criteria: (i) (almost) never participates; (ii) participates occasionally; (iii) makes significant contributions to the development of knowledge. Significant contributions are characterised by critical, analytical thinking and well-argued thoughts. Participation scores will be registered in each class and add up to 10% of your overall course grade.

    2. CASE STUDY REFLECTIONS (30%)

    Each student is required to write a reflection piece of about 500 words every week based on the assigned case studies and questions, by applying concepts and frameworks of the related topics. Three pieces will be graded, and the students will be advised weekly. Details will be provided in class as trimester progresses.

    3. APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECT (30% - team report 20% and team presentation 10%)

    An integral part of this course is an applied research project developed in groups of up to four members each. The objective of this project is to enhance and apply your problem solving skills, deepen your understanding of conceptual frameworks studied and discussed during this course and to train your critical thinking, presentation and debating skills. Topics are as follows and case studies are available in MyUni (for the duration of the delivery of this course only.
    Group 1: Adidas and Reebok – Question 4
    Group 2: Airbus – Question 4
    Group 3: Aldi and Lidl – Question 3
    Group 4: Lenovo – Question 6

    • Deliverables and basis for assessment: written report, presentation and performance during in-class debate.
    • It is paramount that you present concrete strategy recommendations.
    • Importantly, you need to convincingly explain why you chose a strategy alternative in your report, during your presentation and during the debate in class.
    • Your arguments must be based on empirical evidence, generated through your own empirical inquiry and / or obtained from published research.
    • To produce your own empirical evidence, you must use up-to-date quantitative and / or qualitative data. All data needs to go into the appendix (copy & paste) or provide in form of a commented electronic data file.

    Basic requirements:
    • Up to 3000 words excluding reference list and appendix
    • Logic and flow of argument;
    • Ability to present your findings clearly and succinctly;
    • Application of key relevant theories and concepts;
    • Recommendations developed from analysis;
    • Relevance to the topic;
    • Effective overall strategy, adequate introduction, body, and conclusion;
    • Presentation: word limit; layout; referencing

    Reminder: This is a team-based assessment, so please make sure that each member of the team makes (roughly) equal contribution to the work.

    4. IN-CLASS TEST (30%)

    This assessment is aimed at testing your understanding of subject knowledge and capacity for logical, critical, and creative thinking. The test will be held during the final session. The contents of the exam will cover topics discussed in the seminars. The test is open book and conducted online. Students undertaking this course should be aware it is a language intensive course that requires competent skills in English comprehension and interpretation, synthesis and extrapolation of the concepts and material presented. Rote learning material will NOT be sufficient to demonstrate an understanding of the material in this course in assessment. Instead, you are expected to have acquired critical thinking, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Quality of English expression is considered an integral part of the assessment process.
    Submission
    All project reports and exercises have to be submitted through turnitin. No paper submissions or e-mail submission will be accepted. Late submissions result in a penalty of 5% of the assignment grade per day. 
    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.