INTBUS 7500 - Fundamentals of International Business (M)

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 3 - 2024

This course prepares graduate students for managing the international operations of a firm in the globalised business environment while analysing factors that facilitate integration into an international, regional and global marketplace. The broad content themes include regionalisation, globalisation and the multinational enterprise; theory of trade and investment; conducting business in different political, economic and socio-cultural systems; the impact of economic development and social change; the role of international law and international organisations and institutions; and the opportunities and challenges of operating business internationally. This interdisciplinary course uses team-based learning, case studies and country risk analyses. Students develop skills in comparative analysis, international risk assessment, identifying international business opportunities, and determining the ethical course of action in international business.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code INTBUS 7500
    Course Fundamentals of International Business (M)
    Coordinating Unit Management
    Term Trimester 3
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 36 hours per Trimester
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge ECON 7200, ACCTING 7025, MARKETNG 7104
    Course Description This course prepares graduate students for managing the international operations of a firm in the globalised business environment while analysing factors that facilitate integration into an international, regional and global marketplace. The broad content themes include regionalisation, globalisation and the multinational enterprise; theory of trade and investment; conducting business in different political, economic and socio-cultural systems; the impact of economic development and social change; the role of international law and international organisations and institutions; and the opportunities and challenges of operating business internationally. This interdisciplinary course uses team-based learning, case studies and country risk analyses. Students develop skills in comparative analysis, international risk assessment, identifying international business opportunities, and determining the ethical course of action in international business.
    Course Staff
    Name: Dr Henry Shi
    Location: Room 926, Building Nexus 10
    Telephone: 8313 9193 
    Email: henry.shi@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Timetable

    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 theoretical concepts and analytical tools to address managerial problems in international business;
    2 Understand, explain and analyse the complexity and diversity of the international business environment;
    3 Recognise global issues and discuss their implications for international business;
    4 Critically analyse and interpret information as well as international economic and political developments for managerial decision-making; and
    5 Communicate and present analytical findings and strategic recommendations in relation to international business operations of a firm.
    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.

    1-4

    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.

    1-4

    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.

    5

    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.

    1,3

    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.

    1-4

    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.

    2
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    1. Suggested textbook: Hill, C.W.L. (2021). International Business - Competing in the Global Marketplace (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
    2. Compulsory supplementary readings: An interactive list containing links to supplementary compulsory readings will be provided before the course start date via MyUni.
    3. Learning materials posted on MyUni on a weekly basis.
    Course Website: www.myuni.adelaide.edu.au
    Online Learning
    Online environment is important part of students’ learning in this course. In preparation for each seminar please visit MyUni course site www.myuni.adelaide.edu.au to access course materials. Compulsory course readings can be accessed via an interactive readings list posted on MyUni.The lecturer in charge will upload PowerPoint lecture slides and any other relevant materials and exercises to MyUni course site on a weekly basis. Power point lecture slides provide a summary of each topic. MyUni will also be used by the lecturer to post important messages.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will be conducted via a series of face-to-face seminars. They include a brief interactive presentation by a lecturer, group discussions of recommended readings, experiential exercises, such as for example case studies, and presentations by guest speakers (to be confirmed). It is essential for students to familiarize themselves with all prescribed materials before each class to maximize their
    learning outcomes.

    Students should come along to each 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.

    Learning Activities Summary


    Learning Activities Summary
    Topic 1 Globalisation
    Reference material: Textbook, Chapter 1, Course Materials folder on MyUni
    Topic 2 Political economy. Ethics in International Business Reference material: Textbook, Chapters 2 & 3 and 5, Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 3 Differences in Culture Reference material: Textbook, Chapter 4 &5; Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 4 International Trade Reference material: Textbook, Chapters 6 & 7, Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 5 Foreign Direct Investment and Regional Economic Integration Reference material: Textbook, Chapters 8 & 9, Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 6 The Monetary System Reference material: Textbook, Chapters 10 & 11, Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    PART 2: MANAGING IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (TOPICS 7-11)
    Topic 7 The Strategy of International Business Reference material: Textbook, Chapter 13; Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 8 Foreign Entry Strategic Decisions Reference material: Textbook, Chapter 15, Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 9 The Organisation of International Business material: Textbook, Chapter 14, Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 10 International Marketing and R&D; Reference material: Textbook, Chapter 18, Course Materials folder on MyUni Activities: Case study
    Topic 11 International Operations, Outsourcing and Logistics Reference material: Textbook, Chapter 17, Course Materials
    folder on MyUni
    Activities: Case studies
    Course wrap up
    in class test
    Specific Course Requirements
    None
  • 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 Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Case study report Individual 25% 1-5
    Company project report Group 30% 1-5
    Class participation Individual 10% 1-5
    Final in class test Individual 35% 1-5
    Total 100%
    For specific due dates please see the MyUni page.
    Assessment Detail
    1.  Individual Assignment: Case Study report
    Upon reading a prescribed case study please provide your analysis of identified issues and provide recommendations.


    2.  Group Assignment: Company Project

    Based on your knowledge of a selected company and its recent cross-border activity (at least two new foreign market entries for
    the purpose of trade or investment that occurred in the last 3-10 years) analyse, based on the data that you have,        
    how internationalisation adds value to the organisation,
          
    the company’s reasons to select the foreign markets that it has;
          
    the company’s choice of the foreign market entry mode(s) that it has;
          
    and the factors that appear to be associated with its current levels of success
    (or, failure) in these markets.
          
    Please provide recommendations to the Board on improving the company’s international
    business operations.

    3. Class Participation

    4. In-class test
    An open-book in-class test will include a case study.




    Submission
    You are required to submit your assignments as Word.doc(x) file. Please upload your file on MyUni via Turnitin. PDF files, assignments
    not complying with formatting requirements, and not uploaded on Turnitin will not be accepted.

    A hard copy with a signed assignment cover sheet must be submitted to the lecturer in class unless an alternative arrangement was made.
    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.

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