Dr Russell Richards
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Familiarise students with the core theories, frameworks and issues in international business at the level of both the country and the firm and how these influence public policy and managerial decision-making in organisations. Apply international business frameworks to solve practical real life problems confronted by global business managers and public policy makers.
Accelerating economic globalisation since 1980 reflects the ongoing expansion of international business operations of individual firms in their many different forms. This course is intended to assist your understanding of international business through both development of theoretical knowledge relating to international commerce and exploration of practical issues faced by managers in developing their firms' international operations. The course covers both public policy (government) issues relating to international business, especially trade and foreign investment policy and underlying principles, and also perspectives of the firm − including the formulation, implementation, control and review of internationalisation strategies and operations. The strengths and limitations of international business will be discussed, especially in the context of the most important managerial decisions.
The course draws upon current international business theory and practice to provide a framework for understanding the internationalisation of firms, related government policy and international business contexts. As such, the course will bridge the international business research literature with real-life examples of firms both in Australia and overseas.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Initiative to learn, think, and apply and share knowledge about the international business environment and about management. Basic understanding of business and world affairs. Before attempting this course, you are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed on the front of this course profile. No responsibility will be accepted by UQ Business School, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(MGTS1301 + 4 units courses) or 6 units of BAdvBus(Hons) courses
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
IBUS7302 or 7310 or MGTS7802
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is to develop knowledge and understanding about key international business theories and frameworks and how to apply these in managing international business firms. The issues in international business will be studied at two levels: (1) at the level of the country, and (2) at the level of the firm and business unit.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the basic theories and frameworks in international business at the levels of both the country and the firm.
LO2.
Understand the differences across country markets and their importance to the firm.
LO3.
Assess positive and negative circumstances affecting the internationalisation of firm activities.
LO4.
Solve practical real-life problems in the context of international business management, both individually and through team work.
LO5.
Evaluate the important public policy issues relating to international business.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | In-Semester Exam (paper-based during class time) | 30% |
29/08/2024 1:00 pm
Exam conducted in class. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Company Case Analysis
|
20% |
12/09/2024
Pitches during class. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Case Study (Special Topics)
|
15% |
19/09/2024 - 17/10/2024
This assessment will run during 4 teaching weeks. |
| Examination | Final Exam | 35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
In-Semester Exam (paper-based during class time)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
29/08/2024 1:00 pm
Exam conducted in class.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
More details will be provided in class on the in-semester exam, which will be held during class time; students will have 60 minutes to complete the exam, which will consist of short-essay style questions and problem solving activities.
Exams submitted late, without prior approval or exemption granted, will have penalties applied as per section 5.3.
If you are unable to sit your exam, you must apply for a deferred exam (see section 5.4).
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Company Case Analysis
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/09/2024
Pitches during class.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed, Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will present two pitches in total throughout semester during class (the first one is formative with the opportunity for students to receive feedback, and the second one is summative which counts towards the final grade and will take place on 12th of September). The date for the formative pitch will be released early in semester.
Students will pitch their proposals targeted at an identified real 'live' company featured in class - further details on the topics for the two pitches will be provided in seminars and via Blackboard.
This is a team assessment and it is important that students reflect on the first seminar to ensure effective group dynamics and expectations are promoted. Groups will be formed for this assessment at the start of semester.
Each individual in the group will need to complete a peer assessment evaluation to accompany this piece of assessment, which will be available in Blackboard. More details will be provided during seminars. While peer assessment in this course is mainly used for formative purposes, understanding how to work in a team is an essential skill for career development and assessing your own and others' abilities to work as a team is critical for personal reflection.
If you have not yet completed the Working in Teams: A Practical Guide edX course please consider undertaking the course for your own professional development purposes - https://www.edx.org/course/working-in-teams-a-practical-guide
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Pitches (team-based) will occur during class hours on a set date and therefore neither extension or deferral is possible.
Case Study (Special Topics)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
19/09/2024 - 17/10/2024
This assessment will run during 4 teaching weeks.
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
A new round of groups will be formed again in the second part of semester in order to complete this assessment, and in these groups students will be asked to complete an activity each week during class and may be asked to present back to class and submit a brief synthesis at the end of the class. The best 2 of 4 attempts will count toward the final grade. Students are encouraged to prepare each week for these activities in advance, and more information on this assessment and recommended preparation will be provided in class. The learnings from the first two weeks of semester will be essential to ensure that teams can work together exceptionally well, demonstrate leadership, and communicate novel and innovative insights for this assessment.
Each individual in the group will need to complete a peer assessment evaluation to accompany this piece of assessment, which will be available in Blackboard. More details will be provided during seminars. While peer assessment in this course is mainly used for formative purposes, understanding how to work in a team is an essential skill for career development and assessing your own and others' abilities to work as a team is critical for personal reflection.
If you have not yet completed the Working in Teams: A Practical Guide edX course please consider undertaking the course for your own professional development purposes - https://www.edx.org/course/working-in-teams-a-practical-guide
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
Groups may be asked to present in class and all groups need to provide a brief submission at the end of class to a nominated facilitator(s).
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Activity occurs during class and therefore neither extension or deferral are available
Late submission
Each assessment item (case) is submitted inclass
Final Exam
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
- The final exam will be an online exam via Blackbaord. This will be centrally timetabled, and details will be made available to you as soon as the timetable is finalised.
- The exam will consist of short answer, short essay, extended essay, problem solving, and/or case analysis questions.
- It will cover all materials discussed in the course from weeks 8 to 13. However, you are also expected to draw upon the knowledge and understanding of the IB materials discussed in weeks 1 to 6 of the course.
- This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
- Additional information will be provided in due course.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Aﾠwide rangeﾠof IB-related resources are available in the UQﾠlibrary includingﾠbooks, academic journals, business magazines, newspapers, andﾠdatabases on the web. Students are encouraged to use these resources to prepare for lectures and tutorials and to do research for their projects/assignments. Following is a brief list of the resources that may be useful forﾠthe course:
GENERAL/PRACTICE-ORIENTED
- The Economist
- Harvard Business Review
- Daily national and international newspapers
- Websites and annual reports of multinational firms
- UN and World Bank reports and online databases on countries
- Other online reports and databases on countries' economic freedom, political freedom, competitiveness, etc.
ACADEMIC/RESEARCH-ORIENTED
- Journal of International Business Studies
- Management International Review
- Journal of World Business
- Journal of International Management
- International Business Review
Learn (Blackboard)
All courses are supported by the UQ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn, which provides an interactive environment for the students and teachers. This is accessible via PC or Mac or Mobile (Apps) environment.
To log on to Blackboard, go to https://learn.uq.edu.au.
- As Blackboard is a web‐based application, you will need a recently‐released browser for your computer. For the latest Release Notes for Bb Student, see http://en-gb.help.blackboard.com/Bb_Student/z_Release_Notes_Bb_Student.
- For help with Learn.UQ (Blackboard), see https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-blackboard-contacts or contact AskUs https://web.library.uq.edu.au/contact-us or telephone 334 64312.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Course overview and team development Introduction, case analysis, decision-making, globalization Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Business readiness for IB success Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
International trade theory Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Global political economy Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Culture Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
National political economy Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Foreign exchange market Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
IB strategy and organisation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
TBA |
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Entering foreign markets Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
IB functional activities - Part I Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
IB functional activities - Part II Production, Marketing, R&D, IHRM, Finance/Accounting Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
13. Course Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.