Dr Russell Richards
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Want to learn about how to avoid key pitfalls of internationalisation and how enterprises can more successfully expand into international markets? This course addresses these questions and many more by introducing students to the key foundations of international business. An introduction to the diverse specialisations within international business are examined, as are core theories and frameworks managers need to navigate international markets. Public policy and its influence on the decision-making of international business managers is also discussed.
Students are introduced to theoretical knowledge relating to international business and explore practical issues faced by managers in seeking to develop and expand their enterprise's internationalisation activities. A range of foundational areas within international business are introduced so that students are provided with an overview of the diverse fields within international business, including public policy (government) issues and trade and foreign investment regulations relating to manager’s decisions.
The course immerses learners in a variety of day-to-day core international business activities so that they can understand what a career in international business might span. Students will enhance their employability through interactive class discussions, and diverse group and team activities. Through the course, students will learn how they can build a career in international business by applying international business theories, concepts, frameworks and practical tools to support enterprises to more successfully investigate, enter, scale, and/or further penetrate international markets.
Course requirements
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
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Russell Richards
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is to develop students’ knowledge about the diverse activities involved in international business and how to apply these learnings practically in managing diverse international business enterprises. Students understand how the decision-making of managers is influenced by a variety of international business considerations, including trade and public policy.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply international business theories and frameworks to a range of enterprises and country markets.
LO2.
Promote ongoing learning and diverse thinking around international business through active listening, constructive feedback, respectful sharing of values and prepared research.
LO3.
Collaboratively solve practical international business management problems in ways that leverage individual and team strengths, nurture empathy, and embrace diversity.
LO4.
Evaluate the positive and negative circumstances, including public policy, influencing international business.
LO5.
Persuasively communicate international business management insights to diverse audiences using research and evidence.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project |
Company Pitches
|
25% |
Pitch 1 Week 5, Pitch 2 Week 9,
Pitches during your scheduled class, order of presentations to be discussed closer to scheduled classes. Note that there are two sessions for IBUS2301 (1 on Monday and 1 on Tuesday). |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Evaluations
|
15% |
Evaluation 1 Week 5, Evaluation 2 Week 9,
During your scheduled class. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Case Study (Special Topics)
|
15% |
Week 8 Mon - Week 13 Tue
This assessment will run during 4 teaching weeks (W8, W11, W12, W13). The first assessment is scheduled for W8 because W10 (Monday's class) is the King's Birthday public holiday on the 6th October. |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Company Pitches
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Pitch 1 Week 5,
Pitch 2 Week 9,
Pitches during your scheduled class, order of presentations to be discussed closer to scheduled classes.
Note that there are two sessions for IBUS2301 (1 on Monday and 1 on Tuesday).
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed, Work integrated learning.
Task description
In teams, students will present two assessable pitches in total throughout semester during class. Students must submit their pitch deck proposals prior to the pitch and additional templates for the first and second pitches. 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. Students in their teams need to be prepared to insightfully address any question(s) following their pitch.
One student from each team must submit their team charter on behalf of their team, so that the team can receive a mark for this assessment.
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 and use the tools provided in seminar 2. Teams will be formed for this assessment at the start of semester.
Each individual in the group will also 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. All team members will be required to complete peer evaluations using BuddyCheck to ensure equal member contributions. Results from these evaluations may impact individual grades.
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
Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes per UQ Policy.
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
More information on submissions to be provided during semester.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Pitches (team-based) will occur during class hours on a set date and therefore neither extension or deferral is possible for the presentation component.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions are not accepted for in-class presentations. Failure to present at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero.
Evaluations
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Evaluation 1 Week 5,
Evaluation 2 Week 9,
During your scheduled class.
Task description
Individually, students will evaluate another team's pitch in-class and will be provided with templates to assist them to undertake this task in-class. Individuals will be encouraged to think about for example, comparing their own pitch with that of another team, thinking through how their own individual performance could have improved based on learnings from another team, what they would do differently next time, preparedness of another team including during question time, and recommendations for other teams in terms of improvements.
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Templates to be submitted in class
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Case Study (Special Topics)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Week 8 Mon - Week 13 Tue
This assessment will run during 4 teaching weeks (W8, W11, W12, W13). The first assessment is scheduled for W8 because W10 (Monday's class) is the King's Birthday public holiday on the 6th October.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
In their teams (same teams as pitches) students will be asked to complete an activity each week during class related to content for that week (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 week 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. One student from each team must submit their team charter on behalf of their team (new team charter from the pitch team charter), so that the team can receive a mark 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. All team members will be required to complete peer evaluations using BuddyCheck to ensure equal member contributions. Results from these evaluations may impact individual grades.
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
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
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 in class
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
The final exam will be centrally timetabled, and details will be made available to you as soon as the timetable is finalised.
The exam may cover content across the entire semester and will consist of short essay and/or case analysis questions. There will be 3 questions, each worth 15 marks.
Previous exams - past exam papers are available through the library: https://www.library.uq.edu.au/exams/course/IBUS2301 - Specifically focus on the past exams for 2025 (S1), 2024 (S1, S2), and 2023 (S1) - these align with the general format that will be used in the end-of-semester exam for IBUS2301
AI Statement:
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Student consultation
Consultations are by appointment only. Please contact the course coordinator on r.richards@business.uq.edu.au if you need to book a consultation for this subject.
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 The contents for this seminar: A. Getting to know me, your peers, facilitation team; and establishing course expectations B. Course overview, Learning Objectives, Assessment Roadmap C. Team development activity (The marshmallow challenge) |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Toolkit for IB management success The contents for this seminar: A. UQ Ventures workshop B. Assessment roadmap for success in IBUS2301 C. Further team development |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
International trade theory and internationalization models The contents for this seminar: A. Theories of trade and investment for International Business - a review of international trade theories |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Global political economy and FDI The contents for this seminar: A. International trade theory summary (recap) B. Government policy and international trade C. 'Game of Trade' activity Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
National political economy The contents for this seminar: A. Pitch 1 and Evaluation 1 (in-class assessment) B. National political economy and implications for the IB manager Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Entering foreign markets The contents for this seminar: A. Feedback from Pitch 1 (week 5) B. Entering foreign markets – Part A C. Template activity (is essential for preparing for Pitch 2 and related to today’s seminar content) |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Managing cultural differences The contents for this seminar: A. Culture, but why does it matter for the IB manager? B. Cultural analysis for Pitch 2 preparation Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
IB strategy and organisation The contents for this seminar: A. IB Strategy (An overview of how International business strategy is comprised of strategy, international environment, and firm performance) B. Case Study (Special Topics) - Topic 1 C. Template to support Pitch 2 |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Foreign exchange market The contents for this seminar: A. Pitch 1 and Evaluation 1 (in-class assessment) B. IB Organisation (The totality of a firm’s organisation, including formal organizational structure, control systems and incentives, organizational culture, processes, and people.) Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Global production and supply chain management Kings Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 6 October 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. The contents for this seminar: A. Global production and supply chain management B. Activity looking at implications of supply chain disruptions at the firm level Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
Global marketing and business analytics The contents for this seminar: A. Global marketing and business analytics (configuring the marketing mix; activity focusing on mapping the supply chain) B. Case Study (Special Topics) - Topic 2 Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Global human resource management, accounting and finance The contents for this seminar: A. Global Human Resource Management (Guest Lecturer) B. Case Study Special Topics – Topic 3 Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Course Review The contents for this seminar: A. Revision quiz B. Exam deep-dive C. Case Study Special Topics – Topic 4 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.