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
This course introduces students to the major principles and issues that face managers across cultures. The course offers students a unique cultural perspective on the roots of organisational behaviour and management around the world. It utilises a micro approach to introduce students to theories and practices that are necessary to manage successfully in a global economy. Therefore, it is a cross-cultural approach as opposed to a country specific approach. The course should enable students to understand the effect of culture that can then be applied to a wide variety of cross-cultural settings. Participants will interact, examine concepts, and examine cases to increase awareness and understanding concerning the influence of culture on management and management practices.
Through collaborative and individual research, you will evaluate the influence of culture on management and management practices, which can then be applied to a wide variety cross cultural settings. Participants will interact and be peer learners through presentations and quizzes. Therefore the research that you will conduct in the course will be very important to facilitate the learning process of all participants. Due to the broad nature of the course, the topics presented will encompass a wide-range of areas related to culture and diversity.
Note regarding "Understanding Cultures in International Business": This course has been taught in various modes. The feedback regarding the content of course is that it is valuable for cross-cultural situations, and the content stands the test of time. The knowledge gained from the course becomes salient when an individual is pushed beyond one's cultural comfort zone. Unsolicited feedback was received concerning how valuable and salient the knowledge learnt in the course is today.
Course requirements
Assumed background
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.
Students will benefit from basic and advanced knowledge of international management and international organisational behavioural concepts. However, there is an assumption you will read selected materials critically.
It is the student's responsibility to attend classes, read all compulsory readings, consult designated notice boards and websites for correct and up-to-date information regarding the course, including examination times. Relying on fellow students to pass on information may result in incorrect information for which the lecturer and university will not be held responsible.
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
IBUS2301
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
IBUS3309 or MGTS7329
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Mr Kevin Zhu
Teaching assistant
Mr Kevin Zhu
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
This course focuses on the challenges and opportunities associated with organisational management in the global environment.ﾠStudents will learn howﾠculture influencesﾠbusiness practices and behaviours, critically analyse 'situated' culture-specific factors, apply theories, tools, concepts and skills relevant to managing effectively in today’s global environment. Students will be challenged to synthesiseﾠknowledge they have gained from other business core courses and apply them to case studies and real-life cross-cultural situations. Students will engage in active research and analytical problem solving related to managing in the international environment based on team and self experience(s).
The course will include a range of learning opportunities, including presentation, exercises, case discussions,ﾠrole-plays, other experiential exercises, and team learning to foster application of concepts covered in the course.ﾠOn the completion of this course, students should have been exposed to as well as read information that would enable them to: a)ﾠUnderstand ways in which national and sub-cultures vary, thus move beyond sophisticated stereotyping; b)ﾠComprehend a multiple cultures perspective, including intercultural communication, and achieve greater self-awareness and understand cultural expectations and goals; c)ﾠBe familiar with alternativeﾠpractices that exists in international business and organisational settings.
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand culture through analyses, reflection and application of information in the ways national and sub-cultures vary (situated approach).
LO2.
Conduct independent research to develop individual and team written, as well as oral projects.
LO3.
Have knowledge of working with multicultural groups.
LO4.
Apply relevant theories and/or frameworks to analyse issues in international management.
LO5.
Evaluate ethical and social issues associated with operating in an international business context.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Quiz, Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Cultural Immersion Reflection, Presentation, Quiz
|
50% There are multiple parts. Members must contribute to all parts of assignment; Group (35%); Individual Quiz (15%) |
Group Written Essay - 13:00 25/07/2024 - 29/08/2024 Individual Contribution - 13:00 25/07/2024 - 29/08/2024 Group Oral Presentation Slides, 1 week before presentation 2/09/2024 - 21/10/2024 In-Tutorial Individual Quiz 2/09/2024 - 21/10/2024 |
| Essay/ Critique, Practical/ Demonstration, Project |
Cross-Cultural Incident Analysis
|
25% |
17/10/2024 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
25% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Cultural Immersion Reflection, Presentation, Quiz
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Quiz, Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 50% There are multiple parts. Members must contribute to all parts of assignment; Group (35%); Individual Quiz (15%)
- Due date
Group Written Essay - 13:00 25/07/2024 - 29/08/2024
Individual Contribution - 13:00 25/07/2024 - 29/08/2024
Group Oral Presentation Slides, 1 week before presentation 2/09/2024 - 21/10/2024
In-Tutorial Individual Quiz 2/09/2024 - 21/10/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessed, Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Your task in this assignment (as a multicultural group) is to abstract concepts from the cultural immersion and analyse the issue(s) from a cross-cultural perspective, then develop a topic that is relevant to international business/management (IB/M). Please see IBUS2309 Assignment Guide for detailed instructions and criteria, this is available on Blackboard. Assignments will be discussed in the seminars and tutorials. Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard or risk failing the assignment.
This entire group assignment is worth 35% of your final mark. The assignment consists of multiple parts, all team members must participate in all aspects of the assignment. Individual in-tutorial quizzes worth 15% of your final mark are linked to the tutorial presentations.
All aspects of this assignment relate to employability building skills.
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. This includes dictionary and translation APPs.
Groups will randomly be created by the course coordinator/facilitator. Once the teams are created you must contact your group by the end of week 3 or risk failing the assignment and losing out on group marks. You are not allowed to change groups by yourself, the group changes deadline is week 3. All are in the same situation, so please take note of your presentation time and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Students must submit all assessments to pass the course.
Peer Evaluation: The purpose of this evaluation is to assess a member’s contribution to the group effort. Group members may contribute to the group along various dimensions. These include their organisation/project management, knowledge/research, communication, and responsibility, including supporting the group and members in any way. Use the 9-point rating scale given below to rate yourself and members of your group. Please be as objective as possible, taking behaviours rather than personal style into consideration. Peer reviews are compulsory to ensure that a contribution score is available for all moderation.
Instructions: You are required to assess your peers on their contribution to the group assignment by allocating each group member a mark in each of the four criteria. For each criterion, allocate a mark between one and six, where a mark of one (1) indicates no contribution or submitting contribution passed the agreed group deadline, and a mark of nine (9) indicates that they made the maximum contribution possible.
- 1 = Person demonstrated no contribution in this criterion or submitted contributions past the agreed-upon group deadline.
- 1.01 – 1.99 = Person demonstrated a low contribution to the group in this criterion.
- 2 – 3.99 = Person demonstrated a medium-low contribution to the group in this criterion.
- 4 – 5.99 = Person demonstrated a medium-level contribution to the group in this criterion.
- 6 – 8.4 = Person consistently demonstrated a medium-high level of contribution to the group in this criterion.
- 8.5 - 9 = Person consistently demonstrated high-level contribution to the group in a criterion.
A mark of six (6) or less (1 to 6), based on the above guide (out of 9) for any criteria, requires a comment; otherwise, it is invalid.
To take account of the possibility that a student does not contribute to one or all criteria, 1 signifies that a student has not contributed.
Peer reviews are compulsory and must be submitted within five days of the assessment due date, not submitting peer reviews may decrease marks. If no peer review is received from a student after 5 days, then no contribution scores are calculated and not available for all moderation. No exceptions!
Important Mark Moderation Based on Peer Review – highest score is 9, see explanation below.
The moderation of individual marks will be based on the following overall average review):
- 8.5 to 9.0 (consistently demonstrated full contribution to group), no deduction from group mark.
- 8.0 to 8.4 (demonstrated medium-high level contribution) 5% deduction from group mark.
- 6.0 to 7.99 (demonstrated medium level contribution), 15% deduction from group mark.
- 3.0 to 5.99 (demonstrated medium-low contribution), 25% deduction from group mark.
- 1.01 to 2.99 (demonstrated low contribution in several criteria or submitted contribution passed agreed group deadline), 50% deduction from group mark.
- 1, no individual mark will be awarded.
Criteria 1: Organisation/Project Management
Role in contributing to the process needed to complete the assignment. Consider their approach to setting up meeting times and work submission deadlines as well as their willingness to listen to other group members' opinions.
Criteria 2: Knowledge/research
Contribution of research, knowledge, opinions, and skills to group discussions and work completion.
- Maintaining academic integrity (ensuring original work; no plagiarised and/or AI-generated materials).
Criteria 3: Communication
How well one collaborated and communicated with others in the group and fulfilled their roles within the group. To determine your mark, consider if each group member:
- was present at all meetings, as long as feasibly possible (either in person or via phone/online) (barring legitimate reasons),
- played an active role in facilitating agreement and resolving conflict and,
- provided timely responses to all communications and queries.
Criteria 4: Responsibility
Taking responsibility for the group’s outcome, and consistently acting in a manner that demonstrated they were keen for the group to perform well (e.g., supporting the group).
- This includes ensuring that the English language is used in all forms of communication. Since the official language of Australia is English, non-compliance can lead to assessments awarded the mark of zero, and non-compliance in group settings be interpreted as exclusionary behaviour, a form of bullying and a serious offence.
Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard or risk failing the assignment.
The week of the Oral Presentation will be assigned to each group early in Semester. Group Oral Presentation Slides due 1 week prior to presentation.
Not submitting the individual contribution materials will exclude you from receiving the group’s mark, since it implies you made no contribution(s) to the group assignment.
A hardcopy, handout of the presentation with reference list are to be handed to the marker(s) on the day of the presentation; all groups must be ready to present on the day of presentation with their presentation materials on a USB or alternative device to use the seminar room facilities. Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes per UQ policy.
Submission guidelines
Only one electronic copy of the assignment per group must be submitted to Turnitin via Blackboard.
Please note that when you successfully submit an e-copy you should receive a receipt stating that you have submitted your assignment. If you do not receive a receipt, then you have NOT successfully submitted your e-copy. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have successfully submitted your assignment.
Feedback for the assignment will be provided in relation to the assignment criteria.
Checklist:
- Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard.
- Ensure you have consulted the assignment guide. Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included. Assignments should be typed, font size should be legible (12 point). Number all pages (except the title page) consecutively. A list of works consulted works must be included and referenced appropriately; see referencing style criteria in the assignment guide.
- Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included.
- The assignment must be submitted in Word doc. format electronically via Turn-it-in on the course Blackboard assessment link in Word format.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
Cross-Cultural Incident Analysis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Practical/ Demonstration, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
17/10/2024 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Your task is to describe, propose causes and analyse an actual cross-cultural clash incident from your own experience or vicariously. The task is not simply a descriptive exercise! You must then conduct academic research to analyse the cross-cultural clash and the nature or underlying reasons for the clash by using appropriate theories and/or frameworks relevant to the course.
All aspects of this assignment relate to employability building skills. In particular, towards building cultural empathy and legitimising competing perspectives.
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. This includes dictionary and translation APPs.
Please see IBUS2309 Assignment Guide for detailed instructions and criteria - available on Blackboard. This assignment should be approximately 2000 words.
Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard or risk failing the assignment.
Submission guidelines
Only an electronic copy of your assignment must be submitted to Turnitin via Blackboard.
Please note that when you successfully submit an e-copy you should receive a receipt stating that you have submitted your assignment. If you do not receive a receipt, then you have NOT successfully submitted your e-copy. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have successfully submitted your assignment.
Feedback for the assignment will be provided in relation to the assignment criteria.
Checklist:
- Students must follow the criteria found in the assignment guide provided on Blackboard.
- Ensure you have consulted the assignment guide. Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included. Assignments should be typed, font size should be legible (12 point). Number all pages (except the title page) consecutively. A list of works consulted works must be included and referenced appropriately; see referencing style criteria in the assignment guide.
- Ensure that when submitting the assignment that all parts are included.
- The assignment must be submitted in Word doc. format electronically via Turn-it-in on the course Blackboard assessment link in Word format.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
Final Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The final exam will cover all materials covered in the course and readings to be examined in the form of short essay and extended essay questions. The seminar objectives and class discussions are the basis for the exam questions. Students are responsible to learn all seminar, tutorial and other relevant course content.
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. This includes translation APPs.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 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.
The course has a multicultural (culture, language, gender) work group component, whereby all members receive the same mark for the works completed. There is an opportunity for members to conduct peer reviews that may moderate the marks received for each member based on their contributions. If you cannot meet the criteria for the group assignment, you need to consider deferring the course until you can or risk failing the Group Assignment. All assessments must be submitted in order to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Any work you submit online has a legal declaration, thus by submitting your work you are agreeing to the declaration.
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that: 1) It is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; 2) No part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; 3) No Artificial Intelligence Application has been used to aid producing the work; and 4) you have read and completed the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Policy and understand its implications as mandated in the course:
http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct.
https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/student-code-conduct-policy
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.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
International management: culture, strategy, and behavior
by Luthans; Fred; Doh; Jonathan P. - 2021 Edition: 11th ed Publisher: McGraw-Hill US Higher Ed ISE ISBN: 9781260579666; 9781260570533 |
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 |
Lecture |
1 - Introduction Course Overview, Assessment Briefing, Introduction to understanding cultures in international business Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Tutorial No Tutorials in Week 1 |
|
Week 2 |
Lecture |
2 - Culture Systems Culture Systems, Meanings of Culture and International Management. Compulsory integrity tutorial must be completed prior to any assessment submission in this course. https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/ Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Group Formation and Roles Allocation
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
3 - Socialisation process Socialisation Process Across Cultures. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Cultural Learning Through Reflection
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
4 - Ethics across cultures Managing Ethics Across Cultures. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Appreciation of Values
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
5 - Cross-cultural communication Cross-Cultural Communication. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Cognitive Bias Awareness
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
6 - Cross-cultural negotiations Cross-Cultural Negotiation. *Group assignment due this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Valuing Cultures Through Critical Incidents
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 |
Lecture |
7 - Motivation Motivation Across Cultures. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Group Presentation & Cultural Take Away Lesson
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 |
Lecture |
8 - Leadership Leadership Across Cultures. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Group Presentation & Cultural Take Away Lesson
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 9 |
Lecture |
9 - Managing Diversity Managing Diversity Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Group Presentation & Cultural Take Away Lesson
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break No Lecture or Tutorials during In-Semester Break. Independent learning. |
Week 10 |
Lecture |
10 - International Human Resource Management International Human Resource Management & Selection Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Group Presentation & Cultural Take Away Lesson
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
11 - Transpatriate skills Building Transpatriate Skills However, there are no tutorials on King's Birthday, Monday 7 October 2024. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
No Tutorials No Tutorials this week because of King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 7 October 2024. Note that there will still be a lecture this week. |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
12 - Transpatriate adjustment Transpatriates' Adjustment. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Group Presentation & Cultural Take Away Lesson
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
13 - Course Review and Q&A Managing Diversity; Q&A. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Group Presentation & Cultural Take Away Lesson
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout course learning activities.
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.