Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
The purpose of this course is to understand the environmental and organisational issues confronted by firms doing business in Asia. These include various aspects of the external environment, such as social, economic, political, cultural, legal, customer and competitive factors, as well as the strategic and organisational responses of firms to the complex, diverse and dynamic business challenges in Asia. Using real-life company cases, participants will learn how to make managerial decisions and solve business problems confronted by firms in Asia.
Asia is a key growth region of the world economy. Asia plays a key strategic part inﾠmany of the global value chains and global value networks of international companies. Whilst Asia is viewed by some as a single, homogeneous entity, in reality, there are great differences between countries in the Asian region, as well as between sub-national regions within each country. To capture the diversity of the Asian region, we will study the key business systems, environmental factors, important characteristics and negotiation patterns of selected countries in Asia, including, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, India, Philippines, Vietnam and others. We will examine the similarities and differences among these countries, as well as the opportunities and challenges ofﾠdoing business in these countries.
To do business in Asia, managers need to develop a deep understanding of the contextual factors in each country to design and implement international business strategies that fit the unique context of the country. The country analysis part of the course will focus on a deeper understanding and critical analysis of the contemporary and historical characteristics of each country, including the macro-environment, such as social, cultural, economic, and political factors, and the micro-environment, such as firm's supplier, customer, stakeholders, competitiveﾠcharacteristics and country-specific negotiation dynamics. At the micro level, the reflective analysis of international business negotiation in specific countries will offer insight into the nuanced meaning systems of building relationships in Asia.
Sustainable Development Goals - UQ Business School is a proud supporter and Advanced Signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME). As part of the largest global collaboration between business schools and the UN, the school emphasises its role in empowering students to drive societal transformation through the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs highlight that a thriving economy relies on a healthy environment, aiming to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Some understanding of international business concepts. Initiative to learn, think, and apply and share knowledge about doing business in Asia.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
IBUS3304
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum of 15 enrolments
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff doﾠnotﾠhave 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 emailﾠbusiness.mytimetable@uq.edu.auﾠfrom your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to provide you with a foundation in the principles and practices of doing business in Asia – one of the most dynamic regions in today's global economy. Through a variety of individual and team-based pedagogical activities in engaged real-life cases and simulations, you will learn aboutﾠthe key aspects of the business environment in the major economies of Asia, the problems and issues confronted by firms operating in Asia, and the ways in which multinational firms successfully manage their operations in Asia.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply knowledges of the different business environments, cultures and negotiation styles in Asia to multi-disciplinary business cases.
LO2.
Identify the environmental and organisational challenges and opportunities for doing business in Asia.
LO3.
Critically analyse the challenges and opportunities of international firms doing innovative business in Asia.
LO4.
As an individual and in groups, recommend strategies to stakeholders to build collaborative relationships and communities of practice.
LO5.
Respectfully discuss the commonality and diversity in business principles and practices in Asia and Australia (e.g., culture, Indigenous perspectives, legal environment, language and negotiation, etc.).
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation, Reflection |
Asian Country Analysis - WKS Oral Presentation
|
40% (20% team presentation; 10% Q&A; 10% individual reflection) |
Week 5 Mon - Week 13 Fri
Each team will be allocated a seminar week to present and all team members are required to present at their respective sessions. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Business In An Asian Region
|
30% |
23/05/2025 2:00 pm
Assessment details available on Blackboard. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Reflective Essay
|
30% |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Asian Country Analysis - WKS Oral Presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 40% (20% team presentation; 10% Q&A; 10% individual reflection)
- Due date
Week 5 Mon - Week 13 Fri
Each team will be allocated a seminar week to present and all team members are required to present at their respective sessions.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
This assessment is composed of three tasks:
- Group Presentation (20 %)
- Questions and Answers Q&A (10%)
- Individual Reflection (10%)
Task 1 (Team Presentation and a compulsory practice-run team pre-presentation): Students will be organised into teams by the lecturer. Each team will deliver an oral presentation during one of the seminar weeks on their assigned country as per the schedule that will be posted on the course Blackboard site. Countries/presentation groups will be allocated in the first two seminars and finalised by week 3.
The team presentation will be based on a current new development or event in the particular Asian country assigned to the team.
The team will need to identify the problems/decisions, link with country & industry analysis frameworks, and implications for doing business in the country from the perspective of a particular international company operating in Asia.
The presentation and accompanying ppt slides will identify alternatives, evaluate alternatives against criteria, and provide recommendations to solve the problem/leverage the opportunity, including implementation plan and qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Team presentation timing will be 20 mins max with 5-10 mins Q&A/class activity engagement led by the presentation team.
· All team members must be present at the time of delivery of the presentation
· Use focused and relevant theories and an outline and avoid reading word for word from notes or computer screen at the presentation.
· Include a minimum of 10 authoritative references with 5 from refereed journals.
· The presentation slides must be submitted before the commencement of the seminar.
Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes as per UQ Policy.
Peer assessment is available upon request. Additional details are available in the Assessment section of Blackboard including marking rubric, team formation, schedule of presentations, etc.
Task 2 Group Q&A after the presentation. Each group has a 5-10-minute Q&A session after their presentation, which is marked based on:
Answer – Back up – Confirm –Opportunity– Depersonalize
· Answer – once you’re clear you fully understand the question, answer it directly.
· Back up – support your answer where appropriate with a viewpoint, evidence or example of why you are confident in your answer.
· Confirm – Check in to ensure that you’ve answered the question and that your answer is understood.
· Opportunity – Learn more. Questions are seen an opportunity to develop insightful knowledge further as well as the audiences.
· Depersonalize – Avoid being over defensive, answer the question as honestly and as professionally as you can.
Task 3 Individual Reflection: Each student of the team will submit an individual reflection document in the Blackboard based on the learning achieved from your team country analysis. A template with specific questions (on both individual and team level) for you to complete for this assessment. You must submit this tasks in the same week of your presentation as required and detailed in the Blackboard.
AI Statement:
AI use is not allowed for this assessment.
Submission guidelines
Submit slides before presentation and at least two hours prior to presentation the latest. Submit reflection note the same week of the presentation and no submissions later than that are accepted or allowed.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions or deferrals are not available for this presentation. An extension may be available for the submitted material only.
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.
10% Late Penalty applies to submitted material only. Late submissions are not accepted for in-class presentations. Failure to present at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero for the presentation portion of this assessment.
Business In An Asian Region
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
23/05/2025 2:00 pm
Assessment details available on Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
This essay assessment item will be completed individually by students. All students will be given the same essay topic relating to the most significant challenges/opportunities of doing business in the Asian region from a particular international company's perspective operating in Asia. The essay topic statement will be released in the first half of the semester. Students will conduct secondary research and use an in-text referencing format (Harvard or APA).
A minimum of 10 authoritative, relevant references (e.g., at least 50% refereed journals) must be included.
Word count is a maximum of 2000 words excluding references and tables or figure. Students will complete this assessment item individually.
Full assessment details will be available on the course Blackboard site including topic statement, assessment task description and marking criteria.
AI Statement:
AI use is permitted with attribution. Students may appropriately use AI tool (e.g., Grammar Checker) but they must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance in the AI survey as an attachment to the essay. A failure to do so may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Essay file submission is via online submission link on Blackboard.
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.
Reflective Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
You will (using the first-person perspective) reflect on two in-class negotiation exercises (simulations in Week 2-4) and one negotiation case (in Week 6 or Week 12) you have completed or analysed, reflecting on preparation/planning, negotiation behaviour and style, and outcomes, as well as recommendations for future improvement.
Reflective activities will be provided in class throughout the semester and make sure to attend these activities and indicate which activities helped you in developing your reflective learning skills. Further details will be given during class and in Blackboard announcements.
Word limit: 1,500 words
Format: APA or Harvard style in referencing (min. 5 references), 1inch borders, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced. Cover page with student name and ID number required.
Criteria & Marking:
Please access the marking criteria in the Blackboard.
Submission:
Submit through the Turnitin link on Blackboard.
AI Statement:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative 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.
Submission guidelines
Submit via online submission point on the course Blackboard site
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
If you have extenuating circumstances which prevent you completing this assessment within the timeframe given, please apply for an extension of assessment via my.UQ (not a deferral).
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.
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.
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 |
1. Course Introduction and Overview Overview of the course and introduction to key concepts of framework of analysis. |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
2. Country Analysis - Assessment Skills Country Analysis Assessment Skills to assist with the Assessment items and activities to practice applying relevant skills. |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
3. Strategies/Framework for Doing Business in Asia Strategies/Frameworks for Doing Business in Asia and hands-on activities to practice relevant strategies and negotiation skills. |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
4. Japan - Country Analysis Japan - Analysis of both macro contextual and micro levels of communication and meaning sharing for corporations. |
Week 5 |
Workshop |
5. Singapore Country analysis and presentations start. Readings see Blackboard. |
Week 6 |
Workshop |
6. China Country analysis. Readings see Blackboard. |
Week 7 |
Workshop |
7. Malaysia Country analysis. Readings/Ref see Blackboard. |
Week 8 |
Workshop |
8. Vietnam Country analysis. Readings see Blackboard. Good Friday Public Holiday - Friday 18 April 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. |
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break No Seminar |
Week 9 |
Workshop |
9. South Korea Country analysis. Readings see Blackboard. |
Week 10 |
Workshop |
10. The Philippines Country analysis. Readings see Blackboard. |
Week 11 |
Workshop |
11. India Country analysis. Readings see Blackboard. |
Week 12 |
Workshop |
12. Indonesia Country analysis. Readings see Blackboard. |
Week 13 |
Workshop |
13. Course Review Course overview and revision. Readings see Blackboard. |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through lectures and assessment.
Goal 5: Gender equality and women’s empowerment
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
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.