Unit Information
BUS219
International Business
TJA 2024
This guide should be used in conjunction with the Handbook as the official source of
information about this unit.
Refer to myMurdoch Learning for on-going communication and your learning and
assessment content.
Unit coordinator: Coordinator: Dr David Zhang
Campus: Kaplan
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge that Murdoch University is situated on the lands of the Whadjuk and Binjareb Noongar people.
We pay our respects to their enduring and dynamic culture and the leadership of Noongar elders past and
present. The boodjar (country) on which Murdoch University is located has, for thousands of years, been a place
of learning. We at Murdoch University are proud to continue this long tradition.
© Published by Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, January 2024.
This publication is copyright. Except as permitted by the Copyright Act no part of it may in
any form or by any electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or any other means be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or be broadcast or transmitted without the prior
written permission of the publisher.
Contents
1
2
3
Unit information........................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1
Unit Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.2
Learning outcomes ................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.3
Graduate attributes................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.4
General guidance and requirements ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.1
Inclusivity Statement ..................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4.2
In case of unforeseen disruption to learning and teaching ........................................................................... 4
1.4.3
Where to get help for your learning success and wellbeing.......................................................................... 4
1.4.4
Key dates and considerations for withdrawing from this unit ........................................................................ 4
1.4.5
Where to find your class ................................................................................................................................ 4
Contact details ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1
Unit coordinator ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2
Teaching team....................................................................................................................................................... 5
How to study this unit.................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1
Approach to learning ............................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.1
Learning approach underpinning unit ............................................................................................................ 6
3.1.2
Unit changes in response to student feedback ............................................................................................. 6
3.2
Learning activities & requirements ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.3
Suggested time commitment ................................................................................................................................. 6
4
Unit Schedule ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
5
Assessments .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
6
7
5.1
Assessment summary ........................................................................................................................................... 8
5.2
Assessment information ........................................................................................................................................ 8
5.2.1
Assessment 1 - Online Quiz .......................................................................................................................... 8
5.2.2
Assessment 2 - Team Project ....................................................................................................................... 9
5.2.3
Assessment 3 - Examination ....................................................................................................................... 11
5.3
Academic integrity ............................................................................................................................................... 12
5.4
Extensions and late submissions ........................................................................................................................ 12
5.5
Determination of the final grade .......................................................................................................................... 13
Learning resources ................................................................................................................................................... 14
6.1
All learning resources .......................................................................................................................................... 14
6.2
Essential learning resources ............................................................................................................................... 14
Academic Advice and Student Support .................................................................................................................... 15
BUS219: International Business
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1
Unit information
Welcome to:
BUS219
International Business
1.1
Unit Overview
This unit prepares you with concepts and theories of global business and functional tools for international business
applications. You will learn how to integrate the theories and combine them with the skills needed to conduct
international business, with which you will be able to make strategic decisions and support your organisation’s
success. The unit allows you to develop a deep understanding of the key theoretical areas of government policy of
trade, foreign direct investment, international financial markets, and foreign exchange risk. It will also allow you to
acquire the skills of strategic decision-making in cross-border business configurations, foreign market entry, and the
major functional areas of International Business such as marketing, production operation, R&D, and HRM. You will
learn how to apply these knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems in International Business.
1.2
Learning outcomes
This unit enables you to demonstrate your achievement of the following unit learning outcomes.
Unit Learning Outcomes
Course Learning
Outcomes
1. Critically evaluate and integrate theories of International Business, and use them to explain
the opportunities and challenges that face International Business managers
1&3
2. Engage in strategic decision-making in complex international contexts, including crossborder business configurations, foreign market entry and the major functional areas of
international business
2&5
3. Develop innovative responses to the challenges of international business, and make
business decisions that benefit both society and business
1&2
4. Apply theories and concepts to the real world of international business, engage in creative
thinking, and develop innovative solutions to problems emerging in complex international
business contexts, particularly those in the rising Asia Pacific region
1, 2 & 5
5. Collaborate effectively with others in a team on an international assignment
4
1.3
Graduate attributes
This unit will contribute to the development of the following Graduate Attributes:







Communication
Critical and creative thinking
Social interaction
Independent and lifelong learning
Ethics
Global perspective
Interdisciplinarity
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1.4
General guidance and requirements
1.4.1
Inclusivity Statement
Murdoch University strives to be a place of belonging for all staff and students. We are committed to supporting and
celebrating all community members including all abilities, ethnicities or religions, sexual or gender identities.
Homophobia, transphobia, racism, and ablism are not tolerated.
For help and support, please see information and contacts in Health & wellbeing in myMurdoch.
1.4.2
In case of unforeseen disruption to learning and teaching
A university or campus wide disruption may occur due to natural, political, or other human crisis (e.g., COVID-19).
Where it impacts our learning, teaching, and assessment plans, then we will communicate changes relevant to this
unit via myMurdoch Learning. Also pay attention to student announcements and myMurdoch for university wide
information.
For individual needs, consult with Access and Inclusion to see if an individual Access and Inclusion (EQAL) plan is
appropriate, or for specific assessment item adjustments, see your Unit Coordinator.
1.4.3
Where to get help for your learning success and wellbeing
Please refer to Support & Advice via myMurdoch for all the information you need for your studies.
This includes:



1.4.4
Student admin, Exams, Policies (refer to Assessment Policy and others), Key dates, Complaints and appeals
Learning and study support, including information about Academic Integrity and Murdoch Academic Passport
Health and wellbeing information, including Accessibility services, Medical and counselling services,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, and Sexuality and gender diversity support
o Contact Access and Inclusion if you have a disability, Specific Learning Disorder or health condition
(including mental health condition), are pregnant or breastfeeding or are caring for a person with a
disability, and require support in accessing your studies.
o Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Key dates and considerations for withdrawing from this unit
If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, see the Withdrawing page for general information and implications.
See the Teaching Periods page for implications of withdrawing at different times of the teaching period, including
Census Date, and search for the specific dates for your current teaching period.
1.4.5
Where to find your class
To find any location at Murdoch, use Murdoch Maps.
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2
Contact details
2.1
Unit coordinator
Name:
David Zhang
Discipline:
Management
Campus:
Murdoch
Email:
Z.Zhang@murdoch.edu.au
Phone:
93606025
2.2
Teaching team
You will be notified who your local teaching team is at the beginning of the teaching period. The teaching team
member will provide you with their contact details.
Name:
Role:
Campus:
Email:
Phone:
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3
How to study this unit
3.1
Approach to learning
3.1.1
Learning approach underpinning unit
The learning and teaching approach informing the assessment and activity selection and design in this unit is studentcentred, constructivist, and outcome-based, featuring predominantly active learning strategies with tasks that are
authentic and scaffolded.
3.1.2
Unit changes in response to student feedback
This unit has been adapted to accommodate student preferences for more online learning. Additional activities have
been developed to support student engagement with the process of learning. Student feedback is encouraged and
appreciated at all times via email to the Unit Coordinator.
3.2
Learning activities & requirements
The unit uses blended learning which combines learning online with interactive workshops. Using this combination of
online and face-to-face learning provides flexibility for all students to learn anytime (24/7), anywhere (with an Internet
connection) at a pace that suits their learning style. In this unit students explore concepts online prior to workshops,
through videos, audio, websites, simulations, and readings. There are 6 x 3.5 hour per fortnightly workshop sessions
plus a 1 x 3 hour additional session. Workshops (online or face-to-face) are interactive and use active learning such
as guided instruction (e.g. small group and whole class discussion), role plays, simulations, case studies, scenariobased tasks, problem-based tasks, project-based tasks and enquiry-based tasks. Students are to watch online
lectures and undertake required readings prior to attending the workshop.
3.3
Suggested time commitment
As this is a 3 credit point unit, we expect you to spend on average 12.5 hours per week for the total weeks of this
teaching period (or 150 hours overall) working on this unit. This includes in and out-of-class preparation time.
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4
Unit Schedule
See myMurdoch Learning for details of all learning activities and assessments.
Week
2
5
7
9
11
Workshop
session
Topics
Chapter in the Textbook
1 Introduction & the rise of
globalisation
Chapter 1 The rise of globalisation
2. The evolution of international
business
Chapter 2 The evolution of international
business
3. Regional economic integration
and the International flow of funds
and exchange rates
Chapter 3 Regional economic integration
4. The cultural environment
Chapter 5 The cultural environment
5. The legal and political
environment
Chapter 6 The legal and political environment of
global business
6. Corruption and ethics in
international business
Chapter 7 Corruption and ethics in international
business
7. Entry strategies in global
business
Chapter 8 Entry strategies in global business
8. Controls of global business
Chapter 9 Control of global business
9. Organisation of global business
Chapter 10 The organisation of global business
10. International HRM &
international marketing
Chapter 11 Global HRM
2.
Chapter 4 International flow of funds and
exchange rates
Business
proposal 10%
3 days after Week
5 session
Quiz 1
10%
By the end of
Week 7
The major report
30%
3 days after Week
11 session
Quiz 2
10%
By the end of
Week 13
Exam 40%
TBA
3.
4.
5.
11. International operations and
supply chains
14-15
Due
1.
Chapter 12 Global marketing
13
Assessment
items
6.
12. Other operational perspectives
of international business: finance,
accounting and taxation
Chapter 13 Global operations and supply chains
Chapter 14 Global financial management
Chapter 15 Accounting and taxation in global
business
Exam
International Business
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5
Assessments
Assessment for this unit is conducted in accordance with the Assessment Policy.
5.1
Assessment summary
Assessment
Name
Description
Unit Learning
Outcomes
1
Online Quiz
Open book
Multiple choice
questions
1, 2
2
Team project
(Business plan)
No.
Weight %
20%
Individual /
Group
Due Date
and Time
Individual
Weeks 7 &13
1). Project Proposal
10%
3 days after Week
5 session
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
40%
Group
40%
Individual
3 days after Week
11 session
2). Project report 30%
3
Examination
Open book
Short answer and long
answer questions
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
5.2
Assessment information
5.2.1
Assessment 1 - Online Quiz
Exam Week
ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION
The assessment consists of two open-book quizzes with multiple choice questions in Week 7 and Week 13,
respectively. 30 minutes for each quiz.
GUIDELINES for SUCCESS
The quiz will assess and provide feedback on the coverage of the knowledge students have gained from the textbook.
To do well in the quiz, you need to read relevant chapters in relation to the workshops.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Online via LMS site.
HOW IT IS ASSESSED (summary)
Your assessment outcome will be provided to you via the LMS site.
FEEDBACK FOR LEARNING
You need to reflect the assessment outcome in reference to the relevant chapters in the textbook to find out where to
improve, and consult with the lecturer if necessary.
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FURTHER DETAILS
See myMurdoch Learning for further details, such as instructions, communication, resources, guides, exemplars and a
descriptive rubric assessment tool.
5.2.2
Assessment 2 - Team Project
ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION
This is a team-based project. Students need to conduct a feasibility study into international business opportunities for
a local business organisation and report it in the form of a business plan. Students should work on the project
progressively throughout the course.
There are a number of reasons for this project. It will prove to be an enjoyable and very useful exercise for integrating
and applying topics, techniques and concepts studied during the course. However, it can also be challenging and
frustrating, like many big projects in over the course of your lifetime. It will test your resolve and initiative, as business
education should. It will provide practice in guided research, data acquisition and analysis, and professional
management report writing. Finally, a well-conceived and thorough report of which you can be proud can be listed on
your curriculum vitae and used effectively when searching for employment.
The project has two parts, a project proposal and the major report. Details are explained below.
Part 1: Project Proposal (10%)
Due: 3 days after Week 5 session
Details: no more than 500 words (2 pages)
Students should self-select groups of 4. No group can have more than 4 students. Group leaders should email their
group members’ names to the lecturer by workshop 4
Each individual of the group must submit a two-page project proposal to the lecturer no later than workshop 4. Attach
a cover page addressed to the unit coordinator (lecturer). It is recommended that students structure their report as is
specified in the project proposal marking guide. The group should choose one of the project proposals completed by
its individual members for its major project.
It should mention:
1.
the company to be studied
2.
target country
3.
nature of venture (export, licence, franchise, joint venture, etc.)
4.
indicative list of information sources (Full bibliographic details of actual books, articles, reports, bulletins,
surveys, etc. Ten to fifteen references are sufficient at this stage.
5.
anticipated difficulties in completing the project
6.
solutions to overcoming these difficulties
7.
preliminary list of chapters/sections of final report. Do not provide background history of the company or
country.
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Part 2: Major Project Report (30%)
Due: 3 days after Week 11 session
Details: 4000 words excluding exhibits, appendices and attachments.
Students should refer to the Major Project Report marking Guide for a proper structure of their report and understand
how their work is to be assessed. The guide is located in the Appendix folder of this unit at LMS
Remember that the task is to develop a feasibility study or a business plan to evaluate the prospects of a local product
or service in a foreign market. It is an important decision for students involves the selection of both the country and a
project worthy of analysis. Unless students can settle this issue early in the course, they will find it difficult to complete
the assignment. So, it is recommended to starting early to collect good ideas regarding the most favourable products
and business prospects in various countries of interests.
A hypothesised company sourced from the internet is acceptable. However, if students know of local companies with
international operations or plans for such operations, it might be possible for students to work on such a study with the
support and assistance of an interested company; and it will prove to be of great facilitation to the understanding of
real world business.
Some help will be available from the lecturer and tutor. However, students are expected to use their initiative and to
become self-reliant and independent investigators. Library and internet research are highly recommended in order to
obtain data on foreign markets, industries and companies. Avoid long and tedious sections of material copied from
books or other sources. Concentrate on project-relevant data and rigorous analysis of project fundamentals.
Selectively use material that has a direct bearing on your project.
Important Notice
A particular firm can be studied by no more than one group. Under no circumstances may a group or individual
submit work that has previously been submitted, or is concurrently being submitted, in whole or in part, for any other
unit without the consent of the local lecturer or the unit coordinator of this unit. Project reports submitted for Marketing
units cannot be used for this unit.
Peer assessment will be used to measure each individual student's contributions to the group performance. Any
student who fails to contribute a reasonable share of the group's work will receive a lower grade, as in the real world
of management. Group members will be expected to behave like responsible managers in an organisation, and to
display courtesy and consideration towards fellow group members, working together as partners to complete a TEAM
project. Groups should inform the lecturer as early as possible if they have any issues or conflicts in working as a
team. Each group is required to keep minutes of group meetings, recording who was present, who agreed to do what
and by when, and whether work previously promised was delivered to a satisfactory level of quality.
The report should be typed (one and a half spaced) with 2.5cm margins. Pages should be numbered. There should be
a Table of Contents, Introduction, Conclusion and Bibliography in addition to other chapters/sections. Groups should
strictly follow the marking guide framework. The first inside page should state the following:
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this report is given in good faith and was derived from sources believed
to be reliable and accurate. The report was prepared by students as a required component of their academic
assessment. The reader should not act on the basis of any information or recommendations contained in the report
without seeking specific advice from the firm's professional advisers. While due care has been taken in the preparation
of this document, Murdoch University together with its academic supervisors and students accepts no responsibility for
errors or omissions, nor do they guarantee its accuracy.
GUIDELINES for SUCCESS
To do well in this assessment, you need to conduct research on the chosen company and target country market, and
relate your research to what you learn in the workshops and textbook. Remember, the three most important factors in
the successful completion of this project are:
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•
an early start
•
a careful choice of company and host country
•
productive and harmonious group work.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Team leader to submit the project proposal and the project report via LMS.
HOW IT IS ASSESSED (summary)
See assessment guidelines for project proposal and project report, respectively, in the LMS site.
Your assessment outcome will be provided to you via LMS.
FEEDBACK FOR LEARNING
Student will receive the feedback on the proposal and report, respectively, via LMS together with the assessment
outcome.
FURTHER DETAILS
See myMurdoch Learning for further details, such as instructions, communication, resources, guides, exemplars and a
descriptive rubric assessment tool.
5.2.3
Assessment 3 - Examination
ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION
Open book exam consisting of short answer and long answer questions.
The final examination will focus on the understanding and application of theory, concepts and international business
processes. It will be based on all assigned readings. The final examination is worth 40% of assessment and will be of
2 hours duration.
There will be a short answer section in which you will need to complete two or three questions with straight and direct
answers; discussions are not required for this section. The second section will be a long answer section, in which you
can choose to answer two questions from three or four options. You will probably be asked to illustrate your answers
by using the assigned readings in the text or the cases that you have studied in the workshops. Your marks for this
section will be determined by the quality of your discussions, and how appropriate your choice of cases is and how
well you can relate your answers to the cases.
All chapters are examinable.
GUIDELINES for SUCCESS
To do well in the exam, students need to read the textbook in reference to what you learn from the workshops.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Online via LMS.
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HOW IT IS ASSESSED (summary)
You will be assessed on your understanding and application of theory, concepts and international business processes
in answering these questions.
Your assessment outcome will be provided to you via LMS.
FURTHER DETAILS
See myMurdoch Learning for further details, such as instructions, communication, resources, guides, exemplars and a
descriptive rubric assessment tool.
5.3
Academic integrity
Murdoch University expects students and staff to pursue the highest standards of integrity in all academic activity.
Academic integrity involves behaving ethically and honestly in scholarship and relies on respect for others’ ideas
through proper acknowledgement and referencing of publications.
Academic misconduct is treated seriously and penalties may apply.
More information about academic integrity can be found at https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/learningstudy. To help you
learn about academic integrity practices, all students are required to complete the Murdoch Academic Passport
(MAP100). Please also note the library citation guide.
Murdoch University makes use of content matching software to detect submitted work that is not original. When you
submit an assessment to myMurdoch Learning, it is checked by this software. Your Unit Coordinator may apply other
processes to verify that your submitted assessment is your own work.
In this unit, we undertake these practices to assure academic integrity: University provided software.
5.4
Extensions and late submissions
All assignments are to be uploaded into LMS
Late assignments will incur a penalty of 10% deduction (3 marks) per day of delay.
Extensions have to be approved by the unit coordinator with medical certificates provided or in exceptional
circumstances. Such circumstances do not include computer failures, car breakdowns, public transport problems and
work commitments, other study commitments or social functions.
Referencing check software, Urkund, will be used as a developmental tool for study. Prior to any assignment
submissions, students need to submit their work to Urkund, obtain the result report and attach the report to any
hardcopy submissions. Multiple submissions to Urkund will be allowed so that students can improve the referencing
according to the report. Only the latest report is needed for the hard copy submissions. Group leaders should submit
their major projects to Urkund on behalf of their groups.
Students should keep a copy of all work submitted for assessment.
This unit follows Murdoch policies and procedures with regards to extensions and late submissions, supplementary
and deferred assessment.
Students who feel that their disability, medical condition or disability caring responsibilities may impact on their
capacity meet assessment submission are strongly advised to visit Access and Inclusion as early as possible to
discuss potential needs and assistance.
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5.5
Determination of the final grade
Refer to Reporting of Results in the Assessment Policy for information about marks and grades.
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6
Learning resources
6.1
All learning resources
Your learning resources and any updates are provided through myMurdoch Learning (LMS) in the myMurdoch portal.
Learning resources within the myMurdoch Learning online environment for this unit will be
1. integrated within the sections and learning activities
and/or
2. through tools such as:
o My Unit Readings
o Collaborate
o Echo360
o PebblePad
The specific types of learning resources that we use include textbook and recommended readings.
6.2
Essential learning resources
Essential to success in this unit are these learning resources:
Resource details
Resource type
Available
Gaspar. Introduction to Global Business:
Understanding the International Environment
& Global Business Functions. 2nd ed.,
Cengage, 2017. ISBN 9781305501188
Textbook
Purchase from bookshop
Other resources and further recommended resources will be provided during the teaching period.
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7
Academic Advice and Student Support
Need guidance on study related issues?
Use this flowchart or seek direct assistance from
Student Support Services or MyMurdochAdvice.
If you have…?
 Questions about content covered in tutorials or practical sessions.
 General questions about completing assessments.
 Concerns about another student or your learning needs.
Lecturer (Local
Affiliate)
 Positive and constructive feedback.
 Questions about unit content, assessments, attendance or tutorial times.
 Questions on marked assessments.
 Request a re-mark/review of a marked assessment.
 Academic issues with your learning in this unit.
Lecturer (Local
Affiliate) or Local
Administration
Office
 Positive and constructive feedback.
 Academic and assessment issues that haven’t been adequately addressed by the
Affiliate/Local Lecturer
 Academic issues relating to progression through your degree, withdrawal from a unit or
intermission.
Unit Coordinator or
Local Administration
Officer or Academic
Chair
 Positive and constructive feedback.
 Academic, assessment or other issues that haven’t been adequately addressed by your
Affiliate/Local Lecturer and or Academic Chair or you aren’t comfortable discussing with
your Academic Chair.
 Formal request for re-mark/review in accordance with policy and procedure, where Unit
Coordinator has not undertaken.
 Complaints or appeals relating to your studies that haven’t been adequately addressed.
Visit Complaints and Appeals for more advice.
Local Administralion
Office or Head of
Discipline
 Positive and constructive feedback.
To further escalate an appeal or complaint, contact the Dean Learning and Teaching
and/or see Complaints and Appeals for formal appeals procedures.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/supportservices
LEARNING AND STUDY SUPPORT: https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/learningstudy
MYMURDOCH ADVICE: https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/mymurdochadvice
COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS: https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/ComplaintsAppeals
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COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS: https://goto.murdoch.edu.au/ComplaintsAppeals
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