Faculty of Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 21128 International Business AND 21591 International Management AND 25304 Asian-Australian Economics Relations AND 22240 International Accounting AND 24220 International Marketing
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are also course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This capstone subject involves applying knowledge gained from the study of prerequisite subjects in the International Business major. Students achieve this through undertaking research and working on an international business problem while working with an Australian or international organisation. Students also develop a project proposal outlining the methodology for in-depth investigation of a particular issue; analyse primary and secondary data gathered from the client organisation and outside sources; and prepare oral and written reports of findings in all relevant areas of international business operations.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Apply knowledge gained in the International Business major to a wide variety of international business situations.
2. Demonstrate an ability to conduct an in-depth investigation of an international business problem.
3. Analyse primary and secondary data as part of the development of a simulated organisation.
4. Critique current theories as they apply to multi national corporations and their environments.
5. Demonstrate an ability to synthesise various fields and disciplines which contribute to addressing international business problems.

Contribution to graduate profile

Applied International Business is a capstone subject in the International Business Major. It integrates the content of specialised subjects in the major in such a way as to develop the ability to analyse, research and propose possible solutions to international business problems. The subject expands the student's ability to understand and respond to the complexity of international business problems.

Teaching and learning strategies

The main teaching strategy of Applied International Business is the consideration and discussion of contemporary case studies. These are selected for their relevance to contemporary international management problems. Students must also complete a group integrative project which concentrates upon the management challenges faced by an international firm. Students must also be familiar with key readings in the international business area.

Content

• The challenge of managing motivation, cultural differences and conflict
• The development of strategic capabilities
• Political and ethical challenges for business
• The organisational and world wide learning challenge
• The challenge of international collaboration
• Managing for the future.

Assessment

Case analysis and discussion (Individual)	25%
Students are expected to prepare answers to a comprehensive case study of a multi national corporation undergoing transition. This assessment addresses objectives 2 and 5.
Integrative project (Group)	25%
Students are required to analyse challenges facing a multinational corporation that has been operating in Sydney for at least five years. A number of data gathering strategies may be used to generate a comprehensive picture of the firms operations, challenges and management style. The results are presented in report format. This assessment addresses objectives 1-3 and 5.
Final Examination (Individual)	50%
The examination consists of short answer and essay type questions. This assessment addresses objectives 1, 4 and 5.

The examination is conducted under University Examination conditions, and hence addresses secure assessment concerns. A new examination is prepared for each semester. The case study is changed each semester for each lecturer. Topics are monitored for the integrative group project to ensure studies of the same company are not resubmitted.

Recommended text(s)

Bartlett, C.A., Ghoshal,S. and Birknshaw, J., (2003) Transnational Management, Irwin Chicago Ill.

Indicative references

Ball, D. and McCulloch, W. (2003) International Business: The Challenge of Global Competition, 9th Ed, Irwin, Boston.

Hill, C. (2003) International Business: Competing in the Global Market Place, 4th ed, McGraw Hill, Boston.

Mahoney D., Trigg, M., Griffin, R. and Pustay, M. (2001) International Business: A Managerial Perspective, Pearson Education Sydney.