1. Study-abroad presentation (25%)
Present to the class three most important skills/lessons you learned from your overseas semester. Why are these skills/lessons important? And how did you come to learn them? Reflections should be evidence-based, including specific examples from the study abroad experience to illustrate points. Your will have about 8 minutes for the presentation. Your presentation will be in Week 8 or Week 10.
Marking criteria:
- Awareness of the social and cultural factors of a new environment (10%);
- Self-reflection and life lessons of dealing with problems in life (15%)
- Effective presentation
2. Case study report (25%)
You will analyse a business case posted on Moodle. You should perceive yourself as a business consultant, who are asked to provide analysis and recommendations on the business of the company in the case.
The aims of the case report are for you to 1) apply theoretical concepts to a real-world example and 2) practice and improve your research skills. The final report should be about 1,500 – 2,000 words. You could also include a reference section and an appendix (excluded from the word limit). Submit your report online via turnitin before the case is discussed during class in Week 7.
Marking criteria:
- Presenting an analysis of key issues of the case, incorporating relevant international business concepts and theoretical frameworks (10%);
- Applying the knowledge to provide well-justified solutions to problems (10%).
- Effective written communication (5%).
3. Participation (25%)
- Commentaries on readings (6%)
Write a short commentary on the three readings assigned for Weeks 1-3. Each commentary will account for 2%. For each commentary, briefly explain (1) the core ideas of the reading, and (2) how the reading relates to your work or life experience, and how would that affects your future work behaviour. The commentary should be relatively short, about one page (single line spacing). Submit the commentary online via turnitin and bring along a hard copy of the commentary to class during the week when the reading is discussed.
Marking criteria: A good understanding of the reading (1%) and translating the reading into lessons learned (1%)
- Quiz (9%)
The purpose of the quiz is to assess your understanding of the theoretical concepts discussed in the lectures and readings from Weeks 1 to 7. Multiple choice questions will be asked. The quiz will be on Week 10.
- Class participation (10%)
Class participation provides an opportunity to develop oral communication skills, to present your ideas concisely and persuasively, and to respond effectively to the comments of others. Please read all course material suggested, and come to class prepared with questions and comments. Marking criteria:
- The quality and frequency of contributions in class.
- The professionalism of your conduct (attendance, punctuality, readiness, and showing respect to all members).
4. Investment pitch (25%)
- Group presentation (20%)
You will work as a team (with 4-5 students in a team) to create an imaginary company that you have been operating in the domestic Australian market for a while. Your team represents top management, and you have decided it is time to go international.
You will identify a real business opportunity in an industry and country of your choice (some limitations on the choice of countries will be discussed in class). Your company MUST SELL the idea to the class —supposedly potential investors in your company. You will pitch to the investors why they should be excited to support your plan to expand your business in the selected country. Every member of the team will have to take part in the pitch.
The presentation should be about 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of Q&As. Please hand in a hardcopy of your presentation file to me during the week you are presenting. The presentations will be on Week 11.
Marking criteria:
1. Describe your company and its operations, relative size, and so forth. Give reasons for your decision to go international;
2. Present a critical analysis of the investment opportunity of the chosen industry and country;
3. State your entry strategy, scale, and operational plan. Relevant issues include but not limited to business environment, culture, work ethics, local business partners, organisation chart with headquarters, staffing policy, decision making and motivation systems, control, communications;
4. Analyse anticipated risks associated with the investment project, and develop well justified conclusions or solutions that reflect critical thinking and problem solving;
5. Identify concerns of the host country and the local community regarding your operation there. Discuss the plan you have in place to ensure a long-term cooperative relationship;
6. Effective oral communication. Students should be able to communicate clearly and concisely, present professionally and able to response to questions.
- Teamwork reflection (5%)
You will evaluate your team members’ contribution and performance in the group presentation with 5 points in a peer evaluation form. In the form, you will also briefly comment on the contribution of each member. Your evaluations on team members will be kept anonymous. Individual participation mark may be moderated based on the peer evaluation.