International Business Environment
Module learning outcomes:
- Understand the importance of international business and trade, the nature of trade blocs and the impact of globalisation;
- Consider key issues for managers relating to the development of emerging markets;
- Appreciate the importance for managers of cross-cultural and ethical aspects of international business;
- Develop skills of analysis through the discussion of case studies and other workshop activities;
- Develop research skills by undertaking secondary research;
- Develop enhanced communication skills through report-writing and reflection on learning
Your assessment for this module takes the form of a business report. Specific instructions are provided below:
The assignment will consist of one 2,500 word report including a short personal learning statement* (no more than one A4 side long). The topic is as follows:
Choose a country that you consider to be an emerging market and that you are interested in. Write a report explaining why you consider this country to be an emerging market and critically analyse the challenges and opportunities facing foreign outside investors wishing to do business in that country. Use the knowledge gained from the module as well as examples from your own secondary research.
The task is designed to encourage you to conduct your own secondary research into the different aspects of the international business environment and apply them to a specific location. You are advised to narrow the topic further and focus on an industry in which you are interested. There will be a full briefing on the assessment in the seminar class.
Individual Report - Marking Criteria for Final Submission
Introduction, Background and Business Environment
Explanation of characteristics of emerging markets (supported by academic references)
Discussion of key opportunities (using examples)
Discussion of key challenges (using examples)
Personal Learning Statement (including reflection on plan and peer feedback)
Clarity, structure, grammar, presentation, references
In order to allow some feedback on your work before you write the report there is an interim task to create a plan. Most students do this during the Independent Study Week as there are no classes that week. This must be your own work and the task requires you to complete some of the research and then summarise it on 6 PowerPoint slides to be submitted via Turnitin on Moodle (see separate briefing on Moodle site for this). You must follow the guidelines as directed.
How will we support you with your assessment?
- A dedicated seminar on report-writing
- Peer feedback on your draft plan
- Links to the assessment throughout your seminars
- Example assignments on Moodle
- FAQs on Moodle
How will your work be assessed?
Your work will be assessed by a subject expert who will use the assessment criteria provided in this assessment brief. When you access your marked work it is important that you reflect on the feedback so that you can use it to improve future assignments.
You MUST use the Harvard System. The Harvard system is very easy to use once you become familiar with it.