International Trade And Investment-
Aims and Objectives
This unit engages students to understand multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in international trade and investment issues. This unit examines the interactions between economic, political, strategic and legal aspects of international trade and investment policies at national, regional and global levels and includes the ways in which WTO members affect and affected by regional and multilateral trade agreements. The focus of this unit includes both emerging and developing market economics and their interrelatedness with developed economies. An analytical approach, combined with the research assessment item/s emphasises the ability to analyse and apply theories in the current context. After successfully completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. Critically analyse the main trends of International Trade and Investment justifying forecasts and predictions into the future.
2. Critically analyse the relevance of trade in the global marketplace identifying areas of policy that might impact on this placement.
3. Critically analyse international trade theories, socio-economic and geo-political issues in international trade and investment
4. Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and execute a piece of research with independence.
5. Communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences and work as an effective member or leader of a diverse group.
Assignment 1-
Each student needs to choose an Australian publicly listed company (for instance BHP Billiton, Lend Lease Group or any other selected company in consultation with your Convenor) that either exports to, or invests in developing countries. Discuss the nature of the company's involvement in the overseas market, including strategic motives for entering this market.
(a) What is the rationale for the company to expand beyond the domestic market?
(b) How has the company positioned itself in light of the evolving nature of the global economy?
(c) What lessons can be learned from the company's approaches in the overseas market?
Assignment 2-
For the group assessment, students will be divided into small (up to 4 persons) groups. Students must meet and engage in dialogue and critically reflect on a free trade agreement, identifying the benefits and costs of the agreement for each country and highlight opportunities for firms in each country based on the nations comparative advantages. Presentations will be 20 minutes in length.
The student group will lead a class activity involving the other groups to identify specific firms where the trade agreement has created an opportunity and a means for them to capitalise on the agreement. This may involve FDI, export or establishing a relationship with a host-country based firm. Time allocated: 30 minutes (including reporting back)
Required Textbook(s) - Hill, C (2015), International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace, 10th Edition, McGraw hill Education.