20115 International Business Capstone
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
The capstone subject engages students with the overall internationalisation process of companies. The content and assessment items help them to consolidate the knowledge and skills they have learnt in the International Business Major by integrating and applying these in a holistic manner.
Students analyse contemporary business cases and foreign market entry decisions of international firms. In doing so, they are challenged to critically analyse the practical aspects of managing in a global environment, and so gain skills that will be transferable to future work in international contexts.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | Apply a range of international business theories and models to work practices and decisions relevant to global business environments |
|---|---|
| 2. | Engage with critical theoretical and professional discourse relevant to managing in global settings |
| 3. | Synthesise international business theories and knowledge in creative and innovative ways |
| 4. | Propose and justify a market entry assessment of a company’s international expansion |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives:
- Apply evidence, creativity and critical reasoning to solve business problems (1.1)
- Demonstrate ability to work independently and with others as a member of a team to achieve an agreed goal (2.2)
- Make judgements and business decisions consistent with the principles of social responsibility, inclusion and knowledge of different cultures (3.1)
- Apply technical and professional skills to operate effectively in business (4.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The main aim of this capstone subject is to enable students to synthesise the knowledge and skills they have learnt throughout the major by applying these to contemporary international business cases, issues and activities.
The subject’s assessment tasks require students to demonstrate the ability to conduct research, synthesise salient information, and articulate and justify logical ideas that address issues faced by international firms and that support their market entry proposals.
Students are expected to demonstrate professional-level competence in preparing written reports and making a public presentation of their findings and recommendations.
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):
- Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
- Communication and collaboration
- Social responsibility and cultural awareness
- Professional and technical competence
Teaching and learning strategies
This capstone subject is taught using a combination of lectures and smaller tutorials.
Lectures: Lectures cover the application of international business theories and relevant tools and models to analyse issues faced by firms involved in cross-border business. Students are expected to critically analyse the business practices of international firms being discussed as preparation for conducting (and presenting) their team case analysis (assessment task 1) and individual market entry project (assessment tasks 2 and 3).
Tutorials: The tutorial activities provide students the opportunity to integrate knowledge from the lectures and from the other core subjects they have covered during the international business major. In most tutorials, students will work in groups to discuss relevant cases or issues. Tutorials also develop students’ skills in conducting comprehensive research for a professional business report.
Students are expected to prepare before class by completing designated preparation activities. These include activities like watching videos, reading cases and chapters from the textbook, and/or other readings made available on the UTS Learning Management System.
Details of these preparation activities for lectures and tutorials are provided in the subject schedule on the UTS Learning Management System.
In this subject, extensive use is made of UTS Learning Management System, which will be used to share information, provide feedback and encourage interaction between staff and students.
Students will have opportunities to receive feedback from the subject coordinator and tutors. All students will be provided with initial feedback about their performance on or before the census date. Feedback throughout the session will also be given verbally and formally by tutors in the class or via email. Tutors will also offer written feedback on students’ assessments.
Content (topics)
- Comprehensive analysis of challenges associated with the overall internationalisation process
- Approaches to researching international business issues
- Emerging markets and developed markets
- Advanced team management skills
- Managing diversity and cultural differences
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Presentation (Group and Individual)*
| Intent: |
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|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 3 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 2.2 |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | Each presentation will be approximately 20 minutes in duration (including 5 minutes interaction/Q&A time). |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 2: Market Entry Strategy Project (Individual) - Part A: Firm and Industry Analysis
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 1.1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 2500 words (+/- 10% leeway) |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 3: Market Entry Strategy Project (Individual) - Part B: Country Potential and Entry Strategy Analysis
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 4 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 3.1 and 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 45% |
| Length: | 2500 words with +/-10% leeway (excluding Part A, executive summary, reference list and appendix). |
| Criteria: |
|
Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.
Required texts
Cavusgil, S.T., Knight, G., and Riesenberger, J.R. (2019) International Business: The New Realities, 5th Edition, Pearson Australia (ISBN 9781292303246).
Information about the textbook can be found in the 'Get Started' Module at the subject’s Canvas site.
References
Your research may require you to use articles from reputable academic publications. Below are some well-regarded international business and management journals that are available via the library databases:
- Journal of International Business Studies
- Journal of World Business
- Journal of Management Studies
- Journal of International Management
- Management International Review
- Global Strategy Journal
- International Business Review
- International Journal of Human Resource Management
- Thunderbird International Business Review
- Multinational Business Review
ONLINE RESOURCES
- UTS Library: useful information to improve your skills in a range of areas, for instance, researching, exam preparation, project management and group work
- Student Services: Advice on organising your study, motivating and managing yourself
- Other relevant links are provided on Canvas.
Canvas
In this subject, Canvas will be used for the following purposes:
- To post relevant announcements relating to the subject;
- To provide subject support materials such as the subject outline and other readings;
- To display contact information for instructors;
- To provide additional information or links relating to course content; and
- As a subject feedback tool.