21514 Introduction to International Business

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Note

This subject has been introduced from Autumn 2022 and is only intended for students commencing the MAJ08442 International Business major and SMJ08130 Management sub-major from 2022. Students who have completed 21591 Transnational Management prior to 2022 should not undertake 21514 Introduction to International Business as part of their course.

Description

This subject covers issues related to the macro-level environment (e.g., political, economic, and cultural environments) within which international business firms operate and the firm-level strategies to manage cross-border operations. It presents concerns about globalisation, political risks, sustainability and ethical issues that influence business activities across national boundaries. Through the application of theories in case studies, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical international business challenges and propose strategies to manage challenges and international business activities effectively.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

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

1.	discuss how different macro-environmental forces influence approaches to managing international business
2.	examine the impact of the activities of multinational enterprises in light of sustainability and social responsibility
3.	apply skills in critical thinking to analyse the challenges of operating Internationally and provide practical solutions

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The subject content and assessment specifically contribute to the graduate attributes of:

Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
Communication and collaboration
Social responsibility and cultural awareness
Professional and technical competence

This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objectives:

Apply evidence, creativity and critical reasoning to solve business problems (1.1)
Make judgements and business decisions consistent with the principles of social responsibility, inclusion and knowledge of Indigenous peoples (3.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is based on mixed-mode of lectures (i.e., mostly live lecturers/on-campus lectures with few pre-recorded lectures) and live or on-campus tutorials. It will be taught using a combination of large lectures and smaller tutorials. The lectures provide the structure of the topic area, discussion of the theory and some practical examples. Lectures will use contemporary real-life case questions or short videos at the beginning of each week so as to help students make sense of weekly topics in the class.

Tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss cases, issues and make practical applications of the theory, as well as encourage students to think in a creative manner to solve real-world problems. Students will work in groups to discuss weekly case questions and share with other groups through presentations in the tutorials. Tutors will offer instant constructive feedback for each group.

Students are expected to read cases and chapters in the textbook or online materials before attending lectures and tutorials. The pre-work will form the basis of understanding lectures and in-class tutorial activities. Students will need to ensure they have completed the pre-work to make effective use of their time and learning during the in-class activities. The detailed reading instructions for lectures and tutorials will be stated in the subject schedule on the learning management system. Extensive use is made of the UTS Learning Management System, which will be used to share information, provide feedback and encourage interaction between staff and students.

All students will be provided with initial feedback about their performance on or before the census date. The coordinator will provide weekly feedback for students’ learning in the lecture and by replying to students’ questions through email or Microsoft Teams. Feedback throughout the session will also be given verbally and formally by tutors when they interact with students in the class or through replying to students’ emails. In addition, tutors will offer written feedback on students’ assessments.

Content (topics)

Drivers and consequences of globalisation.
Understanding the international context and responding to macro-environmental forces (e.g., political, economic, social, environmental and ethical, technological, and legal)
Management across cultures
Internationalisation strategies and structures
Specific challenges associated with political risks and decision making within multinationals

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Group Presentation (Group)*

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 2
Weight:	20%
Length:	8 minutes for video presentation and 5 minutes for Q/A.
Criteria:	Critical analysis of the challenges in terms of ethics and sustainability faced by multinational firms Ability to work in groups with peers Ability to communicate and present in a clear, creative and effective manner *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Assessment task 2: Case study (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1
Weight:	40%
Length:	2500 words (+/- 10% leeway)
Criteria:	Ability to evaluate internal and external global environment through effective use of analytical tools and evidence Development of practical solutions and recommendations relevant to the stated business issues

Assessment task 3: Final Exam (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 3
Weight:	40%
Criteria:	Ability to apply and criticise concepts in terms of macro-environment and firm-level strategies in the context of cross-border operations to the analysis of business practices Ability to apply evidence, creativity and critical reasoning to propose solutions for challenges associated with international business

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

Luthans F. and Doh, J. 2020, ISE International Management: Culture, Strategy, and Behavior, 11th edition, McGraw-Hill Education.
Ebook version is also available.
The detailed information on textbook will be in 'Get Started' Module in Canvas.

Other resources

Electronic resources are available on Canvas for this subject including articles from UTS library databases.