Assignment 2 Information Sheet To be supplied to students when they receive the coursework assignment task Unit Co-ordinator: Dr Habte Selassie Unit Name: Thriving in a Competitive Global Context Unit Code: MAR023-6 (16-17 Sem 2) (C23) Title of Coursework: The role of ICT in a firm’s global marketing strategy % weighting of final unit grade: 70% Feedback details The university policy is that you will receive prompt feedback on your work within 15 working days of the submission date. Exceptionally where this is not achievable (for example due to staff sickness) you will be notified as soon as possible of the revised date and the reasons behind the change. Submission Date: May 25, 2017 Feedback Date: June 16, 2017 Details of how to access the feedback: Written comments outlining major strengths and weaknesses of your work via TurnitIn.   Assignment Brief Submission instructions Assignment should be handed in by midday (Oman time) of the submission date. Unit title must be included as a header/footer on every page. Pages should be numbered. The unit title and code number must be clearly marked on the assignment top sheet. Coursework must be handed in by the date and time specified. Late work is not accepted, and will be deemed a fail and graded G(0) (no work submitted). Learning Outcomes The completion of this assignment requires you to demonstrate the ability to: • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the changing nature of the global business environment, buyer behaviour in a global context and the factors which influence the implementation of an organisation’s competitive business strategy in a global context. • Appreciate the use of Information technology and the internet in transforming global business by allowing firms to conduct e-commerce online and to integrate e-business capabilities in their global operations; apply a range of strategic business and financial tools and techniques available to plan and evaluate a global business operation. Format for submission The word limit is 3,500 (+/-10%) All work should be word processed using either Times New Roman or Ariel font, with line spacing of 1½ and justified. A Reference list must be attached at the end of the report. A minimum of 10 peer reviewed academic sources is required.   Assignment Detail Assignment 2: The role of ICT in a firm’s global marketing strategy The Task According to Albaum et al (2016), one of the major technological impacts during the past decades on international (global) marketing has been through the internet. They point out that “all phases of business from purchasing through supply chain management through sales and payments / financing have been impacted” (p.335). However, the literature further stresses that while the internet poses tremendous opportunities for international / global marketing there are also several challenges. In their article published way back in 2003, Melewar & Smith (2003) stated that despite offering an unprecedented opportunities to organisations for their global marketing strategies, “the internet brings with it potential difficulties” (p.366). Critique the current role of the internet in the business environment of one of the countries in the Middle East. Then examine how ICT (information and communication technology) has impacted upon the marketing strategy and operations of a firm (organisation) of your choice. How has the firm (organisation) benefited from (or hampered by, if at all) the current Internet service (such as government policy and programmes, the rate of broadband internet penetration, speed, access, support, cost, quality of service, etc.) available in the country? Finally, propose a set of recommendations that set out possible improvements a) at country level, and b) at the firm (organisation) level that enables it to implement an ICT strategy for an effective global marketing strategy. In choosing a country – For obvious reasons the first choice is expected to be Oman. However, if for any reason you can’t research Oman then select one from the following list only: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates. Choosing a firm (organisation) would depend on the country you have chosen. If you have selected Oman then it is logical to discuss the firm / organisation you work for (if you find it appropriate for the task). Otherwise you can choose any other Omani firm / organisation. If you choose to research any of the other countries then the firm / organisation must be from that same country. Details of marking criteria are as follows:   Assignment Marking Criteria (see also marking grid) While marking your assignment we will be looking for evidence for how well you have addressed the question / issues. The following part explains the key points you should consider in preparing your assignment. It is also important to review the specifications and guidelines outlined in your unit handbook, such as ‘Learning outcomes’ along with the ‘Assessment Criteria’, ‘the Assignment Strategy’, etc. 1. Introduction: A brief introduction that provides the background and purpose of the report or its objectives, and how the report is structured. Interpreting the question - this ideally should be clear within the introduction along with background / context. 2. Addressing the question / topic: The main body of the report where the question is addressed. (This part may have a few sections / sub-sections). The key criteria here include: a. Research – evidence of systematic research approach, depth and breadth of research undertaken; application of appropriate conceptual (theoretical / empirical) framework(s), etc. b. Analysis – well focussed on answering the question, depth and clarity of argument, evidence of critical engagement, organising / summarising collected information (e.g. in Tables, Graphs, trends, etc.); answering the questions/tasks fully. 3. Conclusion and recommendations: A clear, concise, and relevant conclusion (and recommendations where appropriate). A conclusion where the key points that have emerged from the discussion are summarised, implications and where further investigation may be appropriate, are stated. Clear and practical recommendations that emerge from the findings and the conclusion. 4. Scholarly practice – a proper referencing within the report (citations), employing appropriate International Business/ Global Marketing vocabulary, etc., the quality of the Reference section. (Harvard style of referencing). 5. Presentation: Neat layout, and headings / sub-headings where appropriate. Pages should be numbered; and also Tables and Figures numbered and labelled sequentially and appropriately. Sources of Tables and Figures should be indicated for each Table and Figure. Clarity of expression (appropriate language, grammar, spelling, etc.). Length of the report should be 3,500 (+/-10%) without including the reference section. Word-count at the end of the report. No attachments / appendices allowed. Please note that the above does not necessarily provide you with the headings / subheadings to be used in your report. While generic headings such as ‘Introduction’, ‘Conclusion’, and ‘Recommendations’ would be appropriate and could be used in your report, other headings / subheadings would emerge from the issues you are researching. Headings / subheadings give a logical, sequential, and meaningful structure for your report.