IBM501: International Business
‘Identify and critique the International Business practice of an organization’
Assignment 2: Additional Information
Assignment 2 is worth 40% of the overall marks. This individual assignment is therefore an important
piece of work. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the link between
International Business theory and practice. Briefly you are required to identify, review, analyse and
critique the relevance of the international business action(s) of an organisation of your choice.
The assignment involves research within the context of existing knowledge. You may use secondary
data to provide a logically structured argument. While there will be significant reporting of facts in
this assignment, mere reporting will be insufficient. I will look for evidence of critical review and
analysis. You are expected to identify an appropriate concept/model/theory from the recommended
textbook or other acknowledged sources to explain the relevance of the International Business
action.
Assignment Focus:
You are required to identify, review, analyse and critique International Business Practice of a real
organization of your choice.
You should utilise your knowledge of international business to undertake an analysis of the ‘reported
practice or action’ of a real organisation. You may choose an organisation from the local
environment or from overseas. Business press is full of reports about different aspects of
international business actions implemented by local and global organisations.
Your first step should be to choose a recently reported event (from past one year) in the business
world that highlights a significant international business action. It is recommended that you look for
business developments from credible business publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business
Week, The Economist, Fortune, and Forbes. Major newspapers can also be used to identify the
event.
The next step should be to analyse the relevance of the reported actions. You should be able to
justify or refute the actions based on the theory and models of international business. It is essential
that you are able to assess if the reported actions are “theoretically sound and justified”? The
discussion section should clearly articulate how the reported event/action makes sense in the
context of concepts/theories/models discussed in this unit. You should also provide an explanation
of the relevant concepts/theories/models used in your critique.
The assignment components should include (1) an introduction including additional background
information on the action/event and other stakeholders that may be involved, (2) explanation of therelevant concepts/theories/models, including in-depth detail from academic sources (3) critique of
the reported action/event to discuss how the event/news relates to or can be explained by one or
more concepts from IB knowledge. You should provide details of how the discussed event/news is
logically explained by of one or more concepts covered in this unit. To this end you should also
discuss these concept(s) in detail. This will involve you to identify, explore additional sources such as
academic journal articles or book chapters that are related to the concepts you discuss. (4)
Reference list - Provide a proper reference list with the references quoted in your paper at the end
of the report. It is essential that you provide the full citation details of each reference
Assignment Format
Your assignment should not exceed 2500 words, typed at least 1.5 or double space, preferably using
Arial point 12 type face. You can attach appendices to the report to provide coverage of information
that, because of the report length constraint, could not be included in the main report.
The source of all materials included in the report should be accurately referenced using Harvard
referencing format (which is known as the Harvard System).
Make sure you provide details of the reported action or practice.
Assessment Criteria:
You must make an effort to use multiple sources of information in preparing your assignment. These
sources may include- articles from refereed journals (the most important source), electronic
database, newspapers, and in some cases (where feasible and desirable) interviews with key
stakeholders. Assignments will be assessed based on demonstrated conceptual understanding,
evidence of wide reading and research, appropriate editing and consistent use of referencing.
Your assignment will be assessed on multiple dimensions including conforming with instructions
(e.g., word lengths, reference list, formatting etc.); an ability to utilise appropriate academic theories
and models that can provide a framework to explain the reported event; ability to develop and
present an effective argument; ability to utilise sources such as the Internet and University library
facilities to search, locate and summarise relevant information and data to develop and present your
argument; an ability to critically analyse information, formulate conclusions and exhibit original
thought; and clarity of expression (including accuracy, spelling, grammar, punctuation).Student Name:………………………………………………………………..
Student Number: …………………………………………………………….
Introduction 20
Concise reporting of action/event
Contextual information of action/event
Concepts/theories/models 20
Explanation of the relevant concepts/theories/models
Review of relevant literature
Quality of research (relevance of the sources used)
Extent of research effort
Establishing the link 30
Explanation of the link between the event and appropriate concept
Justification and supporting evidence
Arguments, critique and original thought
Logical sequence
Conclusion 15
Justifiable conclusion
Addressing all assignment objectives
Others items 15
Conforming with instructions
Accurate referencing
Consistent layout and formatDate Due: Friday, 19 May 2017
Assessment Value: 40% of final mark
Assessment Format: At least 1.5 or typed double spaced with at least 2.5cm
margins following specified style requirements; Arial
font 12.
2500 words maximum (excluding appendices)
Reference Style: Harvard
Plagiarism and Other Forms of Cheating: Plagiarism is a serious act of academic
misconduct. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s Policies on Examination and
Assessment, including plagiarism and other forms of cheating. Students must not submit
work that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course.
Late Assignment Submission: I am sympathetic to unforeseen personal and professional
problems that might arise from time to time. However students are expected to submit their
work by the due date to maintain a fair and equitable system. Extensions will only be given
for medical or other serious reasons. Requests for extensions must be emailed to the
lecturer of the course, preferably before the due date. Each request will be assessed on its
merits. Late assignments (without prior arrangement) will be penalised by a 5% reduction
for each day the assignment is late as specified in the Business School and University
policies and procedures.
You should upload assignment only in ‘Word’ format (no PDF). Provide your name as it is
recorded in CDU system – highlighting your surname. Also indicate the campus you are
based at for example, Waterfront, Melbourne or Sydney. Lastly, state the word count also.
Please retain a copy of all assignments submitted
Make sure you provide your name, student number and campus location details on the
assignment