INTBUS 201 : Foundations of International Business

Business and Economics

2021 Semester One (1213) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Explores the distinctive nature of business conducted beyond the boundary of the domestic market. Examines how firms reach multinational scale while exposed to the turbulence and complexity of international political and economic forces.

Course Overview

This course introduces the topic of international business. Along with INTBUS202, INTBUS201 is one of the two core Stage 2 courses for students undertaking a major in International Business, and relevant to those with an interest in global studies, international relations and New Zealand’s place in the world. The course focuses on the ways international business differs from business conducted within a single country, examining distinctively international modes of business such as trade and foreign investment. We aim to understand the structure, processes and institutions of the international system as well as the firms that operate in that system. The international order is dynamic, so we examine how and why it changes so as to better appreciate why, how and where international business is done. Relevant theories and concepts are introduced within particular contexts using a variety of case studies. The course aims to equip students with the tools to analyse new developments in the international context and assess their significance for international business. In doing so, students will also develop foundational knowledge and skills for stage 3 International Business studies.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: BUSINESS 102 or MGMT 101, and ECON 111 or 151 or 152 or 191, or 15 points from ECON 111, 151, 152 and 30 points in International Relations and Business Restriction: INTBUS 210, 211

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify and evaluate the opportunities and risks associated with business internationalization for firms, governments and other stakeholders. (Capability 1, 2 and 5.1)
  2. Identify and explain the principal actors that have shaped the international business environment, and the tools they have used to do so. (Capability 1 and 4.2)
  3. Develop an understanding of contending arguments about the motivations of actors that affect the international business environment. (Capability 1, 2 and 4.2)
  4. Apply arguments about the sources of tension and change in the international business system. (Capability 1, 3 and 4.2)
  5. Identify and explain the major challenges confronting international business firms. (Capability 1, 4.2 and 5.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Quizzes 20% Individual Coursework
Essay 30% Individual Coursework
Final Exam 50% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Quizzes
Essay
Final Exam

Students must pass the exam in order to pass the course.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.


Delivery Mode

Learning Resources

TBA

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 29/11/2020 12:10 p.m.