MODULE GUIDE

Faculty of Business
Undergraduate Programmes

Module BM3309
International Business
Semester: October 2015
Name : Rosli Musa
Room : A210 (Administration Block)
E-mail : [email protected]
Telephone: 06 8502338 ext 234

Contents
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Meet the Module Leader

Module Introduction
Module Syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Semester Plan Synopsis
Assignment and Assessment Criteria
Recommended Reading Lists
Expected Class Contact
Specimen Coursework Assessment
Specimen Examination Paper
Warning: Plagiarism, Syndication and Cheating

MEET THE MODULE LEADER

Dear all,
Greetings!
Nice meeting you all!
This is the module (and seminar) leader. Again, welcome, and CONGRATULATIONS! You
made a smart decision to choose your programme that comprises with this module! This is
an important module to equip the students with necessary knowledge and skills of managing
organisation and people in an international context. It is a serious, yet an interesting module,
which you will have opportunity to expose yourself to a wide array of international business
strategy with management policies and practices in sustaining competitive advantages at
global scale!
I truly hope that, like your predecessors, you will enjoy the module and find that our
discussions enhance your understanding of the global management process.
Please feel free to contact me if you need further information about the module. You can
reach me at:

Room
: A-210 (Administration Block)
Telephone : 06 8502338 ext 234
E-Mail
: [email protected]
Consultation hour:

Lets begin our journey! Have fun!

Rosli Musa
Senior Lecturer
Department of Management & Marketing
Faculty of Business
Nilai University

Module Introduction
This module begins by looking what is meant by International Business
and examines which are the large players on the scene at present. This
will lead on to an analysis of foreign direct investment (FDI) - why firms
undertake this and what are the costs and benefits for the countries
involved.
International Trade will then be looked at analysing the present trade
situation with basic trade theories and trade related areas such as the fair
trade campaign. The use of trade protectionism by countries and its effect
on businesses, consumers and governments will then be considered.
We are also looking at the past and current issues that are affecting trade
relation between countries. Other areas that we are looking at is to
understand how government encourages industry players to expand their
business internationally. Finally a topic of recent interest concerning
international business will complete the course.

Module Syllabus
1.
2.
3.
4.

Name of Course/Module: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Course Code: BM 3309
Name(s) of academic staff: Rosli Musa
Rationale for the inclusion of the course/Module in the programme:
I.
This module focuses on international business practices and its
importance in the global marketplace.
II.
Develops students international business knowledge and skills in order
to enhance their ability to adapt themselves to the global marketplace
and subsequently train them to deal with global challenges.

5.
6.

Semester and Year Offered: Six / Year3

Total Student
Face to Face
Learning Time
(SLT)
L= Lecture
T= Tutorial
P= Practical
O=Others

L
28

Total Guided and

Independent Learning
O

28
64

Guided: 56 hours
Independent Learning :
64
Total: 120

7.
8.
9.

Credit Value: 3 Credit Hours

Prerequisite (if any): None
Objectives:
This module begins by looking what is meant by International
Business and examines which are the large players on the scene at
present.
This will lead on to an analysis of foreign direct investment - why firms
undertake this and what are the costs and benefits for the countries
involved.

International Trade will then be looked at analyzing the present trade

situation with basic trade theories and trade related areas such as the
fair trade campaign.
The use of trade protectionism by countries and its effect on
businesses, consumers and governments will then be considered.

Finally a topic of recent interest concerning international business will

complete the course.

10.

Learning outcomes:
After the successful completion of this module, student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
Analyze the nature and growth of international business and the use of
foreign direct investment.
Identify and critically analyze the environment in which international
business operates.
Outline international trade patterns including trading blocks and

explain these using relevant theories.

Outline the type and effect of trade protectionist policies on business
environment.

Disciplinary and professional

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
Analyze international data.
Relate such data to trends and patterns in the international
environment.
Use the above to analyze the impact on international business.
11.

Transferable skills: Skills and how they are developed and assessed,
Project and practical experience and Internship:
Self-management (Practiced throughout the semester)

Learning skills (Taught, practiced and assessed throughout the

semester)

12.

Communication (Practiced and assessed through presentations)

Teamwork (Practiced and assessed through the group assignment)

Teaching-learning and assessment strategy:

13.

To introduce students to the premises of international

lectures would be conducted followed by discussions in
Besides lectures and tutorials, a group assignment, an
assignment and presentation will also be conducted to
students learning.

business,
tutorials.
individual
evaluate

Synopsis:

This module provides an understanding of the environment in which

international business operates and gives a basic understanding of
changing international trends.

14.

Mode of delivery (Lecture, Tutorial, workshops, Seminars, etc.):

Lectures, Tutorials, Seminar, Site Visits etc.

15.

Assessment Methods and Types:

40 % Coursework

25% - Group Assignment

10% - Individual Assignment

5% - Individual Presentation

60 % Final Examination

16.

Mapping of the course/module to the programme Aims;

17.

This course is generally offered to most business studies students as

they need to have some basic knowledge about international business.
This course helps develop students knowledge about international
business and this encourages them to have a global and flexible
mindset when managing international business-related issues.

Mapping of the course/ module of the learning outcomes

This course helps to fulfill the programme learning outcomes, in particular the
following:
Understand the significance of international business to organisations

18.

Section A: Short essay questions

Section B : Case scenario

To apply critical thinking and analytical skills to determine international

business-related issues or challenges
To use current international business concepts and strategies to solve
international business-related issues or challenges

Content outline of the course/module and the SLT per topic

L

SLT HOURS
T P IL
TOTAL

Introduction to the module

Globalization

National Differences in Political Economy

Differcences In Cuture

Ethics in International Business

International Trade Theory

1
0

18

Foreign Direct Investment

16

Regional Economic Integration

The International Monetary System

The Strategy of Internationa Business

The Organization of International Business

4
1
0
8

Entry Strategy and Strategic Alliance

2
2
8

2
2
8

4
6
4

TOPIC

The Political Economy of International Trade

Total SLT
19.

18
12
8
120

Main references supporting the course:

Hill, C.W.L. (2013) International Business:
Marketplace. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Competing

in

the

Global

Wild , J. John , Wild, L. Kenneth., (2012)., International Business: The

Challenges of Globalization., 6th Ed., Essex., Pearson Education Ltd.

Daniels, J., Radebaugh, L. and Sullivan, D. (2004) International Business:
Environments and Operations. 10th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
20.

Other additional information

Guided: 56 hours
Independent Learning : 64
Total: 120
The 64 hours of Independent Learning include the following activities:
Face to face consultation with the lecturer
Additional reading or exploration on the subject matter
Group discussions on assignment tasks
Preparation for Individual Assignments
Preparation for Individual Presentation
Preparation for Examinations

Transferable Skills
Taught (T), Practiced (P), Assessed (A)
Self-management:
P
Learning skills:
TP
Communication:
PA
Teamwork:
PA
Problem solving:
TPA
Information technology

Assessment Details
This module is assessed by 40% coursework and 60% final examination.
Students must achieve 50% or more in order to pass.
Coursework assessment structure: Assignment I (10%) , Assignment II
(25%), and Assignment III (5%).
Learning outcomes
transferable skills.

assessed:

problem

solving

and

communication

Recommended Reading List: Core Text

Charles W.L. Hill (2013) International Business Competing in the
Global Marketplace, 9th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Students are reminded only original textbook is allowed to use in

the classes. Students are strongly recommended to purchase this
text. The lecture notes are not a substitute for reading the
prescribed text.

Recommended Texts
1. Wild, J. John, Wild, L. Kenneth., (2012)., International Business: The
Challenges of Globalization., 6th Ed., Essex., Pearson Education Ltd.
2. John Daniels, Lee Radebaugh, and Daniel Sullian (2009) International
Business: Environments and Operations, 12th edition, Prentice Hall.
3. Appleyard, D R & Field, A J (AF) (2001) International Economics, 4 th
edition, McGraw Hill.
4. Hudsted, S & Melvin, M (H & M) (2003) International Economics, 5 th
edition, Addison Wesley.
5. B Ingham (2004) International Economics: a European Focus, Prentice
Hall.

Expected Class Contact

A year in the programme at Nilai University is made up of two and a half
semesters. A full semester stretches over a period of 4 months. Each full
semester includes 14 weeks of lectures & tutorials and 1 examination
week. Students have either two or three weeks of break before the next
semester begins.
A half semester, however, stretches over a period of only 2 months, which
includes 7 weeks of lectures & tutorials and 1 examination week. Students
have 7 to 8 weeks of break before the next semester begins.
BM3309 is offered as a full semesters course for January, May and
September 2013 intake. The classes are full-time, with four class contact
hours per week, inclusive of lectures and tutorials.
Total contact hours
Long semester: 14 weeks x 4 = 56 class contact hours
Short Semester: 7 weeks x 8 = 56 class contact hours
You may want to access the following URL for your timetable:
http://www.nilai.edu.my/search1.html

Semester Plan Synopsis

Lecture
Week
1
1
2
3
4
5

Topic
Introduction of module
What is globalizationand its implications?
International trade theory
Foreign Direct Invesment
Submission of Assignment I (

November 2013)

Reginal Economic Integration

The Strategy of International Business
The organisation of International Business
Submission of Assignment II ( November 2013)
Submission of TMPEF and softcopy of Assignments
( November 2013)
Group Oral Presentation
Entry Strategy and Strategic Alliances
Course Review

Week 1
Lecture Topic: Introduction of Module & Globalization
The lectures will introduce the emergence of the globally integrated business
world. Globalization has reduced the traditional barriers to cross-border trade
and investment (distance, time zones, language, differences in government
regulations, culture, business systems).
To begin the discussion of contemporary issues in international business, we
review macro-economic and political changes in the last 30 years.
IT and other technological innovations have put global markets within the reach
of small firms in remote locations. Yet, in spite of all its benefits, globalization
has an underside. Critics point out its adverse effects, including those on
developing nations.

Coverage:

What is Globalization?
The Globalization of Markets
The Globalization of Production
The Emergence of Global Institutions
Drivers of Globalization
Declining Trade and Investment Barriers
The Role of Technological Change
The Changing Demographics of the Global Economy
The Changing World Output and World Trade Picture
The Changing Foreign Direct Investment Picture
The Changing Nature of the Multinational Enterprise
The Changing World Order
The Global Economy of the 21st Century
The Globalization Debate
Anti-globalization Protests,
Globalization, Jobs, and Income
Globalization, Labor Policies, and the Environment
Globalization and National Sovereignty
Globalization and the Worlds Poor
Managing in the Global Marketplace

Learning Outcomes:
By

the end of this lesson, students should be able:

Explain the phenomenon of globalization
Explain why managers today need a global perspective
Describe the effects of globalization on markets and production
Describe the institutions that support globalization
Explain how technology and innovation in transportation support
globalization
Discuss pros and cons of globalization and its effects on developing nations

Reading List:

Charles W.L. Hill (2011) International Business Competing in the Global

Marketplace, 8th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill, Chapter 1

Seminar 1
Lecture Class

Seminar 2
Activity 1:
Critical Thinking And Discussion Questions:
1. Describe the shifts in the world economy over the last 30 years. What are the
implications of these shifts for international businesses based in Britain, North
America, and Hong Kong?
2. "The study of international business is fine if you are going to work in a large
multinational enterprise, but it has no relevance for individuals who are going
to work in small firms." Evaluate this statement.
3. How have changes in technology contributed towards the globalization of
markets and of production? Would the globalization of products and markets
have been possible without these technological changes?
4. Ultimately, the study of international business is no different from the study
of domestic business. Thus, there is no point in having a separate course on
international business. Evaluate that statement.
5. How might the Internet and the associated World Wide Web affect
international business activity and the globalization of the world economy?

Seminar 3
Activity 1:
Case Study: General Electric Globalisation at General Electric

Week 4 -5
Lecture Topic: International Trade Theory
This topic presents the major theories of international trade. Trade began long
before we tried to explain it. The first theoretical explanations for trade arise in
the fifteenth century, when we began to wonder why it occurs and under what
conditions it is beneficial. Since then, several trade theories have developed,
along with efforts to refine them. Approaches to trade range from support for
free trade to managed trade, to mercantilist approaches, to controlled trade, and
even, in extremely rare cases, to no trade.

Coverage:

An Overview of Trade Theory

The Benefits of Trade/The Pattern of International Trade
Trade Theory and Government Policy
Mercantilism
Absolute Advantage
Comparative Advantage
The Gains from Trade/Qualifications and Assumptions
Simple Extensions of the Ricardian Model
Heckscher-Ohlin Theory
The Leontief Paradox
The Product Life-Cycle Theory
Evaluating the Product Life-Cycle Theory
New Trade Theory
Increasing Product Variety and Reducing Costs
Economies of Scale, First-Mover Advantages and the Pattern of Trade
Implications of New Trade Theory
National Competitive Advantage: Porters Diamond
Factor Endowments
Demand Conditions
Related and Supporting Industries
Firm Strategy, Structure, and Rivalry
Evaluating Porters Theory

Learning Outcomes:
By

the end of this lesson, students should be able:

Explain the evolution of different trade theories
Discuss the relevance of the New trade theory and Porters diamond
Explain how these theories can help firms decide where to locate production
activities
Discuss the lobbying power of large corporations
Explain the influence large corporations can exert on the policies of both
home and host countries.
Suggest the conditions under which governments should consider adopting
policies that can influence an industry's competitiveness and/or the flow of trade.

Reading List:
Charles W.L. Hill (2011) International Business Competing in the Global
Marketplace, 8th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill, Chapter 5.

Seminar 4
Activity 1:
Critical Thinking And Discussion Questions:
1. "Mercantilism is a bankrupt theory that has no place in the modern world."
Discuss.
2. Is free trade fair? Discuss.
3. Unions in developed nations often oppose imports from low-wage countries
and advocate trade barriers to protect jobs from what they often characterize
as unfair import competition. Is such competition unfair? Do you think
that this argument is in the best interests of (a) the unions, (b) the people
they represent, and/or (c) the country as a whole?
4. What are the potential costs of adopting a free trade regime? Do you think
governments should do anything to reduce these costs? What?
5. Drawing on the new trade theory and Porter's theory of national competitive
advantage, outline the case for government policies designed to build a
national competitive advantage in biotechnology. What kind of policies would
you recommend the government adopt? Are these policies at variance with
the basic free trade philosophy?

Seminar 5
Activity 1:
Case Study: The Ecuadorean Rose Industry

Week 6 - 7
Lecture Topic: The Political Economy of International Trade
This topic focuses on the political systems and tools of trade policy. The major
objective of this topic is to describe how political realities shape the international
trading system. With an introduction to tariffs, subsidies, and the development
of the World Trading System, the chapter describes the evolution of the World
Trade Organization and its impact on the global business environment.

Coverage:

Instruments of Trade Policy

Tariffs
Subsidies
Import Quotas and Voluntary Export Restraints
Local Content Requirements/ Administrative Policies
Antidumping Policies
The Case for Government Intervention
Political Arguments for Intervention/ Economic Arguments for Intervention
The Revised Case for Free Trade
Retaliation and Trade War
Domestic Politics
Development of the World Trading System
From Smith to the Great Depression
19471979: GATT, Trade Liberalization, and Economic Growth
19801993: Protectionist Trend
The Uruguay Round and the World Trade Organization
WTO: Experience to Date
The Future of the WTO: Unresolved Issues and the Doha Round

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lesson, students should be able:

Describe how political realities have shaped, and continue to shape, the
international trading system.
Provide a history of the development of the current world trading system
Outline tools and methods used by governments to restrict International
trade
Discuss the importance of the WTO in promoting free trade
Discuss the implications of trade barriers for business.

Reading List:

Charles W.L. Hill (2011) International Business Competing in the Global

Marketplace, 8th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill, Chapter 6.

Seminar 6
Activity 1:
Critical Thinking And Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think that governments should take human rights considerations into
account when granting preferential trading rights to countries? What are the
arguments for and against taking such a position?
2. Whose interests should be the paramount concern of government trade policy
- the interests of producers (businesses and their employees) or those of
consumers?
3. Given the arguments relating to the new trade theory and strategic trade
policy, what kind of trade policy should business be pressuring government to
adopt?
4. You are an employee of an U.S. firm that produces personal computers in
Thailand and then exports them to the U.S. and other countries for sale. The
personal computers were originally produced in Thailand to take advantage of
relatively low labor costs and a skilled workforce. Other possible locations
considered at that time were Malaysia and Hong Kong. The US government
decides to impose punitive 100% ad valorem tariffs on imports of computers
from Thailand to punish the country for administrative trade barriers that
restrict U.S. exports to Thailand. How do you think your firm should respond?
What does this tell you about the use of targeted trade barriers?

Seminar 7
Activity 1:
Case Study: Why Did Global Food Prices Rise?

Week 8 - 9
Lecture Topic: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
The focus of this topic is foreign direct investment (FDI). The growth of foreign
direct investment in the last 25 years has been phenomenal. FDI can take the
form of a foreign firm buying a firm in a different country, or deciding to invest in
a different country by building operations there.
With FDI, a firm has a significant ownership in a foreign operation and the
potential to affect managerial decisions of the operation. The goal of our
coverage of FDI is to understand the pattern of FDI that occurs between
countries, and why firms undertake FDI and become multinational in their
operations as well as why firms undertake FDI rather than simply exporting
products or licensing their know-how.
Coverage:
Foreign Direct Investment in the World Economy
The Growth of FDI
The Direction of FDI
The Source of FDI
The Form of FDI: Acquisitions vs. Greenfield Investments
The Shift to Services
Horizontal Foreign Direct Investment
Transportation Costs
Market Imperfections (Internalization Theory)
Strategic Behavior
The Product Life Cycle
Location-Specific Advantages
Vertical Foreign Direct Investment
Strategic Behavior
Market Imperfections

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lesson, students should be able:

Discuss the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world
economy, and the changing patterns of FDI over time
Present different theories that explain why a company would undertake an
acquisition rather than a Greenfield investment
Explain horizontal FDI, and suggest the conditions under which it may be
most applicable.

Explain vertical FDI, and suggest the conditions under which it may be
most applicable.
Reading List:

Charles W.L. Hill (2011) International Business Competing in the Global

Marketplace, 8th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill, Chapter 7.

10

Seminar 8
Activity 1:
Critical Thinking And Discussion Questions:
1. In 2004, inward FDI accounted for some 24% of the gross fixed capital
formation in Ireland, but only .6% in Japan. What do you think explains the
difference in FDI inflows into the two countries?
2. Compare and contrast these explanations of FDI: internalization theory,
Vernon's product life cycle theory, and Knickerbocker's theory of FDI. Which
theory do you think offers the best explanation of the historical pattern of
FDI? Why?
3. Read the opening case on Starbucks and then answer the following questions:
a) Initially, Starbucks expanded internationally by licensing its format to
foreign operators. It soon became disenchanted with this strategy. Why?
b) Why do you think Starbucks has now elected to expand internationally
primarily through local joint ventures, to whom it licenses its format, as
opposed to using a pure licensing strategy?
c) What are the advantages of a joint venture entry mode for Starbucks over
entering through wholly-owned subsidiaries? On occasion, Starbucks has
chosen a wholly owned subsidiary to control its foreign expansion (e.g. in
Britain and Thailand). Why?
d) Which theory of FDI best explains the international expansion strategy
adopted by Starbucks?
4. You are the international manager of a US business that has just invented a
revolutionary new personal computer that can perform the same functions as
existing PCs but costs only half as much to manufacture. Several patents
protect the unique design of this computer. Your CEO has asked you to
formulate a recommendation for how to expand into Western Europe. Your
options are (a) to export from the US, (b) to license a European firm to
manufacture and market the computer in Europe, and (c) to set up a wholly
owned subsidiary in Europe. Evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative
and suggest a course of action to your CEO.

Seminar 9
Activity 1:
Case Study: Lakshmi Mittal and the Growth of Mittal Steel

11

Week 10 - 11
Lecture Topic: The Political Economy o FDI
The topic looks directly at how host governments can encourage and restrict the
flow of FDI. Home country governments can also affect ability of firms to take
resources out of the country for investment elsewhere.
In addition to understanding the explicit rules laid out by home and host country
governments, firms must evaluate their bargaining position and appropriate
negotiating stances when they wish to alter established rules for FDI.
The topic closes with a detailed discussion of the implications of government
policy for the business firm. In this closing section, the factors that determine the
relative bargaining strengths of a host government and a firm contemplating FDI
are examined including a look at how the negotiations between firm and
government are often played out and at how firms can use this knowledge to
their advantage.

Coverage:

Political Ideology and Foreign Direct Investment

The Radical View
The Free Market View
Pragmatic Nationalism
The Benefits of FDI to Host Countries
Resource Transfer Effects
Employment Effects
Balance of Payments Effects
Effect on Competition and Economic Growth
The Costs of FDI to Host Countries
Adverse Effects on Competition
Adverse Effects on the Balance of Payments
National Sovereignty and Autonomy
The Benefits and Costs of FDI to Home Countries
The Benefits of FDI AND The Costs of FDI to the Home Country
International Trade Theory and Offshore Production
Government Policy Instruments and FDI
Home Country Policies/Host Country Policies
International Institutions and the Liberalization of FDI

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students should be able:

Present the role governments play in restricting and encouraging flows of FDI.
Show how political philosophy affects the attitude of a government towards
FDI.
Explain the sources of costs and benefits of FDI to host and home countries.
Describe the policy instruments available to governments interested in
affecting FDI flows.
Discuss the negotiation and bargaining processes firms undertake with host
governments.

12

Reading List:

Charles W.L. Hill (2011) International Business Competing in the Global

Marketplace, 8th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill, Chapter 7.

Seminar 10
Activity 1:
Critical Thinking And Discussion Questions:
1. Read the Country Focus feature (p.270) on FDI in Ireland. How important has
FDI been to the health of the Irish economy?
2. Explain how the political ideology of a host government might influence the
negotiations between the host government and a foreign MNE.
3. Under what circumstances is a MNE in a powerful negotiating position vis-vis a host government? What kind of concessions is a firm likely to win in
such situations?
4. Under what circumstances is an MNE in a weak negotiating position vis--vis a
host government? What kind of concessions is a host government likely to win
in such situations?
5. Inward FDI is bad for (i) a developing economy and (ii) a developed economy
and should be subjected to stricter controls. Discuss.

Seminar 11
Activity 1:
Case Study: Starbucks FDI

13

Week 12 -14
Lecture Topic: Regional economic integration I & II
This topic discusses regional economic integration, agreements among countries
within a geographic region to achieve economic gains from the free flow of trade
and investment among themselves.
A number of levels of economic integration are possible in theory. In order of
increasing integration, they include free trade area, customs union, common
market, economic union, and full political union.
Integration is not easily achieved or sustained. Although integration brings
benefits to the majority, it is never without costs for the minority. Concerns over
sovereignty often slow or stop integration attempts.
The creation of single markets in the EU and North America means that many
markets that were formerly protected from foreign competition are now more
open. This creates major investment and export opportunities for firms within
and outside these regions.
The free movement of goods across borders, the harmonization of product
standards, and the simplification of tax regimes make it possible for firms based
in a free trade area to realize potentially enormous cost economies by
centralizing production in those locations within the area where the mix of factor
costs and skills is optimal.
Coverage:
Levels of Economic Integration
Free Trade Area / Customs Union /
Common Market / Economic
Union / Political Union
The Case for Regional Integration
The Economic Case for Integration
The Political Case for Integration
Impediments to Integration
The Case against Regional Integration.
Regional Economic Integration in Europe
Evolution of the European Union
Political Structure of the European Union
The Single European Act/The Establishment of the Euro
Enlargement of the European Union
Regional Economic Integration of the Americas
The North American Free Trade Agreement
The Andean Pact/MERCOSUR
Central American Common Market and CARICOM
Free Trade Area of the Americas
Regional Economic Integration Elsewhere
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
Regional Trade Blocks in Africa

14

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students should be able:
Define regional economic integration and present the different levels of
economic integration.
Discuss the political and economic case for regional integration and
impediments to integration.
Discuss the case against regional economic integration.
Describe and the Regional economic integration in Europe. The evolution of
the European Union, the establishment of the Euro and the future of the
European Union.
Discuss regional economic integration in the Americas.
Discuss Regional economic integration in Asia and Africa.
Reading List:
Charles W.L. Hill (2011) International Business Competing in the Global
Marketplace, 8th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill, Chapter 8.
Seminar 12
Activity 1:
Group Oral Presentation
Seminar 13
Activity 1:
Case Study: The European Energy Market
Seminar 14
Activity 1:
Revison
Activity 2:
Case Study: The European Commission and Media Industry Mergers

15

SAMPLE ASSESSMENT

Assignment I: Individual - Reviewing Current Issues

(10%)
Current Issue
Find an article from any reliable sources such as newspaper, magazine,
online news portal etc. After reading the article, identify the issues and
discuss it in your own view in areas of your interest such as politic,
economy, social/culture, demography or environment of the country. Your
discussion should focus on the consequences that might have impact
towards a countrys global business relationship with the rest of the world.
Guidelines:
1. Read the article that you have chosen and attach together with your
work.
2. The mark allocation of this assignment is based on the overall
performance that includes critical analysis of the subject matter.
3. The word limit is not more than 1,000 words.
4. You are required to submit the assignment on Friday, 16 March 2012.
Learning Outcomes of Reading Article:
After completing this assignment, students should be able to:
1. Explain the issue concern.
2. Explain why managers today need a critical thinking in looking at
international issue.
3. Describe the effects and impact to the countrys productivity.
4. Explain how to summon the issue.
5. Come up with recommmendation to improve the situation.

16

Assignment II : Group Research (25%)

You are the production manager for a European-based firm that is
considering outsourcing its manufaturing to a producer in a developing
country in Asia. You are asked by your firms CEO to prepare a report that
outlines the benefits and drawbacks of this potential change. During your
research, you find international trade theories that say protectionist
actions restrict imports and harm a nations standard of living-an
argument for free trade. Yet you know that free trade and gobal
competion is driving firms like your own to move production to a cheaper
locations abroad, thereby eliminating jobs in their home countries. Clearly,
the gains and losses of free trade are not always distributed evenly across
the population. As part of your report to the CEO, argue either for or
against the need for measures that protect domestic production and ,
therefore, jobs at home.
Guidelines:
1. Your group (with maximum four members) needs to evaluate the
company of a selected nation.
2. All the references, facts and sources used must be cited using Harvard
system.
3. The submission date is Wednesday, 04 April 2012.
4. The word limit is not more than 3,000 words, excluding appendices and
references.
5. This assignment requires a critical analysis of relevant concepts and
the presentation of arguments, as well as an appropriate form of
presentation. The presentation of a list of facts, which are not analysed
or evaluated, will normally not attract a pass.
Learning Outcomes of Critical Thinking and Discussion Question:
After completing this assignment, students should be able to:
1. Understand theories of international trade
2. Explain how global efficiency can be improved through free trade
3. Identify factors affecting national trade patterns
4. Explain why a countrys export capabilities are dynamic
5. Understand why production factors, especially labor and capital, move
internationally
6. Argue that the government can play a proactive role in promoting
national competitive advantage in certain industries
7. Understand the important implications that international trade theory
holds for business practice

17

For ALL the Assignments:

1. Individual (Assignment I) and group (Assignment II) must submit the
soft copies by Wednesday, 04 April 2012 to your lecturer at office
room A212. 10% of total mark for group which fails to submit
the CD for above-mentioned softcopies will be deducted.
2. To avoid social loafing for assignments, each group member is required
to fill up the Team Member Peer Evaluation Form (TMPEF) attached and
submit on Wednesday, 04 April 2012. The entitlement of individual
members to total mark allocated to Assignment II will be based on
TMPEF feedback. 10% of total mark for student who fails to
submit the complete TMPEF will be deducted.

18

BM3309 International Business Environment: Criteria Grid (Assignment I)

CRITERION

Presentation of
assignment (15%)

Knowledge of
theory (15%)

80+

70 -79

Shows a polished and

imaginative approach to the
topics/questions
Assignment demonstrates
integration and innovation
in the selection and
handling of theory

Carefully and logically

organised

Analysis (25%)

Can analyse new and/or

abstract data and situations
without guidance using a
wide range of techniques
appropriate to the topic

Reflection/
Evaluation (25%)

Flexibility (20%)

Can critically review

evidence supporting
conclusions/
recommendations including
its reliability, validity and
significance and can
investigate contradictory
information/identify reasons
for contradictions.
Independently takes and
understands multiple
perspectives and through
these can develop adjust
personal point of view.

Can analyse a range of

information with minimum
guidance, can apply major
theories and compare
alternative
methods/techniques for
obtaining data
Can select appropriate
techniques of evaluation and
can evaluate the relevance and
significance of data collected.

Insightful and appropriate

selection of theory in key
areas

Recognises multiple
perspectives which may affect
personal view point.

60-69

50 - 59

REFER/FAIL

Shows
organisation and
coherence
Most keys
theories are
included in the
work in an
appropriate
straight forward
manner
Can analyse with
guidance using
given
classification
/principles

Shows some attempt

to organise in a
logical manner
Selection of theory
is appropriate but
some aspects have
been missed or
misconstrued

Disorganised/
incoherent

Can analyse a
limited range of
information with
guidance using
classification/
principles

Fails to analyse
information

Can evaluate the

reliability of data
using defined
techniques.

Limited and only

partially accurate
evaluation of data
using defined
techniques.

Fails to evaluate or
use techniques of
evaluation, or
evaluations are
totally invalid.

Can recognise
alternative
perspectives.

Limited ability to
see alternative
perspectives

Fails to recognise
alternative
perspectives.

Inaccurate or
inappropriate choice
of theory

TOTAL:

1st Marker: Rosli Musa

Proposed Marks:..

2nd Marker:

Proposed Marks: .

1st
Marker

2nd
Marker

Mark
Agreed

Marks Agreed by Two Markers: X 0.1 =.. Marks

BM3309 International Business Environment: Criteria Grid (Assignment II)
CRITERION

Presentation of
assignment (15%)

Referencing
(15%)
Conclusions (20%)

Critical reasoning
(25%)

Reflection/
Evaluation (25%)

80+
Shows a polished and
imaginative approach
to the
topics/questions
Referencing is
consistently accurate
Analytical and clear
conclusions well
grounded in theory
and literature
showing
development of new
concepts
Consistently
demonstrates
application of critical
analysis well
integrated in the text.
Can critically review
evidence supporting
conclusions/
recommendations
including its
reliability, validity
and significance and
can investigate
contradictory
information/identify
reasons for
contradictions.

70 -79

60-69

50 - 59

REFER/FAIL

Carefully and
logically organised

Shows organisation and

coherence

Shows some attempt to

organise in a logical
manner

Disorganised/
incoherent

Referencing is
mainly accurate
Good development
shown in summary of
arguments based in
theory/literature

Referencing is mainly
accurate
Evidence of findings
and conclusions
grounded in
theory/literature

Some attempt at
referencing
Limited evidence of
findings and
conclusions supported
by theory/literature

Referencing is
absent/unsystematic
Unsubstantiated/inval
id conclusions based
on anecdote and
generalisation only,
or no conclusions at
all

Clear application of
theory through
critical
analysis/critical
thought of the topic
areas.
Can select
appropriate
techniques of
evaluation and can
evaluate the
relevance and
significance of data
collected.

Demonstrates
application of theory
through critical analysis
of the topic areas.

Some evidence of
critical thought/ critical
analysis and rationale
for work.

Lacks critical
thought/
analysis/reference to
theory.

Can evaluate the

reliability of data using
defined techniques.

Limited and only

partially accurate
evaluation of data using
defined techniques.

Fails to evaluate or
use techniques of
evaluation, or
evaluations are
totally invalid.

TOTAL:

1st Marker: Rosli Musa

Proposed Marks:..

1st
Marker

2nd
Marker

Mark
Agreed

2nd Marker: ..

Proposed Marks: .

Marks Agreed by Two Markers: X 0.25 =.. Marks

Department of Marketing and Management
Presentation Assessment Sheet
Module Title

: _______________________________

Student Name
Programme

Marks Agreed: _______________

Module

: _______________________________

: _______________________________

Judging Criteria

Outstandin
g

Code

ID. No : ___________________________

Company Name: ______________________

Good

Average

Needs
Improveme
nt

Weak/Fa
il

Structure
Interesting opening

Logical progression of ideas

Memorable closing

Content & Visual Aids

Factual / Depth of information

Evidence (examples, statistics,

research/survey, citations etc.)

Degree of critical thinking

Creativity

Pronunciation and
articulation

Voice projection /
volume

Voice modulation /

Delivery
Voice

: ____________________

tone

Body
Language

Communicatio
n Skills

Professionalis
m

Voice Distractions

Facial & Hand

gesture

Eye-contact

Enthusiasm

Interaction with
audience

Degree of
preparedness /
Response to
questions

Interesting

Professional
attire / Dressing

Time Management

Teamwork

TOTAL MARKS
Comments:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________
Evaluated By:
Name: __________________
Date: ___________________

Name: __________________
Date: ____________________

Assessed Coursework Coversheet for Group Coursework

YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS COVERSHEET AND ATTACH IT TO THE FRONT OF YOUR ASSIGNMENT.

Student Nos.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Module No.
Seminar tutors name

Student Names

1.
2.
3.
4.

Module Title

Extract from the Student Conduct Regulations:

2.2.1
Students shall comply at all times with the provisions of the Regulations for Candidates taking Assessments. In particular they shall not commit
impersonation, collusion, plagiarism, falsification, duplication, submit the work of others as their own, or otherwise cheat in any assessment.
Explanation of terms used in the Student Conduct Regulations:
Impersonation means taking an assessment on behalf of another student, or allowing another person to take an assessment on your behalf.
Collusion means producing assessed work by working with another person who you have not been authorised to work with by the Module Leader. This includes, but is
not limited to, allowing another student to copy your work.
Falsification means presenting invented data, for example claiming that you have conducted interviews or sent out questionnaires when you have not, or altering or
making up your results.
Plagiarism means submitting the work of someone else as if it were your own. When you include someone elses ideas in your assignment, you must provide a reference
in the text. If you copy someone elses words (a quotation), you must show clearly in the text how much was copied by using speech marks. It is not enough just to list
your references at the end of your assignment. Guidance on the correct use of references can be found on www.brookes.ac.uk/services/library, and also in a handout in
the Library.
Duplication means submitting work for assessment which has been assessed before, either in this University or elsewhere, without acknowledging the extent of the
previous submission.
If you do not understand what any of these terms mean, you should ask your Module Leader to clarify them for you. The full regulations may be read in the Library, or
accessed on-line at
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/regulations/sturegs.html
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY
Except for those parts in which it is explicitly stated to the contrary, this work is our own work. It has not been submitted for assessment for credit previously at this or any
other academic or professional institution.
Student signature Date..
Student signature Date..
Student signature Date..

Student signature Date..

CHECKLIST
Please check the following statements are true and initial each box.
We have included a full reference list using the Harvard style of referencing
We have provided Harvard style references for all the ideas, empirical evidence and other materials we
have used in the main body of this piece of work
We have used quotation marks and referenced all passages (including page numbers) taken word for
word from my source material
We can make available evidence of the originality of our work, including notes, photocopies, drafts,
primary data and computer files
We completed this work without any unauthorised help

Warning: Plagiarism, Sydication and Cheating

Nilai University College has strict rules to ensure that students work is actually the result of their individual effort,
skills and knowledge and has not been produced by means that will give an unfair advantage over other students.

Plagiarism
Students must ensure that any work submitted for assessment is genuinely their own and is not plagiarised.
Plagiarism is using others' ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the source of that information.
How Can Students Avoid Plagiarism?
To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use:
-

another person's idea, opinion, or theory;

any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings or any pieces of information that are not common knowledge;
quotations of another person's actual spoken or written words; or
paraphrase of another person's spoken or written words.

Syndication
You must also take care that, unless you are specifically instructed that a piece of work for assessment is to be
produced jointly with other students, the work you submit has been prepared by you alone. If you collude with
other students to prepare a piece of work jointly, or copy each others work, and pass it off as an individual effort, it
is syndication and is against the college regulations. It is also, obviously, against the rules to copy another
students work without his or her knowledge.

Penalties for Plagiarism and Syndication

If the allegation of plagiarism and syndication is suspected, you will be called to a VIVA. If the allegation is proven,
a penalty, such as the deduction of marks or failure of a module or unit, will be imposed. Severe penalties, such as
suspension or expulsion, can be imposed in appropriate cases.

Specimen Examination Paper

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

FINANCE
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
FINAL EXAMINATION
JANUARY 2014
Course

: BM 3309 (International Business)

Lecturer : Mr. Rosli Musa

Time:

(2 hours)

Date

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:
The examination paper consists of two sections:
I.

Section A: Short Essay Questions (50 Marks)

Answer any TWO (2) questions in the Answer Booklet provided

II.

Section B: Case Scenario (50 Marks)

Answer All questions in the Answer Booklet provided

This exam paper consists of TWO (2) printed pages

(excluding front cover)

DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO

SECTION A: SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS (50 MARKS)

Instructions: Answer any TWO (2) questions
1

(a
)
(b
)

(a
)

(b
)

In 1966, Raymond Vernon published a model that described

internationalisation patterns of organisations. This model is called
International Product Life Cycle. From your understanding, briefly
explain this International Product Life Cycle theory and its connection
with FDI. From the argument given, state how useful the International
Product Life Cycle theory and Knickerbocker's theory of horizontal FDI
are to business.
(25 marks)
Briefly describe the disadvantages of economic integration for
international businesses. How can firms protect themselves from these
threats?
(15 Marks)
Firms going international for business expansion will face stiff
competitive pressures. Identify the types of competitive pressures
when firms competing in the global marketplace and how they respond
to these pressures.
(10 Marks)
Imagine that you are meeting with your superiors to discuss entering a
foreign market. Your boss has asked you to analyse a joint venture
prospect. Why might you tell your boss that the joint venture is not a
good idea?
(10 marks)
In international business export is one of the methods of entry to a new
country. This is the simplest method of all the modes of entry, but why
do so many firms take a reactive approach to exporting rather than a
proactive approach?
(15 marks)

SECTION B: CASE SCENARIO (50 MARKS)

Please read the following passage carefully.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important corporate strategy for companies that wish to operate on a global
basis. While companies may gain a certain degree of international exposure through indirect financial investment,
trade or technology transfer, they can better level resources both at home and abroad by directly investing in local
production facilities and marketing campaigns. FDI is often encouraged by hosting countries that may impose
various trade barriers on international trading.
If you are working in a multinational company as an operation manager and are assigned to expand the business
internationally through FDI, there are many challenges you are going to face from the host country especially the
imposing of the trade barriers. Discuss in detail the trade barriers that normally imposed by the host country and
provide relevant examples to strengthen your discussion.
(50 marks)
THE END

Stand on Cheating in Tests and Examinations

We wish to bring to the notice of all students that the College takes a very serious view of any infringement of
Examination regulations, such as bringing in unauthorised material into the Examination Hall. The rules are listed
under Academic Dishonesty in the student's handbook.
You are advised to check carefully all materials in their possession before entering the Examination Hall. It is your
responsibility that there is no unauthorised material in your possession.

Penalties for Cheating in Tests or Examination

Any

student caught and found guilty in the disciplinary hearing will be deemed to have
FAILED ALL the subjects in the semester and will be required to REPEAT ALL the
subjects. Any repeated offence may result in EXPULSION FROM THE COLLEGE.

International Business
BM3309
LECTURE SLIDES
AND
NOTES