Major Assignment - Part 1
Value: 35%
Due date: 26-Apr-2016
Return date: 17-May-2016
Length: 2500-3000 words
Submission method options
Alternative submission method
Task
This Major Assignment is in two parts and together creates a complete International Business Report.
This assessment item is Part 1 of this report.
Your task is to:
Choose an organisation
Select an overseas country of your choice
Conduct a analysis of the macro environment (ie the economic, political, legal, cultural and ethical environment) that your chosen business would need to be aware of if they were going to -do business- in this country.
Most companies have websites from which you should be able to acquire sufficient information to address this assignment task. Students may choose to conduct this analysis on their current workplace organisation. However, if choosing your own organisation the country selected must not be one in which your company currently operates. If you are having trouble identifying an organisation for this report then please contact the lecturer who will be able to provide you with a choiceof companies based on case studies.
Note that you need to ensure that you refer to the theory covered in the topics 1 to 6 within your report and find additional relevant literature. This should not be a general descriptive report, but rather must be a report that explains the relevant theory relating to international business, as well as using it to analyse the environment. That is, when providing data on type of government or economic factors you should not just state the information but you should also explain how it is significant and why it is of interest/importance to your particular organisation.
Your assessment should be prepared in report style format and should include the following content:
Executive summary of main findings of report
Introduction to the report
Brief company background including why it might consider overseas expansion (Topics 1 & 2)
Brief introduction to chosen country
Economic Analysis (Topics 3 & 4)
Political & Legal Analysis (Topic 5)
Culture and Ethics (Topic 6)
Conclusions
Reference list (in APA format)
Rationale
This assessment has been designed in order to:
assist you to develop and demonstrate your learning about the nature of international business and the importance of macro-environmental scanning and research, focusing on Topics 1-6;
allow you to develop your information searching and critical thinking skills; and provide you with further experience in academic writing.
It addresses the following learning objectives for this subject
be able to describe international business practices and discuss how they are being shaped by economic theories, financial, socio-cultural and political forces; with particular emphasis on the business practices of Australia's major trading partners;
be able to identify general, and special problems, issues facing managers of international business operations
be able to investigate different socio-cultural and ethical environments in the international arena and explain the implications for conducting business.

Marking criteria
A copy of the marking guide for this assessment item follows.

CRITERION Fail (N) /0-49 Poor/unacceptable/Not attempted/requires further development/needs improvement
Pass (P)/ 50-59
Acceptable/Satisfactory/Proficient
Credit (C)/60-69
Good/Well done
Distinction (D)/ 70-79
Very good/ exceeds expectations
High Distinction (HD)/80-100
Excellent/exemplary/exceeding high standard
1 - Executive Summary

(10 marks)
The executive summary was missing or poorly constructed e.g. it acted as a table of contents or introduction outlining what the report contained rather than summarising the key findings.

Summarised some key findings but still reads more like an introduction than an Executive Summary (i.e. “the report will cover …” rather than “the report found that…. )

ES provides a summary of most of the key findings in the report. Some evaluation of implications included.

A good summary of the key findings in the report was provided. The report provides an informed evaluation of the implications of these findings in terms of risks and opportunities. Provided a concise summary of the findings of all sections of the report. Findings for all important factors were provided in the summary. Evaluation of implication demonstrates strong understanding of macro environmental risks and opportunities.
2 – Introduction - covering scope of report, introduction to company, brief background and identification of chosen overseas country.

(10 marks)
The introduction did not highlight the scope of the report and/or background of the company effectively. It provided generic information with no clear focus on key issues such as core business, goals, mission etc. Chosen country not identified or information provided not well considered.

Background information on the company provided but not well synthesised. Some information on key issues such as core business. Scope of the report outlined and chosen overseas country identified.

Background information on the company provided. Shows evidence of research. Information on key issues such as core business, mission and goals synthesised and conveyed concisely. Scope of the report outlined and chosen overseas country clearly identified with relevant issues discussed. Background information on the company demonstrates evidence of research. Information is synthesised and then summarised effectively with key issues identified. Scope of the report clearly articulated. Clearly identifies chosen overseas country and provides justification for choice. Background information on the company demonstrates ability to research and synthesize information into a clear and concise exposition of knowledge. Scope of the report clearly and concisely articulated. Clearly identifies chosen overseas country and provides clearly articulated yet concise justification for choice.
3 – Macro, analysis & discussion of implications (Economics, political, legal, socio-cultural sections)

(40 marks)
The economic, political, legal, economic and socio-cultural section displayed little or limited understanding of key concepts/theory and the application of those concepts to the country analysed. Data was either presented uncritically with no discussion of implications or poor arguments were made in regards to the data and the chosen firm. Limited research evident.

The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew some connections to key concepts/theory. Some analysis of the implications of the data in relation to the chosen country and the chosen firm. Evidence of research using some authentic and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International) The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country outlined implications for the chosen firm. Evidence of research using a range of authentic and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International, Globaledge etc)
The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew clear connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country clearly outlined relevant implications for the chosen firm and demonstrates ability to synthesise and extract relevant information. Evidence of research using a broad range of authentic , current and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International and beyond)

The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew clear and concise connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country clearly outlined relevant implications for the chosen firm and demonstrates ability to synthesise and extract relevant information only. Evidence of research using a wide range of authentic , current and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International and beyond)
4 - Overall knowledge and application of cultural frameworks

(10 marks)
Demonstrates little understanding of the complexity or elements of chosen culture. Limited or no discussion of theoretical frameworks. Discussion of elements of chosen culture shows some research. Tends to rely heavily on etiquette and custom. Lacks strong analysis using cultural frameworks. Minimal evaluation or discussoin of implications. Demonstrates good research into the chosen culture. Clearly identifies important elements and discusses deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Evaluates implications. Demonstrates good research into the chosen culture. Clearly identifies important elements and discusses deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Draws connections with wider macro-environmental elements. Evaluates implications. Demonstrates excellent research into the chosen culture. Effectively synthesizes information to identify important elements. Provides and insightful analysis into deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Draws connections with wider macro-environmental elements and evaluates implications for management of chosen firm demonstrating strong insight and analysis .
5. Discussion of ethical & CSR issues

(5 marks)
No or limited research into ethical/CSR issues. Minimal discussion. Some research into ethical/CSR issues. Highlights some key aspects (eg corruption index score). Some discussion of implications. Research into ethical/CSR issues evident. Highlights main aspects (eg corruption index score, cultural differences impacting values, beliefs perceptions). Some discussion of implications Research into ethical/CSR issues evident. Highlights main aspects (eg corruption index score, cultural differences impacting values, beliefs perceptions). Discussion of implications is informed and well supported. Excellent research into ethical & CSR issues international manager is likely to face in environment. Links analysis to cultural aspects. Strong ability to synthesize information, analyse implications and relate to theory.
6 –Structure, organisation, presentation and grammar

(10 marks)
The report was unprofessional, unclear and not well structured. Table of contents, headings, page numbers etc were missing or inconsistent.

Meaning unclear and/or grammar and/or spelling contained frequent errors.
The report was neat and well structured. Presentation mostly follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page. Some minor issues.

Meaning apparent but language not always fluent. Some spelling and grammatical errors
The report was neat and well structured. Presentation follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page

Language mainly fluent. Grammar and spelling mainly accurate.
Organisation and presentation was of report was of a professional, standard. Presentation follows guidelines.

Fluent writing style. Grammar and spellines accurate.
Organisation and presentation was of an excellent standard. Presentation follows guidelines.

Fluent writing style. Grammar and spelling accurate.

7. Research and referencing

(15 marks)
Referencing needed improvement. Sources were uncited / poorly cited / demonstrated little attempt to comply with APA system.
Reliance on few and/or poor quality sources. There was likely a reliance on one source of literature.
Referencing was of a satisfactory standard with consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Shows clear attempt to follow APA method of referencing. Some errors evident e.g. page numbers missing from direct quotations or errors in referencing websites. Overall references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references).

Used a variety of authentic information sources.
Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Most citations follow APA method of referencing with few errors. These references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references).

Used a variety of authentic information sources with majority being current.
Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Referencing was of ahigh standard. Majority of citations in report and references in reference list conform to APA standard.

Used a variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate information sources and texts.
Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Excellent referencing with majority of citations correctly adhering to APA method. Comprehensive reference list.

Wide variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate sources used in appropriate context.

Presentation
This assessment item is to be presented in Report format. Information about the structure and nature of reports is provided elsewhere in this Outline.
Requirements
You must your assessment via www.turnitin.com
The following is a useful self check guide:
Structure & Content
Are all areas covered fully? Does the report include clear explanations and understanding of the relevant information? (i.e. not merely descriptions) Do you clearly demonstrate that you understand the significance of the macro-environmental variables for the entry of your company into the overseas country? Are the arguments convincing and well supported? Is there clear evidence of an understanding of the fundamentals of theory relevant to international business?)
Arguments
Quality of the arguments presented: Is some in-depth analysis evident or has the source material been accepted uncritically? Is the content simply a description rather than analysis? Is there strength and substantiation of arguments through supporting evidence (eg, established theory, examples, critical reasoning, etc)
Sources & breadth and depth of reading. Has research from a range of authoritative sources been integrated into your work? Is a critique of the readings reflected in the report?
Expression and Presentation: Is the report developed logically and well-structured? Does the writing flow well? Is the overall impression of a convincing professional report, with credible logical arguments supported by theory and facts from published sources? Is the style concise and lucid to give a coherent succinct summary, or is it difficult for the reader to get the point? Is the grammar and language appropriate for a postgraduate level academic report? Is there overall quality of the written expression, punctuation, spelling and grammar? Does the report have good overall appearance and layout