MBA international business assignment. 2,500 words. with citation, reference, and bibliography.
In partnership with the University of Suffolk
MBA Assignment
Module title: International Business
Assignment weighting: 100%
Module Lecturer: Paul Savona
Local Lecturer: Jasmin Sebastianpillai
Hand out date: 29th of November 2021
Hand in date: 9th of December 2021
Component Number Form of Assessment Assessment Size Weighting (%) Learning Outcome Assessed Core or non-core
1 Individual Report 2500 words 100% LO1, LO2, LO3 and LO4 Core
Referencing: In the main body of your submission, you must provide credit to the authors your research / your work is based upon. Append to your submission a reference list that indicates the books, articles, etc. that you have read or quoted in order to complete this assignment (e.g. for books: surname of author and initials, year of publication, title of book, edition, publisher: place of publication). The utilisation of the Harvard referencing system is compulsory.
Disclosure:
Please include the following statement on the title page of the submitted assignment, followed by your name:
I declare that this assignment is all my own work and that I have acknowledged all materials used from the published or unpublished works of other people. All references have been duly cited.
Turnitin: All assignments must be submitted to Turnitin unless otherwise instructed by the Lecturer.
Note: the Turnitin version is the primary submission and acts as a receipt for the student.
Late submission of the electronic version of the assignment, without an authorised extension, may result in a Fail.
Only the LSC Extenuating Circumstances Panel may grant an extension.
The Learning outcome(s) assessed by this assignment are:
All learning outcomes of this module are assessed.
At postgraduate level you are expected to:
• Have a high standard of presentation, structure, layout and design
• Demonstrate appropriate coverage, critical appreciation and evaluation of relevant literature
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of key concepts and the application of theory to practical solutions
• Show evidence of originality of thought and approach, and of creative problem solving ability
The grade awarded for this piece of work remains provisional until ratified by LSC Exam Board.

Assessment criteria: see grading criteria

Learning Outcomes tested
(from module syllabus) Assessment Criteria To achieve the module learning outcomes.
In addition to LSC Common Assessment and Academic Marking Criteria, students are expected to meet the following threshold descriptors for a pass grade.
LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding on the main features of the international business environment and its main institutions
• A critical review and application of contemporary academic literature related to the concepts and frameworks applied in the analysis of foreign market selected.
LO2: Understand the nature of multinational firms as an institutional structure for the conduct of cross-border trade and investment; the key factors including the political, social, and economic and other configurations that support cross-border trade;
• Application of relevant frameworks in the analysis of the cross-cultural environment and the management issues arising.
LO3: Analyse the key decisions that multinational firms make in relation to the choice of markets and entry strategies and the different modes of engagement with international markets and explore the interconnectedness between these and the economic, legal, governmental, political, regulatory, cultural and other environments in which expanding companies operate;
• A critical analysis of the decision criteria in relation to the choice of strategies applied in the borderless digital market.
LO4: Conduct informed research into international business issues and apply theoretical insights to the analysis of such issues in the context of a complex international business environment.
• An examination of potential management interventions that should be undertaken by the selected company to realise the opportunities and deal with risks in the market selected.

TASK DESCRIPTION:
BACKGROUND
Amid slowing economic activity worldwide, COVID-19 has led to a surge in e-commerce and accelerated digital transformation. As lockdowns became the new normal, businesses and consumers increasingly went digital, providing and purchasing more goods and services online. You, as a business consultant in collaboration with the company’s IT/Digital team, are required to consult a local manufacturing or service business from your own country that has the potential to enter the foreign market via an e-commerce site, Business to Business (B2B) or Business to Consumer (B2C) trade.
TASKS
You are required to:
1. Select a local (from your own country) manufacturing or service firm of your choice that has the potential to enter the borderless digital market via an e-commerce site.
2. Critically evaluate through the use of relevant business tools and frameworks the suitability of the borderless digital market via the selected e-commerce site.
3. Analyse potential risks in the borderless digital market when expanding via an e-commerce website.
4. Critically analyse the recent strategies that lead the way in the e-commerce sector (such as Augmented Reality - AR, Artificial Intelligence – AI, Chatbots etc) that could be utilised by the company to suitably realise the opportunities available and overcome the risks in the borderless digital market.
5. Critically analyse relevant management responses that should be undertaken by the selected company to realise the opportunities offered in the borderless digital market, including the management of internal operations as well as any cultural considerations. Please suggest practical and justified recommendations about how the company selected can achieve sustainability and competitive advantage in the market selected via an e-commerce site.
Prepare an academic report using the structure below:
Report Format:
• Title Page
• Executive summary
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Discussion and analysis
• Conclusions
• References
• Bibliography
• Appendix (If required)
2500 Words
FORMATTING AND LAYOUT
Please note the following when completing your written assignment:
1. Writing: Written in English in an appropriate business/academic style
2. Focus: Focus only on the tasks set in the assignment.
3. Document format: Report
4. Formatting: Typed on A4 in Times New Roman or Arial font 12 with at least 2.5 centimetre space at each edge, double spaced and pages numbered.
5. Ensure a clear title, course, and name or ID number is on a cover sheet and a bibliography using Harvard referencing throughout is also provided.
6. Research: Research should use reliable and relevant sources of information e.g. academic books and journals that have been peer reviewed. The research should be extensive.
7. All referencing should be in Harvard style.
MARKING CRITERIA AND STUDENT FEEDBACK –100%
This section details the assessment criteria. The extent to which these are demonstrated by you determines your mark. The marks available for each criterion are shown. Lecturers will use the space provided to comment on the achievement of the task(s), including those areas in which you have performed well and areas that would benefit from development/improvement.
Common Assessment Criteria (applied to all parts of the project) Marks available Marks
awarded
1. Research-informed Literature: Extent of research and/or own reading, selection of credible sources, application of appropriate referencing conventions. 20
2. Knowledge and Understanding of Subject: Extent of knowledge and understanding of concepts and underlying principles associated with the discipline. 20
3. Analysis: Analysis, evaluation and synthesis; logic, argument and judgement; analytical reflection; organisation of ideas and evidence
25
4. Practical Application and Deployment: Deployment of methods, materials, tools and techniques; application of concepts; formulation of innovative and creative solutions to solve problems. 25
5. Skills for Professional Practice: Attributes in professional practice: individual and collaborative working; deployment of appropriate media; presentation and organisation. 10
TOTAL
100
Assignment Mark (Assessment marks are subject to ratification at the Exam Board. These comments and marks are to give feedback on module work and are for guidance only until they are confirmed. ) Late Submission Penalties (tick if appropriate) %

Level 7
In accordance with the FHEQ, at the end of Level 7 students should have systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. They will be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. They should have a conceptual understanding that enables them to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. They will also be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Assessment category
Coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding of the subject area, at least some of which is informed by the latest research and/or advanced scholarship within the discipline Cognitive and intellectual skills
Application of theory to practice (for courses with a professional practice element) Reading and referencing Presentation, style and structure
Work that significantly exceeds the specified word limit may be penalized
Pass mark, demonstrating achievement of all associated learning outcomes 90%-100% Exemplary systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at or informed by the forefront of the field of study, demonstrating highly sophisticated grasp of the subject matter Exceptional critical evaluation and awareness of current problems, and contemporary issues and debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates exemplary ability to synthesise current research and advanced scholarship in an original, creative and innovative manner. Sophisticated, systematic and innovative application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Flawless use of systematically selected literature to justify and express reasoned judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level A very high level of critical engagement across a systematic and fully appropriate range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practice-related literature demonstrating deep and selective reading and initiative along with highly consistent accurate referencing Exemplary presentation of work that is fluent and flawless throughout.
80%-89% Excellent systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at or informed by the forefront of the field of study and showing sophisticated depth, breadth, detail and clarity Sophisticated critical evaluation and awareness of current problems, and contemporary issues and debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates a very high level of originality and creativity in the student’s approaches to synthesising current research and advanced scholarship within the subject area An excellent level of originality and innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of excellent critical awareness and evaluation and the ability to effectively critique and employ current academic literature in making reasoned judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level A very high level of critical engagement across an extensive range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practice-related literature demonstrating deep and appropriate reading and initiative along with highly consistent accurate referencing Outstanding presentation of work that is logically and coherently structured with a strong or original central argument(s), conveyed with a high level of fluency and eloquently communicates compelling, coherent conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Level 7 Coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding Cognitive and intellectual skills
Application of theory to practice Reading and referencing Presentation, style and structure
Pass mark, demonstrating achievement of all associated learning outcomes 70% – 79% A high level of systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at or informed by the forefront of the field of study and showing considerable depth, breadth, detail and clarity A high level of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems, and contemporary issues and debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates a significant level of originality and creativity in synthesising current research and advanced scholarship within the subject area A high level of originality and innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of excellent critical awareness and evaluation and the ability to select and use academic literature in making reasoned judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level A high level of critical engagement across an extensive range of relevant and current literature demonstrating wide and appropriate reading and initiative along with highly consistent accurate referencing Excellent presentation of work that is logically and coherently structured with a strong or original central argument(s), conveyed with a high level of clarity of expression and which clearly communicates valid, coherent conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
60% – 69% An effective, systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge mostly at or informed by the forefront of the field of study and showing good depth, breadth, detail and clarity An effective level of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates that draws on new insights or perspectives within the field. Work demonstrates some effective originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area A good level of originality and innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice. Demonstration of consistently good critical awareness and evaluation and reasonable ability to use the academic literature in making reasoned judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level A good level of critical engagement across a good range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practice-related literature demonstrating appropriate reading and some initiative along with consistent accurate referencing High quality presentation of work that is largely logically and coherently structured with a generally strong central argument conveyed with a clarity of expression and which communicates clear conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
40% – 59% A sufficient but limited level of systematic, theoretical and conceptual understanding of knowledge at times at or informed by the forefront of the field of study but showing adequate depth, breadth, detail and clarity A sufficient but limited level of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates, with some reference to new insights or perspectives within the field. Limited evidence of originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area A reasonable but limited level of originality and innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of some good critical awareness and evaluation and some ability to use the academic literature in developing judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level Sufficient critical engagement with a reasonable range of relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practice-related literature demonstrating mainly appropriate reading but limited initiative and/or some minor inconsistencies and inaccuracies in referencing Generally good presentation of work that is sufficiently logical and coherent in structure with a discernible central argument. May present limited originality and lack some clarity of expression, but an identifiable conclusion reasonably communicated to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Level 7 Coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding Cognitive and intellectual skills
Application of theory to practice Reading and referencing Presentation, style and structure
Marginal fail 35% – 39% Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter is incomplete, uninformed or limited in its scholarship within the field of study, or lacking sufficient depth, breadth, detail or clarity Critical evaluation is limited or lacks awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates. Insufficient reference made to new insights or perspectives within the field, or insufficient evidence of originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area Insufficient degree of originality or innovation in the application of knowledge and theory to professional practice within the discipline. Demonstration of poor critical awareness and evaluation or a lack of ability to use the academic literature in developing judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level Insufficient critical engagement with relevant and current academic, research, policy- and practice-related literature. Lack of evidence of wider reading or a lack of initiative or inconsistent and inaccurate referencing Presentation of work shows insufficient organisation or central argument, and is lacking in logical and coherent structure. Poor clarity of expression weakly communicating to specialist or non-specialist audiences
Fail 30% – 34% Limited knowledge and understanding of the subject matter shown. Work is not sufficiently informed by scholarship within the field of study and is insufficient in depth, breadth, detail or clarity Insufficient evidence of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates. Insufficient reference to new insights or perspectives within the field and lacking in originality and creativity in synthesising current research and scholarship within the subject area Little evidence of originality and innovation and a significant lack of application of knowledge and theory to professional practice demonstrating little critical awareness and evaluation and a lack of ability to use the academic literature to make judgements and decisions in relation to complex issues and problems at a professional level Little evidence of critical engagement with relevant and current literature. Poor use of appropriate sources and/or inconsistent and inaccurate referencing Often poorly presented work that is disorganised, has an ill-formed central argument, and lacks a logical and coherent structure. A lack of clarity of expression or fails to communicate effective conclusions to specialist or non-specialist audiences
30% Inadequate and limited knowledge and understanding of the subject matter shown. Work is not informed by scholarship within the field of study and significantly lacks depth, breadth, detail or clarity Descriptive work with little or no evidence of critical evaluation and awareness of current problems and contemporary issues and debates. No evidence of awareness of new insights or perspectives within the field. Little or no synthesis of current research and scholarship within the subject area No evidence of originality, innovation, and little to no application of knowledge and theory to professional practice. Demonstrates no critical awareness and evaluation and a distinct lack of ability to use the academic literature in an effective manner No evidence of critical engagement with relevant and current literature. Lack of use of appropriate sources and inconsistent and inaccurate referencing Poorly presented and disorganised work that lacks a logical and coherent structure, lacks a well-formed central argument and shows a significant lack of clarity of expression with very weak or irrelevant conclusions, that may be incoherent to specialist or non-specialist audiences