CQUniversity Unit Profile
MGMT20133 International Business, Strategy and Corporate Transformation
International Business, Strategy and Corporate Transformation
All details in this unit profile for MGMT20133 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Businesses are at the dawn of a fourth industrial revolution, propelled by frontier technologies and robotisation advances that make the product better, cheaper and faster than ever before. This new industrial revolution offers enormous opportunities for businesses to grow and gain sustainable development with potential benefits on a scale that is difficult to imagine. New technologies promise the possibilities of industrial upgrading and leapfrogging. Reconfiguration of world businesses environment, cheaper transportation and communication, coupled with more efficient logistics now help businesses to establish links to new global value chains. Strategic intuitiveness and the ability to quickly manage change is key to gain competitive positioning in the global context. As the capstone unit, you will integrate prior functional and interpersonal knowledge and skills acquired in previous units of the Master of Business Administration and examine international business practices and strategic management processes at an advanced level in different kinds of organisations. You will use your advanced level of knowledge and skills to analyse how organisations develop future business strategies which are influenced by domestic and international pressures. By considering the challenges facing contemporary businesses, you will examine how international business theories, strategic management concepts, frameworks and tools are used by business executives to develop a business plan and implement effective corporate transformation.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite: A minimum of 36 credit points made up from four (4) specified core/compulsory MBA units and an additional 12 credit points  MGMT20129 Managing People, Organisations and Context. MGMT20130 Operations Management and Business Analytics ACCT20077 Accounting for Management Decision Making ECON20039 Economics for Managers and 12 credit points (2  X 6 credit point units, either core or electives)

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Group Work
Weighting: 40%
2. Report
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Queries on assessment tasks, workshop discussion, case analysis at workshops, and emails

Feedback

Lack of academic skills to review articles. Many students know how to write descriptive reports but not analytical plans using models and theories.

Recommendation

Arrange special workshops in weeks 2 and 5 to discuss reviewing articles, analysing cases, and using theories and models to answer questions. Use short cases specific to weekly topics, allowing students to find out critical concepts used in cases.

Feedback from MBA students in conversation, workshops, emails, Zoom meetings.

Feedback

Relevance and positive application of international business concepts and theories.

Recommendation

To continue selecting new cases that deal with business strategies and challenges in a transformational business environment.

Feedback from Students; feedback and UC's observation during the case study discussion and group works.

Feedback

Students are keen to learn from culturally and economically different contexts.

Recommendation

Cases from different countries and industries may be chosen to reveal contextual differences. Geographic conditions, level of economic development, and business practices in a changing global business environment may be introduced to generate interactive engagement.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Critically evaluate concepts and principles of international business, strategic management and corporate transformation
  2. Analyse and integrate specialist knowledge pertinent to global business and economic complexity
  3. Apply cognitive and technical skills to reflect on and synthesise complex problems and apply strategic frameworks to develop and implement business strategies
  4. Communicate corporate strategy highlighting the effects of decisions on business performance
  5. Demonstrate business acumen using appropriate strategic and transformative frameworks in a socially responsible manner.

N/A

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Group Work - 40%
2 - Report - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace ISE

Edition: 14th (2023)
Authors: Charles W. L. Hill
McGraw Hill
NY NY , USA
ISBN: 1265038546 · 9781265038540
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

Extra resource materials will be posted for each weeks workshop exercises.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Quamrul Alam Unit Coordinator
q.alam@cqu.edu.au
Stuart Danvers Unit Coordinator
s.danvers@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to International Business Strategy and Corporate Transformation Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Globalisation and Changing Political, Social, Environmental, Economic, and Business Landscape.

  • Globalisation and International Business.
  • Global Business Framework.
  • Globalisation and Semiglobalisation.
  • Current Debates on Globalisation and Emergence of Digital Trade.

 

Chapter

Prescribed Readings

Hill, C. (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapter 1.

Peng, W. M. (2023) Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA. Chapter 1.

Additional Readings

Global Economic Form (2024), TradeTech: Catalysing Innovation
January.
World Development Report 2024. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

In week one, we will discuss the key international business issues and contemporary challenges in the global business environment. 

We will also discuss the complexities arising from recent global conflicts and the shifts in the business environment, the nature of global competition, and factors that influence the strategic decision-making process in international business.

In week two, you are supposed to form groups for a case study discussion and presentation.

Cases will be posted to the Moodle site for your selection.

You must be a group member and select a case for assessment 1 (group work).

When contacting any member of the teaching team, please ensure the following:

  1. Use your CQU student email address.
  2. Include a subject line that contains the unit code (MGMT20133).
  3. Clearly state your name and student ID in the email.
  4. Make sure you professionally write your email.
Week 2: Understanding Formal Institutions, Politics, Laws and Economics and the Emerging Global Business Environment Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Understanding External Environmental Factors and Their Impact on Corporate Transformation.

  • Institutions, Firms, and Business Behaviour.
  • Six Components of the Macro-environment.
  • An Institutional-Based View of Global Business.
  • Strategic Framework for Assessing the Process of Corporate Transformation.
  • Tools and Models to Assess the Nature of Competition in a Particular Industry and Country.

 

 

 

Chapter

Prescribed Readings

Hill, C. (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapters 2, 3 & 4.

Peng, W. M. (2023) Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA.  Chapters 2 & 3.

Additional Readings:

Thompson, A.A., Peteraf, M.A., Gamble, J.E. and Strickland, A.J. (2022). Crafting and Executing Strategy- Concepts and Cases, 22nd Edition, McGraw Hill Education, New York. Chapter 3.

Executive Summary of the World Investment Report, 2024.

Events and Submissions/Topic

We will discuss the macroenvironmental factors affecting international business, corporate transformation, the nature of competition and the key challenges companies face.

Students should form groups for assessment 1 (Group work and case presentation).

Cases for the workshop.

1. India's Economic Transformation, Hill (2021), p. 80.

2. Poland: East Europe's Economic Miracle, Hill (2021), p. 63.

 

Week 3: Evaluating a Company’s Resources, Capabilities, and Competitiveness Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Evaluating a Company’s Resources, Capabilities, and Competitiveness.

  • Understanding a company's resources and capabilities 
  • Value chain and outsourcing
  • From SWOT to VIRO
  • Dynamic capability

Chapter

Prescribed Readings:

Peng, W. M. (2023) Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA.  Chapter 4.

Thompson, A.A., Peteraf, M.A., Gamble, J.E. and Strickland, A.J. (2022). Crafting and Executing Strategy- Concepts and Cases, 22nd Edition, McGraw Hill Education, New York. Chapter 4.

Events and Submissions/Topic

This week, we will discuss issues and concepts related to company resources and competencies. We will also examine business strategy tools to learn how to assess the company's competencies, capabilities, and market position.

Cases for the workshop.

1. The Future of Automobile Industry, Integrative Case 1.2, in Peng (2023), pp 125-126.

2. Boeing's Global Production System, in Hill (2021), p.8.

3. General Motors in China, in Hill (2021), pp. 35-36.

Week 4: International Business Theories and Corporate Strategic Planning for Competing in the International Markets, Part A Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

International Business Theories:

  • Classical Theories of International Business.
  • Product life-cycle Theory
  • Theory of National Competitive Advantage (Diamond Model).
  • Eclectic Theory (OLI) by John Dunning.

 

 

 

Chapter

Prescribed readings

Hill, C. (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapter 6.

Peng, W. M. (2023), Global Business, 5th edition, Cengage Learning, Chapters 5 & 6.

Raymond Vernon's Product Life Cycle Theory (to be posted on the Moodle site).

Michael Porter’s Diamond Model: Why Some Nations Are Competitive And Others Are Not. (article to be posted on the Moodle site).

Dunning, J. (2001), The Eclectic (OLI) Paradigm of International Production: Past, Present, and Future, International Journal of the Economics of Business, 8:2, 173-190.

Events and Submissions/Topic

This week,  we will discuss four theories of international business.

In the workshop, two cases will be discussed to understand various features of companies' strategies. You are required to read the following two cases for discussion before the workshop.

Cases for the workshop

1. Automobile FDI in Brazil and Mexico, Integrative case 2.5, in Peng (2023), pp. 295-296

2. The Rise of Finland's Nokia, in  Hill, Cronk, and Wickramasekera (eds.), Global Business Today, p.87.

Week 5: International Business Theories and Corporate Strategic Planning for Competing in the International Markets, Part B Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

International Business Theories and Corporate Strategies in Changing Business Environment.

  • Path-dependency Theory
  • Born Global Theory
  • Stakeholder Theory

Chapter

Prescribed readings

Hill, C. (2021), International Business - Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapter 12.

 Narula, R. and Dunning, J.H. (2009), Multinational enterprises, development and globalisation: Some clarifications and a research agenda, United Nations University.UNU-MERIT Working Papers ISSN 1871-9872.

Parmar, B., Freeman, E., Harrison, J., Wicks, Purnell, L. & Simone de Colle (2010), Stakeholder Theory: The State of the Art, The Academy of Management Annals, 4(1), pp. 403-445.

Events and Submissions/Topic

In week 5, we will discuss international business theories, and explain how and why companies pursue business expansion strategies for different markets. Why do firms engage in foreign direct investment (FDI)?  

Cases for the workshop:

1. Nordic Multinational (Focus 6.1), in Peng (2023), p.  197.

2. Saudi Aramco, in Hill (2021), pp. 366-367. 

3. Advantages and disadvantages of FDI in developing countries.

 

Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

No classes will be held during this week.

Chapter

No classes will be held during this week.

Events and Submissions/Topic

No classes will be held during this week.

Week 6: International Business Strategies Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

International Strategies

  • Global Strategy, International Strategy, Transnational Strategy, and Multidomestic Strategy.
  • Generic Business Strategies

    Low-cost Strategy, Differentiation Strategy, Niche Strategy, & Best-cost Strategy

 

 

 

 

Chapter

Prescribed Readings:

Peng, M. (2023, Global Business, 5th edition, Cengage Learning, Chapter 11 (Starting International Business).

Hill, C. (2020), International Business - Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapter 12.

Peng, M. (2023, Global Business, 5th edition, Cengage Learning, Chapter 11. 

Thompson, A.A., Peteraf, M.A., Gamble, J.E. and Strickland, A.J. (2022). Crafting and Executing Strategy- Concepts and Cases, 22nd Edition, McGraw Hill Education, New York. Chapter 5.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Presentation

Each group is required to work together on a case and prepare a report based on some selected questions.

Each group member is required to present a defined task (question) in class/online. The group must submit a group report and the slides on the assessment submission link.

Groups must get prior approval from the Unit Coordinator on their business cases.

Each group member will make a 10-minute presentation during the workshop/tutorial.

The Unit Coordinator will moderate the presentation session and provide feedback on each presentation.


Presentation on a Business Case and Submission of a Group Written Report Due: Week 6 Friday (25 Apr 2025) 11:30 pm AEST
Week 7: Foreign Market Entry Strategies Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Foreign Market Entry Strategies:

  • Modes of Foreign Market Entry.
  • Competing in the Diversified Markets.
  • Competing in the Developing Country Markets.

 

Chapter

Prescribed Readings:

Hill, W. C (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapters  13, 15, &  16.

Peng, W. M. (2023), Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA. Chapters 10, 11 & 12.

Additional Readings:

UNCTAD (2024) World Investment Report 2024 (Executive Summary).

World Economic Forum (2024), Global Risks Report 2024.

 

 

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Group debate on why and how China has become a global manufacturing country.

Group debate on the reasons for the USA -China Trade conflict.

Cases for the workshop:

1. Rebranding of Hindustan Lever Limited, in Peng (2023), pp. 445-446.

2. Japanese Multinationals in Emerging Economies, in  Peng (2023), pp. 470-471.

Week 8: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Diversification and the Multibusiness Company Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Business Diversification.
  • Inward and Outward FDI.
  • Benefits and Costs of FDI.
  • Multinational Enterprises from Emerging Economies.

 

Chapter

Prescribed Readings:

Hill, C. (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapter 15.

Peng, W. M. (2023) Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA. Chapter  6.

 

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Cases for the workshop.

1. India's Outward Foreign Direct Investment Compared with China, in Peng (2023), pp. 208-209.

2. What are the home country factors that attract FDI?

3. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can benefit a host country by creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and transferring technology and expertise. Do you agree?

 

 

 

Week 9: How to Build Organisational Capability to Operate in the Global Market Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

How to Build Organisational Resources and Capabilities to Execute Corporate Strategies.

  • Components of Business Strategy Execution
  • Global Production, Outsourcing, and Logistics
  • Global Marketing and Supply Chain Strategy
  • Global Human Resource Management

Chapter

Prescribed Readings:

Peng, W. M. (2023) Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA. Chapters 14, 15 & 16, 

Hill, C. (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapters 15 & 16.

Additional Readings:

 Meyer K.E. ed.. (2008), Multinational Enterprises and Host Economies (2 Vols) Cheltenham: Elgar.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

The case for the workshop:

1. Tata Motors and Exporting, in Hill (2021), p..649.

2. Alibaba's Global Supply Chain, in Hill (2021), p. 650.

 

Week 10: Global Integration and Regional Integration Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

  • Global Economic Integration
  • Regional Economic Integration
  • Economic Geography and World Trade.
  • Role of WTO.

 

Chapter

Prescribed Readings:

Hill, C. (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapters  8, 9 &13.

Peng, W. M (2023) Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA. Chapters 8 & 12.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Discussion on Assignment 2 (International Business Plan): How to Write a Business Plan for Global Expansion.

Cases for the workshop:

1. China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, in Hill (2021), pp. 126-128.

2. The Global Success of Swedish Music Integrative,  Fang, T. & Lewander, M., case 2.1, in Peng (2023), pp. 279-281.

Week 11: CSR and International Business Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

Corporate Social Responsibility and International Business.

  • Institutions and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  • Domestic VS Overseas Social Responsibility
  • CSR and Business Sustainability.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter

Prescribed Readings:

Peng, W.M (2023), Global Business, Fifth Edition, 2023, Cengage., Boston, USA. Chapter 17.

Hill, C. (2021), International Business -Competing in the Global Market Place, 13th Edition, Chapters 4 & 5.

McKinsey & Company (2020), From there to here: 50 years of thinking on the social responsibility of business, September.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Cases for the workshop:

1. Integrative case 4.4, Dallas Versus Delhi, in Peng (2023), pp. 598.

2. Integrative case 4,.3, Zara Excels in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, in Peng (2023), pp. 596-597.

 

Week 12: Corporate Transformation in a New Global Economic Order Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

  • The New Economic Geography and the Challenges of International Trade.
  • Shifts in International Investment Policies.
  • The Unit Summary

 

Chapter

World Economic Forum Reports 2024.

Global Alliance and International Trade.

UNCTAD (2024), World Investment Report 2024. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Discuss the recent changes in the international business environment in the post - USA Election.

European war and the disruption in the global value chain, the nature of foreign direct investment trends, and emerging trade disputes in various parts of the world.


A STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN FOR EXPANDING THE BUSINESS. Due: Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:30 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week - Begin Date: 16 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Group Work

Assessment Title
Presentation on a Business Case and Submission of a Group Written Report

Task Description

Students are required to form groups consisting of 3-4 members. Each group will be given an existing business case to study. Each group needs to research to collect the latest information on that company’s business strategy and market position and list the core competencies using the five forces model, value chain analysis, and competitors’ analysis. Each group member will have to make an individual presentation. Each member will be given marks for his/her presentation. The group members will allocate tasks to each member of the group. The total time for the presentation per member of a group is 10 minutes. Each group is required to write a group report and submit it on the due date along with presentation slides. As aspiring business managers, your task and role should reflect your understanding, ownership, and leadership.

Weighting 40% weighting of the overall grade.

Individual presentation - 10 minutes (20 marks)

Written group report - (20 marks)

 Group report - 2000 words maximum (excluding preliminaries, references, appendices, and tables/diagrams) 

Group members should submit presentation slides individually on the Moodle submission link.

One group member is required to submit the written group report on the Moodle site. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (25 Apr 2025) 11:30 pm AEST

Presentation at the workshop. The presentation slides and written report need to be submitted via Moodle by 25 April 2025.


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (9 May 2025)

Feedback on group report and individual presentation will be provided on Feedback studio


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria.

Presentation: 20 Marks.

  • Structure of presentation ( 5 Marks).
  • A comprehensive response to the relevant question (s) (10 marks).
  • Presentation style/communication ( 5 Marks)

Group Report (20 Marks)

  •  Introduction: a brief history of the case/ organisation, its products, and competitors (3 Marks).
  •  A macro and micro business environment analysis identifying the company's competitive position (3 Marks).
  • Critical analysis of the issues in each question ( 10 Marks)
  • A  list of at least ten references used in alphabetical order ( 4 Marks).

As Master's students, you must engage in research consistent with the Australian Quality Framework (AQF) guidelines that establish the standards for all CQUniversity's Master's courses. Two specific requirements must be considered: 1. Students must demonstrate “a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline and/or area of professional practice", and 2. Students must demonstrate "knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work and/or learning”. Each Master's unit has a number of required readings in terms of academic texts, journals, and business publications that represent the appropriate body of knowledge and recent developments referred to by the AQF. To demonstrate the ability to engage in research, students should read and utilise these texts journals, and publications.

As post-graduate students, you are expected to research beyond this minimum standard through additional texts, journals, and studies to demonstrate an ability to engage in independent research. Your attention is also drawn to the University’s stated position on plagiarism. THE WORK OF OTHERS, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE ASSIGNMENT, MUST BE ATTRIBUTED TO ITS SOURCE (a full list of references must be submitted as part of the assessment). 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
One member of a group is required to submit the group report. Individual presenters should submit their power point slides. Please save and upload your file in a Word document via the assessment link on Moodle site

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate concepts and principles of international business, strategic management and corporate transformation
  • Analyse and integrate specialist knowledge pertinent to global business and economic complexity
  • Apply cognitive and technical skills to reflect on and synthesise complex problems and apply strategic frameworks to develop and implement business strategies
  • Communicate corporate strategy highlighting the effects of decisions on business performance
  • Demonstrate business acumen using appropriate strategic and transformative frameworks in a socially responsible manner.

2 Report

Assessment Title
A STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN FOR EXPANDING THE BUSINESS.

Task Description

This is an individual assignment.

Each student should write a strategic business plan for an existing business to expand in a foreign market (China India, and Indonesia) or a different location within the domestic market, addressing the recent domestic and international business environment.

Please note: you are supposed to choose a business case by yourself. Prior permission from your Unit Coordinator is required.

Make sure you have access to the company's website and business reports for collecting relevant information. You are required to include the following points in your business report. This is important as each section of your report will be marked according to the weight (marks) assigned to that specific section (See marking criteria and the marking rubric).

Weighting: 60% weighting of the overall grade

Word limit: 2500 words maximum (excluding preliminaries, references, appendices, tables, and diagrams).

Penalties apply for exceeding the word limit in the written part (1% mark will be deducted from the total mark for Assessment 2 for every 100 words over the allowed 2500-word limit).

Please read the detailed assessment guideline and marking rubric available on the unit's Moodle page before commencing work on the assessment.

Please note that you are required to use at least 15 quality references (Academic texts, journal articles, reports, books, etc.). As master's students, you are expected to research beyond this minimum standard through additional texts, journals, and studies to demonstrate an ability to engage in independent research. Your attention is also drawn to the University’s stated position on plagiarism. THE WORK OF OTHERS, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE ASSIGNMENT MUST BE ATTRIBUTED TO ITS SOURCE (a full list of references must be submitted as part of the assessment).

Referencing Style

American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition).


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:30 pm AEST

A strategic business plan to expand a business in a foreign market or a different location within the domestic market


Return Date to Students

Marks for assessment 2 will not be published before the results are finalised. Feedback will be available on feedback studio after the results are published.


Weighting
60%

Assessment Criteria

Weighing 60%.

Assessment Criteria

1. An executive summary of the business plan (5%).

2. An introduction covering the business's background and present strategic position. The purpose/objective of developing the business plan needs to be clearly defined (10%).

3. A market research report on the country of your choice with an interpretation and analysis of locational advantages. You are required to use relevant international business theories (20%).

4. Evaluation of competencies and identification of the strengths you would like to use for your business expansion (15%).

5. Justification of future strategies for expansion (20%).

6. Market entry strategy, financial analysis, operational plan, and marketing strategies  (15%).

7. Conclusion ( 5%)

8. References (at least 15) (10%).

As Master's students, you are required to engage in research consistent with the Australia Quality Framework (AQF) guidelines, that establish the standards for all CQUniversity's Masters's courses. Two specific requirements should be considered: 1. Students need to demonstrate “a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in a discipline and/or area of professional practice", and 2. Students must demonstrate "knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to a field of work and/or learning”. Each Master's unit has a number of required readings in terms of academic texts, journals, and business publications that represent the appropriate body of knowledge and recent developments referred to by the AQF. To demonstrate the ability to engage in research, students should read and utilise these texts, journals, and publications.

As postgraduate students, you are expected to research beyond this minimum standard through additional texts, journals, and studies to demonstrate an ability to engage in independent research. Your attention is also drawn to the University’s stated position on plagiarism.

THE WORK OF OTHERS, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE ASSESSMENT, MUST BE ATTRIBUTED TO ITS SOURCE (a full list of references must be submitted as part of the assessment).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Please save and upload your file in a Word document via the assessment link on the unit's Moodle site

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically evaluate concepts and principles of international business, strategic management and corporate transformation
  • Analyse and integrate specialist knowledge pertinent to global business and economic complexity
  • Apply cognitive and technical skills to reflect on and synthesise complex problems and apply strategic frameworks to develop and implement business strategies
  • Communicate corporate strategy highlighting the effects of decisions on business performance
  • Demonstrate business acumen using appropriate strategic and transformative frameworks in a socially responsible manner.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?