Undergraduate Programmes

Faculty of Business
BBA

COURSEWORK BRIEF AND MARKING GUIDE

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
BM3309

Semester: October 2015

Module leader: Rosli Musa

Assignment I: Individual - Reviewing Current Article

(10%)
Find an article of any current world news of your interest from reliable and
authentic sources. The area of your interest could be from any perspective
such as politic, economy, science and technology, social and culture,
environment or demography. The article must be dated from January 2015
to date. Review the article and discuss from your own point of view by
highlighting the issues which could positive or negative.
You review should focus on the impact to the people at large whether it
might give benefits and harmful effects to the stakeholders which is
related to the international business context. A word of caution, your
information and references have to be from reputable, reliable and trusted
sources such as business magazine, well known newspaper, research
papers, journal, working papers etc.
Guidelines:
1. The reviewed article has to be attached together with your
assignment.
2. The mark allocation of this assignment is based on the 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, 6 November
2015.
Learning Outcomes of Reading Article:
After completing this assignment, students should be able to:
1. Analyse and explain the issue concern.
2. Explain why a manager needs to have critical outlook on the
international issue.
3. Describe the effects and impact of the issue discussed to the
countrys productivity.
4. Give recommendations to improve the situation.

Assignment II: Group Research (25%)

An integral part of successful Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is to
understand the target market as well as the nature of the possible
investment sector. As such, your company is seeking FDI opportunities in
Asian Region (choose any country in Asian). The Malaysian External trade
Development Corporation (MATRADE) has been identified as a resource to
examine several industries internationally. Based on the information
available at this resource, prepare a report including recent and important
relevant to a possible FDI venture in your chosen country.
As an International Business Relation Manager, you are to form a
formidable team consisting of maximum four (4) team members to
carry out this task. Your group is required to conduct feasibility studies of
your chosen country the viability of doing international business with
them. You have to do research and analyse the possible factors that might
affect your findings before giving any recommendation to the companys
CEO.
Utilise your knowledge and apply anyone of the international business
theories, which is relevant for this assignment by giving rational
discussion to support your argument.
Guidelines:
1. Minimum of ten (10) relevant and credible references are expected
from this project paper, facts and sources used must be cited using
Harvard referencing system.
2. The submission date is Friday, 27 November 2015.
3. The word limit is not more than 3,000 words, excluding appendices
and bibliography.
4. 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 international trade theories and rationalise them.
2. Explain how global efficiency can be improved through free trade
3. Identify factors affecting national trade patterns
4. Understand why production factors, especially labor and capital,
move internationally
5. Argue that the government can play a proactive role in promoting
national competitive advantage in certain industries
6. Understand the important implications that international trade
theory holds for business practice

2
2

3
3

For ALL the Assignments:

1. Individual (Assignment I) and group (Assignment II) must submit the
soft copies by Monday, 16 November 2015 to the module leader at
office room A210. Failing to submit on the mentioned date, a penalty of
10% marks will be deducted from the total group assignment marks.
2. To avoid social loafing for assignments, it is mandatory for each group
member to fill up and submit the Team Member Peer Evaluation Form
(TMPEF) on Monday, 16 November 2015. Failing to do that a penalty of
10% marks will be deducted from the individual marks.

4
4

BM3309 International Business: 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: .

Marks Agreed by Two Markers: X 0.10 =.. Marks

1st
Marker

2nd
Marker

Mark
Agreed

BM3309 International Business: Criteria Grid (Assignment II)

CRITERION

Presentation of
assignment (15%)

Referencing
(15%)
Conclusions (20%)

80+

70 -79

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

Carefully and logically

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

Critical reasoning
(25%)

Consistently demonstrates
application of critical
analysis well integrated in
the text.

Clear application of theory

through critical
analysis/critical thought of the
topic areas.

Reflection/
Evaluation (25%)

Can critically review

evidence supporting
conclusions/
recommendations including
its reliability, validity and
significance and can
investigate contradictory
information/identify reasons
for contradictions.

Can select appropriate

techniques of evaluation and
can evaluate the relevance and
significance of data collected.

60-69

50 - 59

>40 (REFER/FAIL)

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

Shows some attempt

to organise in a
logical manner
Some attempt at
referencing
Limited evidence of
findings and
conclusions
supported by
theory/literature

Demonstrates
application of
theory through
critical analysis
of the topic
areas.
Can evaluate the
reliability of data
using defined
techniques.

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

Referencing is
absent/unsystematic
Unsubstantiated/inval
id conclusions based
on anecdote and
generalisation only,
or no conclusions at
all
Lacks critical
thought/
analysis/reference to
theory.

Limited and only

partially accurate
evaluation of data
using defined
techniques.

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

Disorganised/
incoherent

TOTAL:

1st Marker: Rosli Musa

Proposed Marks:..

2nd Marker: ..

Proposed Marks: .

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

1st
Marker

2nd
Marker

Mark
Agreed

TEAM MEMBER PEER EVALUATION FORM (TMPEF)

This semester you worked with other students on preparing group assignment(s). Please rate you and your team members on the
relative contribution made to preparing the group assignment(s). Your ratings will be confidential. Be honest on this evaluation!
In rating you and your team members, use a one- to five-point scale, where 5 = superior, 4 = above average, 3 = average, 2 = below
average, and 1 = really weak and provide reason(s) for each score rated by you in the space that is available. Add the scores to obtain a
total score for your group members. Put any comments you like on the back of this page. Submit this sheet personally to your lecturer
when you complete the ratings below. Thank you.
Module Code: ________________
Group Assignments:___________

Group Name: __________________ Date: ____________________

Prepared by : ________________________

Student ID : _______________________

Signature

: _________________________

Put your name and team members names in the spaces provided, one name at the top of each column.
Group member:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

Ratings
Research &
Gathering
Information

Share
Information

Punctuality &
Attendance
Fulfills Team
Roles Duties
Participates in
Team Meetings
Add Total
Scores Here
(25)

Important Note: Your rating is NOT accepted if no reason(s)/ comment(s) is written for each score rated by you in the space that is
available.
General comment:...
...
...
Date: _____________

Prepared by: ____________

Signature:______________

Reference for Team Member Peer Evaluation Criteria

Contribution
Research & Gathering
Information

Share Information

Punctuality &
Attendance

0 1.0

1.5 2.0

2.5 3.5

4- 5

Unwilling to participate
in research for the team.

Participated very little in

research for the team.

Unwilling to relay
information to the team.

Relays very little

information to the team.

Participated some in
research and most of the
information met teams
needs.
Relays some basic
information and most
relates to teams needs.

Does not hand in any

assignments and/or is
almost never present.

Hands in most
assignments late and/or
is absent often.

Hands in most
assignments on time
and/or is present most of
the time.

Participated a great deal

in research and all the
information met teams
needs.
Relays a great deal of
information in research
and all relates to teams
needs
Hands in all assignments
on time and/or is always
present.

Does not perform

assigned duty for the
team.
Does not speak/attend
team meetings.

Performs very little of

assigned duty for the
team.
Either give too little
information or
information which is
irrelevant to topic.

Performs nearly all of

assigned duty for the
team.
Offers some information
most is relevant.

Takes Responsibility
Fulfills Team Roles
Duties
Participates in Team
Meetings

Performs all assigned

duty for the team.
Offers a fair amount of
important information
all is relevant.

Marks Agreed: _______________

Department of Marketing and Management

Presentation Assessment Sheet
Module Title

: _______________________________

Student Name
Programme

Module Code : _________________

: _______________________________

: _______________________________

Judging Criteria

Outstandin
g

ID. No : ___________________________

Company Name: ______________________

Good

Average

Needs
Improveme
nt

Weak/Fa
il

Structure
Interesting opening

Logical progression of ideas

Memorable closing

Factual / Depth of information

Evidence (examples, statistics,

research/survey, citations etc.)

Degree of critical thinking

Creativity

5
5

4
4

3
3

2
2

1
1

Content & Visual Aids

Delivery

Voice

Body
Language
Communicatio
n Skills

Pronunciation and
articulation
Voice projection /
volume
Voice modulation /
tone
Voice Distractions
Facial & Hand
gesture
Eye-contact
Enthusiasm
Interaction with
audience

Degree of
preparedness /
Response to
questions
Interesting
Professional
attire / Dressing
Time Management

Professionalis
m

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
Index

Module Code
Module Leader

1.
2.
3.
4.

Student Name

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

Marking Guide
Assignment 1

Students should be able to identify issues from the article

Upon identifying they should able to discuss critically on the impact of the issues from the angle they have chosen such as politic, economy,
social/cultural, technology, environment and geography (region)
Analysing the issues will is very important for the students because this will be able to trigger their mind to come out with sound and logical
reasoning when discussing any issues that attract peoples attention.
Facts and data will be the main focus for the students not to ignore, because this is the process of good academic writing to support the depth
of their literature review on the topic of their interest.

Assignment II