1. Introduction to the Task
The individual project is, based on real world information, to study an international company’s international business strategies, management and performance.
You choose an international company, big or small. You study its business management, strategies and/ or performance in its home country and in one of its international markets (countries or areas) by focusing on three key topics being studied in the lecture, and with an embedment of national culture, social norms and business ethics. This is a comparative study that “critical comparison” should be always applied when analysing the company’s domestic business and international business.
You are expected to use the knowledge you have learned from the lectures and seminars, from other modules and from your own research as the guidance to complete your report. You are also strongly suggested to use your practice to challenge the theories and the existing research findings. The key to project success is insight, coherence, originality and creativity.
2. Components of the Project
The individual project is formed by two components, proposal and final report.
2.1 Project Proposal
In week 6 (28th July 2024), you submit an 800 (about) words proposal to address your initial ideas, i.e., the company you select and the reason to select it; the country (market) profile of the company’s international market you choose to study; and the key topics you plan to study and the reasons to study them. Please note, this proposal is part of your final report.
Oral feedback is given in week 6.
Please note, you can only start to work on your project after your proposal is approved.
Managing your proposal
Your proposal is suggested to include these sections and contents.
1. Introduction
· An introduction to the business you choose (include the nature of the business and the products; the history of the business; currently market position and status; mission statements; the organisational structure; and its international business or expansion, etc. Some information may not be available. You are asked to do the best to describe this business as thorough as possible.
· An introduction to the international market you choose to study (for example, demographic figures; recent economic situation; social, cultural and/or religious features, etc.) with a comparison with this company’s home country, and explain the reason for you to choose to study these two markets.
· Data collection methods – You need to briefly present the sources you use to collect the information. This is not for you to present a reference list but to demonstrate your understanding of how to find and use good quality sources.
2. Topics to be studied
Present your initial selection of the three topics and rationalise your reasons. Use proper academic literature and practical evidences to support your justification.
3. Planning
Plan your time ahead. Define the tasks you need to do and create a feasible timetable to facilitate you to complete them in a smooth and timely process. When planning your time, you also need to consider your group members and your group work.
2.2 Individual Report
In week 11 (6th Oct 2024), each of you will submit a Microsoft Word report to demonstrate your research results, your findings and your arguments. Your report should be in a proper academic report structure.
Word count – 3,500 words, including the proposal and exclusive of the reference list and appendix; 10% margin on each end.
Managing your report
Your report is suggested to include these sections and contents.
1. Introduction
Introduce the background and the key contents of this report, i.e., the reason for you to do this project; the company you choose to study; and the key topics you presented in this report. Your proposal is to be used in this section, but you need to edit it to fit the purpose of the Introduction section and the rest of the report. Data collection methods and the Planning in the proposal are not needed. Suggested word count – 600 to 700 words.
2. Literature Review
Present the key theories, models and/or frameworks that you used to study the three topics in your case study. Rationalise the reasons for you to choose to use them. The purpose of this literature review is to demonstrate your understanding of these theories, models or frameworks and their applications. Critically analysing and evaluating the literature is strongly recommended. Suggested word count – 800 words.
3. Case Study
Deeply and thoroughly study the elected company by using a comparative methodology, i.e., compare its strategies, management and activities, etc., in both domestic and international market and draw your arguments. The three topics that you choose to study must be analysed and discussed in a collective manner, i.e., the interrelationship among these topics must be studied. Proper IB theories, models, framework and existing research findings must be used where applicable. Suggested word count – 1800 to 2000 words.
4. Conclusion
Review your report and draw your conclusion. Suggested word count – 200 words.
Presentation and Referencing
This is one of the elements that you are assessed. Although minor grammatical errors and spelling mistakes may not be penalised, you are expected to submit a logically structured, well-written and properly referenced report.
· Design a proper cover page
· Create an abstract
· Create a Table of Contents
· Times new Roman, Arial, Calibri or other easily readable font is acceptable. Nonstandard typefaces or script are not acceptable.
· Font sizes should be 12 point for text and 10 point for footnotes.
· You need to reference properly for your report. It must be in Harvard system. In-text reference should be given wherever you cite a source. End of paper reference list should be properly presented. Improper referencing will lead to a mark loss or a fail.
· You need to carefully read and refine what you have written in your report before submitting the final report
· Style should be consistent throughout the document, including preliminaries, end matter, table headings, figures, and captions.
There is no formal limit on file size but you should use an appropriate resolution. High resolution photographs add little or nothing to academic value and Turnitin may request you to produce a smaller version if you have produced an unreasonable size of file.
Appendix – anything that is too long, too much, and is not very relevant to be written in the report, but you would like your reader to know it as supplementary information, you may put it in the appendix. Appendix should be placed after the reference list as the last element in your report.
