Explore a range of theoretical perspectives on strategic management and on the role played by internationalisation within the overall strategic development of various business organisations

 

Module Title: 

International Business Strategy

Module Code: 

7BSP0355

Assignment Format & Maximum Word count

2500 Words with a 10% margin

Assignment weighting

      70%

Coursework Submission:

Time: 12:00 PM

Date: 06/01/2025
Method: Canvas

Coursework return Date returned to students:

03/02/2025

 

 

 

 

Internal Moderator

Approved 
Date: 24/09/2024

Module Board name

 

External Examiner

Approved
Date:

Module Board date

 

Assessment eligible for an extension on submission date (subject to UPRs)

YES

Retrievable Assessment

NO

Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding assessed in this assignment:

  • Explore a range of theoretical perspectives on strategic management and on the role played by internationalisation within the overall strategic development of various business organisations
  • Critically examine the influence of internal organisational characteristics and external environmental forces on the chances of success or failure of the organisation`s internationalisation strategy
  • Assess a range of analytical tools and concepts which can be used to support the critical analysis of international business practice.

Learning Outcomes: Skills and Attributes assessed in this assignment:

  • Critically analyse variations within a range of international organisations in their approaches to strategic management
  • Critically assess the influence of a complex range of internal and external factors upon the success or failure of specific strategic initiatives related to internationalisation or global business development;
  • Apply the concepts and techniques of differing perspectives in order to critically analyse both quantitative and qualitative evidence on business case situations, generating and evaluating a range of strategic options.
  • Critically reflect on their personal learning/intellectual experience.

Transformational Opportunities:
E.g. Use LinkedIn Learning to improve skills

  • Strategic Thinking: Learn how to approach strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
  • Global Business Strategy: Understand how to navigate the complexities of international markets.
  • Managing Stakeholders and Shareholders: Gain insights into managing the diverse interests of stakeholders in international businesses.
  • Reflective Practice for Personal Development: Develop your ability to critically reflect on learning experiences and improve future performance.

Feedback /Marking criteria for this Assignment

  • Performance will be assessed using HBS Grading Criteria (Rubric)
  • Feedback for improvement will be given in writing via your Canvas module site within 4 weeks of submission
  • Lateness Penalty: For each day or part day up to five days after the published deadline, coursework relating to modules submitted late will have the numeric grade reduced by 10 grade points until or unless the numeric grade reaches the minimum pass mark (UG 40/PG 50).  Where the numeric grade awarded for the assessment is less than the minimum pass mark no lateness penalty will be applied.  If the coursework is submitted more than 5 days after the published deadline, it will not be marked and a grade of zero will be awarded. Please note: Referred coursework submitted after the published deadline will be awarded a grade of zero (0).
  • Extensions: Students do not have an automatic right to an extension.  If you require an extension, this must be requested in advance of the submission deadline.  Please give your reason(s) for needing an extension. Not all Assessments are eligible for an extension. Please check above.
  • Retrievable Assessment: Students who fail a retrievable assignment have the opportunity to act on the feedback in a timely manner and to resubmit the same assignment within a specified deadline set by the Module Leader. Marks for resubmitted work will be capped at 40% for UG and 50% for PG. Students who resubmit work and go on to Fail the module will still be able to do the referred coursework (capped at 40% UG or 50% PG).
 
 
 
 

Detailed Brief for Individual / Team Assignment

Assignment Title: Comprehensive Company Analysis Report

Description of the assignment, task, content and structure:

This assignment requires you to select one company from the list provided and conduct a comprehensive analysis based on the questions outlined. Each question corresponds to a unit in your course, requiring you to apply theories and frameworks covered in class. Ensure your responses are supported by research, class discussions, and relevant academic theories.

The total word limit for this assignment is 2,500 words, with a 10% margin. You should aim to cover all eight questions in approximately 300 words per question to ensure a balanced and comprehensive response.

Instructions:

  • The total word limit is 2,500 words, with a 10% margin (2,250–2,750 words).
  • Apply at least one relevant theory or framework for each question.
  • Support your answers with evidence from reputable sources such as academic journals, industry reports, and company information.
  • Ensure proper citation of all sources in line with academic standards.

List of Companies:

  1. Accor SA – Hospitality (France)
  2. ActOne Group – Workforce Solutions Provider (USA)
  3. Aston Martin – Automobile (UK)
  4. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) – Digital Banking (Spain)
  5. BYJU`s – EdTech (India)
  6. Hotel Chocolat – Retail (UK)
  7. Jollibee – Fast Food (Philippines)
  8. Laraki Automobiles – Automotive (Morocco)
  9. Lockheed Martin – Aerospace (USA)
  10. Naspers – Technology (South Africa)
  11. Nvidia – Artificial Intelligence (USA)
  12. Royal Caribbean Group – Cruise Line Operator (Liberia/USA)
  13. Scoot – Low-Cost Airlines (Singapore)
  14. TAG Heuer – Luxury Watches (Switzerland)
  15. World Wide Technology (WWT) – Manufacturing (USA)
  16. Teladoc Health – Telemedicine and Virtual Healthcare (USA)
  17. Apple Inc. – Technology (USA)
  18. Toyota Motor Corporation – Automotive (Japan)
  19. Unilever – Consumer Goods (Netherlands/UK)
  20. Samsung Electronics – Technology (South Korea)
  21. Coca-Cola – Beverages (USA)
  22. Nestlé – Food & Beverages (Switzerland)
  23. Sony Corporation – Electronics & Entertainment (Japan)
  24. Amazon – E-Commerce & Technology (USA)
  25. Volkswagen Group – Automotive (Germany)
  26. Procter & Gamble – Consumer Goods (USA)
  27. Revolut Bank – Fintech (UK)
  28. Stripe – Fintech (USA)
  29. Ant Group – Fintech (China)
  30. Jumia – E-Commerce (Africa)

Questions for Analysis:

Unit 1: Introduction to International Business Strategy

How has the learning from lectures, tutorials, discussions with classmates, and your own research helped you understand the international business strategies of your chosen company? Provide examples to illustrate your understanding.

Unit 2: Mega/Macro Environmental Analysis (Outside-In Perspective)

Analyse the external environment of your chosen company. What are the key threats and opportunities facing the company in its industry? Apply at least one framework, such as PESTEL, CAGE, or Megatrends, to support your analysis. Engage with class materials and discussions in your response.

Unit 3: Industry Environment Analysis (Outside-In Perspective)

Conduct a critical analysis of the industry in which your chosen company operates. What are the main threats and opportunities within this industry, and why are they significant? Apply at least one framework, such as Porter’s Five Forces or SWOT Analysis, to support your analysis.

Unit 4: Internal Environment Analysis (Inside-Out Perspective)

Examine the internal environment of your company. What are its key strengths and weaknesses? Support your arguments with evidence from the week`s lecture, discussions, and your own research. Apply at least one framework, such as the VRIO Framework or the Resource-Based View (RBV), to support your analysis.

Unit 5: Stakeholder and Shareholder Analysis

Critically assess the roles of your company’s stakeholders and shareholders. What are their key concerns, and how do these affect the company’s opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses? Apply at least one theoretical framework covered in class in your analysis.

Unit 6: Strategic Options

Evaluate the strategic options available to your chosen company. Consider options such as innovation, headquarters/subsidiary relationships, or international operational strategies. Apply at least one framework, such as the Ansoff Matrix or Blue Ocean Strategy, to support your analysis.

Unit 7: Strategy Implementation and Recommendations

Analyse how your chosen company can implement strategic changes effectively. What are the best approaches for ensuring successful implementation in the short, medium, and long term? Apply at least one framework, such as the Balanced Scorecard or the McKinsey 7S Framework, to support your recommendations.

Unit 8: Reflection on Learning

Reflect on your learning experience throughout this assignment. What were your key takeaways from engaging in this analysis? What went well, and what challenges did you encounter? If you were to repeat this assignment, what changes would you make, and why? Apply at least one reflective framework, such as Gibbs` Reflective Cycle or Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, to structure your reflection.

Any specific instructions:
The HBS Grading Criteria (rubric) will evidence how marks are awarded for individual parts of

the assignment i.e. Presentation and Structure, Intellectual Curiosity and Referencing, Content, Analysis, Discussion.

Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, Essay Mills and other Academic Misconduct Offences

  • You are NOT allowed to copy any information into your assignment without using quotation marks and a reference – this is ‘plagiarism’ (a type of academic misconduct). 
  • You are NOT allowed to copy from other students (or allow other students to copy from you) – this is ‘collusion’. 
  • You are NOT allowed to copy from your own assignments on other modules – this is ‘self-plagiarism’. 
  • You must NEVER buy assignments from websites (essay mills) – this is called ‘contract cheating’ and it is now illegal in the UK. 
  • Contract cheating is a serious academic misconduct offence and also includes arranging for help with an assessment such that there is also reasonable doubt as to whose work the assessment represents.  It extends to input from a fellow student, friend, relative, or any other person, artificial intelligence with or without payment of any kind.  
  • For all references use Cite it Right Harvard style - Harvard Referencing (see video for support)
  • Unauthorised use of artificially generated material (AI) in researching or presenting material for an assessment is an academic misconduct offence if you use AI tools in producing your assessment unless the use of AI tools is expressly permitted. However, even if expressly permitted, where you do not declare that you have used an artificial intelligence tool(s) in the production of your assessment, or you are dishonest about the extent to which such tools have been used, you will have committed academic misconduct.
  • If you commit academic misconduct, your mark will be reduced, or, depending on the severity of the offence you may get 1% for the assignment in question or 1% for the module, and get a disciplinary warning. Repeat offenders normally face disciplinary action. 

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