ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES
International Business Strategy
BA-Y3-MAA-IBM005-C
Spring Semester, 2017/18
Assessment 5: Business Case Study
Weighting: 60%
Date and method of submission: week 16
Word count or equivalent: 3000 words (+/-10%)
Formative Assessment 1: (week 7)
Formative Assessment 2: (week 7 till week 13)
Assessment 5: Business Case Study (60% of final mark)
The Business Case Study assignment requires students to analyse an existing
business from the perspective of International Business Strategy and conduct the main
tripod of analysis including the following views: industry-based view, resource-based
view and institution-based view, taking into account the concepts and theories learned
during the semester. Students will have to choose an existing business for analysis by
Week 3. The chosen business has been to be approved by the module leader.
The formative assessments aim to encourage students to keep up and review the key
concepts that will be applied in the assessment. Students must follow the specifications
mentioned below. It will provide students a step-by-step guide to complete the
assessment successfully.
During the semester, students will obtain feedback from the module leader. Students
might take into consideration that the more they use the feedbacks from teacher, the
better the final work will be and the more students will learn during the process.
In case of any question or no understanding of any step of the Business Case Study,
do not hesitate to contact the module leader.
Assessment Criteria:
The evaluation of the elements of the Business Case Study is related to all the 4
learning outcomes and will follow the marking criteria: (For the detailed marking criteria
grid, please see Assessment 5 Marking Criteria Grid).
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING (40%). The student has a
comprehensive knowledge of the different theoretical approaches within the
discipline of International Business Strategy covered throughout the module.
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES
Moreover the student demonstrates in depth and breadth of coverage, as well
as awareness of the nature of the debate and discussion within theories of
international Business Strategy, analysing the main tripod Industry, resource
and institution based views.
COGNITIVE SKILLS (20%). The student is able to demonstrate his/her
knowledge through the use of examples, quotations and evidence. Moreover,
the student is able to conduct a cross analysis in a coherent and appropriate
structure where the main points are developed logically and the relevance of the
material to the theme is made clear.
PRACTICAL and PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (20%). Students will need to
research the main issues in the case related to international business strategy
(cultural aspects, de-localization, outsourcing, networks) and provide the
necessary evidence to support their analysis.
TRANSFERABLE and KEY SKILLS (20%). The student is able to communicate
fluently in written form and using an appropriate style of writing. This written
presentation element requires students to be able to present an assignment that
is correct in terms of spelling, grammar, and paragraphing. Moreover, the
student is able to consistently reference in accordance to Harvard style,
including in-text referencing and full list of references. Moreover, the references
reflect adequate reading and research from reliable academic sources.
Business Case Study Specifications
The Business Case Study should include the following elements. Students are
recommended to follow the structure:
Chapter 1 – Introduction: International Business Strategy review:
In the introduction of the business case study, students have to define the International
Business Strategy concepts, including main elements of industry, resource and
institution analysis, its foundations and importance. Also a short description of the
upcoming work must be provided.
Chapter 2 – Business presentation:
In this chapter students must provide information about the business they will analyse.
Students have to present what the company’s role, activity, size, international presence
are, and so on.
From Chapter 3 to Chapter 5, the tripod of analysis of various views must be
conducted.
Chapter 3 – Industry-Based View:
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES
Here students will have to present the analysis of the industry environment showing the
importance of the business environment to the business strategy to the chosen
business. The part of the analysis must include:
– Who are the business’ main competitors in a global environment?
– SWOT Analysis.
Chapter 4 – Resource-Based View
In this chapter students will have to analyse the resource and capabilities of the
business and demonstrate the importance of this element to the business strategy of
the business. Specifically, students need to conduct VRIO analysis.
Chapter 5 – Institutional-Based View
In chapter 5 students will have to analyse the institutional environment and
demonstrate the importance of this element to the business strategy of the business.
Students need to conduct the following analysis in this chapter:
– Formal institutions analysis.
– Informal institutions analysis.
Chapter 6 – Strategic Alliances
Students will have to show a good understanding of the main elements of the strategic
alliances and examines its impacts on the business.
Chapter 7 – Corporate Social Responsibility
In this chapter students will have to identify any CSR-related business strategy. It must
include the following:
– Identifying Corporate Social Responsibility action (environmental, social or both).
– Examining Social/Green Marketing Strategy.
Formative Assessment 1:
Chapters 1 to 2 must be submitted by week 7. Feedback process will start from the first
submission on.
Formative Assessment 2:
From week 7 to week 13 students will receive feedback from the module leader for
each submitted chapter.