Outline

Overview

The formation and implementation of successful global business strategies involves alliances with a range of stakeholders including international customers and suppliers, overseas agents, international franchisors and franchisees, international joint venture partners, and international merger relationships. The aim of this unit of study is to provide conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that will develop an understanding of the motivations underlying international alliances, the alternative approaches to alliance formulation and development, and the problems involved in promoting effective alliance management. Major topics include the motivations for international business alliances, analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of alliances, factors influencing the choice of alliance arrangements, alliance structure issues, partners selection and relationship management, the reasons why alliances succeed or fail, and the management of alliance processes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Completion of at least 36 credit points of 1000-level units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Shao, xuefeng.shao@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Individual Case Analysis Analytical Report (written)	30%	Week 06	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group Report This is a group report about a failed international business case.	30%	Week 10	3000
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual Project This is an individual project for international business alliance problems	30%	Week 13	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Participation This assessment evaluates students' participation during the workshop.	10%	Weekly	Weekly
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

I. Group Report

The purpose of the group task is to learn more about the practical relevance of the concepts discussed in the unit. For this task students have to form teams of 6 members latest by week 4. Each team has to choose a recent (within that last 24 months) firm-level event/news relevant to the firm divestment strategy that demonstrates the practical relevance of one concept discussed in the lectures. Teams are then required to prepare a written report of 3000 words excluding references, tables, and figures (minimum 2500 words, maximum 3500). It is recommended to look for business stories in top business publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, The Economist, Fortune, and Forbes. Major newspapers can also be used. The report should have the following structure:

- Introduction: Introduce your report to the reader by explaining what you are about to do in this report

- Explanation of the firm-level event/news: Explain what the event/news is about. Do not only summarize the news but also provide additional background information on the event and the firms or institutions involved.

- Discussion: Explain how the discussed event/news demonstrates the practical relevance of one concept covered in the unit. Here you should discuss how exactly the event/news relates to or can be explained by one concept from the lectures. To this end you should discuss the concept in greater depth and detail than it is covered in the lecture. This involves that you identify, read and cite additional sources such as academic journal articles or book chapters that are related to the concept you discuss.

- Reference list: Provide a proper reference list with the references quoted in your paper at the end of the report. It is essential that you provide the full citation details of each reference! Please see the University of Sydney Business School Referencing Guide for further information:

http://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476096

Grading of this task will be based on how effective the analysis is, how well it relates to your practical

suggestions, and the depth of your discussion and breadth of resources used in your report.

Teams are required to inform their lecturer/tutors about their chosen topic by Week 7 at the latest. Lecturer/Tutors will make sure all topics are evenly selected for all groups. Thus, if a topic has already been claimed by enough teams (depending on class size and number of topics), no additional team can choose the same topic. So please be quick in selecting and claiming your topic (First Come First Serve)!

The reports are to be submitted through the Turnitin link “Group Report” provided in Canvas before the due date. No extensions of this deadline will be granted! Late penalties apply as specified in the

Business School and University policies and procedures:

http://sydney.edu.au/business/currentstudents/policy.

If you have technical problems submitting the report, please contact the ICT Service Desk below:

https://sydney.edu.au/students/learning-in-canvas-and-blackboard.html

Important: Please prepare a cover page for your group report. Please provide on this page the full names and SIDs of all group members, the title of your report, and the name of your tutor. When saving the document, the file name should indicate the last name of the tutor, the last names of all group members, and the title of the report. If you do not conform to these formatting instructions you will receive minus points.

l Assessment Criteria

1. Depth of disciplinary expertise

In the Group Report, students are required to utilize international business knowledge learned from the lectures for their problem-solving. In the Discussion part of this report, students should utilize international business knowledge to analyse how exactly the event/news of International business alliance relates to or can be explained by the concept/theory/framework/perspective from the lectures. This criterion is measured by:

- How well does the report relate to international business knowledge learned from the course

- Depth and breadth of course knowledge/resources used in the written report

2. Critical thinking and problem solving

In the Group Report, students are required to integrate the knowledge from the lectures and discuss the chosen event/news about International business alliance. This criterion is measured by:

- Critically apply the business concept, framework, and international business theory to solve practical

business problems

- Depth of analysis in report

3. Communication (Written)

In the Group Report, students are required to follow the group project guidance for writing. This criterion is measured by:

- Clarity of expression (including accuracy, spelling, grammar, punctuation)

- Conforming to instructions (e.g., word lengths, reference list, etc.)

II. Individual Case Analysis

In the Individual case analysis you have to read the case provided in Canvas and prepare a written case analysis of 2000 words (minimum 1500 words, maximum 2500). The case analysis should involve the following components:

- Briefly summarize the case

- Present a short history of the company(s) featured in the case including its internationalization process starting with the first steps abroad until today (make sure to provide information that goes beyond the information already provided about the company in the cases).

- Provide detailed analysis and practical suggestions for the main International business alliance related concerns from this Case.

Important: To follow the requirements of Anonymous Marking, please DO NOT put your name and your Lecturer & tutor’s name on this individual report. A cover page is NOT needed for this assignment. Please add your SID only on each page of your submitted report. If you do not conform to these formatting instructions you will have 20% points deducted.

The case analysis is to be submitted through the Turnitin link “Case analysis” provided in Canvas before the due date. No extensions of this deadline will be granted! Late penalties apply as

specified in the Business School and University policies and procedures:

http://sydney.edu.au/business/currentstudents/policy.

If you have technical problems submitting the report, please contact the ICT Service Desk below:

https://sydney.edu.au/students/learning-in-canvas-and-blackboard.html

l Assessment Criteria

1. Depth of disciplinary expertise

In the Individual Assignment, students are required to utilize international business knowledge learned from the lecture for the case analysis report. In discussion part of this report, students should demonstrate the practical relevance of chosen international business concept/theory/model/framework to the case event. This criterion is measured by:

- How well does the case event related to the selected concept/theory/model/framework from this course

- Depth and breadth of course knowledge/resources used in the written report

2. Critical thinking and problem solving

In the Individual Assignment, students are required to integrate the knowledge from the lecture to discuss focal event in the given case. This criterion is measured by:

- Critically apply the business concept, framework, and international business theory to solve business problems

3. Communication (Written)

In the Individual Assignment, this criterion is measured by:

- Clarity of expression (including accuracy, spelling, grammar, punctuation)

4. Information Literacy

In the Individual Assignment, this criterion is measured by:

- Effectiveness of information integration in the case analysis report

III. Participation

Participation is required for the course. Students are required to actively participated in Q&As of each lecture.

Assessment Criteria

1. Communication (Oral)

This criterion is measured by:

- Quality and Creativity of the Answer: Logical organization of the answer and clarity of

presentation.

2. Influence

This criterion is measured by:

- Time Management: the student has good time control to answer the question in the lecture.

- Quality of Answer: Logical organization of the answer and clarity of

presentation. Free presentation for the student to answer the question, not just read from notes or

slides.

IV. Individual Project

The individual project will test your understanding of and ability to apply key concepts from the unit. The project will cover material from lectures. You are acting as a management consultant to provide recommendations to a MNE about their alliance strategy. You need to cover:

- Briefly summarize the situation.

- Evaluate both strength and weakness about both partners.

- Provide detailed analysis and practical suggestions for the main International business alliance related concerns from this project.

Assessment Criteria

1. Depth of disciplinary expertise

In the individual project, students are required to utilize international business knowledge learned from Week 2 to Week 13 to solve International business alliance problems.

This criterion is measured by:

- How well does the student use knowledge from this course to solve business problems

- How well does the analysis relate to international business knowledge learned from the course

- Depth and breadth of course knowledge/resources utilized

2. Critical thinking and problem solving

Students are required to integrate the international business knowledge from Week 2 to Week 13 to evaluate the real-life case about International business alliance in short answer question part. This criterion is measured by:

- Critically apply the business concept, framework, and international business theory to solve International business alliance problems

- Depth of analysis in the project and how reliable are the recommendations

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties apply as specified in the Business School and University policies and procedures:http://sydney.edu.au/business/currentstudents/policy. If you have technical problems submitting the report, please contact the ICT Service Desk below:https://sydney.edu.au/students/learning-in-canvas-and-blackboard.html

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Alliances and Unit Overview	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Alliance Strategy: Theoretical perspectives	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Rationale for Alliances & Partner Selection	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Workshop of Individual Case Analysis of International Business Alliance	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Alliance Design – Part 1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Alliance Design – Part 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Alliance Management – Part 1	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Alliance Management – Part 2	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Workshop of Group Alliance Report	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	Alliance Evaluation (Performance)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Alliance Capability	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Workshop of Real Life Alliance Project	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 13	Course Review & Feedback	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures and seminars are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Tjemkes, Vos and Burgers, (2012). Strategic Alliance Management (SAM). Routledge.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. analyse the strategic issues faced by alliance partners, using the different theories covered in the unit and to develop well justified solutions to these issues
LO2. develop a contextual understanding of the institutional and market environment, and evaluate the resources and capabilities of the organisation in order to propose an alliance strategy
LO3. research the different or similar industries of the alliance partners to gain an understanding of the markets, and investigate the strategic objectives of the alliance partners in order to propose a real world alliance between the two firms from different countries
LO4. analyse real world alliances to understand their strategic significance and impact on value creation by parent firms.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Course content and assessments adjusted to align with online delivery of the unit.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Business School Policies

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

IBUS3101: International Business Alliances

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect