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Unit outline_

IBUS3104: Ethical International Business Decisions

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In order to succeed in international business, both corporations and individuals need broad decision-making abilities. Business decision-making tools yield more coherent and justifiable results when used with an understanding of the ethical, social and environmental aspects of the process. This applies to various situations in the international business setting including business relations with government, customers, employees, and NGOs. This unit is designed to look at these non-financial elements in the decisions made within the international business context. Following the completion of this unit, students will have enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to the understanding of ethical issues and ethical decisions making in international business organizations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit International Business
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
Completion of at least 48 credit points
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Swati Nagar, swati.nagar@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Swati Nagar, swati.nagar@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Business Transformation Proposal
Interactive Oral Presentation and Written Proposal (Week 9 & 10)
30% Multiple weeks
Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 15:00

Closing date: 17 Oct 2024
Interactive Oral and 1,500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Issues Based Analysis
Essay
35% Week 05
Due date: 30 Aug 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 04 Sep 2024
1100 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Assignment Ethical Enquiry
Essay
35% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Nov 2024
1,200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Issues-Based Analysis - Using relevant theories and frameworks learned in class, you will analyse the nature of an ethical dilemma within an international business context. In doing so, you will analyse the considerations and challenges of a particular topical issue.
  • Business Transformation Proposal - As a team, you will propose a practical way for a specific international business to transform its operations in response to a particular ethical dilemma.
  • Ethical Enquiry - You will explore the uncertainties associated with responses to ethical dilemmas. You are expected to explore the continuing challenges of ethical decision-making in the international business context. 

Refer to Canvas for more detailed assessment information.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provides that any written work submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 The Role of Ethics in International Business Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Conceptual Foundations of Ethics Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 MNEs and the Social Contract Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Business Ethics and Global Governance Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Introduction to UNSDGs and Responsible Management Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Modern Slavery and the Rights-Based Approach: Do MNEs have Human Rights Obligations? Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Environmental Ethics - MNEs and Climate Action Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Sustainable Consumption and Production Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 The Ethics of Reducing Social Divide - The Role of MNEs Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Ethics of Technology and Innovation Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Environments Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Review - Embedding a Culture of Integrity Seminar (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. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.

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

Required and recommended unit readings are available on Canvas.

The following reference books are available in the library if you require or wish further theoretical support: 

  • Jones, C., Parker, M., and Bos, R. (2005). For business ethics. London: Routledge.
  • Beauchamp, T., Bowie, N., and Arnold, D. (2009). Ethical theory and business (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
  • Frédérick, R. (2002). A companion to business ethics. Oxford: Blackwell.

 

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.

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

  • LO1. identify ethical dilemmas in strategic decision making in complex international business systems
  • LO2. effectively use a broad range of analytical, critical, creative and ethical thinking skills to make decisions when confronted with ethical dilemmas and theorise towards reasoned solutions to ethical questions in international business settings
  • LO3. theorise towards reasoned solutions to ethical questions in international business settings
  • LO4. clearly communicate ethical reasoning and decision-making both orally and in writing to a to a cross-cultural audience at a professional standard
  • LO5. constructively discuss ethical dilemmas with people from diverse backgrounds demonstrating inclusiveness, open-mindedness and integrity
  • LO6. work collaboratively within small teams and manage the dynamics within these teams.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Disclaimer

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

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