SIB7502-A Principles and Practices of International Business Assignment Brief | UOB

Assignment Tasks

For this assignment, you are asked to choose any ONE of the following questions from section A and section B. Write a discursive essay addressing the key issues relevant to the question below and draw a suitable conclusion. The discursive essay should be no more than 3,600 words. Formal writing is required for the discursive essay. You are also required to write a 400-word reflective report on your understanding of a principle/practice of international business. Think about the most significant moments in the module and how the topics have changed your worldview from the time we started the module to date. Reflect on how you intend to apply this new knowledge in your professional life as an international business graduate. The reflective report should be no more than 400 words. 

The word count excludes appendices and references. 

Ensure that your 3600-word discursive essay and the 400 reflective reports are separated. You must begin the reflective report on a fresh/new page. You can also use relevant references in your reflection. You are not allowed to write informally in the discursive essay but you are allowed to do so in the reflective report.

Section A

Question 1:  

The 21st century presents both opportunities for wealth creation and challenges such as a growing income gap, climate change, poverty, inequality, and rising global CO2 emissions. Currently, the largest proportion of Africa’s’ population lives below the poverty line whilst its abundant natural resources are managed and controlled by large multinational corporations (MNCs). The most critical issue that affects the oil and gas industry in sub-Saharan Africa for example, is the Niger Delta (oil-producing region). There has been enormous pressure on both the Nigerian government and the Multinational Oil Companies to double their efforts and develop the region. This has been followed by widespread community demands for relevant, direct and sustained benefits from oil and gas multinationals. Multinational firms own the biggest proportion of the assets in this industry across Africa. In emerging economies, MNCs are expected to provide some social services and welfare programmes in addition to their normal economic activities but several studies argue that this is yet to happen in reality.

Identify some of the negative impacts of globalisation on people and societies. Using a combination of no more than two theories or key concepts of your choice, discuss how business leaders of multinational corporations could ensure that the benefits of their global activities outweigh the consequences of globalisation. Thus, how can MNEs operate 'glocally’ by adapting global strategies to meet local demands and contexts while prioritising sustainability? 

Question 2: 

Your multinational is the largest foreign investor and enjoys huge amounts of profits in (1) Russia, where government forces are reportedly cracking down on rebels who have refused to join the war against Ukraine and speaking against the regime. The leaders have imprisoned and killed outspoken civilians. Your firm has a nearby manufacturing and logistics distribution centre in Belarus, where according to the European Union, elections fail to meet acceptable standards. Belarus have faced severe global sanctions for their support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a young regional manager, you understand that your firm is pressured by activists to exit these countries. On the other hand, the alleged government actions, which you personally find distasteful, are not directly related to the operations and profitability of your firm. You and your direct manager are rather disturbed by the potential loss of business and revenues for your firm. 

In view of these factors, critically analyse the extent to which different institutional logics and contexts may alter the potential for opportunistic behaviour of managers. 

Question 3:  

Critically assess the usefulness of the Resource Based View of firms and dynamic capabilities theory in understanding why and how firms internationalise. Illustrate your answer concerning at least two multinational firms 

Question 4:  

To what extent are the Uppsala model and product life cycle theory useful in explaining the process of international expansion of MNEs? Ensure you illustrate your answer with reference to two multinational enterprises.

Section B

Write a 400-word reflective report on your understanding of a principle/practice of international business. Think about the most significant moments and topics and how your worldview has changed from the time we started the module to date. Reflect on how you intend to apply this new knowledge in your professional practice as an international business graduate.

Module Learning Outcomes

This assignment requires that you undertake independent research to examine:

a. Key concepts, terminologies, theories and frameworks of international business studies.
b. Undertake an in-depth discussion of the engagement between international business and other actors such as national governments and international institutions in the context of the changing global economy.
c. Select and apply key concepts and theories in assessing international business environmental factors.
d. Use a range of established techniques to undertake an analysis of the entry mode and location choices of multinational corporations.

Assignment Instructions

Essays usually focus on analysing or evaluating theories, past research by other people, and undertaking a critical analysis of ideas and presenting clear and logical lines of argumentation. They include applying theory to practice. Your essay should contain the following:

1. The front page shows the accurate word count for the discursive essay and the reflective report.
2. A short executive summary of no more than 150 words to highlight what the essay is about and the main issues that are raised. This does not count towards the word limit.
3. A table of contents (does not count towards the word limit).
4. A well-presented bibliography section that is consistently presented in line with the University of Bradford referencing conventions.