Reference no: EM133895443 , Length: word count:3500

International Business

Introduction to the Task

The individual project is based on the study of an international company's international business strategies, management and performance.

Please base this assessment -PROPOSAL AND REPORT on - McDonald's by comparing its practices in the USA (home country) and India Three Proposed Topics
1. Cultural Adaptation: How McDonald's modifies its practices in India to suit national cultural dimensions compared to the USA.
2. Social Norms and Food Consumption: Examining how religious and social expectations shape product offerings and marketing.
3. Ethical Practices: A comparative analysis of ethical sourcing, labour practices, and CSR in the USA and India.

You choose an international company, big or small. You study its business management, strategies and/ or performance in its home country and in one of its international markets (countries or areas). You need to focus on three key topics which is national culture, social norms and business ethics. This is a comparative study that "critical comparison" should be always applied when analysing the company's domestic business and international business.

Components of the Assessment
The individual project assessment is formed by two components, proposal (800 words) and final report (2700 words). Students must submit a single MS Word document consists of both proposal and report. The students must seek the proposal approval from the lecturer before start working on the final report.

Project Proposal

The proposal consists of the initial ideas of the topic.
The company you select and the reason to select it
The country (market) profile of the company's international market you
choose to study
The key topics you plan to study and the reasons to study them.

The proposal needs to be approved by the lecturer before the students start working on the final report. Please note, this proposal is also part of your final report.
* Please note, you can only start to work on your project after your proposal is approved.

Individual Report

In week 10, each of you will submit a Microsoft Word report to demonstrate your research results, your findings and your arguments. Your report should be in a proper academic report structure.
Word count - 3,500 words, including the proposal (800 words) and final report (2700 words) exclusive of the reference list and appendix; 10% margin on each end.

Structure of the Assessment

Proposal
1. Introduction An introduction to the business you will choose
The nature of the business and the products
The history of the business
Currently market position and status
Mission statements
The organisational structure
Its international business or expansion
An introduction to the international market you will choose to study a comparison with this company's home country and explain the reason why you to choose to study these two markets based on the following component.
Demographic figures
Recent economic situation

Social, cultural and/or religious features, etc.)
- Data collection methods where you need to briefly present the sources you choose to use to collect the information. This is not for you to present a reference list but to demonstrate your understanding of how to find and use good quality sources.

2. Topics to be studied Present your initial selection of the three topics and
rationalise your reasons. Use proper academic literature and practical evidence to support your justification.

3. Planning Plan your time ahead. Define the tasks you need to do and create a feasible timetable to facilitate you to complete them in a smooth and timely process.
Final Report
Design a proper cover page
Create an abstract
Create a Table of Contents
1. Introduction Introduce the background and the key contents of this report.
The reason for you to do this project
The company you choose to study
The key topics you presented in this report.
Your proposal includes this section, but you need to edit it to fit the purpose of the Introduction section and the rest of the report. Suggested word count - 300 to 400 words.
2. Literature Review Present the key theories, models and/or frameworks that you used to study the three topics in your case study. Rationalise the reasons for you to choose to use them. The purpose of this literature review is to demonstrate your understanding of these theories, models or frameworks and their applications. Critically analysing and evaluating the literature is strongly recommended. Suggested word count - 600 words.
3. Case Study Deeply and thoroughly study the elected company by using
a comparative methodology.

Compare its strategies, management and activities for both domestic and international market and draw your arguments.
The three topics that you choose to study must be analysed and discussed in a collective manner
The interrelationship among these topics must be studied.
Proper IB theories, models, framework and existing research findings must be used where applicable.
Suggested word count - 1400 to 1500 words.
4. Conclusion Review your report and draw your conclusion. Suggested
word count - 200 words.

Guidelines of the Assessment
Times new Roman, Arial, Calibri or other easily readable font is acceptable.
Font sizes should be 12 points for text and 10 points for footnotes.
You need to reference properly for your report. It must be in Harvard system. In-text reference should be given wherever you cite a source. End of paper reference list should be properly presented.

Topic: Organisational Structures, Strategy, Growth & Control

1. Organisational Structure
Shows how tasks and roles are arranged in a business.
Helps with communication, accountability, coordination, and adapting to change.
Key terms:
Authority: who makes decisions
Responsibility: who does the work
Accountability: who must explain results

2. Types of Structures
Functional: based on departments (e.g. HR, Finance)
Divisional: by product, customer, or region
Matrix: mix of functional + divisional (dual reporting)
Teams: flexible groups working on tasks
Network: small core firm, outsources other parts

3. Global Structures
Global Functional: departments manage operations worldwide
Global Product: focus on product lines globally
Global Geographic: focus on regions/countries
Transnational: balance between global efficiency and local needs

4. Growth of Firms
Internal Growth: expanding within the business
External Growth: mergers or takeovers
Integration Types:
Backward: buy suppliers
Forward: buy distributors
Horizontal: buy competitors

5. Why Change Structures?
Conflicts, inefficiency, customer issues, or unclear roles

6. Control in International Business
Ensures strategies are working and goals are met
Types of control:
Strategic: checks overall direction
Organisational: checks systems/processes
Operational: checks daily performance
Use tools like rules, budgets, and performance data
Be aware of resistance to too much control

Of course! Here's a friendlier, more explainable version of the Week 3: Business Ethics & CSR summary, using very simple and clear language:

Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

1. What Are Ethics in Business?
Ethics means knowing what's right or wrong.
In business, ethical behaviour means doing what most people believe is fair and honest.
Unethical behaviour is doing something wrong-even if it's not illegal.
The law sets the minimum rules, but ethics is about doing more than just what's legal.

2. Why Should Businesses Care About Ethics?
People don't trust many big companies anymore.
Unethical actions (like lying or harming the environment) can hurt a company's reputation and profits.
Famous scandals (like Volkswagen cheating on emissions tests) show how unethical choices can backfire.

3. Bad Excuses People Use for Unethical Actions
"Everyone else is doing it"
"It's always been done this way"
"It's not illegal, so it's okay"
These are all wrong! Doing the right thing matters-even if others aren't.

4. Where Do Ethics Matter in Business?
Ethics affect how businesses treat:
Employees (fair pay, safety)
Customers (honest products)
Shareholders (fair profits)
Communities (no harm to locals)
The environment (less pollution)
Businesses often face tough choices, like:
Should we focus on profits or people?
Should we grow fast or protect the planet?

5. Ethics Across Countries
Not all countries agree on what's "right".
Some places have problems like child labour, poor working conditions, or unfair pay.
Companies must respect local customs but still follow basic human rights. Get online assignment help to achieve academic success!

6. Stakeholders - Who Does the Business Affect?
Stakeholders are all the people or groups affected by a business, like:
Customers - want safe, fair products
Employees - want fair wages and safety
Suppliers - want to be paid fairly
Government - wants taxes and rules followed
Environment - needs to be protected
Companies should try to balance everyone's needs, not just focus on profit.

7. What is CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)?
CSR means a company cares about society and the environment, not just making money.
There are 3 goals (called the Triple Bottom Line):
Profit - make money
People - treat others fairly
Planet - protect the Earth

8. CSR and the Environment
Businesses should think about:
Pollution (air, water, noise)
Waste (recycling, landfill)
Energy (using clean power)
Climate change
Companies can choose different CSR levels:
Social Obligation: only do what's required
Social Responsibility: do what society expects
Social Responsiveness: lead the way to make the world better

9. What Are Pressure Groups?
These are groups of people who try to change laws or business practices.
They might protest, raise awareness, or talk to politicians.
Example: Animal rights groups helped ban fox hunting in the UK.

10. Public and Business Reactions
The public is more aware of ethical issues (like pollution or fair trade).
Some businesses listen and improve.
Others fight back to protect their image.
Governments can also step in and make new laws.

Key Reading:
Cavusgil et al. (2020) - International Business, Chapter 4
Griffin & Pustay (2020) - International Business, Chapter 5

Sure! Here's a simple, friendly, and clear summary of Week 4: Intercultural Communication for the International Business module (BMA5108-20):

Week 4: Intercultural Communication
Module: International Business

1. What is Culture?
Culture is how people think, act, and communicate-based on shared values, traditions, and beliefs.
It is learned from others and passed down through generations.
Culture affects how we behave, especially in business.

2. Culture is Like an Iceberg
What you see (language, food, dress) is just the surface.
What's hidden (beliefs, emotions, ways of thinking) is much deeper.

3. Why Culture Matters in Business
People from different countries communicate and behave differently.
Misunderstandings can happen easily.
Example: A simple joke or silence might mean very different things in different cultures.

4. Common Cultural Differences
Some cultures speak directly (say what they mean).
Others are indirect (they hint or speak politely).
In some cultures, being late is rude. In others, it's normal.
Personal space, body language, smiling, or asking questions can all be understood differently.

5. Intercultural Communication Types
Intracultural = same culture
Intercultural = different cultures
International = between countries (e.g. governments)

6. Important Theories (Keep It Simple)
Hofstede's Dimensions - compares countries by things like:
Individual vs. group focus
Power distance (how okay people are with inequality)
Uncertainty avoidance (comfort with risk or change)
Hall's Context Theory:
Low-context: clear, direct communication (e.g. Germany, USA)
High-context: lots of meaning from body language and surroundings (e.g. Japan, Middle East)
Trompenaars' Theory: adds other differences like showing emotion, importance of rules vs. people.

7. Understanding Culture in Practice
Learn to adapt your communication style.
Use clear words, avoid slang, and use visuals when possible.
Be respectful and try to understand before judging.

8. Culture in Business Meetings (Example)
Different countries start meetings in different ways:
Some start quickly with jokes.
Others take time, offer tea, or wait for a signal from the boss.
Understanding this helps build trust and avoids offense.

9. Challenges to Watch Out For
Ethnocentrism: thinking your culture is the best.
Parochialism: expecting everyone to act like you.
Self-reference: judging others based on your own culture only.

10. Social Structure & Class
Some countries have strong class systems (like castes).
In others, people can move up or down in society more easily.
This affects hiring, promotions, and business relationships.

Final Tip: Learn, Respect, Adapt
Cultures are different-not better or worse.
To succeed in international business, you must:
Be open-minded
Observe carefully
Adjust your style when needed

Key Reading:
Cavusgil, Knight & Riesenberger (2020) - Chapter 3 (and 5 optional)
Griffin & Pustay (2020) - Chapter 4 (and 9 optional)