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Importing and Exporting

Unit code: AMB210
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

Trade has become fundamental to the survival and growth of many businesses in Australia as well as other economies. International business students need an understanding of the many challenges entailed in the management of trade. Import and export practice is an applied, technical and evolving area of international business operations that reflects the dynamic nature of trans-national trade in the global economy. This unit examines the importance of importing and exporting for Australia's economic development.
provides key information related to importing and exporting, uses industry perspectives on issues of current importance in international trade and provides a structured tutorial programme to achieve this.


Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 1 Yes
2013 Semester 2 Yes

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Trade has become fundamental to the survival and growth of many businesses in Australia as well as in other economies. International business students need a good knowledge and understanding of the many challenges entailed in international trade transactions. The management of import and export strategies and practices is an applied, technical and evolving area of international business operations that reflects the dynamic nature of trans-national trade in the global economy.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to achieve:

  • Insight into the importance of importing and exporting for Australia's economic development

  • Knowledge of key information related to importing and exporting

  • Exposure to industry perspectives on issues of current importance in international trade

  • An appreciation of the principles of import and export management through a structured tutorial programme
  • Objectives

    Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
    The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

    Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

    1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
    1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

    Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

    2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

    Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

    3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
    3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

    Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

    4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

    Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

    5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding

    Unit Objectives
    In successfully completing this unit you will be expected to:

    1. Know and apply integrated discipline knowledge
    2. Select and justify operational strategies to import from, or export to international markets
    3. Research, analyse and evaluate information relevant to a trade issue in order to make appropriate recommendations
    4. Demonstrate communication skills through proficiency in the presentation of oral and written plans and solutions

    The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

    Content

    This unit introduces students to the requirements of importing and exporting. It examines Australia's experience with international trade. The unit looks at what it means to be trade ready, analyses transport systems and examines the import/export logistics that support trade. The planning of trade decisions through a structured export or import plan is the typical approach used which allows traders to manage regulatory barriers, import and export documentation and insurance, as well as payment and finance in trade situations.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    Lectures supported by relevant cases and industry related speakers will provide a framework to develop understanding and skills in this unit. Tutorials will foster the use of appropriate technology, group discussions and workshop exercises.

    Assessment

    Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

  • Indirect: to the whole class


  • Students will receive either verbal or written feedback via criteria sheets within 2 weeks of submitting an assignment.

    Assessment name: Mid-Semester Examination
    Description: A selection of short answer questions.
    Length/Duration: 1 hour + 5 minutes perusal
    Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
    Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1)
    Weight: 20%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Week 7

    Assessment name: Export Planning Report
    Description: A written paper focusing on a firm's export planning. Part 1 (1000 words) is an export readiness analysis of a small-medium sized firm. Part 2 (1,000 words) requires the proposal of suitable export strategies for this firm in a chosen target country.
    Length/Duration: 2000 Words
    Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
    Due Dates: Week 7 (for Part 1) & Week 12 (for Part 2)
    Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 3, 4 and AOL goals: CTA (2.1)
    Weight: 40%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Week 12

    Assessment name: Final Examination
    Description: Final exam consisting of a variety of short answer type questions.
    Length/Duration: 2 hours + 10 minutes perusal
    Formative or Summative: Summative
    Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1)
    Weight: 40%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Central Exam Period

    Academic Honesty

    QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

    A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

    Resource materials

    No prescribed textbook. Reading materials will be made available on QUT Blackboard.

    References
    Austrade resources on www.austrade.gov.au
    Cook, Thomas A., Alston, R. & Raiar, K. (2012) Mastering Import and Export Management, New York: AMACOM.
    Seyoum, B. (2008) Export-Import Theory, Practices, and Procedures, New York: Routledge.
    Branch, Alan E. (2006) Export Practice and Management, International Thompson Business Press, 5th edn, New York: London
    Malbon, Justin and Bishop, Bernard (2006) Australian Export: A Guide to Law and Practice. Cambridge Press

    A guide to Export-Import Basics (2003)
    International Chamber of Commerce (No.641), Paris France, New York
    Australian Export Handbook 18th edition AIEX 2006

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    Risk assessment statement

    There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
    view the Emergency video.

    Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

    Last modified: 25-Mar-2013