Units
Business in Europe
Unit code: MGN445
Contact hours:
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit enables a more intensive study of business and markets in Europe. The development of the major industries will be examined, together with intra-regional patterns of trade, commerce and finance. A particular focus will be the development of a single European market and its international implications. Significant economic, political and social factors determining developments will be focussed upon, as well as regulatory restraints governing market access. The student will be required to undertake a project which requires the application of knowledge of the region to a business issue.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The European Union is not only the largest market in the world, its influence extends far beyond its borders. EU's trade and monetary policies directly influence the strategies of companies all around the world. Having an understanding of how the European Union and its business environment operate is vital knowledge for every manager working in an international business environment. We will discuss contemporary issues and trends in Europe that will help you make a successful transition to an international work setting.
Aims
You will develop an enhanced understanding of the European Union's influence on world business through analysing its main policies and contemporary issues such as its bail-outs of the financial sector and countries such as Greece and Ireland. You will learn how to deal with the European Union as a non-European company and how to operate in the complex European business environment. These are vital skills for any international business student.
Objectives
Course Learning Goals (Postgraduate)
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 Well-researched knowledge and critical understanding applied to issues at the forefront of a specialised discipline area
1.2 Ability to select and use effectively a range of tools and technologies to locate and/or generate information appropriate to the disciplinary context
Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)
2.1 Apply logical, critical and creative thinking and judgement to generate appropriate solutions to problems in the disciplinary context
Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)
3.1 Ability to create and present professional documents and/or reports using high levels of analysis/synthesis/evaluation for a range of contexts and audiences
3.2 Ability to orally communicate and justify ideas and information, at a professional level, for a variety of contexts and audiences, including peers and discipline specialists
Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)
4.1 Operate effectively and with flexibility to achieve common goals in collaborative settings, using a range of skills, including leadership, negotiation, reflection, proactivity and support for team members
Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)
5.1 Apply knowledge of the ethical, social and cultural dimensions relevant to business situations, including appropriate standards or codes of practice, to provide courses of action
Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Discuss and analyse recent pan-European institutional and regulatory developments pertaining to business and policy-making.
2. Assess the impact of the EU's main policies on both European and non-European firms and industries.
3. Identify strategies to successfully operate as a firm in the European market.
4. Enhance personal skills with respect to active listening, oral communication, academic research and report writing
The specific course learning goals that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.
Content
The following topics and research areas will be dealt with during the semester (NB the following list is not a week-by-week synopsis of the program):
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit will be delivered in a highly flexible interactive lecture format. Activities will be student-centred, including class discussions and debates around a particular company or topic. There will also be an opportunity for you to guide some of the areas to be covered and discussed in this unit. An important feature of the unit will be its interdisciplinary nature, with the opportunity for you to acquaint yourself with a variety of disciplines, including economics, strategic management, public policy, marketing, and history. This is designed to develop your appreciation of the complexity of doing business in and with the European Union.
This unit uses the SafeAssign tool in BlackBoard. SafeAssign is a text matching tool that assists students to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as to check citations and determine possible instances of plagiarism. You will be expected to submit draft and/or final versions of one or more assignments using SafeAssign. Your Unit Coordinator will provide detailed information on how the software will be used in this unit.
Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
Assessment name:
Project Presentation
Description:
You will make a brief presentation on your chosen company explaining how this company is affected by the EU.
Length/Duration: 10 minutes
Formative or Summative: Formative & Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 2, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), PC (3.2)
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Weeks 6 & 7
Assessment name:
Research Paper
Description:
This research study paper will focus on a particular company, showings its adaptation to EU growth and change demonstrating policy choices, and company strategies as well as global aspirations.
Length/Druation: 2,000 Words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 11
Assessment name:
Online Debate
Description:
You will debate online from alternative viewpoints about contemporary topics pertaining to doing business in the EU.
Length/Duration: 1,000 words
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1)
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
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
Prescribed Text
This unit has no prescribed textbook, but articles accessible via blackboard and the library.
Recommended Text
Johnson, D. & Turner, C. (2006), European Business, (2nd ed) , Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Somers, F.J.L., Van Hall, S.A., Van Leeuwen, C., Lengton, E.E. & Van Der Linden, R.W.H. (2010).European Business Environment: doing business in the EU. Groningen, Netherlands: Noordhoff Uitgevers.
Required References
See postings on the Blackboard Site for this unit (please check ahead as items will be continually posted). Please remember: an important component of this unit is the development of the ability to perform independent research, as should be expected of post-graduate tertiary students. This involves self-direction, initiative and problem-solving capacity.
There are no out of the ordinary costs associated with this unit.
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: 12-Feb-2013
