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Admission and Unit Information - Bachelor of Business and Commerce (International Business)

VET pathways to this degree

Qualification for this Major requires the successful completion of 80 credit points including all of the core Units listed below.

Core Units for this Major

Introduction to International Business

This unit introduces students to the nature of international business operations in the world economy. The first part focuses on the basic concepts and theories of international trade, investment, and foreign exchange which form the foundation of a firm's international business activities. The second part is devoted to the economic, cultural, political and ethical environments and their effects on a firm's international business operations. The third and last part provides an overview of how the functional areas of business i.e. Marketing, production, human resource and finance are conducted in and affected by the multifaceted environment of an internationally oriented firm.

Globalisation and Trade

This unit introduces students to the history and analytical methods of international trade theories and their applications. The theories are applied to contemporary issues in their institutional settings, in particular to: growth and development; economic integration and trading blocs; and the transformation of formerly planned economies as participants in global market structures.

International Marketing Research

This unit aims to provide students with tools to undertake and critically evaluate simple international marketing research projects. It covers basic marketing research concepts and statistical techniques with emphasis on the impact of the international environment in conducting both primary and secondary data research.

Export Strategy and Applications

Internationalisation has become a strategic necessity for many firms wishing to survive and grow in today's increasingly competitive domestic economy. Globalisation in its many forms is a powerful driver of change. 'Export Strategy & Applications' will give students the practical skills needed to manage the day to day international trading activities of any company. This unit examines how and why exporting firms select and plan their entry into foreign markets, the management of intermediaries in the distribution channel, ways of promoting goods and services overseas, and the methods of trade finance, insurance and logistics that companies use on a daily basis as they pursue success internationally. This unit provides students with those essential skills sought by any employer company operating in international markets.

International Business Strategy

In an environment where operating internationally is becoming the norm rather than the exception, firms are faced with ever increasing complexity when formulating their business strategy. This requires an understanding of how firms become and remain international, the basic modes of international involvement, the practice of multinational management and how firms can establish a balance between the sometimes conflicting demands of headquarters, the subsidiary and the governments of all the countries where the multinational enterprise operates. This unit will cover these issues and will deal with both large and small companies that must be global to survive.

International Business Finance

The unit is designed to provide students with an overview of the economic, political and institutional environment in which international business is conducted. Particular attention is given to the historical development of the international monetary system, the transnational corporation and the impact of globalization upon international financial transactions and international business practices.

Choose one of

International Marketing

Marketing internationally has become a necessity for many firms that wish to survive and grow in today's dynamic and increasingly linked world economy. Globalisation in its many forms is a powerful driver of change. 'International Marketing' is concerned with understanding and successfully managing the different international economic, cultural, political and legal environments as they affect the marketing activities of companies. This unit will examine the role of marketing research, international finance, overseas market entry and expansion strategies and the marketing mix in international markets. This unit provides students with a sound theoretical basis and, particularly, a practical understanding of how companies operate in international markets.

International Management

International Management provides an overview of issues confronting managers working in a complex globalised environment. Areas such as global and regional integration, the role of ethics and social responsibility, as well as the changing political, legal and technological environment require consideration by management in multinational organisations. The role of culture and human resource management is another significant area of failure by global managers. Finally global strategic issues such as managing political risk and government relations will be analysed to allow a deeper level of understanding of the complexities of managing in an internationally competitive marketplace.

Choose one of

The Markets of Asia

Markets of Asia unit offers a balanced and practical introduction to the dynamic and robust Asian market place. Most of the students undertaking this unit will have exposure to countries other than Australia and would have travelled internationally or have an intention to do so. In the present context of globalisation, business is international business. In Australia today even a small locally based manufacturing company's operations are in some way influenced by the tentacles of Asian businesses. This is a journey that starts with a major Asian powerhouse, Peoples Republic of China and ends at the doorstep of another Asian powerhouse, India.

The Markets of Europe

This unit will profile the member states of the European Union in terms of their marketing environment, with emphasis on those various features, similarities, differences and interactions deemed to be of commercial and marketing significance. A major focus of the course will be the impact of European integration and the relevance of the European Union. The European Union will be discussed in its global context, particularly its relationship with Central and Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The course therefore gives students the opportunity to undertake macro-environmental analysis and examine the effects of environmental influences on marketing, while also learning about other cultures.

Qualification for the award of Bachelor of Business and Commerce with a major in International Business requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

Business Academic Skills

This is a foundation unit that addresses academic essay writing skills relevant to business and economic issues. The unit is designed to develop basic student proficiencies such as information collection, analysis and evaluation, and logical reasoning skills. Through the analysis of ethical issues, this unit teaches students to research; reference using the College of Business and Law's Harvard style; analyse data; develop an argument; and write an academic essay.

Management Dynamics

This unit provides an opportunity for students to engage with the dynamics of the management of organisations. Students will be introduced to the connection between the way work and systems are organised and managed and their impact on individuals and societies. This is achieved by using case based opportunities to examine real life contexts. This is an essential unit for business students that can be taken by any student needing a broad initial understanding of management.

Marketing Principles

This unit is a survey of the marketing process, introducing students to the marketing concept, strategic and marketing planning, marketing research, consumer and customer behaviour, issues of market segmentation, targeting and positioning as well as all the elements of the marketing mix (product/service, pricing, distribution and marketing communication strategies).

Introduction to International Business

This unit introduces students to the nature of international business operations in the world economy. The first part focuses on the basic concepts and theories of international trade, investment, and foreign exchange which form the foundation of a firm's international business activities. The second part is devoted to the economic, cultural, political and ethical environments and their effects on a firm's international business operations. The third and last part provides an overview of how the functional areas of business i.e. Marketing, production, human resource and finance are conducted in and affected by the multifaceted environment of an internationally oriented firm.

Spring session

Accounting Information for Managers

This unit provides exposure to financial and management accounting information from a user of accounting information viewpoint. The unit aims to provide breadth of awareness and knowledge in relevant fields of accounting essential to decision making for managers.

Introduction to Business Law

This is an introductory law unit designed to introduce the fundamentals of law in a commercial context. The unit introduces students to the basic principles of law and the legal system as well as examining some of the major areas of law that impact on commercial dealings. This unit examines the structure of the legal system, the way law is made and the main areas of law relevant to starting and running a business including contracts, torts and consumer protection.

Principles of Economics

This unit is an introduction to economic concepts and contemporary economic issues. It introduces students to basic concepts such as markets and their operation, the behaviour of firms, the efficiency and potential failings of free markets, the role of government, key macroeconomic variables and problems such as unemployment. It illuminates these concepts via application to contemporary economic issues and debates over different theoretical perspectives. This unit also exposes students to recent developments in economics via presentations by specialist guest lecturers.

Statistics for Business

Statistics for Business introduces the basic concepts and techniques of statistics that are particularly relevant to problem solving in business. It also provides a sound base for more advanced study in statistics and forecasting in subsequent sessions. Topics include: presentation of data; descriptive statistics; the role of uncertainty in business decision making; hypothesis testing; and basic forecasting.

Year 2

Autumn session

Globalisation and Trade

This unit introduces students to the history and analytical methods of international trade theories and their applications. The theories are applied to contemporary issues in their institutional settings, in particular to: growth and development; economic integration and trading blocs; and the transformation of formerly planned economies as participants in global market structures.

Choose one of

International Marketing

Marketing internationally has become a necessity for many firms that wish to survive and grow in today's dynamic and increasingly linked world economy. Globalisation in its many forms is a powerful driver of change. 'International Marketing' is concerned with understanding and successfully managing the different international economic, cultural, political and legal environments as they affect the marketing activities of companies. This unit will examine the role of marketing research, international finance, overseas market entry and expansion strategies and the marketing mix in international markets. This unit provides students with a sound theoretical basis and, particularly, a practical understanding of how companies operate in international markets.

International Management

International Management provides an overview of issues confronting managers working in a complex globalised environment. Areas such as global and regional integration, the role of ethics and social responsibility, as well as the changing political, legal and technological environment require consideration by management in multinational organisations. The role of culture and human resource management is another significant area of failure by global managers. Finally global strategic issues such as managing political risk and government relations will be analysed to allow a deeper level of understanding of the complexities of managing in an internationally competitive marketplace.

And two electives

Spring session

International Marketing Research

This unit aims to provide students with tools to undertake and critically evaluate simple international marketing research projects. It covers basic marketing research concepts and statistical techniques with emphasis on the impact of the international environment in conducting both primary and secondary data research.

Export Strategy and Applications

Internationalisation has become a strategic necessity for many firms wishing to survive and grow in today's increasingly competitive domestic economy. Globalisation in its many forms is a powerful driver of change. 'Export Strategy & Applications' will give students the practical skills needed to manage the day to day international trading activities of any company. This unit examines how and why exporting firms select and plan their entry into foreign markets, the management of intermediaries in the distribution channel, ways of promoting goods and services overseas, and the methods of trade finance, insurance and logistics that companies use on a daily basis as they pursue success internationally. This unit provides students with those essential skills sought by any employer company operating in international markets.

And two electives

Year 3

Autumn session

International Business Strategy

In an environment where operating internationally is becoming the norm rather than the exception, firms are faced with ever increasing complexity when formulating their business strategy. This requires an understanding of how firms become and remain international, the basic modes of international involvement, the practice of multinational management and how firms can establish a balance between the sometimes conflicting demands of headquarters, the subsidiary and the governments of all the countries where the multinational enterprise operates. This unit will cover these issues and will deal with both large and small companies that must be global to survive.

International Business Finance

The unit is designed to provide students with an overview of the economic, political and institutional environment in which international business is conducted. Particular attention is given to the historical development of the international monetary system, the transnational corporation and the impact of globalization upon international financial transactions and international business practices.

And two electives

Spring session

Engaged Learning Unit (200590):

International Business Project

This is a capstone unit in International Business. The aim of the unit is to give students a real-life action learning project in which they undertake an international business strategic planning and analysis exercise for a client organisation. This project usually involves students working in small teams for a client organisation under the direct supervision of the lecturer.

Choose one of

The Markets of Asia

Markets of Asia unit offers a balanced and practical introduction to the dynamic and robust Asian market place. Most of the students undertaking this unit will have exposure to countries other than Australia and would have travelled internationally or have an intention to do so. In the present context of globalisation, business is international business. In Australia today even a small locally based manufacturing company's operations are in some way influenced by the tentacles of Asian businesses. This is a journey that starts with a major Asian powerhouse, Peoples Republic of China and ends at the doorstep of another Asian powerhouse, India.

The Markets of Europe

This unit will profile the member states of the European Union in terms of their marketing environment, with emphasis on those various features, similarities, differences and interactions deemed to be of commercial and marketing significance. A major focus of the course will be the impact of European integration and the relevance of the European Union. The European Union will be discussed in its global context, particularly its relationship with Central and Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The course therefore gives students the opportunity to undertake macro-environmental analysis and examine the effects of environmental influences on marketing, while also learning about other cultures.

And two electives

Part time

Year 1

Autumn session

Business Academic Skills

This is a foundation unit that addresses academic essay writing skills relevant to business and economic issues. The unit is designed to develop basic student proficiencies such as information collection, analysis and evaluation, and logical reasoning skills. Through the analysis of ethical issues, this unit teaches students to research; reference using the College of Business and Law's Harvard style; analyse data; develop an argument; and write an academic essay.

Management Dynamics

This unit provides an opportunity for students to engage with the dynamics of the management of organisations. Students will be introduced to the connection between the way work and systems are organised and managed and their impact on individuals and societies. This is achieved by using case based opportunities to examine real life contexts. This is an essential unit for business students that can be taken by any student needing a broad initial understanding of management.

Spring session

Marketing Principles

This unit is a survey of the marketing process, introducing students to the marketing concept, strategic and marketing planning, marketing research, consumer and customer behaviour, issues of market segmentation, targeting and positioning as well as all the elements of the marketing mix (product/service, pricing, distribution and marketing communication strategies).

Introduction to International Business

This unit introduces students to the nature of international business operations in the world economy. The first part focuses on the basic concepts and theories of international trade, investment, and foreign exchange which form the foundation of a firm's international business activities. The second part is devoted to the economic, cultural, political and ethical environments and their effects on a firm's international business operations. The third and last part provides an overview of how the functional areas of business i.e. Marketing, production, human resource and finance are conducted in and affected by the multifaceted environment of an internationally oriented firm.

Year 2

Autumn session

Accounting Information for Managers

This unit provides exposure to financial and management accounting information from a user of accounting information viewpoint. The unit aims to provide breadth of awareness and knowledge in relevant fields of accounting essential to decision making for managers.

Introduction to Business Law

This is an introductory law unit designed to introduce the fundamentals of law in a commercial context. The unit introduces students to the basic principles of law and the legal system as well as examining some of the major areas of law that impact on commercial dealings. This unit examines the structure of the legal system, the way law is made and the main areas of law relevant to starting and running a business including contracts, torts and consumer protection.

Spring session

Principles of Economics

This unit is an introduction to economic concepts and contemporary economic issues. It introduces students to basic concepts such as markets and their operation, the behaviour of firms, the efficiency and potential failings of free markets, the role of government, key macroeconomic variables and problems such as unemployment. It illuminates these concepts via application to contemporary economic issues and debates over different theoretical perspectives. This unit also exposes students to recent developments in economics via presentations by specialist guest lecturers.

Statistics for Business

Statistics for Business introduces the basic concepts and techniques of statistics that are particularly relevant to problem solving in business. It also provides a sound base for more advanced study in statistics and forecasting in subsequent sessions. Topics include: presentation of data; descriptive statistics; the role of uncertainty in business decision making; hypothesis testing; and basic forecasting.

Year 3

Autumn session

Globalisation and Trade

This unit introduces students to the history and analytical methods of international trade theories and their applications. The theories are applied to contemporary issues in their institutional settings, in particular to: growth and development; economic integration and trading blocs; and the transformation of formerly planned economies as participants in global market structures.

Choose one of

International Marketing

Marketing internationally has become a necessity for many firms that wish to survive and grow in today's dynamic and increasingly linked world economy. Globalisation in its many forms is a powerful driver of change. 'International Marketing' is concerned with understanding and successfully managing the different international economic, cultural, political and legal environments as they affect the marketing activities of companies. This unit will examine the role of marketing research, international finance, overseas market entry and expansion strategies and the marketing mix in international markets. This unit provides students with a sound theoretical basis and, particularly, a practical understanding of how companies operate in international markets.

International Management

International Management provides an overview of issues confronting managers working in a complex globalised environment. Areas such as global and regional integration, the role of ethics and social responsibility, as well as the changing political, legal and technological environment require consideration by management in multinational organisations. The role of culture and human resource management is another significant area of failure by global managers. Finally global strategic issues such as managing political risk and government relations will be analysed to allow a deeper level of understanding of the complexities of managing in an internationally competitive marketplace.

Spring session

Two electives

Year 4

Autumn session

Export Strategy and Applications

Internationalisation has become a strategic necessity for many firms wishing to survive and grow in today's increasingly competitive domestic economy. Globalisation in its many forms is a powerful driver of change. 'Export Strategy & Applications' will give students the practical skills needed to manage the day to day international trading activities of any company. This unit examines how and why exporting firms select and plan their entry into foreign markets, the management of intermediaries in the distribution channel, ways of promoting goods and services overseas, and the methods of trade finance, insurance and logistics that companies use on a daily basis as they pursue success internationally. This unit provides students with those essential skills sought by any employer company operating in international markets.

And one elective

Spring session

International Marketing Research

This unit aims to provide students with tools to undertake and critically evaluate simple international marketing research projects. It covers basic marketing research concepts and statistical techniques with emphasis on the impact of the international environment in conducting both primary and secondary data research.

And one elective

Year 5

Autumn session

International Business Finance

The unit is designed to provide students with an overview of the economic, political and institutional environment in which international business is conducted. Particular attention is given to the historical development of the international monetary system, the transnational corporation and the impact of globalization upon international financial transactions and international business practices.

And one elective

Spring session

International Business Strategy

In an environment where operating internationally is becoming the norm rather than the exception, firms are faced with ever increasing complexity when formulating their business strategy. This requires an understanding of how firms become and remain international, the basic modes of international involvement, the practice of multinational management and how firms can establish a balance between the sometimes conflicting demands of headquarters, the subsidiary and the governments of all the countries where the multinational enterprise operates. This unit will cover these issues and will deal with both large and small companies that must be global to survive.

And one elective

Year 6

Autumn session

Two electives

Spring session

International Business Project

This is a capstone unit in International Business. The aim of the unit is to give students a real-life action learning project in which they undertake an international business strategic planning and analysis exercise for a client organisation. This project usually involves students working in small teams for a client organisation under the direct supervision of the lecturer.

Choose one of

The Markets of Asia

Markets of Asia unit offers a balanced and practical introduction to the dynamic and robust Asian market place. Most of the students undertaking this unit will have exposure to countries other than Australia and would have travelled internationally or have an intention to do so. In the present context of globalisation, business is international business. In Australia today even a small locally based manufacturing company's operations are in some way influenced by the tentacles of Asian businesses. This is a journey that starts with a major Asian powerhouse, Peoples Republic of China and ends at the doorstep of another Asian powerhouse, India.

The Markets of Europe

This unit will profile the member states of the European Union in terms of their marketing environment, with emphasis on those various features, similarities, differences and interactions deemed to be of commercial and marketing significance. A major focus of the course will be the impact of European integration and the relevance of the European Union. The European Union will be discussed in its global context, particularly its relationship with Central and Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific. The course therefore gives students the opportunity to undertake macro-environmental analysis and examine the effects of environmental influences on marketing, while also learning about other cultures.

Major and Sub-major elective spaces

Elective units may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or sub-major (40 credit points). UWS offers majors and sub-majors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies. Refer to the Unit Set Index.

Students can apply for these unit sets using the Course Variation Form, which is listed under Enrolment Forms on the Student forms web page.

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