IPEBIB Assignment for Comparative International Management

Programme : Bachelor in International Business

Module : Comparative International Management
Term : 2018 T2- MAY 2018 (May 2018 - July 2018)
Online Submission Deadline : Before 29th July 2018 23:59 (Malaysia Time Zone)
Word Count : 3500 words maximum

IPEBIB Assignment for Comparative International Management

The Context
You have just being redeployed to the position as the Regional Human Resource Director of a large
American MNC with subsidiaries based mainly in A m e r i c a a n d Asia.
The Task
You are given the mandate by the Senior Management team at New York HQ to improve the overall
human resource performance and contribution in the Asian subsidiaries which include staff from
Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China.
You are to undertake a preliminary study on cross cultural management involving the dominant
American corporate and social cultures which you come from versus the Asian corporate and social
cultures which impact the management of organization and its human resources where in you are not
well versed.
In undertaking this study and producing the report, the focus will be on the following areas:
1. Executive Summary
2. Identify, describe and explain key models and theories used for comparing cross cultures.
3. Identify the differences in terms of factors which influence how decisions and negotiations are
undertaken between the American and the Asian corporations
4. Analyse and distinguish key differences in effective communication and conflict management in the
context of cross cultural differences between the American and Asian cultures.
5. Assess the differences or similarities if any between ethical businesses practices in the American and
Asian cultures.
Instructions for the Management Report:
Your report (not exceeding 3,500 words) should incorporate the following:
(a) Executive Summary (5%)
200-250words, not to be included in the word count.
(b) Introduction (10%)
You should provide a concise overview of the profile of your company, focusing on the diversity of
cultures across the different subsidiaries across Asia and the challenges in managing cross culturally.
(c) Main Body (65%)
You should identify suitable theories, models, cultural studies to use in the report when undertaking
this assignment and be organized under appropriate main and sub-headings covering tasks 2-5.
(d) Conclusion and Recommendations (10%)
Direct your report to the Group Managing Director of your company to convince him or her of your
Cross Cultural Management study and recommendations to be implemented.
( e) Citations and References (10%)
Harvard-style reference system within-text and end text referencing list.
Have a minimum of 10 references.

Further Instructions
• Font Style: Times New Roman & Font Size:12
• Line Spacing: 1.5
• Page Layout /Orientation: Portrait
• All the margins should be set about 25mm on both sides (i.e. left & right) of each page.
• Numerical Systems (e.g1.0, 1.1and1.1.1) should be used for each section and sub-section.
• Word count must be indicated on the cover page of the assignment.

Important Note: This assignment MUST be submitted on or before the due date which is the 29th July
2018

Word Count
• Your word count should not include your reference list or appendices. You should provide your word
count also at the end of your report.
• Exceedingthewordcountbymorethan10%willresultinapenaltyof 10%ofyourmarksforyourwork.
• If your work is significantly shorter, then you will probably have failed to provide the level of detail
required.
Assessment Grading Criteria

Classification Mark(%) Description

Distinction 70-100 As for “60-69 marks” band plus the following:

Shows clear evidence of wide and relevant reading and an

engagement with the conceptual issues. Develops a
sophisticated and intelligent argument. Shows a rigorous use and
a sophisticated understanding of relevant source materials, balancing
appropriately between factual detail and key theoretical issues.
Materials are evaluated directly and their assumptions and arguments
challenged and/or appraised. Shows original thinking and a willingness
to take risks.
Commendation 60-69 Shows strong evidence of critical insight and critical thinking. Shows
a detailed understanding of the major factual and/or theoretical issues
and directly engages with the relevant literature on the
question set. Develops a focussed and clear argument and
articulates clearly and convincingly with a sustained train of logical
thought. Shows clear evidence of planning and appropriate
choice of sources and methodology/concepts/models.
Pass 50-59 Shows a reasonable understanding of the major factual
and/or theoretical issues involved. Shows evidence of planning
and selection from relevant sources. Demonstrates some
knowledge of the relevant literature. Text shows, in places, examples
of a clear train of thought or argument. Text is introduced and
concludes appropriately.
Marginal Fail 40-49 Shows some awareness and understanding of the factual or
theoretical issues, but with little development. Misunderstandings
are evident. Shows some evidence of planning, although
irrelevant/ unrelated material or arguments are included
Poor Failure <40 Fails to answer the assignment question or to develop an argument
that relates to the question set. Does not engage with the relevant
literature or demonstrate a knowledge of the key issues.
Contains clear conceptual or factual errors or misunderstandings.
Academic honesty and Plagiarism

Please acknowledge all references and sources that you use in your work. This is not just good manners but also
academic honesty. Refer to “How To Avoid Plagiarism.” which is provided for your guidance found in the
Introduction session.

Importance note: Before you upload your assignment submission, you MUST first submit your assignment for
plagiarism screening via: ipe.ppa@analyse.urkund.com by or before week 8 (22nd July 2018) from the
commencement of your module on 28th May 2018 Please specify clearly your Student ID, Full Name and the
Module Title.

Based on the plagiarism check results, you are required to take the required steps as detailed in the table as
provided in the latest circular on plagiarism policy with effect May 2016 and upload the assignment for grading as
follows:

1) Students’ assignment who clear the test (15% or less) will upload their assignment by end of week 9 (29th July
or earlier) for marking

2) Students’ assignment who failed the test marginally (16-20%) will be required to make required changes in their
assignment and then upload for marking by end of week 10 ( 6th August or earlier)

3) Students with (21-35%) will be required to redo and resubmit their assignment and submit for plagiarism check
on week 14 (3rd September 2018 or earlier ) before uploading for marking on week 16 (17th September 2018). The
marks will not be capped.

4) Students with (36% and more) will be required to redo and resubmit their assignment and submit for plagiarism
check on week 14 (3rd September 2018 or earlier ) before uploading for marking on week 16 (17th September
2018). The marks will be capped.

Please acknowledge all references and sources that you use in your work. This is not just good manners but also
academic honesty.