Course Outline

BUS708 International Trade and Finance

Course Coordinator:Sajid Anwar (sanwar@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Session 3

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course analyses the impact of the global marketplace on trade and finance. It covers key international trade and finance issues, including the drivers of international trade, foreign investment, and labour migration. The course also explores why some countries resist free trade, the role of international organizations, and currency exchange rate management's impact on international trade and capital mobility. A comprehensive understanding of these issues is crucial for successful international business strategies.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 2hrs Week 1 6 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 3hrs Week 1 6 times
Online
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 2hrs Week 1 6 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled online workshops (Recorded). 3hrs Week 1 6 times

Course Topics

Introduction to global economy

Why countries trade with each other (early and more recent theories)?

Why and how is international trade restricted?

International economic integration, economic growth and international trade

Why does foreign investment and international labour mobility take place?

Balance of payments and international trade

Nature of foreign exchange market

Determination of currency exchange rates and international monetary system

Fixed versus flexible exchange rates

Exchange rates adjustment policies and international policy coordination

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Competencies from multiple Professional Bodies (see below) *
1 Compare and evaluate alternative theories of international trade. Creative and critical thinker
PC1.1, PC3
2 Determine the benefits and costs of foreign direct investment and labour mobility in a chosen context. Empowered
PC1.1, PC3, 8.1.4, 8.2.3
3 Compare fixed and flexible exchange rates systems in the context of an integrated world economy. Knowledgeable
PC1.1, PC3, PC6, 8.1.3, 17.3.4

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PC1.1 Written Communication
PC3 Creative and Critical Thinking
PC6 Career-adaptive
Education for Sustainable Development Goals
8.1.4 The learner understands how low and decreasing wages for the labour force and very high wages and profits of managers and owners or shareholders are leading to inequalities, poverty, civil unrest, etc.
8.2.3 The learner is able to understand how one’s own consumption affects working conditions of others in the global economy.
8.1.3 The learner understands the relation between employment and economic growth, and knows about other moderating factors like a growing labour force or new technologies that substitute jobs.
17.3.4 The learner is able to support development cooperation activities.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in any PGRD Program

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Practice questions with answers will be provided in week 3.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Case Study Individual 40%
2000 words (excluding references, charts tables and graphs)
Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Written Piece Individual 60%
2hrs open book
Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Report
Goal:
You will apply theories of international trade and foreign investment to a specified business situation.
Product: Case Study
Format:
The report will include a title page, executive summary and a table of contents. The report will include the following sections: (i) Introduction, (ii) analysis, and (iii) Conclusion and recommendations.

This task is being used for measuring assurance of learning towards Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. The following Program Competency will be assessed:

PC1.3: Demonstrate digital literacy skills for advanced communication and information sharing in a business context.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Professional communication and presentation of data and background information supported by references
1 2
2
Reasoned analysis and recommendations based on application of relevant concepts and theories
1 2
3
PC1.3: Identification of digital tool for specific business purposes and outcomes
1
4
Communicate effectively using appropriate digital tools/channels
1 2
5
Demonstrate appreciation of the importance of protecting online reputation and its management
1
All - Assessment Task 2:Written Piece
Goal:
The written piece, which covers all topics, involves responding to five questions. The written piece will allow you to demonstrate advanced knowledge of International trade and finance theory and practice.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
The written piece involves responding to 5 compulsory short answer discussion type questions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Accurate calculations using relevant techniques
1 2 3
2
Knowledge and application of relevant concepts/theories to given scenarios
2 3
3
Clarity of written communication
1 2 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Dominick Salvatore 2011 Introduction to International Economics 3rd edition Wiley
Recommended Dominick Salvatore 2020 International Economics 13th edition Wiley

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
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  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au