AMN439 Global Growth Strategies (Capstone)
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | AMN439 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | AMN430 or AMN431 or AMN436 or EFN414 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AMN439 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AMN430 or AMN431 or AMN436 or EFN414 |
Overview
In this unit, you will explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) harness their capabilities and competencies to build competitive advantages in global markets. You will move beyond foundational operations to examine the theories underpinning global business strategy and its practical application in real-world contexts. You will also consider strategic issues related to internationalisation modes and the effects of multi-domestic, regional, and global integration strategies. A core focus of the unit is on developing your critical thinking and evaluation skills. Through in-depth study, you will enhance your ability to lead organisations that are resilient to global disruptions and capable of managing complex local and international relationships. In addition, you will undertake a research project centered on a key international strategic decision facing management in the context of global market entry and coordination.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and apply international business strategy theories and conceptual frameworks to evaluate the factors driving firm success within global markets [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Critically evaluate and reflect on the strategic and operational challenges firms encounter during global expansion, and develop evidence-based, context-sensitive, and sustainable solutions that address real-world constraints and complexities. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2, TS 4.1, SE 5.2]
- Evaluate strategic solutions to global business challenges by critically assessing their feasibility, risks, and potential impact across diverse global contexts. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess academic research in the field of global and international business, evaluating its relevance, rigor, and application to real-world scenarios. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1]
Content
Key topics covered in this unit include:
- Environmental scanning and strategic planning
- Variations in economic, political, legal, and cultural environments
- Formulating international business strategies in a global context, including expansion approaches, entry mode decisions, cross-border strategic alliances, and mergers and acquisitions
- Management of international business operations
- Corporate and business-level strategy development
- Global innovation and its strategic implications.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply advanced, integrated discipline and professional practice knowledge, including relevant research principles and methods, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Leverage digital technologies, data-driven tools, and technical research skills to organise, interpret and extend discipline and professional practice knowledge to investigate digitally enhanced business environments.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate complex, real-world business problems by analysing, evaluating, and synthesising discipline and professional practice knowledge.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make evidence-based decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic responses to address real world business challenges.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts.
3.2 Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self- reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills to support continuous learning, adaptability and effective professional growth.
4.2 Apply collaborative capabilities to work effectively in diverse teams and across complex, interdisciplinary business environments.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate ethical reasoning and apply legal and governance principles to critically evaluate and respond to complex business decisions and practices.
5.2 Apply socially responsible and sustainability-focused thinking to analyse business issues and reflect on the broader impact of organisations in national and global contexts.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will focus on key theoretical concepts related to global growth strategy and have opportunities to enhance your critical thinking and communication skills through case analysis and group discussion. The unit adopts a problem-based learning approach, encouraging you to conduct research, integrate theory with practice, and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Active learning is also emphasised, engaging you in interactive, collaborative, and reflective activities that require you to apply your knowledge, skills, and attributes in meaningful ways. Case-based teaching is a core feature of the unit. Through complex, real-world scenarios, often with no single correct solution, you will be challenged to apply your understanding, think analytically and reflectively, and work collaboratively to examine issues, make decisions, and propose solutions.
Feedback on Learning and 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
Assessment
Overview
This unit employs assessment activities designed to enhance your critical thinking, strategic analysis, and decision-making skills in the context of global business. Assessment includes the development of a global growth plan, in which you will critically evaluate a company’s initial approach to expanding operations and generating revenue in international markets. You will also produce a comprehensive global growth strategy report that articulates the company’s proposed approach to international expansion. This report will require you to justify market selection, entry strategy, and risk assessment, and to provide well-reasoned, evidence-based strategic recommendations for achieving sustainable growth in complex global environments.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Global Growth Plan
You will develop a global growth strategy plan that outlines your chosen company’s initial approach to expanding its operations and increasing revenue in international markets. In doing so, you will critically analyse potential markets, evaluate entry strategies, assess risks, and propose evidence-based recommendations for sustainable and strategic growth. This process will require you to integrate theoretical frameworks with practical business considerations, demonstrating your ability to reflect and make informed decisions in complex global contexts.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), TS (4.1), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Final Global Growth Strategy
There are two parts to this assessment item:
Part A: You will develop a final global growth strategy report that outlines your chosen company’s proposed approach to international expansion. This will include your critical analysis of market selection, entry strategy, and risk assessment, as well as evidence-based strategic recommendations for achieving sustainable growth in a complex global context. In completing this report, you will integrate theoretical frameworks with practical considerations, evaluate competitive and cultural factors, and justify your decisions using data and research. You will also reflect on the potential challenges and opportunities of implementing your strategy, demonstrating your ability to think strategically and make informed, responsible business decisions in global markets.
Part B: You will participate in an oral examination in which you will need to defend your research approach and recommendations made in your global growth strategy.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in Part A of this assessment item. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
The late submission period does not apply to Part A or Part B of this assessment item, and no assignment extensions are available.
Part B, the Viva Voce requires your attendance in your scheduled learning session.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1), SE (5.1, 5.2),
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
The unit draws on recommended readings, scholarly journal articles, and industry-based materials. Further details are available on Canvas.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate) 2027
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Global Growth Plan
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Global Growth Plan
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Final Global Growth Strategy
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO3, Final Global Growth Strategy
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO2, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS12 Master of Business
- Leverage digital technologies, data-driven tools, technical and research skills to organise, interpret and extend discipline and professional practice knowledge in digitally enhanced business environments.
Relates to: ULO1, Global Growth Plan - Critically investigate complex, real-world business problems by analysing, evaluating, and synthesising discipline and professional practice knowledge.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Global Growth Plan - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make evidence-based decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic responses to address real world business challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts
Relates to: ULO4, Final Global Growth Strategy - Exercise self- reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills to support continuous learning, adaptability and effective professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Demonstrate ethical reasoning and apply legal and governance principles to critically evaluate and respond to complex business decisions and practices.
Relates to: ULO3, Final Global Growth Strategy - Apply socially responsible and sustainability-focused thinking to analyse business issues and reflect on the broader impact of organisations in national and global contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
BS68 Graduate Diploma in Business
- Apply technical, digital, and research skills to organise, interpret, and evaluate discipline knowledge and practice to investigate business issues in digitally enhanced environments.
Relates to: ULO1, Global Growth Plan - Critically investigate real-world business issues and challenges using analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Global Growth Plan - Exercise innovative thinking and intellectual independence to make informed decisions and judgements in planning evidence-based responses to complex and evolving business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Use information literacy skills to communicate effectively in written forms and through appropriate digital media, tailored to diverse professional and organisational audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Final Global Growth Strategy - Demonstrate self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for continuous learning and effective professional practice in dynamic business environments.
Relates to: ULO2, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Final Global Growth Strategy - Apply socially responsible and sustainability-focused thinking to analyse business issues and reflect on the broader impact of organisations in national and global contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Online
| Unit code: | AMN439 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AMN430 or AMN431 or AMN436 or EFN414 |
Overview
In this unit, you will explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) harness their capabilities and competencies to build competitive advantages in global markets. You will move beyond foundational operations to examine the theories underpinning global business strategy and its practical application in real-world contexts. You will also consider strategic issues related to internationalisation modes and the effects of multi-domestic, regional, and global integration strategies. A core focus of the unit is on developing your critical thinking and evaluation skills. Through in-depth study, you will enhance your ability to lead organisations that are resilient to global disruptions and capable of managing complex local and international relationships. In addition, you will undertake a research project centered on a key international strategic decision facing management in the context of global market entry and coordination.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and apply international business strategy theories and conceptual frameworks to evaluate the factors driving firm success within global markets [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Critically evaluate and reflect on the strategic and operational challenges firms encounter during global expansion, and develop evidence-based, context-sensitive, and sustainable solutions that address real-world constraints and complexities. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2, TS 4.1, SE 5.2]
- Evaluate strategic solutions to global business challenges by critically assessing their feasibility, risks, and potential impact across diverse global contexts. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess academic research in the field of global and international business, evaluating its relevance, rigor, and application to real-world scenarios. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1]
Content
Key topics covered in this unit include:
- Environmental scanning and strategic planning
- Variations in economic, political, legal, and cultural environments
- Formulating international business strategies in a global context, including expansion approaches, entry mode decisions, cross-border strategic alliances, and mergers and acquisitions
- Management of international business operations
- Corporate and business-level strategy development
- Global innovation and its strategic implications.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply advanced, integrated discipline and professional practice knowledge, including relevant research principles and methods, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Leverage digital technologies, data-driven tools, and technical research skills to organise, interpret and extend discipline and professional practice knowledge to investigate digitally enhanced business environments.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate complex, real-world business problems by analysing, evaluating, and synthesising discipline and professional practice knowledge.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make evidence-based decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic responses to address real world business challenges.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts.
3.2 Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self- reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills to support continuous learning, adaptability and effective professional growth.
4.2 Apply collaborative capabilities to work effectively in diverse teams and across complex, interdisciplinary business environments.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate ethical reasoning and apply legal and governance principles to critically evaluate and respond to complex business decisions and practices.
5.2 Apply socially responsible and sustainability-focused thinking to analyse business issues and reflect on the broader impact of organisations in national and global contexts.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will focus on key theoretical concepts related to global growth strategy and have opportunities to enhance your critical thinking and communication skills through case analysis and group discussion. The unit adopts a problem-based learning approach, encouraging you to conduct research, integrate theory with practice, and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Active learning is also emphasised, engaging you in interactive, collaborative, and reflective activities that require you to apply your knowledge, skills, and attributes in meaningful ways. Case-based teaching is a core feature of the unit. Through complex, real-world scenarios, often with no single correct solution, you will be challenged to apply your understanding, think analytically and reflectively, and work collaboratively to examine issues, make decisions, and propose solutions.
Feedback on Learning and 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
Assessment
Overview
This unit employs assessment activities designed to enhance your critical thinking, strategic analysis, and decision-making skills in the context of global business. Assessment includes the development of a global growth plan, in which you will critically evaluate a company’s initial approach to expanding operations and generating revenue in international markets. You will also produce a comprehensive global growth strategy report that articulates the company’s proposed approach to international expansion. This report will require you to justify market selection, entry strategy, and risk assessment, and to provide well-reasoned, evidence-based strategic recommendations for achieving sustainable growth in complex global environments.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Global Growth Plan
You will develop a global growth strategy plan that outlines your chosen company’s initial approach to expanding its operations and increasing revenue in international markets. In doing so, you will critically analyse potential markets, evaluate entry strategies, assess risks, and propose evidence-based recommendations for sustainable and strategic growth. This process will require you to integrate theoretical frameworks with practical business considerations, demonstrating your ability to reflect and make informed decisions in complex global contexts.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), TS (4.1), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Final Global Growth Strategy
There are two parts to this assessment item:
Part A: You will develop a final global growth strategy report that outlines your chosen company’s proposed approach to international expansion. This will include your critical analysis of market selection, entry strategy, and risk assessment, as well as evidence-based strategic recommendations for achieving sustainable growth in a complex global context. In completing this report, you will integrate theoretical frameworks with practical considerations, evaluate competitive and cultural factors, and justify your decisions using data and research. You will also reflect on the potential challenges and opportunities of implementing your strategy, demonstrating your ability to think strategically and make informed, responsible business decisions in global markets.
Part B: You will participate in an oral examination in which you will need to defend your research approach and recommendations made in your global growth strategy.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in Part A of this assessment item. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
The late submission period does not apply to Part A or Part B of this assessment item, and no assignment extensions are available.
Part B, the Viva Voce requires your attendance in your scheduled learning session.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1), SE (5.1, 5.2),
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
The unit draws on recommended readings, scholarly journal articles, and industry-based materials. Further details are available on Canvas.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate) 2027
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Global Growth Plan
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Global Growth Plan
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Final Global Growth Strategy
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO3, Final Global Growth Strategy
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO2, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS12 Master of Business
- Leverage digital technologies, data-driven tools, technical and research skills to organise, interpret and extend discipline and professional practice knowledge in digitally enhanced business environments.
Relates to: ULO1, Global Growth Plan - Critically investigate complex, real-world business problems by analysing, evaluating, and synthesising discipline and professional practice knowledge.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Global Growth Plan - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make evidence-based decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic responses to address real world business challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Use information and digital literacy skills to communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, using appropriate technologies and media for diverse purposes, audiences, and business contexts
Relates to: ULO4, Final Global Growth Strategy - Exercise self- reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills to support continuous learning, adaptability and effective professional growth.
Relates to: ULO2, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Demonstrate ethical reasoning and apply legal and governance principles to critically evaluate and respond to complex business decisions and practices.
Relates to: ULO3, Final Global Growth Strategy - Apply socially responsible and sustainability-focused thinking to analyse business issues and reflect on the broader impact of organisations in national and global contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy
BS68 Graduate Diploma in Business
- Apply technical, digital, and research skills to organise, interpret, and evaluate discipline knowledge and practice to investigate business issues in digitally enhanced environments.
Relates to: ULO1, Global Growth Plan - Critically investigate real-world business issues and challenges using analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Global Growth Plan - Exercise innovative thinking and intellectual independence to make informed decisions and judgements in planning evidence-based responses to complex and evolving business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Use information literacy skills to communicate effectively in written forms and through appropriate digital media, tailored to diverse professional and organisational audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Final Global Growth Strategy - Demonstrate self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for continuous learning and effective professional practice in dynamic business environments.
Relates to: ULO2, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO3, Final Global Growth Strategy - Apply socially responsible and sustainability-focused thinking to analyse business issues and reflect on the broader impact of organisations in national and global contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Global Growth Plan, Final Global Growth Strategy