MGN444 Business in Asia
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: | MGN444 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | MGX444 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,596 |
| International unit fee | $6,180 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MGN444 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | MGX444 |
| Coordinator: | Rumintha Wickramasekera | r.wickrama@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Business professionals must be able to operate effectively in different regions of the global economy. The substantial size and international impact of Asian economies demand that anyone pursuing a career in international business develop a thorough understanding of Asian business environments. This unit informs future business professionals about doing business in Asia.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Have a deep understanding and be able to explain and apply a range of theoretical and practical perspectives on country and industry-based development including theories of international business, strategy, risk assessments, sustainability and social responsibility.
- Identify and explore country-specific and regional opportunities, threats and issues relating to the conduct of business in Asia, including consideration of social responsibility perspectives, legislative systems, regulatory processes, corporate governance and business practices.
- Apply international business knowledge and skills to critically analyse information using analytical frameworks, tools, and social responsibility perspectives to develop strategies and recommendations for enterprises and industry.
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
- Apply information literacy, written and oral communication skills in presenting information and ideas.
Content
The axis of economic activity is shifting to the Indo-Pacific region. This provides both opportunities and challenges for both businesses and individuals. This unit aims to provide an understanding of doing business in this region. It introduces students to:
Defining the region
Historical context within the region
Understanding the socio-cultural setting within the region
The business environment in China
The business environment in Malaysia and Singapore
The business environment in Japan and South Korea
The business environment in Indonesia
The business environment in Thailand
The business environment in the Indian sub-continent
Key issues facing the region and Australia
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 integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The teaching and learning strategies applied in this unit are intended to maximise your involvement and engagement with the concepts that are being presented and to provide space for you to develop your thinking and skills in a supportive environment. The unit is designed to promote and assess your understanding of the concepts with a hands-on approach. Online material and selected readings will provide an introduction to theoretical concepts and this will be supported by weekly seminar activities, The seminars are designed to provide an interactive learning environment that focuses on the development of communication and analytical skills through planned learning activities, simulations and discussions.
This unit uses text authentication tools via Canvas 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 these text authentication tools. Your unit coordinator will provide detailed information on how the software will be used in this unit.
COVID-19 restrictions may require changes to the planned Learning Approaches described here. Students should refer to the unit Canvas site for the latest information.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will be provided with oral feedback on their performance in the unit through informal consultation with the lecturing and tutorial staff and in written form through the criterion referenced assessment system used in the unit.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support the achievement of the learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities for Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals. Assessment has been designed in order to allow you to receive feedback on learning as you progress towards the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and demonstrate learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Internationalisation Business Plan Proposal
Students will develop a business plan proposal to expand a local company into an international market within the region.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Group Presentation
In small groups, students will give a presentation on a topic that the unit coordinator will indicate. Further details will be provided on Canvas.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), TS (4.2), SE (5.2)
Assessment: International Business Plan
Following Assignment 1, students will further develop a business plan to expand a local company into an international market within Asia. Further details will be provided on Canvas.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1; 2.2), PC (3.1), SE, (5.2).
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Readings will be sent 2 weeks in advance of each Workshop.
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.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | MGN444 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | MGX444 |
Overview
Business professionals must be able to operate effectively in different regions of the global economy. The substantial size and international impact of Asian economies demand that anyone pursuing a career in international business develop a thorough understanding of Asian business environments. This unit informs future business professionals about doing business in Asia.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Have a deep understanding and be able to explain and apply a range of theoretical and practical perspectives on country and industry-based development including theories of international business, strategy, risk assessments, sustainability and social responsibility.
- Identify and explore country-specific and regional opportunities, threats and issues relating to the conduct of business in Asia, including consideration of social responsibility perspectives, legislative systems, regulatory processes, corporate governance and business practices.
- Apply international business knowledge and skills to critically analyse information using analytical frameworks, tools, and social responsibility perspectives to develop strategies and recommendations for enterprises and industry.
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
- Apply information literacy, written and oral communication skills in presenting information and ideas.
Content
The axis of economic activity is shifting to the Indo-Pacific region. This provides both opportunities and challenges for both businesses and individuals. This unit aims to provide an understanding of doing business in this region. It introduces students to:
Defining the region
Historical context within the region
Understanding the socio-cultural setting within the region
The business environment in China
The business environment in Malaysia and Singapore
The business environment in Japan and South Korea
The business environment in Indonesia
The business environment in Thailand
The business environment in the Indian sub-continent
Key issues facing the region and Australia
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 integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The teaching and learning strategies applied in this unit are intended to maximise your involvement and engagement with the concepts that are being presented and to provide space for you to develop your thinking and skills in a supportive environment. The unit is designed to promote and assess your understanding of the concepts with a hands-on approach. Online material and selected readings will provide an introduction to theoretical concepts and this will be supported by weekly seminar activities, The seminars are designed to provide an interactive learning environment that focuses on the development of communication and analytical skills through planned learning activities, simulations and discussions.
This unit uses text authentication tools via Canvas 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 these text authentication tools. Your unit coordinator will provide detailed information on how the software will be used in this unit.
COVID-19 restrictions may require changes to the planned Learning Approaches described here. Students should refer to the unit Canvas site for the latest information.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will be provided with oral feedback on their performance in the unit through informal consultation with the lecturing and tutorial staff and in written form through the criterion referenced assessment system used in the unit.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support the achievement of the learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities for Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals. Assessment has been designed in order to allow you to receive feedback on learning as you progress towards the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and demonstrate learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Internationalisation Business Plan Proposal
Students will develop a business plan proposal to expand a local company into an international market within the region.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Group Presentation
In small groups, students will give a presentation on a topic that the unit coordinator will indicate. Further details will be provided on Canvas.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2), TS (4.2), SE (5.2)
Assessment: International Business Plan
Following Assignment 1, students will further develop a business plan to expand a local company into an international market within Asia. Further details will be provided on Canvas.
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1; 2.2), PC (3.1), SE, (5.2).
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Readings will be sent 2 weeks in advance of each Workshop.
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.