Purpose of Assignment 1
6 pages
This assignment is designed to prepare you for the module by getting you to think about what culture is in general and how it may be applied to understanding the business environment of a particular country / region in particular. This assignment may be done individually or by group.
The topics provide a broad context to the module and will provide students with insights into the importance of the relevant topic to the practise of Cross Cultural management. Cognitive competencies such as discussion, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation should be to the fore in anticipating and addressing the key module outcomes.
Assignment 1 Outcomes
The key outcomes of this Assignment 1 are to:
- Begin to develop an understanding and appreciation of different international business environments with respect to cultural difference.
- Begin to appreciate the importance of cultural intelligence as a success factor in international business.
- Begin to develop reflective skills on other cultures and accordingly on one’s own culture
Assignment Details
Students are expected to write an individual Assignment on culture in a particular region / country / society. You are required to explain the nature of its culture; you may select any aspect of culture, such as language, religion, cultural norms in the society, or any other cultural dimension you think is important.
So, in sum Assignment 1 requires that you:
Select any country / region / society of your choice (for example, India, Hong Kong, China, Canada, USA, France, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, etc); Note: you must not choose a country that you are from.
Explain the nature of its culture; you may select any aspect of culture, such as language, religion, social structure, political / economic philosophy, education, cultural norms in the society, or any other cultural dimension you think is important.
Think about your thoughts. Be objective in terms of your analysis and subjective with regard to your cognitive and reflective processes. Are you being stereotypical? What does this mean? What does it say about you?
Editing details
Students are also expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of referencing utilising the Harvard Referencing System.
Structure is important. Try to write three paragraphs to a page with a space between each paragraph. This should help focus your thoughts. The first line of each paragraph should be the general comment on what the rest of the paragraph details.
The spacing should be 1.5, font size 12. Font Type: Times New Roman.
Assessment 1 Grading
Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the key issues at the heart of the topic and demonstrate a high level of analysis and argument. Background reading and referencing is essential. The structure of Assignment 1 is important: introduction, key paragraphs, and conclusion. There should be a strong level of analysis, demonstrating focused background reading on the chosen topic. Ensure that you use various written sources of information and reference accordingly.
Be careful with your presentation style: write clearly and intelligently; and view this assignment as you would a professional report and treat it with the according respect. Various sources of information are outlined above.
In summary, the key grading criteria, as outline in table 5 below, are:
Knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
Analysis and level of argument.
Cognitive and reflective capacity
Extent of reading and references used.
Structure and presentation of the submission, writing style etc.
