Course Title: Build cross cultural capability for business in Asia
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2021
Course Code: POLI5045
Course Title: Build cross cultural capability for business in Asia
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6166 - Advanced Diploma of International Business
Course Contact: Sam Menai
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8805
Course Contact Email: sam.menai@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This course describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to build culturally appropriate planning and work practices that facilitate the development of Asian business capability.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU22802 Build cross cultural capability for business in Asia |
Element: |
1. Analyse essential features of Asian country-specific culture |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Assess and review relevant historical and geopolitical information about Asian country or countries of proposed business activity. 1.2 Assess and review traditional and contemporary social structures of the Asian country or countries of proposed business activity. 1.3 Assess relevant business, product or service information in the Asian country or countries of choice 1.4 Research and present documentation on international business legislation and controls that impact upon business activity with the proposed Asian country or countries. |
Element: |
2. Apply understanding of Asian country-specific culture for business practices |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Confirm understanding of proposed business activity in Asia to ensure consistency of interpretation and application. 2.2 Arrange for information to be communicated to relevant personnel in appropriate business practices to build Asian business capability. 2.3 Establish evaluation criteria to ascertain understanding, by relevant personnel, of Asian country-specific business culture and how it impacts upon practices. 2.4 Explain key business cultural elements of Asian country or countries of proposed business activity. 2.5 Workshop real or potential cultural workplace conflict with relevant personnel. 2.6 Establish possible strategies for cultural maintenance of business practice refinement with Asian country or countries of proposed business. |
Element: |
3. Plan culturally appropriate work practices |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Develop a vision statement or a business model for business activity with the intended Asian country or countries, incorporating the product or service that is integral to the business. 3.2 Document business practices that will enhance Asian business culture capability. |
Learning Outcomes
This unit applies to personnel who conduct or plan to conduct business activity in Asia. An understanding of the product or service integral to the proposed business is required.
The unit may relate to a small to medium size organisation or a significant business unit within a large enterprise
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Topic |
Learning Materials and Activities |
Assessment Remarks |
1 |
Introduction to culture and the concept of Cultural Quotient (CQ) also known as Cultural Intelligence |
Course requirements and support documents / resources
This week we will explore what constitutes culture, the cultural intelligence framework and the importance of building cultural awareness and adaptability for international business in Asia. We will introduce the four dimensions of cultural intelligence and discuss how they are applied for business. |
|
2 |
Identify and investigate business and enterprise in Asia |
This week we identify a business/s opportunity in Asia and assess the potential for building cross cultural capability with the business. We also identify any barriers to progress and begin to formulate solutions to work towards elevated CQ. Workplace conflict resulting from culture clash is introduced for discussion and further study. |
|
3 |
Understanding culture based on history and political identity |
This week we research background information of a selected Asian country’s history and political system/s to develop and enhance a better understanding of and respect for the culture. Context is examined and perspective-based analysis is introduced and explored. |
Prepare for Assessment Task 1 Class activity |
4 |
Understanding social structures, both traditional and modern |
This week we research background information of the Asian country’s traditional and modern social structures to develop and enhance a deeper understanding of and respect for the culture relating to business. Communication and language are explored, and we discuss the critical difference between translation and interpretation. |
|
5 |
Identifying and examining culture relating to business in Asia |
This week we define specific cultural norms relative to business in Asia as well as compare & contrast with Australian business culture. The 3 levels of communication are studied and tested against the backdrop of various Asian business cultures. |
Assessment 1 Due |
6 |
Apply cultural knowledge to business in Asia |
This week we synthesise knowledge of cultural significance into a business case scenario. Focusing on correct interpretation of forms of language and the application of CQ for business. |
|
7 |
Research Asian legislation relative to the business |
This week we research the legal aspect of doing business in Asia relevant to the chosen enterprise. Business legislation, acts, guidelines and controls are examined. Group discussions on Asian legislation form part of this lesson as well as detailed progress check on assessment 2 part A. |
|
8 |
The Canvas Business model workshop |
This week we investigate and explore the business model Canvas for its application and use in the context of doing business in Asia with our chosen business incorporated as the core enterprise. The relevance of business plans is discussed along with the changing nature of business in Asia over the past fifty years. We will also draft a vision statement and discuss business values and how they are linked to cultural norms. |
Prepare for Assessment Task 2
Class activity |
|
Mid Semester Break 1st - 7th April
| |||
| 9 | Evaluating Asian business culture and its impact on how business operates |
This week we develop a business culture matrix for use in analysis of Asian business culture. This template forms the basis for decision makers to make strategic management decisions. We apply this technique to our business project for practical development. Final progress check on assessment 2 part A forms part of this lesson. |
|
10 |
Dissemination of business communications |
This week we explore the correct methods for business communications whilst observing cross cultural sensitivities. The focus on the art of communication this week centres on fortifying Asian business capability. |
Assessment Task 2 Due this week |
11 |
Maintenance strategy for cross cultural business in Asia |
This week we will learn about the importance of business maintenance and growth strategies specific to cross cultural business in Asia. We explore the three levels of business strategy |
|
12 |
Workplace conflict in the context of cross cultural business |
This week we develop a deeper understanding of workplace conflict that may take place as a result of cross cultural business environments. Case studies are workshopped and analysed for their potential impact on the business environment. |
|
13 |
Enhancing cross cultural capability for business in Asia |
This week we summarise our learning of cross cultural capability for business in Asia and compile a memo as business consultant detailing recommendations for business operators launching enterprises in Asia. The focus of the memo is the business practices that will enhance cross cultural capability for business in Asia. |
Prepare for Assessment Task 3
Class activity |
14 |
Course revision |
This week we will go through the entire course learning objectives as a general revision |
|
15 |
Assessments feedback and support |
This week will be dedicated to assessment feedback and support for students with needs |
Assessment Task 3 Due this week |
16 |
Resit and Resubmit |
This week will be dedicated to re-submission of assessments if needed |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
|
A range of assessment methods are used to assess your practical skills and knowledge. The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:
|
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Performance Evidence:
- communicating with relevant personnel to facilitate information sharing about Asian country-specific business cultural practices
- documenting the essential features of Asian, country-specific culture and how it manifests itself on business practices
documenting culturally appropriate work practices to build Asian business capability in relevant Asian region
Knowledge Evidence
Feedback Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress. You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course. |
Assessment Tasks
Your required to complete all three assessments tasks successfully to be deemed competent in this course.
Assessment Task 1: Workshop on Cross Cultural Conflict
This practical assessment is a role play to demonstrate their ability to:
· Apply understanding of Singapore culture for business practices
· Workshop potential cultural workplace conflict with relevant personnel
· Communicate impartially & diplomatically with diverse stakeholders
· Conduct open discussions
· Work with others & relate to people from a range of cultural, social & religious backgrounds
· Relate to overseas politicians & government representatives & understand their influence in the commercial environment in Asia
· Consult and provide advice on Singaporean cultural issues
Assessment Task 2: Presentation
This task is a project based on a simulated work environment.
This assessment task requires you to demonstrate competency and knowledge in:
· Analysing the essential features of culture specific to Singapore
· Applying understanding of Singapore culture for business practices
· Planning work practices that are culturally appropriate
Assessment Task 3: Business Plan
This assessment task requires you to demonstrate competency and knowledge in
· Analysing the essential features of culture specific to Singapore
· Applying understanding of Singapore culture for business practices
· Planning work practices that are culturally appropriate
· Interpret & communicate Singapore legislation
· Relevant international trade agreements
· The product or service that is integral to the business
Assessment Matrix
The competency assessment map that maps all the assessment tasks is available on CANVAS unit mapping
Course Overview: Access Course Overview