International Business INBU01-7

Total: 100 marks

Important please read this section before starting with your assignment.

The purpose of the assignment is to test your competence and mastery of the applicable module outcomes. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we see your answers/thoughts/ideas expressed in your own words. You will be penalised for simply copying theory without explanation or application to the scenario/s provided. You should use the theory in support of your own answer. No marks will be awarded for theory copied from any source.

Any sources used when researching and drafting your answers must be referenced correctly, as stipulated in the Milpark Reference Guide. You must work through the reference guide to ensure your assignment complies with the referencing requirements. Note also that even if you reference a source correctly, you cannot simply copy reams of information directly from it. As stated previously, answers should be drafted in your own words.

Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for this assignment: the Milpark Good Conduct and Disciplinary Policy provides that using AI tools when drafting an assessment is academic misconduct, unless express written instructions are issued by Milpark permitting the use of such tools in specific circumstances. For the purposes of this assignment, the use of AI tools is permitted in line with the specific instructions issued per question. Please ensure that you strictly adhere to the instructions regarding the scope of AI use.

Should a question not specifically indicate that AI use is permitted (within the parameters provided), the general prohibition applies. For such questions, AI tools include any generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT or Google Gemini) and any AI language and/or writing tools (e.g. Grammarly or QuillBot). Failure to comply with this prohibition will result in sanctions being imposed.

If you are unsure whether you are permitted to use a specific application or tool, please reach out to your module tutor or academic owner for confirmation before simply proceeding.

AI use declaration

Important: ALL assignments must include this declaration, regardless of whether or not you used AI tools.

The AI use declaration is a personal acknowledgement that describes how you used AI tools/technologies to prepare your assignment. The declaration aims to create clarity and transparency regarding the following:

• The name and version of the AI tool/s with the URL used

• The prompt/s you used in the AI tool/s

• A brief explanation (no longer than two sentences) of how the output from the AI tools/technologies was used in the process of completing your assignment. Please include the declaration in the following format at the end of your assignment before your Reference List:

Declaration of AI use

I acknowledge the use of [AI tool/technology name] and [URL/link] to generate...

Prompt/s: I entered the following prompt/s

Use: I used the output to .../I modified the output to

OR

I have not used any AI tools or technologies to prepare this assignment.

Example 1

I acknowledge using Google Gemini [https://gemini.google.com/] to generate an outline for my assignment.

I entered the following prompt:

Provide an outline for a 500-word essay on the impact of climate change on rural communities in South Africa.

I used the output at the initial stage of the assignment process to help plan my answer structure. I modified the outline generated, discarding several suggested paragraphs and replacing them with my own ideas based on the additional research and reading I completed and referenced below.

SECTION A (69 MARKS) INTERNATIONAL TRADE QUESTIONS

Note:

For this question, the use of any type of AI tool is strictly prohibited.

Question 1 (27 marks)

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.

In 2023, South Africa's exported goods were worth R200 million, while its imported goods were worth R280 million.

• Calculate the balance of trade in 2023 (4)

• Conclude by stating what your answer to Question 1 implies. (2)

Tip: show all calculations.

In 2024, South Africa's exported goods were worth R300 million, while its imported goods were worth R250 million.

• Calculate the balance of trade in 2024 (4)

• Conclude by stating what your answer to Question 3 implies. (2)

Tip: show all calculations.

1.5 Conduct research on the top seven African countries with the highest gross domestic product (GDP) in Use the table below to place the countries from highest to lowest GDP. For each country ranked, include your opinion on the reason(s) why each has a high GDP. (15)

Tip: to answer the above question, research and reference at least two sources. Use the table below to place the countries from highest to lowest GDP.

Question 2 (15 marks)

Note:

You may use any AI tool of your choice. You may use AI for research purposes only. Do not cite it or include it as a reference.

Ensure that you complete the AI Use Declaration correctly.

This is a research and application question; no marks for copying and pasting the theory.

Use any five Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions of Culture to compare the culture in the United States of America to the culture in South Africa.

Tip: include at least two additional and correctly referenced sources to support your answer.

Question 3 (27 marks)

You are tasked to design a code of conduct for employees in your organisation. The requirements for the code of conduct should include the following:

• The purpose (2)

• Applicability (scope) (2)

• Any eight behaviours and how each behaviour should be implemented by employees (16)

• Any five possible consequences of non-compliance (5)

• Relevant conclusion on the outcome(s) of abiding by the code of conduct policy (2)

SECTION B (26 MARKS) CASE STUDY

Read the case study below and answer the questions that follow.

Starbucks entering the Ethiopian market

Starbucks plans to enter the Ethiopian market in 2025 with licensing partner Belayab Foods. The first outlet will be in Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. In the 2007 census, the city's population was estimated to be 2 739 551.

Starbucks has already set up the Quality Control unit and has met with some of the Ethiopian local suppliers to seal the deal. Starbucks has also sent the local supplier's ingredients to the United States of America to test quality to ensure that it meets their international standards.

Starbucks will be competing with the leading coffee shop Kaldis and other local coffee shops.

Critics predict that Starbucks will not be successful in Ethiopia as it was not successful in South Africa due to the royalties and expensive store set-up costs.

Question 1 (26 marks)

• Describe the role and importance of the two parties involved in the agreement mentioned in the case (2)

• Conduct additional research on at least two correctly referenced sources and suggest another international agreement that Starbucks could have used to enter Ethiopia and justify your (2)

• Use the table below to differentiate the agreement used in the case study and the one you have chosen in Question 1.2.

(8)

• Provide any three benefits that Ethiopia could receive from Starbucks operation. Support each benefit with evidence from the case study. (6)

• Conduct additional research and investigate four other possible reasons that could have led Starbucks to being unsuccessful in South Africa in 2019. Clearly justify your approach with appropriate research sources.

(8)

SECTION C (5 MARKS) REFERENCING AND TECHNICAL CARE

The quality of your referencing, according to the Milpark Reference Guide, as well as spelling, grammar and professional document layout, will be evaluated according to the assessment criteria in the following marking rubric:

TOTAL MARKS: 100