Learning Outcomes

The completion of this assignment requires you to demonstrate the ability to:
 Apply consistently in-depth knowledge and reference relevant global business management
theory. Generate a variety of ways of tackling a selected problem and identify options that have a
chance of success in different organisational, geographical and economical entities.
 Identify quantitative and qualitative “information gaps”, and the relevant sources needed to fill
such lacunae. Prepare and use IT to aid efficient searching, evaluation and selection of
information, exploring alternative lines of enquiry where appropriate. Present information
effectively, including evidence to support your conclusions.

Identify and critically assess in a comprehensive fashion the current strengths and weaknesses of the international organisation(s) relative to its global environment. Evaluate and synthesise information from different sources, theories and principles, and communicate relevant information effectively, and with accuracy.
 Critically analyse the effectiveness of your strategy, including factors that had an impact on the outcomes, and identify ways to take the organisation forward, and ways of further developing problem solving skills

Format for submission

The word limit is 2,500 (Maximum)
All work should be word processed using either Times New Roman or Ariel font, with line spacing of 1½ and justified.
A Reference list, comprising of a significant number of academic sources, must be attached at the end of the essay.
No more than 50% of references may be from the internet.

Assignment 2: Evaluating Economic Integration Initiatives
The Task
There are hundreds of economic integration agreements in effect around the world. Virtually every country is party to one or more free trade agreements. Supporters argue that free trade is good for nations. Undertake a research that would enable you to address the following task:
Critically evaluate the specific benefits that countries seek by joining an economic bloc. To support your argument assess the main economic bloc for one of the ASEAN countries (Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand). From your perspective, what advantages has bloc membership brought in the country? How does membership to the economic integration initiative impact upon the competitive position of the firms from this country? Illustrate by discussing the experience of a firm (or firms) from this country.
Details of marking criteria are as follows:
Assignment Marking Criteria
While marking your assignment we will be looking for evidence for how well you have addressed the question / issues. The following part explains the key points you should consider in preparing your assignment. It is also important to review the specifications and guidelines outlined in your unit handbook, such as ‘Learning outcomes’ along with the ‘Assessment Criteria’, ‘the Assignment Strategy’, etc.
1. Introduction: A brief introduction that provides the purpose of the essay or its objectives and how the essay is structured. Interpreting the question – this ideally should be clear within the introduction along with background / context.
2. Addressing the question / topic: The main body of the essay where the question is addressed. (This part may have a few sections / sub-sections). The key criteria here include:
a. Research – evidence of systematic research approach, depth and breadth of research undertaken; application of some conceptual (theoretical / empirical) framework(s), etc.
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b. Analysis – well focussed on answering the question, depth and clarity of argument, organising / summarising collected information; answering the questions/tasks fully.
c. Scholarly practice – a proper referencing within the report (citations), employing appropriate International Business vocabulary, etc., the quality of the Reference section. (Harvard style of referencing).
3. Conclusion: A clear, concise, and relevant conclusion (and recommendations where appropriate). A conclusion where the key points that have emerged from the discussion are summarised, implications and where further investigation may be appropriate are stated.
4. Presentation: Neat layout, and headings / sub-headings where appropriate. Clarity of expression (appropriate language, grammar, spelling, etc.). Length of the essay should be 2,500 (maximum) without including the reference section. Word-count at the end of the essay. No attachments / appendices allowed.
Please note that the above does not necessarily provide you with the headings / subheadings to be used in your essay. While generic headings such as ‘Introduction’, ‘Conclusion’, and ‘Recommendations’ would be appropriate and could be used in your essay, other headings / subheadings would emerge from the issues you are researching. Headings / subheadings give a logical, sequential, and meaningful structure for your essay.

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