Assignment on Upgrading in Global Value Chains, The Global Financial System, and National Culture

Part 1: Literature Review

Further information about general assessment criteria, ARTA regulations, referencing and plagiarism can be found on the module’s site on the e-Learning Portal.  Students are advised to read and follow this information.

Part 1: Conduct a comprehensive literature review of recent scholarly work (last 10 years) on social and economic upgrading in Global Value Chains.

Part 2: Find an example of region or country which experienced upgrading as part of a global value chain and analyse whether the case aligns or diverges from the literature discussed in part 1. Provide a recommendation of countries or regions may enable social and/or economic upgrading as part of a global value chain.  

Part 1: Conduct a comprehensive literature review of recent scholarly work (last 10 years) on the global financial system.

Part 2: Using one financial crisis as an example, demonstrate how financial crises impact global financial markets. Provide a recommendation on how companies can mitigate financial risks when operating abroad. Link your findings to the literature reviewed in Part 1.

Part 1: Conduct a comprehensive literature review of recent scholarly work (last 10 years) on the role of national culture in global business.

Part 2: Provide an example of a real-world company and briefly describe how the culture of their home country (country of origin) impacts their organizational culture. Provide recommendations on how companies may navigate cross-cultural risk when operating abroad. Draw on the academic literature explored in part 1 in your case analysis and recommendations.

Writing and submission instructions:

• An electronic version of your assignment must be submitted via the Turnitin FINAL SUBMISSION link.
• Write your analysis as a piece of business communication in essay style, including any illustrations you think are useful. Make sure all data sources used are properly explained and referenced.

• This is a research-based assignment. The assignment requires you to demonstrate that you understand how to appropriately analyse the academic literature and any relevant theories.
• Your analytical discussion must be supported by a significant number of information sources as well as theory. You are free to gather the information you need from different authoritative sources to make your argument.
• You should be thorough and detailed in your analysis, and should fully explain and justify all the points. However, there is a balance to be sought between a mass of detail and a thorough, yet relatively concise reasoning. Thus, your writing must be clear and concise.
• Append only relevant information to support your discussion and analysis in the main body of the report. Appendices should be properly organised and the reader referred to the appropriate appendix at the appropriate point in the text.
• Cite sources of all researched data and theories/concepts/models on which your analysis is based so as not to be flagged as plagiarism. Use APA referencing style.
• NOTE: Referring to the Assessment Criteria at the end of this assessment brief may help you craft your submission well..

Word limits and penalties for assignments

An electronic version of your assignment must be submitted via the Turnitin FINAL SUBMISSION link.

Marked assignments will be returned to students.It is advisable to retain a copy and any drafts of your assignment for your own records.

This assessment will contribute directly to the following Postgraduate programme goals and objectives. 

Goal One: Be independent, reflective critical thinkers

1.Demonstrate awareness of their personal strengths and weaknesses through critical reflective practice.

2.Understand and challenge personal patterns of thinking and behaving.

Goal Two: Be culturally and ethically aware

1.Demonstrate their ability to work in diverse groups and teams.

2.Reflect on their own ethical values.

Goal Three: Have developed leadership and management capability

1.Demonstrate their personal contribution to team effectiveness.

2.Communicate complex issues effectively.

3.Demonstrate decision making and problem solving skills.

4.Carry out presentations and lead discussions.

Goal Four: Have developed and applied knowledge of international business and management theory

1. Acquire, interpret and apply knowledge of international business, management and organisational functions.

Goal Five: Have developed a range of research skills and project capabilities

1. Plan and complete a major individual piece of research on a contemporary business, management or leadership topic of their choice.
2. Demonstrate skills of analysis and synthesis in the application of research methods to the exploration of contemporary business issues.

Goal Six: Have developed specialist knowledge about the theory and practice of your programme of study

1.Demonstrate specialist functional knowledge in relation to your programme of study.