INTBUS 3002 - Internationalisation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2025

This course explores how increasing globalisation, rapid technological change and pressures on sustainability have all opened expansive international opportunities, while also fuelling significant threats for today's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The course highlights the role of international markets for sustainability of small and medium sized organisations which build their competitive edge on creative problem-solving. While this is key to growth and winning against competition, it is resource-intensive and therefore often only profitable by reaching critical mass internationally. Students explore how in today's highly dynamic and interconnected world, enterprises are well-served to use the principles of effectuation to take an iterative path forward using resources at hand as contingencies are identified. Students learn about assessing affordable losses and potential gain, as well as how to co-create with diverse stakeholders to have wide-reaching impact. Further attention is paid to how the internationalisation process has effects on enterprise operations regarding intellectual property (IP), risk management, governance and financing.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code INTBUS 3002
    Course Internationalisation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
    Coordinating Unit Management
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible INTBUS 3002OUA
    Assessment Individual project, group in-class exercises, group presentations, quizzes, case analysis and participation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Chanaka Wijewardena

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1 Describe the economic importance and the need for SME internationalisation in today’s globalised environment.
    2 Identify and analyse the micro-foundation of SME internationalization including attitudes, mindsets and cognitive approaches associated with exploring international opportunities.
    3 Evaluate the social, political, economic, cultural and ethical challenges of the internationalisation process, and design appropriate responses to overcome these challenges.
    4 Devise strategies for SMEs to acquire knowledge, partnerships, and networks for creating value internationally.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3-4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    2-4

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    -

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1-4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    2
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Recommended Resources
    "Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation" by Sarika Pruthi and Jay Mitra - Sage Publications 
    https://au.sagepub.com/en-gb/oce/global-entrepreneurship-innovation/book267778#description
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course consists of 3-hour interactive seminars, combining mini-lectures with interactive activities involving both group and individual participation.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Content
    Week Topic
    1 Role of SMEs and the Entrepreneur in a globalised world
    2 Global Opportunities for SMEs: responding to risks and uncertainties
    3 Growing and internationalizing the Entrepreneurial firm: Approaches, Mindsets and Structures I
    4 Growing and internationalizing the Entrepreneurial firm: Approaches, Mindsets and Structures II
    5 Immigration, migration and international entrepreneurship
    6 Assessment week - Idea Generation
    7 Innovations, creativity and internationalization strategies
    8 Performance of the international venture
    9 Funding the international Venture
    10 Digital Entrepreneurship
    11 Social Entrepreneurship
    12 Revisions and in-class assessment 
    Learning Activities Summary
    The learning activities in this course encompass a variety of engaging tasks, such as case studies, collaborative worksheets, online exercises, presentations, and quizzes, among others.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type % Weighting Word Count
    Due Learning Outcome
    Seminar Participation
    Active participation in 
    seminar activities
    Individual/Group

    10%

    N/A Weekly 1 - 4
    Individual Assessment I– Case Report
    Case analysis report
    Individual 25% 1000 words Week 6 3 & 4
    Group Project - Export Business Plan
    Group presentation
    Group 25% N/A Week 10 1 & 2
    Individual Assessment II
    In-class Assessment (MCQs, 
    scenarios-based Quizzes,
    knowledge-based Quizzes)
    Individual 40% N/A Week 12 1 - 4
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Academic Integrity: All work submitted must be original. Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and will be dealt with according to university policies. Assignments will be checked using plagiarism detection software.
    Participation Requirements: Students are expected to actively participate in weekly discussion boards. Contributions should be substantive and reflect engagement with the course material. Participation will be graded based on the quality and frequency of posts.
    All additional information, such as formatting requirements, marking rubrics, and submission deadlines, are posted on the MyUni course page.
    Assessment Detail
    The course incorporates various types of assessments, both individual and group-based. These assessments encompass active participation in seminars, including preparatory activities and collaborative engagement during in-class exercises. A significant component of the course involves analyzing case studies and preparing comprehensive case analysis reports. Additionally, there is a group project that focuses on applying theoretical concepts to develop a startup idea and progressively plan for an international venture. Lastly, there is a final in-class assessment that serves as a comprehensive evaluation of students' knowledge and understanding of key theories and concepts.
    Submission
    Submission Guidelines:

    Deadlines: Please refer to the MyUni course page for all assignment deadlines. It is important to submit your work on time to ensure timely assessment and feedback.

    Submission Method: All assignments must be submitted via the MyUni course page. Please follow the instructions provided on the course page for the submission process.

    Extensions: If you require an extension for individual assessments due to special circumstances, please contact the course coordinator before the submission deadline. Extensions should be arranged in advance to avoid any penalties.

    Late Submissions: Late submissions will be subject to a deduction of 10% per day. It is essential to submit your work on or before the specified deadline to avoid any penalties.

    Marking and Feedback: The lecturers strive to mark and return assignments to students within two (2) weeks of the due date. You will receive written feedback to help you understand your performance and improve your work.

    Please familiarize yourself with these submission guidelines and ensure that you adhere to the deadlines and requirements outlined on the MyUni course page. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the course coordinator for assistance.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.