| 1 - Executive Summary (10 marks) | The executive summary was missing or poorly constructed e.g. it acted as a table of contents or introduction outlining what the report contained rather than summarising the key findings. | Summarised some key findings but still reads more like an introduction than an Executive Summary (i.e. “the report will cover …” rather than “the report found that…. ) | ES provides a summary of most of the key findings in the report. Some evaluation of implications included. | A good summary of the key findings in the report was provided. The report provides an informed evaluation of the implications of these findings in terms of risks and opportunities. | Provided a concise summary of the findings of all sections of the report. Findings for all important factors were provided in the summary. Evaluation of implication demonstrates strong understanding of macro environmental risks and opportunities. |
| 2 – Introduction covering scope of report, introduction to company, brief background and identification of chosen overseas country. (10 marks) | The introduction did not highlight the scope of the report and/or background of the company effectively. It provided generic information with no clear focus on key issues such as core business, goals, mission etc. Chosen country not identified or information provided not well considered. | Background information on the company provided but not well synthesised. Some information on key issues such as core business. Scope of the report outlined and chosen overseas country identified. | Background information on the company provided. Shows evidence of research. Information on key issues such as core business, mission and goals synthesised and conveyed concisely. Scope of the report outlined and chosen overseas country clearly identified with relevant issues discussed. | Background information on the company demonstrates evidence of research. Information is synthesised and then summarised effectively with key issues identified. Scope of the report clearly articulated. Clearly identifies chosen overseas country and provides justification for choice. | Background information on the company demonstrates ability to research and synthesize information into a clear and concise exposition of knowledge. Scope of the report clearly and concisely articulated. Clearly identifies chosen overseas country and provides clearly articulated yet concise justification for choice. |
| 3 – Macro, analysis & discussion of implications (Economics, political, legal, socio-cultural sections) (40 marks) | The economic, political, legal, economic and socio-cultural section displayed little or limited understanding of key concepts/theory and the application of those concepts to the country analysed. Data was either presented uncritically with no discussion of implications or poor arguments were made in regards to the data and the chosen firm. Limited research evident. | The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew some connections to key concepts/theory. Some analysis of the implications of the data in relation to the chosen country and the chosen firm. Evidence of research using some authentic and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International) | The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country outlined implications for the chosen firm. Evidence of research using a range of authentic and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International, Globaledge etc). | The economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew clear connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country clearly outlined relevant implications for the chosen firm and demonstrates ability to synthesise and extract relevant information. Evidence of research using a broad range of authentic , current and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International and beyond). | The economic, political, legal and socio-cultural section presented relevant data and drew clear and concise connections to key concepts/theory. Analysis of the data in relation to the chosen country clearly outlined relevant implications for the chosen firm and demonstrates ability tosynthesise and extract relevant information only. Evidence of research using a wide range of authentic , current and relevant data sources (eg CIA, Austrade, WTO, Economist, Transparency International and beyond). |
4 - Overall knowledge and application of cultural frameworks
(10 marks) | Demonstrates little understanding of the complexity or elements of chosen culture. Limited or no discussion of theoretical frameworks. | Discussion of elements of chosen culture shows some research. Tends to rely heavily on etiquette and custom. Lacks strong analysis using cultural frameworks. Minimal evaluation or discussoin of implications. | Demonstrates good research into the chosen culture. Clearly identifies important elements and discusses deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Evaluates implications. | Demonstrates good research into the chosen culture. Clearly identifies important elements and discusses deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Draws connections with wider macro-environmental elements. Evaluates implications. | Demonstrates excellent research into the chosen culture. Effectively synthesizes information to identify important elements. Provides and insightful analysis into deeper aspects such as values, attitudes and communication styles using theoretical frameworks. Draws connections with wider macro-environmental elements and evaluates implications for management of chosen firm demonstrating strong insight and analysis. |
| 5 - Discussion of ethical & CSR issues (5 marks) | No or limited research into ethical/CSR issues. Minimal discussion. | Some research into ethical/CSR issues. Highlights some key aspects (eg corruption index score). Some discussion of implications. | Research into ethical/CSR issues evident. Highlights main aspects (eg corruption index score, cultural differences impacting values, beliefs perceptions). Some discussion of implications. | Research into ethical/CSR issues evident. Highlights main aspects (eg corruption index score, cultural differences impacting values, beliefs perceptions). Discussion of implications is informed and well supported. | Excellent research into ethical & CSR issues international manager is likely to face in environment. Links analysis to cultural aspects. Strong ability to synthesize information, analyse implications and relate to theory. |
| 6 – Structure, organisation, presentation and grammar (10 marks) | The report was unprofessional, unclear and not well structured. Table of contents, headings, page numbers etc were missing or inconsistent. Meaning unclear and/or grammar and/or spelling contained frequent errors | The report was neat and well structured. Presentation mostly follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page. Some minor issues. Meaning apparent but language not always fluent. Some spelling and grammatical errors. | The report was neat and well structured. Presentation follows guidelines ie 1.5 spacing, page numbers, easy to read font. Reference list on separate page. Language mainly fluent. Grammar and spelling mainly accurate. | Organisation and presentation was of report was of a professional, standard. Presentation follows guidelines.
Fluent writing style.Grammar and spellines accurate. | Organisation and presentation was of an excellent standard. Presentation follows guidelines.
Fluent writing style. Grammar and spelling accurate. |
| 7 - Research and referencing (15 marks) | Referencing needed improvement. Sources were uncited / poorly cited / demonstrated little attempt to comply with APA system. Reliance on few and/or poor quality sources. There was likely a reliance on one source of literature. | Referencing was of a satisfactory standard with consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Shows clear attempt to follow APA method of referencing. Some errors evident e.g. page numbers missing from direct quotations or errors in referencing websites. Overall references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references).
Used a variety of authentic information sources. | Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Most citations follow APA method of referencing with few errors. These references were presented reasonably clearly in the reference list, using a consistent format (not missing many references).
Used a variety of authentic information sources with majority being current. | Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Referencing was of a high standard. Majority of citations in report and references in reference list conform to APA standard.
Used a variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate information sources and texts. | Consistent and sustained acknowledgement of sources of information and data throughout report. Excellent referencing with majority of citations correctly adhering to APA method. Comprehensive reference list.
Wide variety of up to date, authentic and appropriate sources used in appropriate context. |