Intercultural Issues in Business and Management.
(~200 words): A contextualisation of the case, which includes an overview of the setting, the problem, the scope and any limitations. What is the problem, or problems?
What are the likely causes you would like to examine? Provide an outline of your assignment.
Make sure the transitions between these points are smooth. Avoid presenting them as if they were bullet points.
Theoretical framework and Analysis
(~ 1,000 words): Define the problem(s). On the basis of your description above, what are the problems that you identify in the given scenario?
Identify the relevant theories linked to the topic under discussion and clarify the meaning of the concepts involved. How do the key concepts introduced in this course apply to your case?
Provide definitions of the concepts you are using – do not use dictionaries for definitions, but academic sources. Your course reading list and the extra resources on Canvas should be your first port of call.
Critically examine and analyse the contributing factors of the problem with references to relevant academic literature.
In your analysis, it important to relate your observations to theory. Focus on the cultural dimension.
Make sure the transitions between these points are smooth. Avoid presenting them as if they were bullet points.
Recommendations
(~600 words):
How could the problem be resolved? What decisions are managers and/or employees faced with? What drives these decisions?
What possible solutions can you identify?
What are the possible consequences of these solutions? (including cost, personal or professional relations, conflict of values, conflict of interests etc.)
Make sure the transitions between these points are smooth. Avoid presenting them as if they were bullet points.
Remember, your case study does not need to provide one concrete answer to a problem or generalise any findings, but to explore possible solutions.
The purpose is to show an awareness of intercultural issues that may arise in business settings and examine ways of resolving particular problematic situations in a critical way.
Conclusion
(~200 words): This section should encapsulate the main points of your case study, e.g. “This case study has examined x,y,z….” and conclude on the main challenges identified, as well as any recommendations made.
Essentially, you should summarise what it is that you have argued in your assignment, stating what your recommendations are and why.
Often, there is no simple answer, so you should state what the complexities of the issue are. You may feel that you are repeating yourself, as the body of your essay should have made your argument clear already, but the reader will appreciate a good summary.
Remember, the conclusion should not offer any new information or make any new arguments that have not been already mentioned in the main body of your case study.
