INTEGRATED BUSINESS PROJECT

in Marketing & Management

Unit Guide

Trimester 2 2020/2021
 INTEGRATED BUSINESS PROJECT
TRIMESTER 2 2020/2021

About INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PROJECT

CONTACTS
Assoc. Prof. Tran Ha Minh Quan quan.tran@isb.edu.vn
Dr. Phan Thi Minh Thu thu.phan@isb.edu.vn
Unit Instructor Ms. Tran Thi Huong Trang trang.tran@ isb.edu.vn
Ms. Nguyen Le Xuan Doanh doanh.nguyen@isb.edu.vn
Ms. Du Phuc My Kim kim.du@isb.edu.vn
Nguyen Truong An an.nguyen@isb.edu.vn
Program 17 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 3, HCM City
Administrator
Phone: 02854465555 (Ext:168)

UNIT OVERVIEW
Groups of students are required to collect data from the market/industry and from their
corresponding companies to identify key existing business problems. It is expected that the
problems are in the groups’ interested fields of study (marketing, management, and
international business). These groups of students are required to identify symptoms,
potential problems, and then validate main problems as well as explore potential causes.
The alternative solutions and action plan are then suggested for the company.

PRE-REQUISITES
70% the total number of units

Assessment Information

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The table below outlines the unit learning outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. Upon completion
of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Reinforce strong problem-solving skills

2. Have opportunities to access real business practices

3. Gain an understanding of workplace culture

4. Gain practical research experience

5. Demonstrate the link between theory and practice

6. Develop personal and professional communication skills

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PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

In line with its focus on assuring students’ skills in unit learning outcomes 1-6 above, this
unit is also responsible for introducing/developing/assuring the following program-level
learning outcomes (PLOs):

Knowledge & Application

1. Solid understanding and competency of appropriate application of business discipline-
specific knowledge.
Communication
2. Competency in professional written and oral communication suited to multiple audiences
and contexts.
Critical thinking
3.
Critical thinking through appropriate observing, analyzing and reasoning, etc.
Problem solving
4.
Effective and constructive problem solving.
Ethics
5. An ethical perspective, including an understanding of the ethical responsibilities of
organizations.

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

VALUE LEARNING
ASSESSMENT ITEM DUE DATE
(%) OUTCOMES

Group Discussions & Presentations Sessions 2,

1. 20% ULO1-6 PLO1-5
3, 4, and 5
2. Problem Context & Symptom Analysis Session 4 10% ULO1-6 PLO1-5
3. Problem Identification Report Session 7 10% ULO1-6 PLO1-5
4. Cause Validation Report Session 10 10% ULO1-6 PLO1-5
5. Alternative Solutions and Action Plan Session 13 10% ULO1-6 PLO1-5
6. Final Report & Presentation Session 15 40% ULO1-6 PLO1-5
Final marks and grades are subject to confirmation by the School Assessment Committees
which may scale, modify or otherwise amend the marks and grades for the unit, as may be
required by University policies.
 Note: To successfully complete this unit, students must:
▪ Achieve a minimum of 50 marks; and
▪ Complete all assessment items
 INTEGRATED BUSINESS PROJECT
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Assessment 1: Group Discussions & Presentations (20%)

Due: Recorded presentation and slides: 11:55pm on the days right before sessions 2, 3, 4,
and 5
There are four group discussions and presentations (5% for each). This assessment aims
to demonstrate the students’ ability to use the spoken words to express their knowledge
and understanding of the book “Problem-solving in organizations: a methodological
handbook for business students” (Aken, & Berends 2018). Specifically, they will form
groups, and then present and record Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 9 of this book. Each group will
upload their recorded presentations and slides to the Google Drive folder
(https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qcXpOQl84lUeapP0pXv-
FWiqsoKg7ZoF?usp=sharing), then copy the link to paste the link to the Cover Sheet
provided, and finally, submit the Cover Sheet to the E-learning.

Assessment 2: Problem Context & Symptom Analysis (10%)

Due: 11:55pm on the day right before session 4 via E-learning
Length: Minimum 1,000 words
This piece of work should illustrate a summary of the organization including its history
background, an analysis about its activities and performance in the industry as well as
other information relevant to students’ selected research area that they consider as
necessary for further exploration. Then, based on the qualitative and quantitative data, the
students will identify and justify the existence of the symptoms.

Assessment 3: Problem Identification Report (10%)

Due: 11:55pm on the day right before session 7 via E-learning
Length: Minimum 1,000 words
This report should illustrate the central problem(s) existing in the organization, including a
clear definition of the problem(s). Specifically, students are required to use both qualitative
and quantitative data to initially identify possible problem(s), and then conduct appropriate
research to validate discussed problem(s).

Assessment 4: Cause Validation Report (10%)

Due: 11:55pm on the day right before session 10 via E-learning
Length: Minimum 1,000 words
From the qualitative/quantitative data, students will have a list of causes of the central
problem. They are required to analyze potential causes to identify main causes.
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Assessment 5: Alternative Solutions and Action Plan (10%)

Due: 11:55pm on the day right before session 13 via E-learning
Length: Minimum 1,000 words
In this report, students are required to provide a set of alternative solutions, give clear
justifications for selecting most potential option, and then propose a brief action plan to the
organization on how to achieve the objectives of the chosen solution.
Tips: To do well in this assessment item, it is important to consider the current situation and
resources of the company in terms of financial, personnel, and time.

Assessment 6: Final Report & Presentation (40%)

Due: Soft copy of Final Report and Presentation slides: 11:55pm on the day right before
session 15 via E-learning;
Presentation: Session 15
Length: Minimum 8,000 words
This assessed item accounts for 40% of the total mark for the unit, evaluated based on the
final written business report and the oral presentation.
The final written piece of work should well present all components of a business problem
solving report as well as other supportive information and materials with suggested outline
as following:
Table of contents
Executive Summary
1. Problem Identification
• Problem Context
• Symptoms
• Possible problems
• Main problem validation
• Potential causes
• Problem definition
…..
2. Solutions
• Cause Validation
• Final Cause-Effect Map
• Alternative Solutions
• Solution selection
• Action Plan in Organization
• …
3. Supporting Information
4. References
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Teaching Activities
LEARNING RESOURCES

Textbook Aken, J. E., & Berends, H. (2018). Problem-solving in organizations: A

methodological handbook for business students. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge
University Press.
Saunders, M; Lewis, P; &Thornhill, A, 2009, Research Methods for Business
Students, 5th edition, Pearson Education Limited (soft copy available in PDF
form).
UniStep. Academic Skills Guide. University of Western Sydney. 2007 (soft copy
available in PDF form)

Reference
Other materials required by the assigned supervisors
Reading

ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES

E-library http://search.proquest.com/login
Username: UEHCMC2010
Password: thuvien0810

E-learning http://elearning.isb.edu.vn/

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Assignment
Session Topic Activities
Due

Initial exploration of a current

Course overview - Exploration
1 business problem in an
of a business problem
organization

▪ Review materials related to

the chosen research area
▪ Observe and collect data A1 Group
Exploration of a business
2 related to the chosen Discussions &
problem
research area in the Presentations
organization to identity
symptoms

Overview of theories & A1 Group

Identification and justification
literature: Exploration of Discussions &
of the existence and
3 potential causes - Data Presentations
importance of the central
collection and analysis
problem
methods

4 Overview of theories & Identification and justification A1 Group

literature: Exploration of of the existence and Discussions &

Session Topic
potential causes - Data
collection and analysis
methods
Overview of theories and
literature: Exploration of
5 potential causes - Data
collection and analysis
methods
Overview of theories and
literature: Exploration of
6 potential causes - Data
collection and analysis
methods
Presentation of cause-effect
7 Identification
map
Feedback on Problem
8
Identification Report
9 Validating potential causes
Solutions and change plan
10
design
Presentation and feedback:
11
Validating alternative solutions
Presentation and feedback:
12
Validating alternative solutions
INTEGRATED BUSINESS PROJECT
TRIMESTER 2 2020/2021
Assignment
Activities
Due
importance of the central Presentations
problem
A2 Problem
Context &
Symptom
Analysis
A1 Group
Exploration of potential
Discussions &
causes of the central
Presentations
problem (final cause-effect
map)
Exploration of potential
causes of the central
problem (final cause-effect
map)
A3 Problem
Continue to work on your
project
Report
Write up the Cause
Validation Report. Follow the
information and feedback
from the lecturer
Collect data to validate
causes
▪ Propose alternative
solutions A4 Cause
Validation
▪ Work on your progress Report
report
Collect data to evaluate your
alternative solutions and
make a decision
▪ Change plan design:
▪ Develop a draft of
multimedia presentation from
the outline of the final report.
Collect data to evaluate your
alternative solutions and
make a decision
▪ Change plan design:
▪ Develop a draft of
multimedia presentation from
the outline of the final report.
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Assignment
Session Topic Activities
Due

A5 Alternative
Preparation for final report and Continue to work on your
13 Solutions and
presentation project
Action Plan

Feedback on the Alternative

14
Solutions and Action Plan

Presentation and feedback A6 Final Report

15
report & Presentation
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General Information & Policy

Supervisors & Meetings
Students are expected to join the instructive sessions with their supervisors in groups; as
the assigned sessions are for the benefits of students and will be based on to evaluate their
progressive performance. Moreover, students are strongly advised to have strict timely
manner in order not to interrupt the discussion as the sessions are held in groups; and to
submit interim reports at least 2 days before the meetings for a more effective use of the
meeting time.

Referencing
Plagiarism
Student assignments are to contain original content created by the students. Assignments
will be rejected if they include plagiarized content or contain excessive amounts of
quoted/cited material and minimal original content. Students will receive a grade of ZERO
(0%) for any assignments rejected for this reason. Written assignments WILL BE checked
by the lecturer with Turnitin.com, an online plagiarism-checking tool.
Sources
Furthermore, your reference to support your statements must be from a reliable source,
such as textbooks, additional reading materials, and reference books. However, many
websites are not reliable sources. Examples are Wikipedia.org, about.com, and ask.com. If
you are not sure if a reference is acceptable or not, please contact the lecturer.
Referencing & Citation
The Vancouver Referencing Style will serve as the primary reference materials for all
students. Therefore, all papers must be submitted in Vancouver format. The mechanics of
student papers and work will be evaluated, as well as the content.

Submission
Assignment cover sheet
▪ All assignments are required to be submitted with an Assignment Cover Sheet.
▪ Group assignments are to be submitted with a Group Assignment Cover Sheet as
well as a Peer Evaluation Form depending on the request of unit instructor.
Non-contributing team members can sometimes be an issue with group-work structured
assessment. Individual student group work scores may be adjusted as a result of peer
dissatisfaction with a particular student’s contribution to group work assignments, as
reflected in submissions of the evaluation form.
Note:
▪ Assignment cover sheets and the evaluation form can be located on MyISB system
▪ Students are advised to keep a copy of all assignments submitted for marking.
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Submission style
Assignments are expected to achieve a professional standard:
▪ Be typed, one and a half spaced, on A4 paper
▪ Use a simple clear format, suitable for a report to senior management in a commercial
organization.

Submission method
Soft copy: submitted electronically via E-learning system by 11:55 PM on the due date
(Suggested title: Student name_Unitname_Name of Assignment).
Hard copy: submitted to ISB Submission Box at the Reception Area (17 Pham Ngoc
Thach) by 7:00 PM on the due date.

Late assignment and make-up policy

No late assignments will be accepted unless prior authorization granted by the Academic
Department based on a Special Consideration Application for assessment task extension.
Students must complete all assessments on the assigned dates including quizzes, mid-
term test, and final exam. If there are extenuating or unforeseen circumstances, students
must follow the school’s policies and procedures accordingly.

Attendance
Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of all classes (which normally 12/15
sessions).
Other cases equating to an absence:
▪ Arriving to class late by 15 minutes at the beginning,
▪ Arriving late by 5 minutes after the break
▪ Leaving prior to the scheduled end time without the permission of the lecturer
If you are unable to attend any session, please let your lecturer know AND submit a
request for absence form to program administrator prior to the session.

 IMPORTANT: Students will not be allowed to sit in the final examination if violating the
above absence rule.

Electronic device use

▪ Cell phones will be turned off or switched to vibrate mode before class starts.
▪ No phone calls or text messaging are allowed inside classroom during class time.
▪ Portable listening and/or music devices may not be operated in the classroom.
▪ Headphones and/or ear buds of any type may not be worn while in the classroom
whether operating or not.
▪ Laptop and other electronic devices are not permitted unless specifically
authorized by the lecturer exclusively for note taking and doing class work.
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 IMPORTANT: If you are in violation of these policies you will be excused from class
and an absence will be assessed.

Email etiquette
Your lecturers receive many emails each day. In order to enable them to respond to your
emails appropriately and in a timely fashion, students are asked to follow basic
requirements of professional communication.
Your emails should:
▪ Have a concise and descriptive title, including the class and name of the unit you
are enquiring about
▪ Be clear about the intention of their emails
▪ Use appropriate tone and language, proof-read what is written in the email before
sending it.
Students should also allow 3-4 working days for a response before following up. If the
matter is legitimately urgent, you may indicate “URGENT” in the email subject header.
Make an appointment: If your email request is complex and requires a lengthy response it
may be probably best to make an appointment with your lecturer/instructor to meet in
person.

Student behavior guidelines

Everyone must behave professionally. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for
teacher and fellow students at all times. Behavior that is disruptive to a positive learning
environment reported to the teacher will result in a warning on the first instance; the
second instance might result in a failing grade along with expulsion from the school.
Unacceptable behaviors can be:
▪ Cheating on an exam
▪ Collaborating with others on work to be presented, if contrary to the stated rules of
the course
▪ Submitting, if contrary to the rules of the course, work previously submitted in
another course
▪ Knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above actions,
including assistance in an arrangement whereby work, classroom performance,
examination, or other activity is submitted or performed by a person other than the
student under whose name the work is submitted or performed
▪ Plagiarizing

 IMPORTANT:
▪ First violation will result in a grade ZERO (0%) for that assignment.
▪ Second violation will result in a failing course grade.
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Disability support services

Students with disabilities are advised that accommodations and services are available at
UEH-ISB. It is the student's responsibility to contact UEH-ISB office and submit appropriate
documentation prior to receiving such services.

Additional information
This unit guide may be revised at the discretion of the Academic Department with approval
from Program Academic Director and School Academic Committee where appropriate.