Course Title: Apply contract law to international business activities

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

Course Code: LAW5178

Course Title: Apply contract law to international business activities

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6101 - Advanced Diploma of International Business

Course Contact : Tim Wallis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5423

Course Contact Email:timothy.wallis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Hugh Whittle

hugh.whittle@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit generally applies to those with responsibility for international business management and provide leadership in the application of contract law within international business activities.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20066 Apply contract law to international business activities

Element:

1. Investigate the characteristics and legal responsibilities of different types of business organisations

2. Review the processes and necessary considerations involved in preparing a contract

3. Examine the basic legal processes of Australia’s trading partners

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The requirements of contracts and strategic initiatives are discussed, clarified, and agreed by all parties
1.2 Responsibilities for establishing and carrying out procedures are assigned to achieve contract outcomes
1.3 Effective communication strategies and processes are established and implemented to assist ongoing communication between stakeholders and contractors
1.4 Relationship management is undertaken at all levels of personnel involved in procurement and contract management
1.5 Strategic relationships are established and managed to improve procurement capability and performance
1.6 Risk management plans are updated in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
2.1 Progress of contracts is monitored against set targets and performance measures to ensure success of procurement activities
2.2 Should monitoring find that set targets and performance measures are not being met, action is taken to rectify performance in a timely manner
2.3 Advice and support are provided to solve problems, make improvements and maintain progress
2.4 Opportunities to improve procurement outcomes are sought and negotiated with contractors
2.5 Approvals are provided/gained for contract variations negotiated and agreed between the parties
2.6 Opportunities are provided for stakeholders and contractors to have input into and receive feedback on progress during the performance contracts
3.1 Evaluation of contract performance is undertaken relative to planned performance measures and in consultation with stakeholders and contractors
3.2 Where stakeholders and contractors do not agree, dispute resolution is undertaken in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
3.3 Conclusions are detailed against agreed criteria to provide a complete picture of performance of contractors, the organisation's procurement processes and value for money
3.4 The performance of strategic initiatives is measured relative to planned outcomes in consultation with industry and other stakeholders
3.5 Lessons learnt from evaluations of contracts and strategic initiatives are documented in accordance with organisational requirements and used to continuously improve future procurement activities
3.6 Contractors and stakeholders are advised of evaluation outcomes in a timely manner in accordance with organisational guidelines
 

Learning Outcomes


This unit covers the skills and underpinning knowledge required to analyse contract law relevant to international business
activities.


Details of Learning Activities

One test and two assignments

Learning activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative class room based activities.

The self-based activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and will include student contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice skills in a simulated workplace environment.
 


Teaching Schedule

Weeks and Detail

0. Course requirements and overview

1. International contract law

2. Business structures

3. Business structures

4. representatives abroard

5. Student Study Week

6. Representatives abroard

7. Contract Law

8. In Class Test

Mid Semester Btreak

9. Contract law

10. Carriage of Goods

11. Vienna Convention

12. Means of payment

13. International dispute resolution

14. International sales and domestic law

15. ICC, GATT, WTO

16. Revision and review

17. Finalisation of results and feedback


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no prescribed texts


References

Blazey et al, 2008, The Chinese Commercial Legal System, Thomson, USA Hofstede, Geert, 1984, Culture's Consequences - International Differences in Work, Sage Publications, USA Bennet et al, 1996, Crossing Cultures - Essays on Literature and Culture of the Asia Pacific. Skoob Books, UK Kettell, Brian, 2011, Introduction to Islamic Banking and Finance, Wiley, UK Leal-Arcas, Rafael, 2010, International Trade and Investment Law, Elgar, UK Gionea, John, 2004, International Trade and Investment - An Asia Pacific Perspective, McGraw Hill, Australia


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including assignments, journals, presentation and written or test. Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
 


Assessment Tasks

 

Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including in-class exercises, problem-solving exercises, assignments, group or individual projects, presentations and written or practical tests, as well as homework activities.

Other activities may be workplace-based or simulate work practices. These may include the production of technical requirements documents, direct observation of workplace practices and the presentation of a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio may include documents, photographs, video and/or audio files.

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met. Students will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.
Task One - Written test in class

Task Two - Assignment One

Task Three - Assignment Two

Details of requirements will be given to the students in class

Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including in-class exercises, problem-solving exercises, assignments, group or individual projects, presentations and written or practical tests, as well as homework activities.

Other activities may be workplace-based or simulate work practices. These may include the production of technical requirements documents, direct observation of workplace practices and the presentation of a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio may include documents, photographs, video and/or audio files.

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met. Students will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.

Critical aspects of assessment

The critical aspects of assessment are:
• Validity – the assessment tool is designed and implemented so that it measures performance accurately and precisely
• Reliability – the assessment tool is designed and implemented so that the measurements received are consistent over a period of time or a number of assessment events
• Fairness – the assessment tool is designed and implemented so that it is non-discriminatory and unambiguous
• Flexibility – the assessment tool is designed to allow for its application in a range of different contexts and conditions, and uses a range of methodologies.



 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Graded Assessment at RMIT
At RMIT, the grades to be used for VET programs are:
DNS - Did not submit for assessment
NYC - Not yet competent
CAG - Competency achieved – graded
CC - Competent with credit
CDI - Competent with distinction
CHD - Competent with high distinction

Course Overview: Access Course Overview