Module title International Relationship Management
Assessment title The dynamics of doing business in USA: International Relationship Management, Social Media and the Ethically-Informed Global Supply Chain
ASSESSMENT TASK DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Please note this assessment is an individual report (5,000 word in length).
Background to Report / Scenario
You are an importer and retailer of sports footwear products and are based in the USA. You sell trainers to the 18–34 years old American market who are passionate about sports, fitness and health.
Your current supplier of trainers is based in Hong Kong. In view of the political uncertainty in Hong Kong, you are seeking an alternative supplier outside Hong Kong. Your Managing Director has identified a potential new supplier based in Paris (France) and is looking to establish a business relationship with them. You are due to go overseas next month to visit this potential supplier in France to inspect their premises and operations. As part of this on-site visit, you will be examining the extent to which this potential supplier engages in both the ethical and sustainable sourcing of raw materials for their trainers and in sustainable manufacturing practices.
Furthermore, your Managing Director is considering expanding into serving overseas markets. However, before they can select any particular market to expand into, they need an insight into how social media platforms can be used to support business-to-consumer relationship development within the sports footwear industry.
Your Managing Director has asked you to prepare a 5000-word report that will develop their knowledge and understanding about the above issues.
Tasks
Using relevant theory(s), you are tasked with producing a 5,000-word individual report that addresses the following:
1. Identification of the various stages through which a business relationship with the potential supplier is likely to develop, and your objectives at each of these stages (worth 10% of the overall mark; 500 words).
2. Identification of the variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages of the business relationship development (worth 10% of the overall mark; 500 words).
3. Examination of the cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of a business relationship with the French supplier over the long term (worth 25% of the overall mark; 1250 words).
4. Evaluation of the role of social media platforms as a mechanism to enhance communications with customers and how social media platforms can be used to support business-to-consumer relationship development, specifically in relation to the sports footwear industry (worth 25% of the overall mark; 1250 words).
5. Discussion of how sports footwear manufacturers can ensure that their global supply chain activities adhere to business practices that are ethically informed and sustainable, including the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices associated with workers’ rights within the sport footwear industry’s global supply chain (worth 30% of the overall mark; 1500 words).
Task Weighting (%) Wordcount
1 10 500
2 10 500
3 25 1250
4 25 1250
5 30 1500
Assessed Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
1. To demonstrate an in-depth understanding of relationships with a variety of international stakeholders.
2. To critically appreciate how culture influences international marketing communications and business relationship development in the business-to-business sector.
3. To critically appreciate how social media can be used in developing relationships in the business to consumer sector.
4. To demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the critical nature and meaning of global supply chain management and its application across a range of organisations and sectors internationally.
5. To recognise and implement responsible and sustainable approaches to supply chain management.
Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills
1. Critically analyse and apply key ideas and concepts via comprehensive research relevant both to the subject area and to professional practice in the field.
2. Use terminology associated with the subject area accurately and in a way which demonstrates sophisticated knowledge and understanding.
Transferable Skills and other Attributes
1. Enhance and apply planning, organising, decision-making and time management skills appropriate for use in an organisational context.
2. Experiment and develop personal initiative and responsibility in undertaking complex investigations in the solving of organisational problems and issues.
3. Develop and enhance individually and/or collaboratively effective written and/or oral communication skills for both specialist and non-specialist audiences
Word count/ duration (if applicable)
This assessment is an individual 5,000 word report. The reference list is not included in the word count.
Referencing your assessments properly is a requirement of the University and good practice in referencing reduces the risk of committing academic misconduct. For all assignments in the Business School, you must use the APA 7th (Harvard) style.
University of Salford
Level 7 – Marking Rubric for International Relationship Marketing Assignment
Outstanding
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Inadequate
Poor
Very poor
Extremely poor
No Attempt
100-90 89-80 79-70 69-60 59-50 49-40 39-30 29-20 19-10 9-1 0
Task 1 – Stages @ 10% Outstanding knowledge.
Exceptional identification of various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Outstanding analysis and evaluation of data, incorporating evidence of original thinking.
Presentation is outstanding.
Outstanding range of references / data sources.
Integrates the complexity of a range of knowledge and excellent understanding of its relevance.
Excellent identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Excellent analysis and evaluation of data with substantial evidence of independent thought.
Presentation is highly professional.
Detailed use of references / data sources which are well referenced and are used creatively to develop the work.
Comprehensive knowledge demonstrating very good depth and breadth.
Very good identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Very good analysis and evaluation of data with evidence of independent thought.
Presentation is of a very good standard.
Clear evidence of a wide range of references / data sources which are used effectively in supporting the work. Consistently relevant accurate knowledge with good depth and breadth.
Good identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Clear, in depth analysis and evaluation of data.
Presentation of work is well organised.
Good range of sources. Mostly accurate knowledge with satisfactory depth and breadth.
Satisfactory identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Sound analysis and evaluation of data. Demonstrates basic ability to synthesise information in order to formulate appropriate conclusions.
Presentation of work is satisfactory.
Satisfactory
range of references / data sources. Basic knowledge with occasional inaccuracies.
Unsatisfactory
identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Analysis and evaluation of data evident, although limited.
Presentation is unsatisfactory.
Narrow range of references / data sources.
Limited evidence of knowledge.
Inadequate identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Analysis or evaluation of data fails to demonstrate insight.
Presentation is inadequate.
Limited ability to support content with relevant sources. Inconsistent or inaccurate knowledge.
Poor identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
Occasionally attempts to analyse or evaluate data.
Presentation is poor.
Inappropriate or outdated sources/data. Virtually no relevant knowledge demonstrated.
Very poor identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
No meaningful analysis or evaluation of data.
Presentation is very poor.
Lack of ability to source adequate material. Totally inadequate demonstration of required knowledge.
No appropriate identification of the various stages through which a relationship is likely to progress.
No demonstration of analysis or evaluation of data.
Presentation is extremely poor.
No attempt to provide evidence of sources used. No attempt made.
Outstanding
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Inadequate
Poor
Very poor
Extremely poor
No Attempt
100-90 89-80 79-70 69-60 59-50 49-40 39-30 29-20 19-10 9-1 0
Task 2 – Variables @ 10% Outstanding knowledge.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages applied to practice at an exceptional level and may be used to formulate new questions, ideas or challenges.
Outstanding critical analysis and synthesis of material. Incorporates evidence of original thinking.
Presentation is outstanding demonstrating a fluent academic style.
Outstanding range of references / data sources.
Integrates the complexity of a range of knowledge and excellent understanding of its relevance.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages is excellent.
Excellent critical analysis and synthesis of material. Arguments handled skilfully with imaginative interpretation of material.
Presentation is excellent, well-structured and logical.
Detailed use of references / data sources which are well referenced and are used creatively to develop the work.
Comprehensive knowledge demonstrating very good depth and breadth.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages are very good.
Very good analysis and synthesis of material with evidence of critique and independent thought.
Presentation is of a very good standard.
Clear evidence of a wide range of references / data sources which are used effectively in supporting the work. Consistently relevant accurate knowledge with good depth and breadth.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages are clear and relevant.
Clear, in-depth critical analysis and evaluation with good ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is well organised with good use of language to express ideas/argument.
Good range of sources. Well referenced, very few inaccuracies. Mostly accurate knowledge with satisfactory depth and breadth of knowledge.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages are sound and informed.
Sound critical analysis and evaluation. Demonstrates basic ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is satisfactory
in terms of structure coherence and clarity.
Satisfactory
range of references / data sources. Basic knowledge with occasional inaccuracies appropriate yet basic integration of theory and practice.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages are superficial or limited.
Critical analysis evident, with some evaluation, although limited.
Presentation of work is unsatisfactory in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Narrow range of references / data sources with some inconsistencies or inaccuracies in referencing. Limited evidence of knowledge.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages are inappropriate, and weak, needs developing further.
Mainly descriptive evidence of analysis, inconsistent critical approach, little evaluation. Fails to demonstrate insight.
Presentation is unsatisfactory. Work is limited in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Limited ability to support content with relevant sources. Inconsistent or inaccurate knowledge.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages are very limited and poor or inaccurate to practice.
Descriptive. Occasionally attempts to analyse or evaluate material but lacks critical approach.
Presentation is poor. Work is disorganised and lacks clarity.
Inappropriate or outdated sources/data with numerous referencing errors. Virtually no relevant knowledge demonstrated.
Fails to adequately explain the variables (factors) considered important at each of these stages.
No meaningful analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is very poor. Work has little discernible structure or clarity.
Lack of ability to source adequate material. Very poor referencing. Totally inadequate demonstration of required knowledge.
The variables (factors) that you consider important at each of these stages has not been appraised totally is lacking.
Referencing and presentation is very poor / virtually non-existent
No demonstration of analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is extremely poor. Work has no structure or clarity.
No references. No attempt to provide evidence of sources used. No attempt made.
Outstanding
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Inadequate
Poor
Very poor
Extremely poor
No Attempt
100-90 89-80 79-70 69-60 59-50 49-40 39-30 29-20 19-10 9-1 0
Task 3 – Cultural and Linguistic Requirements @ 25% Outstanding knowledge.
The Cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship critically evaluated at an exceptional level and may be used to formulate new questions, ideas or challenges.
Outstanding critical analysis and synthesis of material. Incorporates evidence of original thinking.
Presentation is outstanding demonstrating a fluent academic style.
Outstanding range of references / data sources.
Integrates the complexity of a range of knowledge and excellent understanding of its relevance.
The Cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term is near excellent.
Excellent critical analysis and synthesis of material. Arguments handled skilfully with imaginative interpretation of material.
Presentation is excellent, well-structured and logical.
Detailed use of references / data sources which are well referenced and are used creatively to develop the work.
Comprehensive knowledge demonstrating very good depth and breadth.
The cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term is very good.
Very good analysis and synthesis of material with evidence of critique and independent thought.
Presentation is of a very good standard.
Clear evidence of a wide range of references / data sources which are used effectively in supporting the work. Consistently relevant accurate knowledge with good depth and breadth.
The cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term are clear and relevant.
Clear, in-depth critical analysis and evaluation with good ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is well organised with good use of language to express ideas/argument.
Good range of sources. Well referenced, very few inaccuracies. Mostly accurate knowledge with satisfactory depth and breadth of knowledge.
The cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term are sound and informed.
Sound critical analysis and evaluation. Demonstrates basic ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is satisfactory
in terms of structure coherence and clarity.
Satisfactory
range of references / data sources. Basic knowledge with occasional inaccuracies appropriate yet basic integration of theory and practice.
The cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term is superficial or limited.
Critical analysis evident, with some evaluation, although limited.
Presentation of work is unsatisfactory in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Narrow range of references / data sources with some inconsistencies or inaccuracies in referencing. Limited evidence of knowledge.
The cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term is very weak / limited, needs developing further.
Mainly descriptive evidence of analysis, inconsistent critical approach, little evaluation. Fails to demonstrate insight.
Presentation is unsatisfactory. Work is limited in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Limited ability to support content with relevant sources. Inconsistent or inaccurate knowledge.
The cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term are limited and poor or inaccurate to practice.
Descriptive. Occasionally attempts to analyse or evaluate material but lacks critical approach.
Presentation is poor. Work is disorganised and lacks clarity.
Inappropriate or outdated sources/data with numerous referencing errors. Virtually no relevant knowledge demonstrated.
Fails to adequately explain the cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term.
No meaningful analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is very poor. Work has little discernible structure or clarity.
Lack of ability to source adequate material. Very poor referencing. Totally lacking the cultural and linguistic requirements necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the relationship over the long term.
No demonstration of analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is extremely poor. Work has no structure or clarity.
No references. No attempt to provide evidence of sources used. No attempt made.
Outstanding Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Inadequate Poor Very poor
Extremely poor No Attempt
100-90 89-80 79-70 69-60 59-50 49-40 39-30 29-20 19-10 9-1 0
Task 4 – Social Media Platforms @ 25% Outstanding knowledge.
Reflection on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development in practice is critically evaluated to an exceptional level and may be used to formulate new questions, ideas or challenges.
Outstanding critical analysis and synthesis of material. Incorporates evidence of original thinking.
Presentation is outstanding demonstrating a fluent academic style.
Outstanding range of references / data sources.
Integrates the complexity of a range of knowledge and excellent understanding of its relevance.
Reflection on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena is coherent and systematic
Excellent critical analysis and synthesis of material. Arguments handled skilfully with imaginative interpretation of material.
Presentation is excellent, well-structured and logical. Detailed use of references /
data sources which are well referenced and are used creatively to develop the work. Comprehensive knowledge demonstrating very good depth and breadth.
The role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena is very good
Very good analysis and synthesis of material with evidence of critique and independent thought.
Presentation is of a very good standard.
Clear evidence of a wide range of references / data sources which are used effectively in supporting the work. Consistently relevant accurate knowledge with good depth and breadth.
Clear and relevant reflection on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena.
Clear, in-depth critical analysis and evaluation with good ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is well organised with good use of language to express ideas/argument.
Good range of sources. Well referenced, very few inaccuracies. Mostly accurate knowledge with satisfactory depth and breadth of knowledge.
Sound reflection on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena.
Sound critical analysis and evaluation. Demonstrates basic ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is satisfactory
in terms of structure coherence and clarity.
Satisfactory
range of references / data sources. Basic knowledge with occasional inaccuracies appropriate yet basic integration of theory and practice.
Superficial or limited reflection on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena.
Critical analysis evident, with some evaluation, although limited.
Presentation of work is unsatisfactory in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Narrow range of references / data sources with some inconsistencies or inaccuracies in referencing. Limited evidence of knowledge.
Inappropriate reflection on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena.
Mainly descriptive evidence of analysis, inconsistent critical approach, little evaluation. Fails to demonstrate insight.
Presentation is unsatisfactory. Work is limited in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Limited ability to support content with relevant sources. Inconsistent or inaccurate knowledge.
Limited and inappropriate or inaccurate reflection on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena.
Descriptive. Occasionally attempts to analyse or evaluate material but lacks critical approach.
Presentation is poor. Work is disorganised and lacks clarity.
Inappropriate or outdated sources/data with numerous referencing errors. Virtually no relevant knowledge demonstrated.
Fails to adequately reflect critically on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena.
No meaningful analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is very poor. Work has little discernible structure or clarity.
Lack of ability to source adequate material. Very poor referencing. Totally inadequate demonstration of required knowledge.
Unable to critically reflect on the role of social media platforms as mechanism to enhance communications with external customers and how social media platforms can be employed to aid relationship development within a business to consumer relationship arena.
No demonstration of analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is extremely poor. Work has no structure or clarity.
No references. No attempt to provide evidence of sources used. No attempt made.
Outstanding
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Inadequate
Poor
Very Poor
Extremely poor No Attempt
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59-50
49-40
39-30
29-20
19-10
9-1
0
Task 5 – Global Supply Chains @ 30% Outstanding knowledge.
The discussions of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices are critically evaluated to an exceptional level and may be used to formulate new questions, ideas or challenges.
Outstanding critical analysis and synthesis of material.
Presentation is outstanding demonstrating a fluent academic style.
Outstanding range of references / data sources.
Integrates the complexity of a range of knowledge and excellent understanding of its relevance.
Coherent and systematic evaluation of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
Excellent critical analysis and synthesis of material. Arguments handled skilfully with imaginative interpretation of material.
Presentation is excellent, well-structured, and logical. Detailed use of references /
data sources, well referenced and used creatively to develop the work. Comprehensive knowledge demonstrating very good depth and breadth.
Very good evaluation of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
Very good analysis and synthesis of material with evidence of critique and independent thought.
Presentation is of a very good standard.
Clear evidence of a wide range of references / data sources which are used effectively in supporting the work. Consistently relevant accurate knowledge with good depth and breadth.
Clear and relevant evaluation of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
Clear, in-depth critical analysis and evaluation with good ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is well organised with good use of language to express ideas/argument.
Good range of sources. Well referenced, very few inaccuracies. Mostly accurate knowledge with satisfactory depth and breadth of knowledge.
Sound evaluation of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
Sound critical analysis and evaluation. Demonstrates basic ability to synthesise information in order to develop appropriate insight.
Presentation of work is satisfactory
in terms of structure coherence and clarity.
Satisfactory
range of references / data sources. Basic knowledge with occasional inaccuracies appropriate yet basic integration of theory and practice.
Superficial or limited evaluation of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
Critical analysis evident, with some evaluation, although limited.
Presentation of work is unsatisfactory in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Narrow range of references / data sources with some inconsistencies or inaccuracies in referencing. Limited evidence of knowledge.
Inappropriate evaluation of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
Mainly descriptive evaluation that fails to demonstrate insight.
Presentation is unsatisfactory. Work is limited in terms of structure, coherence and clarity.
Limited ability to support content with relevant sources. Inconsistent or inaccurate knowledge.
Limited and inappropriate or inaccurate evaluation of how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
Descriptive. Occasionally attempts to evaluate but lacks critical approach.
Presentation is poor. Work is disorganised and lacks clarity.
Inappropriate or outdated sources/data with numerous referencing errors. Virtually no relevant knowledge demonstrated.
Fails to adequately evaluate how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
No meaningful analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is very poor. Work has little discernible structure or clarity.
Lack of ability to source adequate material. Very poor referencing. Totally inadequate demonstration of required knowledge.
Unable to evaluate how companies can ensure all global supply chain activities adhere to business practices and the importance of being legally compliant with all operational practices.
No demonstration of analysis or evaluation.
Presentation is extremely poor. Work has no structure or clarity.
No references. No attempt to provide evidence of sources used. No attempt made.