SYLLABUS FOR UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

MAJOR, CORE CURRICULUM and ELECTIVES

Student Copy

A. COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE NUMBER LAS123.73 NO. OF UNITS 3

COURSE TITLE Strategic Issues in Doing Business in the ASEAN Context
PREREQUISITE/S None
DEPARTMENT/ Leadership and Strategy SCHOOL John Gokongwei School of
PROGRAM Management
SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022 SEMESTER 2nd Semester
INSTRUCTOR Section A & B: Lumain, Joseph Daniel
Section C: Cunanan, Mary Lou
VENUE Canvas SECTION & A SAT 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
SCHEDULE B SAT 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
C TTH 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional economic bloc composed of 10 member-
states and is organized to promote mutual economic development, assistance on research and
development, collaboration on industrial and agricultural growth, and regional peace and stability. Such
objectives highlight significant opportunities for entrepreneurs within the region, in addition to the
advantages implied with the proximity of each country to one another. Complementation has been a
primary facet of the ASEAN and is therefore seen as a key to making the community an economic
powerhouse by 2030.

Throughout the quarter, students will be applying theories on strategic management within the context of
ASEAN’s business environment. Beyond discussions on the established roadmaps and policies by state
leaders in developing the ASEAN communities, the course will tackle concrete insights on the region’s
socio-cultural, economic, and political realities and how these would affect any entrepreneur or manager
operating in Southeast Asia. More importantly, students will observe how business leaders adapt their
operations to the existing social issues present within their own localities.

WHERE IS THE COURSE SITUATED WITHIN THE FORMATION STAGES

IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LOYOLA SCHOOLS CURRICULA
FOUNDATIONS: Exploring and Equipping the Self

X ROOTEDNESS: Investigating and Knowing the World

DEEPENING: Defining the Self in the World

X LEADERSHIP: Engaging and Transforming the World

C. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand and apply relevant strategic management concepts and frameworks in the context of
operating an international firm within the ASEAN region
2. Acquire an overview of the ASEAN Community roadmaps, and identify opportunities available for
entrepreneurs and leaders as they attempt to expand their presence and impact towards the
Southeast Asian market
3. Distinguish the variations present in ASEAN Member States, and how these would affect a firm’s
ability to succeed in their expansion plans
4. Craft and conceptualize coherent business strategies, and identify potential risk mitigation
measures to strengthen a firm’s capacity to attain its goals

D. COURSE OUTLINE and LEARNING HOURS

Course Outline CLOs # Estimated

Learning
Hours
Module 0 – Course Preliminaries 2 hours

Module 1 – Strategic Management for International Businesses 1 16 hours

Module 2 – ASEAN Integration for Market Expansion 2 10 hours
Module 3 – Understanding the ASEAN Market 2, 4 16 hours
Module 4 – Leading within ASEAN 3, 4 12 hours

E. ASSESSMENTS AND RUBRICS

Weight CLOs
Individual Requirements

Participation / Discussion Boards / Case Study 20% 1-2

Course Examination 20% 1-3
Reflection Paper 10% 1&4
Group Requirements
Group Case Study 20% 1-4
Final Project 30% 1-4

F. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR THE SEMESTER

This is an indicative design of our class. Any changes in the schedule will be discussed and mutually
agreed with the class.

Take note that all assignments will be due every Saturday at 6:00 PM, and that all synchronous
sessions will be held from 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM (for Section A) and 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM (for
Section B) unless otherwise announced.
Week Date/s Asynchronous Synchronous Assignments* Remarks

I - Class January 31 (M) –

Introductions & Start of Semester
January 31 – Session 1
0 Module 0 Expectation
February 5 Course Introduction
Setting in February 1 (T) –
Canvas Chinese New Year

Session 2
February 7 (M) –
1 February 7 – 12 Introduction to
President’s Day
Strategic Management

Session 3
I – Discussion
Strategic Management
2 February 14 – 19 Board on San
for International
Miguel
Business
Module 1
February 24 (TH) –
G – Case Study Faculty Day
3 February 21 – 26 on Alibaba’s
Acquisition February 25 (F) –
EDSA Anniversary

February 28 – Session 4
4
March 5 Case Study Discussion

Session 5
5 March 7 - 12 ASEAN Integration for
Market Expansion
Module 2
I – Discussion
6 March 14 – 19 Board on Doing
Business

Session 6
7 March 21 – 26 Understanding the
ASEAN Market

March 28 – Session 7
8
April 2 Group Consultations

Module 3 I/G – Case April 9 (S) –

9 April 4 – 9
Study on C2 Araw ng Kagitingan

10 April 11 – 16 ACADEMIC BREAK

Session 8 –
11 April 18 – 23
Case Study Discussion

12 April 25 – 30 Course Examination

May 3 (T) –
Session 9 –
13 May 2 – 7 Module 4 Tentative Date of
Leading within ASEAN
Eid’l Fitr
Week Date/s Asynchronous Synchronous Assignments* Remarks

Session 10 – I – Reflection May 9 (M) –

14 May 9 – 14 Module 4
Group Consultations Paper National Elections

May 16 - 18 (M-W)
15 May 16 – 21
Study Days

G – Final May 19 – 28
16 May 23 - 28
Presentations Final Assessments

G. RUBRICS FOR INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP ASSESSMENTS

Discussion Boards
Following the University’s policy and in consideration of students who may not have a stable internet
connection, participation merits for the course shall be based on responses submitted in Canvas’ discussion
boards. Questions shall be worth 10 points each, and answers will be graded based on the following:

Exceeds Expectation Meets Expectation Needs Improvement

(9-10 points) (6-8 points) (5 points and below)
Response answers the Response did not answer
Content & Response was coherently
question posted, but there the question or was half-
Relevance explained and was
could have been more baked. No clear
substantiated with examples
(5 points) explanations given to prove explanations were given to
and evidence.
the point. discuss the answer.

Application of Lessons for the said module Lessons for the said module
Response was not based on
Learnings were applied, and student were applied. Response was
the topic being discussed for
added new insights to the connected to the discussion
(5 points) the week.
topic. made by the lecturer.

Course Examination
All students will undergo an examination wherein students will be assessed on their knowledge and
understanding of the various concepts taught during the semester. This will be held by the end of Module
3 and its guidelines shall be discussed by the lecturer at least a week before the exam. Take note that this
may be done asynchronously (for written exams) or synchronously (for oral exams).

Should a student be unable to proceed with the examination, he/she should inform the lecturer at least 24
hours before their scheduled session. In such cases, the lecturer will release an alternative exam which the
student may do asynchronously.

Reflection Paper
As a way of ending the course, students are expected to write a reflection paper focused on their thoughts
on young ASEAN leaders. Students may opt to add more information beyond what will be provided in
Module 4; however, pages should be limited to three pages, following the format: Arial 12, 1.5 spacing,
letter size. Academic rules on plagiarism would apply.

Grades would be based on the following criteria:

 Exceeds Expectation
(90-100 points)
Student was able to
comprehensively summarize
Content & the entire course and apply
Insights relevant learnings to the
(30 points) reflection question.
Examples and evidence
were given.
Student used his personal
inference in crafting his or
Personal
her own conclusion, that fully
Reflection
answers the question given.
(30 points) Such conclusion was not
derived from other literature
or research.
Paper had a clear
Structure &
introduction, body, and
Flow
conclusion. It was properly,
(30 points) coherently, and concisely
written.
Meets Expectation Needs Improvement
(75 points-89 points) (75 points and below)
Student was able to apply
selected topics to the Student did not apply any
reflection paper. The student topic nor presented a
cited published lessons in summary of any module
Canvas as a way of covered throughout the
justifying or proving his or course.
her point.
Student used his personal
way of explaining another
Student did not provide his
researcher’s point of view.
own reflection, and merely
Citations were given, but
cited sources to prove or
there were gaps on the
justify his insights.
student’s personal thoughts
on the matter.
Paper is missing one
Paper had no structure, and
section, or at least is not
topics written seem
evidently identified in the
disconnected.
final submission.

Grammar & Proof-reading was not done

Minimal grammatical errors
Style No errors were noted on the by the student, as evidenced
were identified throughout
grammar. by substantial grammatical
(10 points) the paper.
errors.

Group Case Study

Beyond exams, what is more important is to ensure that the students can apply the concepts and
frameworks taught in class within real-life cases. Each group is expected to analyze and provide ample
strategic recommendations, answering the provided questions in the case. Grades will be based on the
assigned points per question.

Take note that there is one case study that will be graded individually. Meaning, each student will be asked
to answer a certain question and his/her grade will be solely based on the question he/she answered.

Final Project
Each group will be asked to select a local social enterprise or local start-up firm, for as long as their business
contributes to one of the UN Sustainability Development Goals that they believe has the capacity to expand
to their assigned ASEAN Country. Using the concepts taught during the semester, the group must be able
to contextualize the following concepts within their selected firms in a 15-minute presentation:

• Introduction to the Firm

• Environmental Analysis (PESTLE / Diamond of National Advantage/Hofstede’s Dimension)
• Capacity for Globalization (OLI Framework)
• Strategic Vision & Roadmap (Balanced Scorecard)
• Marketing & Implementation Plan (Hofstede’s Dimension)

Presentations may be done during the actual session or may be recorded prior to the session. However,
all materials should be submitted at least two (2) days prior to the group’s schedule.
H. TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
The lecturer shall utilize various platforms to properly explain the topics at hand. These are objective
quizzes, case studies, video presentations and various class activities. Consultations are also
recommended so that students may enhance their understanding of the different modules.

I. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
Aring, M. (2015, February). ASEAN Economic Community 2015: Enhancing competitiveness and
employability through skill development. International Labour Organization.
ASEAN Integration Report. (2019)
ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together (2015)
ASEAN Business Guide: The Economies of ASEAN and the opportunities they present. (2018)
Asian Development Bank (2014). ASEAN 2030: Towards a Borderless Economic Community.
Beamish, P. W. (2000). Asia-Pacific Cases in Strategic Management. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Das, S. B. (2012). Achieving the ASEAN Economic Community 2015: Challenges for Member Countries &
Businesses. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.
De Castro, S., Lim, F., Mondejar, R. & Onishi, J. (2010) Introduction to International Business &
Globalization. Manila: Sinag-Tala Publishers.
Dezan Shira & Associates (2020). Doing Business in the ASEAN 2021 Report.
Hill, Charles W. (2013) International Business: Competing in the Global Market Place. New York: McGraw-
Hill/Irwin.
Ease of Doing Business Report (2020). World Bank.
Luz, J. M., & Modesto, J. G. (2014). Market Solutions to Public Needs: Mainstreaming Poverty Alleviation
initiatives in ASEAN. Singapore: Cengage Learning Asia.
Naya, S. F., & Plummer, M. G. (1997). Economic Co-operation after 30 Years of ASEAN. Asean Economic
Bulletin, 14(2), 117–126. https://doi.org/10.1355/ae14-2a
OECD. (2017). Strengthening Women’s Entrepreneurship in ASEAN.
Phatak, A., Bhagat, R., & Kashlak, Roger. (2009) International Management: Managing in a Diverse and
Dynamic Global Environment. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Tay, S. & Tijaja, J. (2017). Global Megatrends: Implications for the ASEAN Economic Community.
Singapore: Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
The Future of ASEAN. (2018). PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Thompson, A., Strickland, A. & Gamble, J. (2008) Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for
Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases. New York: McGraw-Hill.
What’s Next in Southeast Asia: Seizing Untapped Opportunities in Asia’s Next Growth Frontier. (2019). The
Nielsen Company, LLC.

J. GRADING SYSTEM

Final Mark Numerical Equivalent For a 3-unit course

A 92 to 100 3.76 to 4.00
B+ 87 to 91 3.31 to 3.75
B 83 to 86 2.81 to 3.30
C+ 79 to 82 2.31 to 2.80
 Final Mark Numerical Equivalent For a 3-unit course
C 76 to 78 1.81 to 2.30
D 70 to 75 1.00 to 1.80
F Below 70 Below 1.00
W Overcut Overcut

K. CLASS POLICIES

1. Please make sure that you open a Canvas account and you are enrolled in the Canvas Course that
is specifically dedicated for your class. Only students who are officially enrolled will be included in
the class and allowed to take assessments.

2. All communication must be coursed via your official OBF accounts. Please do email your concerns
and questions to jlumain@ateneo.edu

3. Students with no or very unstable internet connection are advised to immediately inform (by email
or through phone call) their Chair or Program Director, LS One via ls.one@ateneo.edu, and their
instructor so that appropriate assistance can be provided. Portable learning packets (PLPs) are
available for students who experience these issues. For Student Help in our LMS, contact:
info.discs@ateneo.edu or oar.jgsom@ateneo.edu. You may also visit LS One at
https://sites.google.com/ateneo.edu/ls-one/registration-information.

4. Students are highly encouraged to attend the first synchronous classes during which a class
orientation will be done. Schedule of the classes are as follows:

Section Date of Session Time

A February 5 (Saturday) 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
B February 5 (Saturday) 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

All sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Students are encouraged to download the platform
prior to the first meeting. Recordings of each session will be uploaded in the class Google Drive a
day after the synchronous class.

5. Assignments and projects shall be promptly returned by the lecturer to all students within at least
two weeks from the time of submission, unless otherwise announced. Students may expect
feedback on their works during such time.

6. A beadle will be appointed during the first synchronous session. The beadle is responsible to
remind the instructor to record the session, and to provide updates to the entire class regarding
important announcements.

7. Remember the three Rs:

a. Roles
i. We will have synchronous and asynchronous sessions. You will go through the
course based on a schedule but you will also have tasks to accomplish at your
own pace. Just be mindful of the deadlines for the assessments.
ii. Also critical to this course is your team. They will also be your main co-learners for
the course. Although you will be asked to share your individual reflections with
the Community, you are expected to discuss and work more closely with your
team.
 b. Rules
i. Even if we are fully online, some classroom rules will still apply.
ii. Dress Code: Please dress appropriately and decently during synchronous
sessions.
iii. Students are required to uphold intellectual honesty in all class requirements and
activities. This includes the need to use quotation marks for verbatim statements
lifted from another work and to cite all sources in research work through footnotes
and/or bibliographies.
iv. The school punishes cheating and plagiarism (which includes extensive “cutting
and pasting” even with a footnote) with an F not only in that requirement but in the
whole course IF that requirement carries a grade which constitutes more than 20%
of the final grade.
v. For group work, the members are expected to review the final paper before
submission to ensure that violations have not been incurred. Students may submit
a preliminary draft via Turnitin to verify what portions were lifted from previously
submitted sources.
vi. Watch out for the ‘Assignment’ icon to signify that the assignment is required for
completion.
vii. Participation in discussion forums and other such activities is highly encouraged.
viii. The Student Handbook will serve as a guide for all school policies.
ix. Other policies will be announced in class by each course facilitator.

c. Routines

i. Since we are new to online learning, you may want to set up some routines for
yourself. Here are some tips you may want to consider:
ii. Follow the class schedule and stick to it as if you are physically in school. Online
courses require a regular schedule, so set specific and regular day and time
allotment for yourself. If you use an online tool like Google Calendar, it may help
to schedule your course learning time there.
iii. Find a time when you will meet with your team. If you have a team, your
meetings will be crucial to your course work, so make sure you come to an
agreement about this early on. Watch out for each other to make sure nobody is
left behind.
iv. Set-up a permanent work-station. It is important to have a dedicated and
permanent space at home where you can work and study in peace and without
distractions.

8. Ateneo de Manila University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital or parental
status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Kindly refer to the link for more
information on the LS Gender Policy: http://www.ateneo.edu/ls/ls-gender-policy .

9. The class shall likewise abide by the University’s policies on sexual harassment, as noted in
https://www.ateneo.edu/policies/code-decorum-investigation-sexual-harassment

L. CONSULTATION HOURS

In compliance with the policies provided by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, consultation hours
will be during our class schedules.

The lecturer or instructor may consult with a student or the group beyond these hours but only by
appointment. Requests may be coursed via jlumain@ateneo.edu.