General provisions

Master programme course- track MIB.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits with at least 90 credits in Business Studies including an independently written academic work of at least 15 credits. Proficiency in English.

Exemption exchange students: The equivalent to 60 credits in Business Studies, though 90 credits is strongly recommended. Proficiency in English.

Learning outcomes

This course builds on acquired knowledge about international business theories and applies these perspectives on different analytical techniques. This aims at providing the students with a developed understanding of how to analyse international business phenomena as well as supply a practical hands on experience working with both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The course trains students to approach and analyse problems in a rigorous way, and increase the understanding of different methods employed in international business research and practice.

The course consists of two sections, i.e., a quantitative part and a qualitative part, that are connected to theories of the multinational firm, internationalisation strategy, managing multinational firms and cross-cultural management. Throughout the course, we will focus on how to design and set up a study and subsequently analyse international business related issues. After participating in the course the students will be able to:

• Discuss assumptions of qualitative and quantitative methods and the application of these;
• Discuss methodological choices and analytical designs given a specific area of inquiry and research question;
• Be able to justify a research design and its operationalisation using different philosophical perspectives as a point of departure;
• Possess skills in collecting, assessing and processing different data;
• Discuss how an analysis and results are influenced by the methods;
• Conduct international business related research and critically assess research reports;
• Be able to communicate and discuss international business topics, problems and analytical results both in writing and orally;
• Be able to initiate and carry out their own inquiry into an international business related topic and communicate issues orally and in written form connected to data, research questions, results, and analyses.

Content

This course applies international business theories to practical applications and exercises concerning both qualitative and quantitative methodological issues. The course aims to provide students with an advanced knowledge of the link between international business theory and its methodological application. During the course qualitative and quantitative data will be explored and applied to international business related phenomena. During the course the students will develop analytical skills and acquire knowledge and understanding of different methodological perspectives related to international business.

Much of the teaching will be practical exercises where the students apply their conceptual knowledge on analysing data.

Instruction

The course uses a combination of lectures, workshops, group exercises and supervision. Participation in all teaching is mandatory. During the course, researchers familiar with the specific methods discussed and applied will be active in the lectures and workshops.

The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Examination includes active participation in class, written and oral assignments given during the course. The final grade of the course is determined after taking into consideration the different parts of the examination. Grading criteria are presented in the study guide provided at the start of the course. Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system. The following grades will be used: VG (pass with distinction), G (pass), and U (fail). Assignments and exams handed in late will not be graded except in special circumstances.

In addition any remaining assignments and supplements must be completed and handed in within the deadline specified in the study guide, otherwise the entire course (all assignments included) must be redone the next time the course is given, provided there is space in the course.

Uppsala University takes cheating and plagiarism seriously, and disciplinary action will be taken against any student suspected of being involved in any sort of cheating and/or plagiarism. The disciplinary actions take the form of warnings and limited suspensions.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.