General provisions

The course is only available to students within Contract Education Programmes on Master level.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree 180 credits. The course is only available to students within contract education programmes on Master level.

Learning outcomes

The overall purpose of this course is to gain a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of the international firm and its role in the global society. Throughout the course the aim is to provide students with in-depth knowledge about the complexity of globalisation, the international firm and its impact on the global economy.

After participating in the course the students will be able to:

• Give a comprehensive description of the international firm by using different theoretical perspectives
• Explain why different theories and models of the international firm offer different answers to the question of the economic, political, social, and managerial consequences of international firms
• Analyse the impact of the international firm in the local economy, e.g., different market and industry specific characteristics and the social, political and managerial implications thereof
• Analyse the impact of the international firm in the global economy, e.g., bottom of the pyramid, responsible leadership (including but not limited to ethical aspects of global business of today) and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• Analyse globalisation effects on the international firm, including but not limited to its history and drivers, social and political consequences, and changes in capitalism in the global economy.

Content

The course provides students with an advanced knowledge of the international firm. Different perspectives of the emergence and characteristics of the multinational company are discussed and compared considering the economic/political, social/ethical and managerial consequences of its existence. The course prepares the students to identify the impact of the international firm and the impact of globalisation on different stakeholders. Through the interactive design of the course, the students will develop analytical skills and increase their ability to reflect and critically evaluate international business theories and models.

Instruction

The course uses a combination of lectures, seminars, group exercises and individual assignments. 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 or limited suspensions.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.