General provisions

Master programme course- track MIB.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies) with at least 90 credits in Business Studies including a bachelor's thesis of at least 10 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

Due to the fact that many companies face the issue of expanding into a foreign market during their development, this course aims to provide a comprehensive basis for analysing and understanding internationalisation processes- and strategies. The course has a key objective to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the foreign market entry process, including issues such as of how, when and where firms choose to internationalise. The main focus of the course is the internationalisation process of the firm and the different opportunities and challenges that companies face during this process.

By the end of the course the students will be able to:

• Understand the multitude of aspects and factors that impact on the internationalisation process of companies;
• Discuss strategic problems related to foreign market entry and firm internationalisation;
• Analyse foreign market entry processes from the viewpoint of the individual firm;
• Analyse and handle practical problems related to foreign market entry and internationalisation.

Content

The course presents classic and more recently developed theories on the internationalisation process of the firm and foreign market entry. It also elaborates on how firms encounter and chose to solve different problems related to the foreign market entry process. A special attention will be put on strategic issues such as the governance mode of entry, the timing of entry, where and when foreign market entry takes place, and the pace of market entry. A central issue through the course concerns the role of knowledge and experience of managers for the internationalisation process and the characteristics of the surrounding market.

Instruction

The in-class teaching consists of lectures, seminars and case analyses. Lectures will provide principal knowledge about central topics within internationalisation strategy. Seminars and case analyses require teamwork and attendance is compulsory. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Course examination includes written and oral assignments as well as a written exam. Examination includes both individual and team work elements. 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. Required supplemental work, if any, 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.