General provisions

The course is offered within, e.g., the Bachelor's Programme in Business and Economics and as freestanding course, as part of Business Studies C.

"Research Design" (5 credits) is included as a Module in the course.

Entry requirements

Completed 30 credits from basic courses (A-level) in business studies, and attended 30 credits intermediate courses (B-level) in business studies of which at least 15 credits must be completed.

Learning outcomes

The course International Business Management is divided into two parts, one focusing on in-depth subject specific knowledge and one focusing on research design.

After the subject specific course part, the student should independently be able to:

• define, explain and analyse the dynamics of globalisation and their implications for multinational enterprises in international business,
• identify, assess and evaluate cultural and social factors that influence business practices and decision-making in an international context,
• distinguish, apply and assess key international business strategies to address challenges and opportunities in global markets,
• recognise, identify, and critically evaluate the organisational structures and management practices of MNEs,
• examine and problematise the societal and ethical roles of MNEs, particularly in relation to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and role in the society,
• search, select, review and present scientific texts,
• present, reflect and discuss in speech key issues of international business management,
• illustrate and present in writing key issues of international business management,
• give and respond constructively to feedback on oral and written presentations,
• demonstrate the ability to work in teams and make joint decisions and to evaluate and reflect on the work process and their own role in the work process,
• demonstrate a degree of autonomy in the learning process and identify needs for further knowledge acquisition.

After completing the part of the course focusing on research design, the student should be able to:

• explain basic qualitative and quantitative research methods in business studies,
• use relevant research methods to analyse, interpret and critically evaluate research in business studies,
• critically examine and evaluate research results based on methodological and theoretical perspectives,
• reflect on ethical aspects in the research process and show awareness of how to conduct empirical investigations responsibly.

Content

The content of the course International Business Management deals with in-depth subject specific knowledge and knowledge related to research design.

In terms of subject specific knowledge, the International Business Management course provides students with the knowledge and skills to deal with the complex challenges linked to doing business in a global context. The course covers five key areas. The first examines globalisation and the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in a global context. The second explores cultural and social aspects, with a focus on cross-cultural management and global leadership. The third area focuses on international business strategies and the internationalisation process of firms. The fourth area deals with the management, organisation, and governance of multinational enterprises, and the fifth focuses on the MNEs societal role and responsibility.

In terms of research design, the aim is to lay the foundations for the ability to understand, account for, choose and use relevant qualitative and quantitative research methods to solve problems in business studies. The course focuses on the most common qualitative and quantitative research methods that students come into contact with and are expected to use at graduate level.

Instruction

The course uses a combination of lectures, seminars with student-based activities, cases, and problem-based assignments. Both individual and group assignments are included. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

The examination consists of three modules:

1. Seminars, Case Analyses and Problem-based Assignments, 4 credits (U, G)
2. Written Exam, 6 credits (U, G, VG)
3. Research Design, Written Assignments and Seminars, 5 credits (U, G)

A collective grade is given for the entire course, 15 credits.

For a Pass (G) as a collective grade of the entire course, a Pass (G) is required of all three modules respectively. For a Pass with distinction (VG) as a collective grade of the entire course, a Pass with distinction (VG) is required on Module 2, as well as a Pass (G) on Modules 1 and 3.

In Module 1 the examination is carried out individually and in groups, while Module 2 is an individual examination. Examination in Module 3 is carried out in groups. Grading criteria are presented in the study guide that applies to the course section. Examinations that are not submitted on time will not be graded, unless special circumstances can be substantiated. Any supplemental assignments must be submitted at the latest at the time specified in the study guide.

For a student who has not attained a passing grade on Modules 1 and/or 3, there is the opportunity to be examined via re-registration at a future teaching period. For a student who has not attained a passing grade on Module 2, there is the opportunity to be examined without re-registration via a retake on the exam.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Disciplinary Committee of the University, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.

Other regulations

The course substitutes/overlaps among others International Business Management, and Project Work 2FE437, International Business and Marketing 2FE413, International Business and Marketing from a Swedish Perspective 2FE233.