Behörighetskrav

Grundläggande behörighet

Syfte

Course Objectives

In light of the development towards increasingly global markets, this course has the objective

to thoroughly penetrate the strategic and organisational challenges facing a company with

business activities in several countries.

Innehåll

Business Studies C, Management of International Business

8FE796 (Business Studies C, Management of International Business)

Swedish Points: 10, ECTS points: 15, Level C, periods 3-4

Establishment of Course Description

The course description is established by the board of the Department of Business Studies by

mandate of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The course plan is valid from 2005-09-01 The

Course Description was last revised 2004-02-12

Undervisning

Course Contents

Greater than ever, business activities of single firms are geographically widespread, with large

subsidiaries functioning more or less as independent units. Striking a balance between local

adaptation and global integration is a critical managerial issue. Against this background, this

course begins by exploring international trade theory and takes an in depth look at

internationalisation processes, strategies of international business, international networks,

subsidiary influence, centres of excellence and headquarters-subsidiary relationships.

The course provides a good basis for students interested in international business. It is divided

into three major topics

1. Internationalisation

An overview of modern trade theory, the internationalisation process of the firm and

foreign direct investment theory.

2. Subsidiary roles in the multinational corporation

Focus on subsidiary influence, knowledge transfer and the impact of subsidiary

business networks.

3. Managing the multinational corporation

Focus on the headquarters-subsidiary relationship.

Teaching Approach

The course uses a combination of lectures, seminars with student-based activities, case

analyses and problem based assignments. The high level of interactive activities requires a

high degree of engagement and participation from the students. The students will inevitably

become a tightly knit group. The main pedagogical form is "problem based learning", i.e.

active participation from the students is required. All participants are expected to read ahead

and prepared to discuss.

Seminars

For article presentations and discussions, the class will be divided into groups and articles will

be assigned. The students will apply their analytical skills to interpret and describe article in

brief presentations, then they lead a discussion around issues they choose to raise. The class is

also expected to raise topics for discussion. The teacher follows the seminar and is prepared to

intervene the discussion if necessary.

Cases and Problem-based Assignments

At some occasions the student groups will be assigned cases or problems to solve. These will

be dealt with during so-called assignment days. The teacher will hand out the case

beforehand. In the morning on the assignment day the teacher will present the problem to

analyse and go through the procedures. The case will be analysed and the student's results

will be collected the same day.

Lectures

Lectures by teachers are related to the three main topics of the course. Their purpose is to

provide a theoretical background for the articles, seminars and assignments.

Examination

Evaluation

Active participation in seminars including presentation of articles, discussions and the writing

of article summaries (5 points).

Assignments (problem based assignments and case analyses) (5 points)

Performance is evaluated on participation in seminars (5 points) and assignments (5 points).

Passing grades for the course will be G (pass) and VG (pass with distinction). For the grade

VG on the entire course VG is required on both the seminar activities and the assignments, i.e.

10 points.

To pass the seminars or assignments all tasks must be completed and handed in before the

start of the next study period, which means no later then four weeks after the end of the

course. If the tasks are not fulfilled they have to be done during the next semester's course,

provided that an opening is available.

Attention Swedish students: only completed courses can be recognized in your degree

Övriga föreskrifter

Literature

Most articles will be possible to access on the website, while a few papers will be handed out

by the teacher. The majority of articles are published in peer reviewed international journals,

such as Administrative Science Quarterly, Academy of Management review, Academy of

Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business

Studies, Management International Review, etc.