Meeting Challenges in the International Business Environment 15 credits

About the course

This course aims to increase students’ ability to think critically, analyse and address current challenges facing international businesses. Theories and models relevant to international business and various strategies and tools for addressing current challenges are discussed. Students will practice applying theoretical knowledge to real-world international business problems. The course also introduces the students to business research methods and develops their ability to plan and conduct a scientific study. It trains students in evaluating research results and their relevance and implications for business and society.

The following modules are included in the course:

Module 1. Meeting Global Challenges, 7.5 credits
Module 2. Research Methodology, 7.5 credits

Module 1. Meeting Global Challenges, 7.5 credits

The module aims to develop the student’s ability to critically think about, and reflect upon, the complex, nuanced and numerous challenges (such as wicked problems, grand challenges, and global challenges) that face international businesses. Furthermore, the student will be using appropriate theories within the field to better understand and discuss how global challenges might be addressed and further to understand the pros and cons of the solutions themselves.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After completing this course module, the student should be able to:

• identify current challenges facing international businesses and their origins,
• discuss the complexity of the challenges international business stakeholders face,
• analyse the cause and effect of proposed solutions to international business challenges, including unintended consequences,
• discuss how change and development continue to occur in the face of international business challenges.

Skills and ability

After completing this course module, the student should be able to:

• select and apply relevant theories to specific cases,
• demonstrate independent thinking in terms of identifying contemporary international business challenges and solutions,
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach

After completing this course module, the student should be able to:

• set realistic goals for their own personal work and learning,
• theoretically address global business challenges and critically review the strengths and weaknesses of the suggested solutions.

Form of instruction

Learning is supported by lectures, seminars, and practical assignments both individual and in groups. Readings (texts and scientific articles), lectures, and other learning activities are designed to complement each other and to help the students acquire knowledge about how to approach global challenges. Examination includes an individual assignment (diary and reflection log), a group term paper possible to communicate to a wider audience using suitable media, and an individual written hall examination.

Module examination modes

• a written individual assignment
• a written group assignment with oral presentation
• a written individual hall exam

For a passing grade on the module, each part of the examination must be passed. All examinations are in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Module 2. Research Methodology, 7.5 credits

The aim of this module is to acquire a basic knowledge of scientific paradigms and research methods. Further, the aim is to develop the students’ ability, first to plan and in written form report a scientific study, and second, to evaluate and use scientific as well as other reports.

The module begins with a discussion on the process of knowledge creation, with an emphasis on the production of scientific knowledge. Important building blocks in this process are frames of reference, scientific ideals, problem formulation, scientific approaches and methods for data collection and analysis.

Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of a well thought-out choice of topic, problematisation, and a careful specification of the problem statement (research question). To this general scientific approach, research design and different types of research strategies are addressed. Further, the possibilities and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed. Methods for sampling and data collection are scrutinized, among other things based on the possibilities of accessing information.

The module also includes activities that develops the students’ ability to find information in databases, to use different types of information in an appropriate manner, and to evaluate this information and the sources according to relevant criteria.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

After completing this course module, the student should be able to:

• describe the main scientific ideals, and explain how different values and perspectives influence the process of knowledge creation,
• describe the different characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods and evaluate the suitability of different methods to solve different types of research questions,
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research ethics, and what is plagiarism.

Skills and ability

After completing this course module, the student should be able to:

• critically examine other scientific studies from different perspectives,
• within a given timeframe plan and design a scientific study, analyse data and discuss its results,
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach

After completing this course module, the student should be able to:

• independently search, critically evaluate and use different types of information,
• argue for the formulation of a particular problem (research question), scientific strategies and methodological choices, and analyse an empirical and theoretical material.

Form of instruction

Learning is supported through lectures, seminars and supervision, as well as a group assignment where students plan, design and carry out a scientific study. All teaching is in English.

Module examination modes

The examination consists of

• a written group assignment with an oral presentation,
• a written individual hall exam.

For a passing grade on the module, each part of the examination must be passed. All examinations are in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.