Strategic Entrepreneurship, Networks and Internationalisation 15 credits

About the course

The course is directed to students aiming to become entrepreneurs as well as managers or project leaders focused on (international) business development. The course provides deepened theoretical and practical knowledge about strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, networking and business growth and at the same time, systematically incorporates sustainability and internationalization aspects. The aim is to develop capabilities and skills to act upon business and societal opportunities, needs and challenges, to develop successful businesses and innovations in a global and changing business environment. The course is given and examined in English.

Common expected learning outcome

• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing

The core course consists of four modules, which will be further described below:

• Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
• Module 2. Managing Networks and Internationalisation 7.5 credits

Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
This module highlights key challenges facing contemporary organizations in a globalized world. The students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the business context and the intertwined nature of its events and processes. Alternative theoretical perspectives on strategy will be presented to provide a comprehensive platform for strategic decision-making in the forthcoming modules. Students will practice strategic thinking from both an internal and external perspective. The module integrates theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active participation, both individually and in groups. Students will also practice making strategic analyses, identifying options, and recommending appropriate solutions that are both rooted in theory and actionable. During the module, students will also be introduced to methods of working in international teams and to academic conduct, for example how cheating and plagiarism can be avoided and referencing techniques.
 
Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• describe and analyse the foundations of strategy and strategic perspectives.
• propose solutions to cope with internal and external strategic challenges and complexities.
• propose appropriate strategies to meet key dilemmas concerning for example, innovation, product, process, organization, marketing and business models.
• critically reflect upon the consequences of strategic choices and assess the need for developing the organizational capabilities and knowledge base.
• understand and be able to apply an academic approach to avoid plagiarism in academic work.

Focus of instruction
In addition to lectures and guest lectures, learning is supported by cases and seminars. The module requires significant amount of independent study of assigned compulsory book chapters, articles, hand-outs and case material. The module also requires a significant amount of group work. Case studies are carried out in groups with oral and written presentation. Students are introduced to academic conduct, for example how cheating and plagiarism can be avoided and referencing techniques.

Examination modes
The examination consists of case reports, an individual written hall exam and an individual computer based examination on plagiarism and referencing. Case reports are performed in groups and the exam is individual. Attendance at case-seminars is mandatory and is thus a requirement to pass the module. A passing grade for each graded part of the module is required to pass. The module is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 2. Managing Networks and Internationalisation, 7.5 credits
In the international business setting, organizations meet competition from existing incumbents as well as new entrants and managers consequently need to design strategies both for cooperation and competition. This module focuses on how companies can develop business capabilities related to internationalization, various business relationships and different types of networking. This includes building, maintaining and supporting businesses with various modes of foreign operations, joint ventures, alliances and networks, in a complex environment. The students will analyse and design strategies for internationalization and network relationships through cases.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• explain the relationships between entrepreneurship, networking, internationalization, and business development.
• analyse and interpret the dynamic structures and processes for international business development.
• audit firms' international and network strategies.
• develop action plans and recommendations in order to support business development activities.
• identify strategic and ethical aspects of networking and internationalisation processes.

Focus of instruction
From lectures, seminars and the literature base the ambition is to encourage the development of a conceptual understanding of the field. The ability to analyse real business problems and integrate different models and perspectives to solve these problems will be developed through different learning methods such as cases and audits. The audit of network and internationalization strategies will help the students to integrate conceptual understanding with the structures and processes of real-life businesses.

Examination modes
The examination consists of seminar(s), a written group assignment, and an individual written hall exam. A passing grade is required for each part. The module is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.