Meeting Challenges in the International Business Environment, 15 credits

Contents

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.

Expected learning outcomes

See each separate module.

Required Knowledge

60 credits completed courses whereof 45 credits in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Form of instruction

See each separate module.

Examination modes

The course examinations are carried out in English. All examinations must be passed in order to obtain a passing grade on module and course. See each separate module and below.

The following grading system is used:

Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more), and
Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a re- examination within two months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, other form of examination can be used.

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity.

Adaptations

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Academic integrity and cheating

As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead in examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing is applicable to written assignments. Submitted material may be subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Transfer of credits

Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the course that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.

This document has been translated from Swedish into English. If the English version differs from the original, the Swedish version takes precedence.