Managing Networks and Internationalisation D, 7.5 credits

Contents

In the course, the two main topics are internationalisation and networking of entrepreneurial organizations. Key issues in this course are how companies can develop business capabilities through internationalization and networking; building, maintaining and supporting businesses with various modes of foreign operations, e.g., exporting, joint ventures, alliances and networks, meeting competition from existing incumbents as well as new entrants during internationalization and to balancing cooperation and competition in international business settings. The students will analyze strategies for internationalization and network relationships through cases.
 
The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• explain the relationships between entrepreneurship, networking, internationalisation and business development
• interpret the dynamic structures and processes for international business development
• apply models and theories for decision-making
• develop action plans and recommendations in order to support business development activities
• identify strategic and ethical aspects of networking and internationalisation processes

Required Knowledge

90 credits with a minimum of 75 credits in Business Administration. At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 credits in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance.  At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 credits.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B or the equivalent.
 

Form 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 analyze real business problems and integrate different models and perspectives to solve these these problems will be developed through different learning methods such as cases and simulations. During the course students will analyse cases (company/ organization/network or an industry). The simulation will help the students to act upon suggestions for strategies and actions programs for networking and international development.
 

Examination modes

The examination is based on three parts: 1) active participation on literature and case seminar(s) with written reports and oral presentations 2) active participation in business simulation game 3) individual written home exam. The course is given and examined in English.

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%).
 
Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.

To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.
 
A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within twoa months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term.
In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.
 
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.
 
A student who has passed an examination cannot redo the examination to get a higher grade.
 
If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.
 
Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addtion, Umeå University rules and regulations  for education and research applies:  http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva
 
Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.
 
 
 
 

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

This course can not be included in the same degree as course codes 2fe178, 2fe200, 2fe19