STR465 International Strategy in a Digital World (E)

• Topics

  Why do some companies succeed in expanding abroad while others struggle?

  This course provides  a hands-on learning experience where students collaborate directly with companies to tackle the challenges of international expansion. In groups, students will work on real-world projects focused on analyzing foreign markets, comparing potential countries for expansion, and devising entry strategies tailored to specific start-ups. Beyond market selection, students will explore how business models need to be adapted to scale and operate effectively in new cultural, economic, and regulatory environments.

  Through in-depth research, problem analysis, and strategy development, students will present their findings in consultancy-style reports that offer actionable, practical recommendations to the companies. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and decision-making skills required to support companies in successfully navigating the complexities of global markets.

  The pace of digital transformation, coupled with pressing sustainability challenges like climate change and inequality, is reshaping the rules of international strategy. This course explores the critical themes companies must navigate to succeed in international markets, including:

  • Digital Transformation and Global Competition : Understanding how digitization is changing the competitive dynamics in global markets and enabling innovative modes of entry.
  • Sustainability and Responsibility in International Business : Addressing the growing societal expectations for businesses to integrate sustainability into their global strategies, balancing profitability with social and environmental impact.
  • Adapting to Digital and Sustainable Economies : Redesigning business models to meet the demands of digital ecosystems and sustainability-focused consumers.

• Learning outcome

  Upon completing this course, the student will have gained 

  Knowledge of

  •  Foundational theories of international strategy and how they are being reshaped by the demands of a digital economy.
  • Key factors that contribute to the international success or failure of both digital-native firms and traditional multinationals.
  • The interplay between digital platforms, global connectivity, and societal pressures such as climate change and inequality in shaping international business strategies.
  • Sustainable business model designs that integrate ecological and societal value creation suited for international expansion. 

  Skills in 

  • Developing actionable strategies for companies to enter and scale in global markets
  • Proposing actionable, consultancy-style business solutions that are both innovative and feasible.
  • Strategically addressing challenges related to digital transformation, sustainability, and international business expansion.

  General Competencies in 

  • Advanced research ability, problem-solving, and critical reflection.
  • Planning and executing project work in an international team during the length of the semester.
  • Communicating findings of the project in a clear and engaging manner.

• Teaching

  This course is highly interactive and emphasizes active student participation both during class sessions and in group work. A key pedagogical focus is on collaborative learning, where student teams work closely together and in partnership with companies to address real-world business challenges.

  Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning journey by actively engaging with course materials, contributing to discussions, and fostering a positive, open learning environment. Additionally, a reflective component is integrated into the course, where students are expected to regularly evaluate and discuss the progress of their term paper, drawing connections between their projects and the concepts explored in class.

  This approach not only strengthens critical thinking and teamwork skills but also encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world problems, enhancing the depth and relevance of their learning experience.

• Restricted access

  This course has restricted access. A maximum of 30 students are admitted.

  If there are available spots after the admissionround, it will be possible to register on Studenweb until the course is full. Please see https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/master-level-restricted-access-courses/ (copy url) for details.

• Recommended prerequisites

  None

• Required prerequisites

  None 

• Credit reduction due to overlap

  CEMS 401 Global Strategy 

• Compulsory Activity

  Class attendance is mandatory (an unexcused absence from three lectures will result in exclusion from the course). In addition to regular attendance, all students must be involved in the preparation of their team presentation and term paper.

  Groups of students are expected to hand in three deliverables throughout the teaching semester.

  Course approval is valid for one semester.

• Assessment

  Group term paper (60%), completed in groups of 3-5 students.

  The group term paper consists of a consultancy-style report of approximately 25 pages. Students will begin working on this assignment in groups after the first week of the course, providing them with approximately three months to complete the project before submission.

  The group term paper assesses students' ability to collaboratively apply course concepts to a real-world entrepreneurial problem, including rigorous analysis, integration of theory, and the development of a coherent, context-sensitive line of argumentation that responds to the needs of the venture.

  3 hours digital school exam (40%). The individual exam assesses each student's ability to critically evaluate and justify the analytical choices made in the group project, with a particular focus on discussing underlying assumptions, trade-offs, and alternative courses of action. 

  The group term paper is submitted one week prior to the individual written exam. The group term paper and the individual written exam must both be completed and passed within the same semester.

  All submissions must be written in English.  

• Grading Scale

  A - F. 

• Literature

  A list of articles will be available in Leganto. 

• Permitted Support Material

  One bilingual dictionary (Category I)

  All in accordance with Supplementary provisions to the Regulations for Full-time Study Programmes at the Norwegian School of Economics Ch.4 Permitted support material https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/ and https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/