SOL16 Introduction to International Business (not offered)

• Topics

  In an increasingly globalized world, operating across national boundaries gives organizations immense opportunities to grow and seek favorable business environments. However, doing business across borders is also associated with unique challenges and problems deriving from differences in geographical location, culture, language etc. The purpose of this introductory course in international business (IB) is to develop participants' understanding of both the opportunities and challenges presented in the realm of IB.

  This is achieved through a mix of lectures, readings, in-class exercises, case discussions, and experiential learning where participants work in culturally diverse teams to solve real-life business cases. Active participation in classroom discussions and exercises is expected by all students.

  The course offers the individual a hands-on opportunity to develop and explore the knowledge, skills and qualities needed to effectively collaborate across borders.

• Learning outcome

  Knowledge - upon successful completion the student will

  • Understand relevant theories, models, frameworks, and topics in international business at a basic level, including their main limitations/critiques
  • Understand how the covered topics relate to opportunities and challenges for organizations operating on the international arena

  Skills - upon successful completion the student can

  • Apply the covered theories, models, frameworks, and topics to analyses of real business cases
  • Effectively and independently communicate and discuss the results of the analyses, orally and in writing
  • Reflect on own roles, practices, and interactions in multicultural settings

  General competence - upon successful completion the student can

  • Communicate thoughts and ideas effectively
  • Solve tasks, independently and in small teams

• Teaching

  The course uses a combination of readings, lectures, case work, in-class exercises, and experiential learning (work in geographically/culturally diverse teams) to learn, and to relate this learning to ourselves and real business challenges. Students are expected to take an active part in their own learning experience, and to contribute to the learning experience of the class as a whole.

• Recommended prerequisites

  Recommended for those in their 2 or 3 year of the bachelor program.

• Credit reduction due to overlap

  SOL16 is the equivalent to VOA046 and students will not get credit for both courses.

• Compulsory Activity

  Students will be expected to be prepared for, and be active, in class discussions, including group presentations, assignments and discussion of case material. Class attendance is therefore mandatory (an absence from four lectures will result in having to write an essay, and an absence of five lectures in being excluded from the course).

• Assessment

  Element 1: Written term paper (team based) - 40%

  Element 2: Home exam (3 hours) - 60%

  Both elements must be passed in the same semester, and in the semester you attend the course.

  As stated in the lectures the 3 hour written school exam has been changed to a 3 hour home exam.

• Grading Scale

  A-F

• Computer tools

  The course homepage on Canvas or ItsLearning will be continuously updated with teaching materials and messages, and students are expected to proactively use itslearning to stay updated and cover the required readings for each class session.

• Literature

  Required textbook:

  Buckley, P.J., Enderwick, P., & Cross, A.R. (2018) International Business. Oxford University Press.

  ISBN:9780199602094