International Business

Aim

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

• Describe the global, national, and regional business environment
• Communicate past and current research to a broad audience
• Manage the dynamics involved in working in international project groups
• Critically reflect on existing opportunities and arguments, develop and communicate arguments and opinions on fundamental concepts
• Reflect on research contributions and, based on these, summarize and discuss the international business environment
• Analyze a company's entry into an international market, clarifying market conditions and influencing variables associated with cross-border trade
• Evaluate cultural aspects of decision-making and describe strengths and weaknesses related to culturally conditioned behavior and its consequences in an international business environment

Content

The course consists of two parts.

The first part includes a presentation of frameworks for international business at the macro, meso, and micro levels, i.e., the institutional conditions and economic geography for international business. The focus is on theories regarding the nature of international business and why it exists, including aspects of internationalization and the international business environment. This part covers insights into traditional and dominant theoretical paradigms and how international business functions. The focus also includes internationalization processes, various market entry strategies, business strategies, and organizational aspects. Additionally, the first part addresses other analytical issues unique to international business.

The second part focuses on the application of theories and knowledge. Emphasis is placed on developing the ability to read, summarize, and reflect on existing research in international business and the ability to work in teams. Perspectives, theories, and models in international business are discussed and communicated. Furthermore, the focus is on applying theoretical concepts in an empirical context.