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Introduction to International Business (IFLV6535)
Department
- International Program
Course unit code
- IFLV6535
Level of course unit
- Bachelor
Year of study
- Spring 2025
Semester when the course unit is delivered
- 1
Number of ECTS credits allocated
- 3.0
Name of lecturer(s)
- Prof. Johnson Jeffrey, Ph.D., CGBP
Learning outcomes of the course unit
- This course aims to form students’ knowledge in the area of International Business. Specifically, students will develop capabilities to identify, frame and understand problems related to the management of international operations. Throughout the course issues are discussed in both theoretical and practical terms to stimulate students to relate models and concepts with practical situations.
By the end of the course the students will be able to:
• discuss implications of globalization and cultural differences
• understand the implications of operating across national borders
• compare different internationalization processes
• describe how firms operate in different markets
• analyze different international strategies, organizations and control models
• describe the specificity of different functions and units within the international firm
• understand the basis for the competitive advantage of international firms
Recommended optional program components
- none
Course contents
- Today firms are increasingly facing challenging tasks at international level: On one side the environment is increasingly globalized, following the disintegration of regional markets, the expansion of international trade and the internet, and on the other firms keep growing in their geographical and business scope fueling competition. Therefore, the international manager is required to be flexible, to have a broad understanding of what is changing in the environment and within the firm, to develop always new abilities and to fit into new roles. This course deals specifically with the following topics:
• Globalization & Regionalization
• Cultural differences
• Internationalization process
• Market entry decisions
• Organizational structures
• International strategies
• Control of foreign operations
• International HRM
• Transnational knowledge and innovation management
• Headquarters and subsidiaries’ roles
Recommended or required reading
- A series of case studies will be provided at the course start.Hill, C.W. Global Business Today, 11th Ed. Irwin, New York, UK: McGraw-Hill (Chapters 1-2-4-8-12-13). Other editions of this book are also fine; just verify the correspondence between the chapters in the different editions.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
- The course comprises an interactive mix of lectures, discussions and group work.
Lectures, group work, assignments, presentations /case study discussion.
Assessment methods and criteria
- Course assessed through presentations and assignments
Language of instruction
- English
Work placement(s)
- none