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2014/2015  BA-BINBU2020U  EngAGE: International Business Strategy

English Title
EngAGE: International Business Strategy

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Course period Spring, Summer
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in International Business
Course coordinator
  • Lars Håkanson - Department of International Economics and Management (INT)
Main academic disciplines
  • Corporate and Business Strategy
Last updated on 11-08-2014
Learning objectives
The objective is to provide students with the conceptual and analytical tools – a language - for the analysis of complex international business situations, for articulating international strategy and appropriate managerial action plans, and for developing well-founded recommendations as to their efficient implementation. Topics include the challenges of building strategic capabilities, managing across borders, coordination and control in the international enterprise, creating and leveraging knowledge, and the evolution and future of the transnational corporation.

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
  • Describe and explain current concepts and models regarding the interrelationship between the international business environment, the formulation of corporate and business strategies in internationally active firms, and the organizational and managerial challenges associated with the implementation of such strategies;
  • Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these models and concepts, and display judgment as to the range of circumstances where they can be effectively applied;
  • Independently analyze real-world business situations and formulate well-argued strategies and action plans;
  • Identify and diagnose problems likely to obstruct the implementation of such strategies and action plans,
  • Propose appropriate managerial responses to help overcome such problems
Course prerequisites
EngAGE Students Only
Examination
EngAGE International Business Strategy:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance.
Individual or group exam Individual
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period May/June, The ordinary exam will be in June. The re-take will be in August
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure
Oral exam based on individual report.
Course content and structure
The course focuses on methods and tools for the formulation of international strategies in complex business environments and on the design of organizational structures, systems and procedures for the implementation of such strategies. Issues discussed include ‘global strategy’, ‘international entrepreneurship’, ‘organizational structure in multinational organizations’, ‘headquarters-subsidiary relationships’, and ‘international mergers and acquisitions’.
Teaching methods
Case studies and real life examples are used as vehicles to discuss and sensitize students to a range of common issues in the formulation and implementation of international strategies. Assigned readings and lecture-discussions provide theoretical and conceptual perspectives on such issues, the application of which is exercised in class-room discussion, group presentations and in the home assignment.

Students are encouraged to share their insights and experience with the class and to help create a constructive learning environment. Class discussion and interaction are expected, and preparation and class participation are essential for learning outcomes.
Expected literature
Compendium of readings and cases
Last updated on 11-08-2014