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2023/2024  BA-BIBAO4020U  Advanced Topics in International Business in Asia

English Title
Advanced Topics in International Business in Asia

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory (also offered as elective)
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in Business, Asian Language and Culture
Course coordinator
  • Michael Jakobsen - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 04-12-2023

Relevant links
Learning objectives
The course shall enable students to analyse issues of international business in Asian emerging and developed markets as well as in transitional economies. Furthermore, the course will enable students to analyse international business relationships from the perspectives of multinational firms and local stakeholders. At the end of the course students must be able to:
  • Assess risks and opportunities in developed and emerging markets as well as in transitional economies in Asia
  • Describe various FDI motives and business strategies in developed and emerging markets as welll as in transitional economies in Asia
  • Discuss entry modes and marketing in developed and emerging markets as well as in transitional economies in Asia
  • Distinguish between various types of business network in Asia
  • Discuss organisational issues in developed and emerging markets as well as in transitional economies in Asia
  • Describe the impact of culture in Asian business practices compared to Western modes
  • Assess the impact of institutional setup on international business practices in Asia
Course prerequisites
It is an advantage that the students have prior knowledge of theoretical models such as the OLI paradigm, Resource Based View, Transaction Cost Economy, Institutional theory etc., as well as working knowledge of various types of entry modes.
Examination
Advanced Topics in International Business in Asia:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Essay
Release of assignment Subject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Re-take exam if ordinary exam is failed: A substantially revised and improved version of the original paper and topic must be handed in.
Make-up exam when ill for the ordinary exam: Original paper submitted upon a new set deadline.
Description of the exam procedure

The exam must be handed in through Digital Exam.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course focuses on the following issues faced by international business across emerging markets in Asia.

  • Business Environment: How do emerging markets differ from established market economies? Why is the development of institutions so important? How do local business conditions impact on the strategies and operations of foreign and local companies? How do multinational enterprises manage their relationships with host governments? Entry Strategies in Emerging Markets: Why do multinational firms consider engaging in business in less advanced economies? How do they design their entry-strategy with respect to, for instance, entry mode and entry timing?
  • Operating affiliates in emerging markets: What specific issues govern the relationship between headquarther and subsidiaries of multinational firms operating in emerging markets? How do firms (and subsidiaries) handle the gap in terms of culture and economic development between their country of origin and the host country?
Description of the teaching methods
The method is based on a pedagogical concept of learning by doing. Most of the learning occurs as participants prepare themselves individually before class and thereafter reflect upon the lecture together with their fellow students. Students are encouraged to form study groups. During the course, the instructor will ask various groups to prepare presentations on specific questions or aspects for the rest of the class. Furthermore, instructors reserve the right to "cold-call" on students at any time during class. Students are expected to be able to answer questions about the readings from both the instructor and fellow students in an in-depth and well-informed manner from a variety of case based and theoretical perspectives.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback is offered in connection with the assignment and approval of assignment topic during the course. Feedback is further offered in response to your questions and work whenever feasible although please appreciate that there are often time constraints. Please feel free to take full advantage of the ‘office hours’ offered by full-time staff members, although these can never be a substitute for participation in lectures and classes. We also encourage you to ask questions or make comments in class and form self-study groups to secure peer feedback on your work.
Student workload
Lectures 38 hours
Preparation (i.e. hours spent for reading, group work, etc.) 146 hours
Exam activities including preparation 22 hours
In total 206 hours
Further Information

The course is a regional based applied course in which students are expected to demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the subjects taught thus being able to (1) analyze different business environments and (2) identify implications for business strategies and operations in emerging economies.
Last updated on 04-12-2023