2025/2026 BA-BINBO1145U Contemporary Issues in International Business
English Title | |
Contemporary Issues in International Business |
Course information |
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Language | English |
Course ECTS | 7.5 ECTS |
Type | Mandatory (also offered as elective) |
Level | Bachelor |
Duration | One Quarter |
Start time of the course | Third Quarter, Spring |
Timetable | Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk |
Study board |
Study Board for Global Relations
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Course coordinator | |
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Teaching methods | |
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Last updated on 20-05-2025 |
Relevant links |
Learning objectives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Examination | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Course content, structure and pedagogical approach | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The aim of the course is to explore and develop nuanced understandings of a range of contemporary issues and debates in International Business, and further develop the skills that will enable lifelong learning. To this end, emphasis is placed on ‘problematizing’ current understandings of contemporary issues in international business by placing them in context, identifying relevant knowledge and data, and questioning taken-for-granted assumptions that inform current theory and business practice. Sources of contemporary issues include debates in the academic literature alongside current events in business and society. A focus on contemporary issues means that specific topics covered will vary over time. Indicative issues include: What factors are driving a slowdown in globalization pace and the implications for the strategies of MNEs? How do MNEs manage risks in a multipolar world with higher geopolitical tensions? How do MNEs engage with the UN developmental goals? What can MNEs do to enable the green transition? How can MNEs ensure that ethical considerations are maintained throughout the supply chain? The exploration of these and similar questions will draw on the latest academic literature and case studies of international businesses. Students will be expected to make connections across contemporary issues and revisit prior learning with new understanding. |
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Research-based teaching | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following
types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are
included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
Research-like activities
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Description of the teaching methods | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The course is based on ten 2-hour lectures,
amounting to a total of 20 lecture hours, and ten 2-hour
(small-group) tutorials, amounting to 20 tutorial hours. The
lectures are designed to introduce students to contemporary issues
and surrounding debates relating to both industry practices and
research in international business. Emphasis is placed on
problematizing current events, their implications for existing
theories and practices of doing business, while reflecting on
alternative ways of understanding and and doing business in a world
characterized by uncertainty and societal challenges. Connections
across the contemporary issues covered in each lecture are
explored.
Collaborative learning communities are fostered through small-group tutorials, with active engagement and preparation in advance expected. The tutorials are designed to extend students understanding of the contemporary issues and related readings covered in lectures through: (1) application of the issues and debates raised in lectures to business case studies , reports on current events and the design of future research; and (2) the sharing of reflections on how this new learning may impact prior learning in this course or earlier, and students’ own professional practice – possibly leading to reinforcement of what is already known, greater recognition of the contingent nature of knowledge, or entirely new understandings. The skill development through tutorials and group assignment thus fosters the reflective and collaborative capabilities that underpin one’s own and support others’ life-long learning. |
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Feedback during the teaching period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The students should actively seek feedback from the lecturers during lectures, tutorials and scheduled office hours. Tutorials provide a structured forum for peer feedback as students develop skills in the giving and receiving of constructive feedback as they share, discuss and critique insights with each other. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Student workload | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Expected literature | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This course will include selected readings from academic literature that address contemporary issues and debates in international business, augmented by case studies, contemporary news items, policy and industry reports, videos and blogs. |