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2025/2026  KAN-CCBLO2006U  Business Strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean

English Title
Business Strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean

Course information
Language Spanish
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Global Business and Politics
Course coordinator
  • Jacobo Ramirez - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • CSR and sustainability
  • Globalisation and international business
  • Political leadership and public management
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 23-05-2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Content:
  • Examine the evolution of business strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with a focus on how local and international firms adapt to institutional, cultural, and economic diversity in the region.
  • Understand Latin America’s strategic role in the world economy, and analyse how geopolitical shifts—particularly involving China, the United States, and the European Union—shape trade, investment, and internationalization strategies in the region.
  • Compare the internationalization strategies of Latin American firms and foreign multinationals operating in the region, evaluating how they manage risk, build networks, and respond to regional and global challenges.
  • Formulate an exam topic (in the form of a synopsis) that articulates a relevant strategic issue or dilemma faced by businesses in or related to the LAC region, and reflect analytically on how this issue connects to other themes and concepts covered in the course.
  • Lenguage:
  • Respond fluently and reflectively to the examiner’s questions, ensuring that the oral examination flows as an academic dialogue in Spanish.
  • Use grammatically correct, well-structured, and clearly pronounced Spanish, avoiding errors that hinder communication.
  • Present and discuss a topic using rich and appropriate vocabulary and academic terminology, with sensitivity to regional context and strategic language.
  • Demonstrate the ability to recognize and correct errors during the oral exam, when necessary.
Examination
The exam in the subject consists of two parts:
Business Strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean - Content:
Sub exam weight50%
Examination formOral 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, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group examIndividual exam
Size of written productMax. 3 pages
Assignment typeSynopsis
Release of assignmentSubject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
30 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale7-point grading scale
Examiner(s)Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam periodSummer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The course has only one exam, consisting of two parts: a 3-page maximum synopsis and an oral exam. The grade is given for the content of the synopsis and the oral presentation.

Business Strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean - Language:
Sub exam weight50%
Examination formOral 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, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group examIndividual exam
Size of written productMax. 3 pages
Assignment typeSynopsis
Release of assignmentSubject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
30 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale7-point grading scale
Examiner(s)Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam periodSummer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The course has only one exam, consisting of two parts: a 3-page maximum synopsis and an oral exam. The grade is given for the content of the synopsis and the oral presentation.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Understanding the dynamics of business strategy is essential in a globalized world for effectively managing organizations across both public and private sectors. This is particularly relevant in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, where diverse economic, political, and cultural contexts shape how firms define and implement their strategies.

Latin America has historically been integrated into the global economy as a supplier of raw materials and agricultural commodities. However, the region is undergoing a significant transformation. Local and international firms alike are navigating a more complex landscape marked by industrial diversification, regional integration efforts, and increased geopolitical competition—especially involving China, the United States, and the European Union.

This course is structured into three thematic blocks, each addressing the strategic challenges and opportunities faced by firms operating in or engaging with the LAC region. Students will explore case studies and theoretical frameworks across macro (global/regional), meso (sectoral), and micro (firm-level) perspectives.

  • Block 1: Examines the internationalization strategies of Latin American and European firms, analyzing how they adapt to institutional diversity, leverage regional networks, and engage with evolving market conditions.

  • Block 2: Focuses on entrepreneurship and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving business development and innovation in the region, including how these firms scale, internationalize, and compete.

  • Block 3: Investigates Latin America's positioning in the global economy, considering how geopolitical trends and trade relations with China, the U.S., and the EU influence strategic decision-making and regional integration.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to reflect on how firms formulate strategies that respond to global pressures while remaining attuned to local realities. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, contextual analysis, and the development of original, well-founded strategic proposals relevant to the LAC region.
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
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Students conduct independent research-like activities under supervision
Description of the teaching methods
This course aims to develop the students’ skills through individual and collaborative activities, which are designed to promote students’ participation in sharing their opinions, experiences, views, thoughts and knowledge. The case study approach/method is the principal learning strategy for the teaching-learning process.

Through the case study method, the students will practice and apply theory and knowledge to real-world problems. The students, collaboratively (in teams), will identify and clarify the problems presented, analyse the information found on each case, formulate and evaluate options, present and defend their recommendations. The case study method involves the development of critical thinking, information analysis, and problem-solving skills. One of the principal objectives of this learning strategy is that the students assume a key role in the learning process.

Note: The students are responsible to buy the case studies for this course. Please follow the instructions posted at CBS' Canvas.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students will make oral presentations of case study and academic readings. The students will receive feedback on two areas: 1) Content -discussion of the assigned questions for the case study/ readings in relation to the theoretical background of the course, and 2) Language -oral communication in relation to vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar in Spanish. Students are encouraged to make use of those to enhance their learning experience, of course in addition to regular participation and two-way communication in lectures. The lecturer will also strive to be readily available for a one-to-one dialogue in both lecture breaks and following each lecture session.
Student workload
Lectures 30 hours
Exam 0.5 hours
Preparation 175.5 hours
Total 206 hours
Expected literature

Please note that the complete literature list will be available on Canvas

 

  1. Delgado, R. G. M. (2019). Instituciones Políticas y Desigualdad de Ingresos en América Latina: Desde la Independencia hasta la Actualidad. Asian Journal of Latin American Studies, 32(2), 1-24.

  2. Bernal-Meza, Raúl (2016). China y América Latina: de la oportunidad al desafío, Revista tempo do mundo, Vol. 2, no. 2, p. 63-78.

  3. MCDonald et al.  2022. La influencia del conflicto social y la licencia social para operar sobre el valor de la empresa. Estudios Gerenciales, 38(165), 406-423.
Last updated on 23-05-2025