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2025/2026  KAN-CSCAV2501U  International Business and Economic Geography

English Title
International Business and Economic Geography

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Min. participants 10
Max. participants 80
Study board
Study Board of Markets & Innovation
Course coordinator
  • Christopher Dirzka - Department of Economics (ECON)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
  • Organisational behaviour
  • Economics
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 12/02/2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
Apply network theory and analysis to understand global trade and international business dynamics.
  • Investigate the impact of geopolitical and economic uncertainty on multinational corporations (MNCs).
  • Bridge theories of international business and economic geography to analyze firm-level responses.
  • Use real-world case studies and data-driven analysis to illustrate decision-making processes.
  • Outline research questions, methodologies and results in a project-based setting.
Examination
International Business and Economic Geography:
Exam ECTS 7.5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 15 pages
Assignment type Written assignment
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 Spring and Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The exam is a home assignment and will involve applying network theory and analysis to shed light on the uncertainty in international business. The assignment should address a real-world case of economic and policy uncertainty and include research question(s), methods and data descriptions, and the analytical results. The project should showcase the students’ ability to apply course knowledge and achieve learning objectives. The project can be started as soon as the course starts.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

International Business

 

Since you started studying, the world has been marked by major changes in the European Union, a global pandemic and social distancing, high geopolitical instability, and intensifying climate disruptions. Is the world becoming more uncertain, or is society just inherently uncertain?

 

As you can guess, discussions around this issue are fairly open-ended. Ultimately, the question is not that important – but the strategies that can counteract uncertainty are. The International Business (IB) literature suggests that, in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global landscape, cultivating business networks is critical to strengthening organizational resilience. By structuring operations and strategies around robust business networks, which include buyers, suppliers, and customers, organizations are less impacted by instabilities, more adapted to geopolitical and economic shifts, and can capitalize on new opportunities. Understanding these networks is crucial for improving strategic foresight and preserving a competitive advantage in an uncertain world.

 

Economic Geography

 

While understanding relational ties is important, some argue that the spatial context in which these ties are formed (i.e., cities, countries, or continents) may be just as important. Economic Geography provides the lens to understand the implications of location on organizational performance. Scholars suggest that local-global networks and proximity shape business behaviors, providing both opportunities and challenges.

 

Network theory is suitable for understanding uncertainty in international business and economic geography. The theory allows us to understand how businesses can adapt to disruptions caused by instabilities or rapid technological changes. Analyzing relational and spatial ties among firms, countries, and industries can inform corporate strategy design and implementation.

 

The curriculum is structured around international business and economic geography theories, which are applied to the concept of uncertainty. In the initial sessions, students will gain background knowledge on the sources of uncertainty through real-world case studies. Students will be introduced to MNC responses to uncertainty and the ways in which geography shapes these responses. Subsequently, the computer sessions will use analytical tools, allowing students to apply the theory to real-world problems. Students will be able to critically discuss results and provide high-level strategic suggestions for complex corporate challenges.
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
Research-like activities
  • Development of research questions
  • Data collection
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Students conduct independent research-like activities under supervision
Description of the teaching methods
The course will balance lectures and computer sessions. While lectures introduce theoretical background, the computer sessions outline the network analysis techniques and real-world datasets. The sessions are designed to be accessible to students with basic programming knowledge. Students will work on the project throughout the course and will be provided with guidance and feedback.
Feedback during the teaching period
Computer sessions will be interactive. Students will work closely with the lecturer, providing opportunities to strengthen the students’ understanding of analyses and the course materials.
Student workload
Lectures (incl. computer sessions) 36 hours
Preparation and exam 170 hours
Further Information

This course is part of the minor in Global Strategy: Connecting Businesses Across Networks
Expected literature

Ahir, H., Bloom, N., Furceri, D., 2022. The World Uncertainty Index (Working Paper No. 29763), Working Paper Series. National Bureau of Economic Research. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.3386/​w29763

 

Bloom, N., 2009. The Impact of Uncertainty Shocks. Econometrica 77, 623–685. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.3982/​ECTA6248

 

Coe, N.M., Dicken, P., Hess, M., 2008. Global production networks: realizing the potential. Journal of Economic Geography 8, 271–295. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1093/​jeg/​lbn002 

 

Glückler, J., 2007. Economic geography and the evolution of networks. Journal of Economic Geography 7, 619–634. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1093/​jeg/​lbm023

 

Iurkov, V., Benito, G.R.G., 2020. Change in domestic network centrality, uncertainty, and the foreign divestment decisions of firms. J Int Bus Stud 51, 788–812. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1057/​s41267-018-0194-0

 

Li, S., Tallman, S., 2011. MNC strategies, exogenous shocks, and performance outcomes. Strategic Management Journal 32, 1119–1127. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1002/​smj.918

 

Lee, S.-H., Song, S., 2012. Host country uncertainty, intra-MNC production shifts, and subsidiary performance. Strategic Management Journal 33, 1331–1340. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1002/​smj.1982

 

Porter, M.E., 1998. Clusters and the New Economics of Competition. Harvard Business Review.

 

Taylor, M., Asheim, B., 2001. The Concept of the Firm in Economic Geography. Economic Geography 77, 315–328. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.1111/​j.1944-8287.2001.tb00167.x

 

Computer session

 

Rawlings, Craig M., Jeffrey A. Smith, James Moody, and Daniel A. McFarland 2023. Network Analysis: Integrating Social Network Theory, Method, and Application with R. New York: Cambridge University Press. (https:/​/​inarwhal.github.io/​NetworkAnalysisR-book/​)
Last updated on 12/02/2025