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2025/2026  KAN-CSCAV2502U  International Shipping: Markets, Strategy, and Innovation

English Title
International Shipping: Markets, Strategy, and Innovation

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Second Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board of Markets & Innovation
Course coordinator
  • Michele Acciaro - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
This course is part of the minor: "Global Strategy: Connecting Business Across Networks."
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
  • Management
  • Supply chain management and logistics
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 12/02/2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
At the end of the course students should be able to:
  • Identify drivers of demand and supply in the main shipping markets.
  • Apply theories and models from micro- and macroeconomics to the study of shipping markets.
  • Analyse developments and emerging issues in global shipping as seen from ship-owning and policy-making perspectives.
  • Investigate the role of innovation and new technologies in shipping
  • Critically evaluate new business opportunities in international shipping.
  • Assess how sustainability impacts the shipping business and can contribute to shape a successful business strategy.
Examination
International Shipping Markets, Strategy, and Innovation:
Exam ECTS 7.5
Examination form Written sit-in exam on CBS' computers
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Assignment type Case based assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Aids Closed book: no aids
However, at all written sit-in exams the student has access to the basic IT application package (Microsoft Office365 (minus Excel), document camera and paper, 7-zip file manager, Adobe Reader DC, PDF24, Texlive, VLC player, Windows Media Player – ATTENTION no sound allowed), and the student is allowed to bring simple writing and drawing utensils (non-digital). PLEASE NOTE: Students are not allowed to communicate with others during the exam.
Make-up exam/re-exam Oral Exam
Duration: 20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time: No preparation
Examiner(s): If it is an internal examination, there will be a second internal examiner at the re-exam. If it is an external examination, there will be an external examiner.
Description of the exam procedure

The written exam will focus on analyzing a case study and answering specific questions related to it. The case study and questions will be provided on the day of the exam, allowing students to address them directly during the examination period. The students cannot prepare the case in advance, as the assessment is designed to evaluate the ability to analyze new information, think critically, and apply the skills developed throughout the course.

 

Enough time is available to read the case, identify key issues, and provide well-structured answers. The exam format aligns with the types of exercises and discussions conducted during the course, ensuring that regular participation and engagement provide a strong foundation for success. Addressing the questions clearly, and applying relevant concepts and frameworks will be essential for achieving a strong performance.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course advances students' understanding of the management and economics of international shipping, an industry of critical importance to global logistics and multinational corporate strategies. Beyond its central role in facilitating international trade, the shipping industry provides an interesting empirical setting for the application of management theories. The course aims to equip students with the skills to analyze shipping markets, formulate business strategies for shipping firms, and critically evaluate business opportunities within a highly volatile and globalized industry. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainable practices, including investment in innovative technologies, leveraging opportunities for improved environmental performance, and integrating corporate sustainability into business decisions.

 

Focusing on both recent developments and future challenges in the shipping industry, the course offers insights from the perspectives of shipowners and policymakers alike. It applies models and theories from micro- and macroeconomics, strategic management, and innovation to the study of shipping markets, while incorporating theories from international economics and governance to explore maritime policy and regulation. Through this comprehensive approach, students gain the ability to identify emerging trends in shipping markets, technological innovation, and regulatory frameworks, and to critically assess and capitalize on new business opportunities in this dynamic sector.

 

The course is divided into two main parts: 


1. In the first part of the course, we will look into the global role of shipping and the characteristics of different shipping segments. The students will be introduced to the economics of shipping segments, as to understand how business decisions take place in this context. In this part we will also focus on freight market forecasting, ship management and innovation. Strategic and operational considerations will be discussed, with a specific focus on the application of existing managerial and economics concepts to shipping.

 

2. In the second part we will focus on the current developments in the shipping industry and how shipping firms should respond to such developments. The discussion will focus on geopolitical instability, sustainabilty and the climate crisis, digitalisation, technological innovation and new regulation, among other topics. 
 
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
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Students conduct independent research-like activities under supervision
Description of the teaching methods
The course is designed to provide an engaging learning experience through a blend of teaching methods. It includes interactive frontal lectures that lay a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, complemented by in-depth case discussions that bring real-world scenarios into the classroom, encouraging critical thinking and practical applications. Engaging conversations on current industry developments ensure that students stay updated with the latest trends and challenges. Additionally, students will participate in class group activities, which not only help training collaborative skills but also allow individuals to express their insights effectively and with confidence.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback will be provided during classes after case discussions, groups activities and formative assessment.
Student workload
Preparation (incl. for exam) 172 hours
Teaching 30 hours
Examination 4 hours
Further Information

This course is part of the minor: "Global Strategy: Connecting Business Across Networks."
Expected literature

This is an indicative list. Articles and additional reference will be provided during the course. 

 

Karakitsos, E., & Varnavides, L. (2014). Maritime economics: A macroeconomic approach (p. 372). Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN: 9781137441171

 

Ko, B.-W., Seo, Y.-J., Kim, S.-H., & Lee, J.-S. (2021). New maritime business: Uncertainty, sustainability, technology, and big data. Springer Nature Switzerland AG. ISBN: 978-3-030-78959-6

 

Ma, S. (2020). Economics of maritime business. Routledge. ISBN: 9781315658124

 

 
Last updated on 12/02/2025