English   Danish

2026/2027  DIP-DIBUO2401U  Foundations of international Business

English Title
Foundations of international Business

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Graduate Diploma
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (part 2)
Programme Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (International Business)
Course coordinator
  • Evis Sinani - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Study administration for HD IB: hdib@cbs.dk
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
Teaching methods
  • Online teaching
Last updated on 20-03-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
After completing the course, the participants will be able to:
  • Understand, apply and critically reflect on terms, theories and models explaining firms’ different options to engage in international business (IB).
  • Explain and critically reflect on how firms develop resources for IB.
  • Analyze and assess the resources of a firm based on a VRIO framework.
  • Understand and explain why firms engage in FDIs.
  • Analyze the -why, where, when and how firms decide on their entry strategies.
  • Understand and critically reflect on firms’ foreign entry strategies.
  • Understand and critically reflect on the role of institutions in firm's international business activities.
  • Understand and critically reflect on firms’ corporate social behavior.
Examination
Foundations of International Business:
Exam ECTS 5
Examination form Oral exam
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Duration 20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time No preparation
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Spring, For information relating to the exam please go to: https://eksamen.cbs.dk/ (Digital Exam).
Exam dates: TBA
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
For information relating to the exam please go to: https://eksamen.cbs.dk/ (Digital Exam).
Exam date: TBA
Description of the exam procedure

The exam is an individual 20min oral exam without preparation, where the student will answer questions made by the examiners on topics related to the course curriculum. Thus, this exam format does not support the use of GenAI.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

In an interconnected and contemporary world, international business (IB) has risen to a pivotal role within the global economy. Firms, regardless of their size, are progressively exploring overseas markets to capitalize on prospects and broaden their reach. The aim of this course is to provide students with an integrated understanding of the firms’ cross-border activities in a global business environment highlighting the challenges it poses to firms and their globalization strategies. To this end, we will focus on understanding the type and nature of firms’ resources and their importance for cross-border activities, the different modes of firm internationalization, as well as focus on firm entry strategies and firm’s internationalization strategies in the global arena.

 

By the end of the course, students should have developed their ability to understand, apply and critically reflect on terms, theories and models explaining firms’ different options to engage in international business.Both theory and cases are included in the curriculum, with much of the empirical material drawn from recent examples of developments in the field of international business. The case studies will demonstrate real-world applications of international business and management concepts.
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
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
This course employs a mix of lectures and case studies. Lectures will cover core concepts and theories in international economics and competitiveness, and all the class is expected to participate in an interactive discussion. Case studies will be included in order to demonstrate the practical importance of the concepts and theories introduced in lectures. In such cases, case studies will have to be read and prepared by students before the lecture. In the class students will be presented with questions regarding the case. This will provide the basis for a greater level of interaction and student understanding of theoretical notions. Finally, this course supports blended learning with active online interaction, quizzes and debate questions, followed by in class discussion that promotes active learning.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback is given continuously, in the class, through quizzes; when discussing case studies; as well as during office hours.
Student workload
Lectures 24 hours
Preparation for Lectures and Exam 120 hours
Further Information

The course consists of a total of 24 lessons (5 ECTS).

 

For information relating to the course please go to: canvas.cbs.dk

Teaching dates

The course will be delivered online, both live and recorded.

 

Course Coordinator: Evis Sinani, es.egb@cbs.dk

Teacher: Evis Sinani, es.egb@cbs.dk 
Teacher: Bersant Hobdari, beh.egb@cbs.dk 

Programme Administrator: Mette Kierkegaard, hdib@cbs.dk

 

Expected literature

International Business: Mastering Strategic Challenges in the 21st Century, by Thomas Lindner and Jonas Puck, SAGE Publications Ltd, latest edition.

 

Power point slides and additional readings to be available in Canvas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Last updated on 20-03-2026