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2026/2027  KAN-CKOMV1508U  International Lobbying & Corporate Public Policy

English Title
International Lobbying & Corporate Public Policy

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 70
Study board
Study Board for Digitalisation, Technology and Communication
Programme Master of Science in Business Administration and Organizational Communication
Course coordinator
  • Co-coordinator
    Anne Vestergaard - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
  • Course coordinator
    Lars Dyrhagen - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
  • Political Science
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 10-02-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
Public policy is likely to have a significant impact on your career. Every product or service is subject to some form of regulation. You may choose to become an international lobbyist or collaborate with public policy experts to advance organizational goals. Alternatively, you could work with non-governmental organizations that challenge private sector influence in politics or pursue careers in media or academia focused on the study of lobbying.

This course will help you to:
  • Be familiar with theories regarding international lobbying, influence and power.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about the dynamics among business, government, civil society, academia and media.
  • Analyze international lobbying cases and corporate public policy, focusing on their effects on business, government, civil society, academia and media.
  • Assess public policy interventions of governments on businesses locally, nationally and internationally.
Course prerequisites
This course examines the interaction between the private sector and government in shaping public policy. No prior expertise in policy is required, but an interest in the relationship between business and government—and its impact on policy outcomes, business performance, and democracy—will enhance your success.
Examination
International Lobbying & Corporate Public Policy:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Active participation

The completion of this course is based on active student participation in class. The course will be considered as passed if the students participation - based on an overall assessment - in the class activities fulfill the learning objectives of the course. The individual student’s participation is assessed by the teacher.
The student must participate in A combination of assignment and presentation
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Grading scale Pass / Fail
Examiner(s) Assessed solely by the teacher
Exam period Autumn, Active participation in classes and exercises (held September–October) serves as 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 activities
A combination of assignment and presentation: As a 7-day individual home assignment, you will write a 5-page project based on a case discussed in the course. In small exercise classes (up to 14 students), you will present your project, receive peer review from fellow students, and offer peer review to them. The course also includes a multiple-choice test based on topics taught and discussed in class. Active involvement in all elements—project, presentation, peer reviews, and test—is mandatory to pass the ordinary exam.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course examines the growing role of corporate in-house lobbyists and policy experts in achieving business objectives.

 

Key Topics

 

  • Business Impact: Understanding motivations and goals behind organizational lobbying efforts.

 

  • Analytical Frameworks: Evaluating effective lobbying practices internationally and measuring their success.

 

  • Strategic Alignment: How corporations integrate lobbying and public policy into global strategies.

 

  • Ethics, Power, and Democracy: Assessing who benefits from corporate lobbying, plus societal costs and benefits.

 

The course blends practical case studies with critical analysis to spark discussions on real-world lobbying and public policy 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
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The course includes in-class, online, and offline learning.

We will tackle difficult questions and dilemmas together, so be ready to engage actively in the interactions.
Feedback during the teaching period
Spontaneous feedback via mini-challenges on teacher-defined corporate dilemmas and maxi-challenges on student-defined real lobbying cases. Plus, peer review on your project: receive it from classmates and provide it to them.
Student workload
Lectures and workshops 36 hours
Preparation (studying for lectures and workshops) 90 hours
Active participation preparation 40 hours
Home assignment (5 pages) 40 hours
Expected literature

Online - and without payment - you will able to access almost all of the course syllabus from the CBS Library website.

 

The course draws on literature from management, political science and economics that will sharpen your academic and theoretical competence. Real-life cases will challenge you to put your knowledge at play in practice.

 

The organization of the course could look like this:

 

INTRO & THE BASICS 

 

 

 

THE PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS

 

 

 

 

THE LOBBYING STRATEGY

 

 

 

 

ETHICS & TRANSPARENCY

 

 

 

THE STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION 

 
Last updated on 10-02-2026