EXC 3631 International Business Environment

EXC 3631 International Business Environment

Course code: 
EXC 3631
Department: 
Communication and Culture
Credits: 
7.5
Course coordinator: 
Eliane Bucher
Course name in Norwegian: 
International Business Environment
Product category: 
Bachelor
Portfolio: 
BBA - Specialisation in International Business
Semester: 
2023 Autumn
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Bachelor
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

The international business environment course will help students understand how to conduct business internationally. The course will in particular focus on the political, legal and technological environment which shapes international business. Students will acquire knowledge about international and multinational organizations that drive and facilitate processes of global economic integration. In addition, students will engage with and critically discuss how current technological developments (such as AI, Algorithms and an increasingly networked public sphere) create new opportunities for and constraints on doing international business. Finally, the course will discuss various emerging challenges to international business and help students develop data-driven approaches to address them in a sustainable manner. This perspective will include a study of the changing nature of organizations in an increasingly digital economy as well as challenges linked to globalization.

Learning outcomes - Knowledge

Students will learn about the following topics:

  • Recent trends in the process of globalization
  • Key data sources to evaluate the international business environment
  • The growth of regional trading blocs and their business implications
  • International differences in the costs of doing business
  • Benefits and risks linked with outsourcing and global production chains
Learning outcomes - Skills
  • Based on acquired knowledge of core topics, students will be able to identify and apply formal and informal rules in international business for managing cross-border business activities.
General Competence
  • Students will ideally develop knowledge and management skills whether and how to enter foreign markets in relation to formal and informal rules in foreign markets as well as competence to reflect on challenges linked with ethical dilemmas, environmental issues and climate change.
Course content

The course relies on theoretical concepts, empirical evidence, and a broad understanding of international institutional environments. Case studies will illustrate and advance theoretical concepts developed in the lectures.

  • Understanding institutions
  • The regulation of international trade
  • Key international organizations
  • Regional dynamics, emerging economies
  • Global challenges (Digitalization, labor standards, poverty and environment)
Teaching and learning activities

Students are expected to use Internet during the course. The course is based on lectures, group work, weekly assignments and individual / group wise tutoring.

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Qualifications

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Disclaimer

Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.

Required prerequisite knowledge

General knowledge of business administration subjects

Exam categoryWeightInvigilationDurationGroupingComment exam
Exam category:
Submission
Form of assessment:
Written submission
Exam code:
EXC36313
Grading scale:
ECTS
Grading rules:
Internal examiner
Resit:
Examination every semester
30No1 Week(s)Group/Individual (1 - 4)Written mid-term exam: Performing a data-driven analysis of the international business environment. All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam category:
Submission
Form of assessment:
Written submission
Exam code:
EXC36314
Grading scale:
ECTS
Grading rules:
Internal examiner
Resit:
Examination every semester
70No2 Week(s)Group/Individual (1 - 4)Written final exam: Develop data-driven strategic options for an emerging challenge in the international business environment. All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exams:
Exam category:Submission
Form of assessment:Written submission
Weight:30
Invigilation:No
Grouping (size):Group/Individual (1-4)
Duration:1 Week(s)
Comment:Written mid-term exam: Performing a data-driven analysis of the international business environment. All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code:EXC36313
Grading scale:ECTS
Resit:Examination every semester
Exam category:Submission
Form of assessment:Written submission
Weight:70
Invigilation:No
Grouping (size):Group/Individual (1-4)
Duration:2 Week(s)
Comment:Written final exam: Develop data-driven strategic options for an emerging challenge in the international business environment. All exams must be passed to obtain a final grade in the course.
Exam code: EXC36314
Grading scale:ECTS
Resit:Examination every semester
Type of Assessment: 
Ordinary examination
All exams must be passed to get a grade in this course.
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
36 Hour(s)
Prepare for teaching
29 Hour(s)
Group work / Assignments
50 Hour(s)
Student's own work with learning resources
55 Hour(s)
Examination
30 Hour(s)
Exam and examination preparation.
Sum workload: 
200

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 7,5 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 200 hours.