Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The key objectives of the course are: to introduce the frameworks and tools to analyse global business environment, to introduce various modes of doing business across borders, and to familiarize with the planning, implementation and management of business activities globally. The learning outcomes include:

-        the enhanced awareness of differences in global business environment, including political, regulation and cultural aspects,

-        understanding of the dynamics and suitability of various ways to conduct business in different global business environments, including the adaptation issues,

-     understanding of the related ethical and social responsibility issues,

-        ability to analyse and plan global business activities,

-     problem-solving skills based on real-life cases.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 02.03.2021 - 08.04.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Perttu Kähäri

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Perttu Kähäri

Contact information for the course (valid 08.02.2021-21.12.2112):

Professor of Practice

Perttu Kähäri

perttu.kahari@aalto.fi


Teaching Assistant

Emilia Eräpolku

emilia.erapolku@aalto.fi 

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course provides a theoretically grounded overview of key issues, opportunities and challenges in global business. We shall assess globalization and the consequent changes in firms’ operating environment and analyze the needs to adjust firms’ strategies and operations due to these changes. The course covers key concepts and principles of conducting business in the international dimension, including issues in various functions, such as HR and marketing. The role of politics and regulation are covered, including world trade and regional economic blocs. The premises that various countries provide for companies in terms of competitiveness are analyzed.  Ethical issues as well as social and environmental responsibility are addressed. The purpose of the course is to a) present the most important forces affecting international business today, b) introduce various international strategies, and c) present the ways to organize, coordinate and control international activities

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Based on assignments and participation.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Individual assignments (45%): Reflection papers (30%), Video presentation (15%)

    Class participation (15%): Class attendance (10%), Active participation (3%), Course feedback (2%)

    Case study presentation in teams (40%)


    General feedback is given during following lectures and/or on MyCourses following the submissions. Specific feedback will be given personally for students or teams upon request.


    Regular class attendance is expected of all students. Students are also expected to be online on time, and they should be prepared to turn on the video during the classes for active participation.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Contact teaching    30h
    Independent work    130h
    Total    160h (6 ECTS)

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Classroom hours, online 30h

    Class preparation 33h

    Assignments 97h


DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    As indicated in the syllabus.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Textbook:Global Business Today,Hill & Hult, 11th or 10th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2020 or 2018, international edition. 


    Articles are assigned per each session later in the syllabus.


Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    26C10000 International Business and Strategy

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    No prerequisites

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    SessionDateTopic
    1Tue 02.03.
    Introduction and course practicalities
    Introduction to international business
    Introduction to the case and team formation
    2Thu 04.03.
    Global business environment, Guest: Prof. Hannu Seristö
    3Tue 09.03.
    Internationalization and managing multinationals
    4Thu 11.03.
    People in international business, Guest: Prof. Ingmar Björkman
    5Tue 16.03.
    Managing language diversity at the international workplace, Guest: Prof. Rebecca Piekkari
    6Thu 18.03.
    Feedback session on the progress of the case study
    7Tue 23.03.
    Global supply chains, Location choice, Guest: Dr. Iiris Saittakari
    8Thu 25.03.
    Disruptions and risks in international business
    9Tue 30.03.
    Case presentations
    10Thu 01.04.
    Course summary, feedback & wrap-up


    Classes are held in the afternoons at 13:15-16:00, via Zoom.