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 learning outcomes of the course comprise:

  • ability to see strategy and ways of strategizing as highly contextual
  • practical insight of the contemporary strategic challenges of companies
  • understanding of the ways to develop strategies for global business
  • 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 manage business in different global environments, including the adaptation issues 
  • ability to analyse and plan global business activities
  • understanding of the related ethical and social responsibility issues.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 01.11.2021 - 08.12.2021

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Hannu Seristö, Johanna Niskavaara

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    This course provides a theoretically grounded overview on how companies develop strategies for, compete in and operate in the world markets. The view is more from a corporate and firm level rather than from a functional standpoint (e.g. marketing) or an individual domain. The view is that of multinational corporation (MNC) rather than of a small company. The course examines the key questions in strategic management: how to create value and how to achieve and maintain competitive advantage in the framework of global business.


    The course introduces the traditional process-based perspective on strategy and discusses strategizing as an action in a continuously changing environment. It discusses from strategic perspective the key issues, opportunities and challenges in global business arena. It addresses globalization and the consequent changes in firms operating environment and analyzes the needs to adjust firms strategies and operations due to these changes. The key concepts and principles of leading and managing business in the international dimension, including issues in various functions, such as HR and marketing are discussed. The role of politics, political risks and regulation are covered, including world trade issues. A thorough look is taken into the premises that various countries as location provide for companies in terms of competitiveness. The purpose of the course is to a) present the most important forces affecting global strategy development today, b) introduce and analyze the suitability of different strategies, and c) present the ways to organize, coordinate and control international activities.


    Main contents of the module are: strategic planning, global business environment, globalization of firms and industries, global strategy and growth, competition and competitiveness, location decisions, world politics & business, global trade, economic integration, global integration & local adaptation, planning and managing business globally.


    The objectives of the course are to learn: the tools and frameworks to develop strategy for global business, skills in analyzing global markets, to assess various ways to organize business for global markets, and to plan and organize for different business environments.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Assignments 100%

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Contact teaching    24h
    Independent work    136h
    Total    160h (6 ECTS)

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    A reading package consisting of academic and popular articles. Case studies.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    This course is open to CEMS students exclusively. 100% attendance in lectures is required.


    Teaching Period:

    2020-2021 Autumn II

    2021-2022 Autumn II


    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=42E00101


    Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.