course-details-portlet

AI521716

International Business Strategy

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Ålesund
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

The course is designed to help you understand how companies create and implement strategies when operating internationally. We will explore real-world challenges companies face when working across borders and learn how global trends shape corporate decisions. Through the course, we will look at key topics from today’s international business discussions and connect to practical tools you can use. By the end, you will have a solid understand of what it takes to develop to and execute strategies in a global context. The course combines ideas from management, strategy, and organizational studies to give you a well-rounded perspective on international business.

Learning outcome

By the end of the course, you will be able to,

  • Analyse problems and issues within international and global business strategy, e.g., foreign market analysis, choice of entry modes, headquarter and subsidiary level strategies, global organizational structures, global innovation, and CSR.
  • Advise a multinational firm on choosing an appropriate entry mode for internationalization.
  • Create strategic plans for a multinational company.
  • Apply theory to solve complex international business challenges.
  • Identify managerial challenges confronting multinational companies.
  • Collaborate in multicultural teams and deal with unstructured problems.

Learning methods and activities

The course allows you to be an active participant. We use some lectures to discuss key concepts and models, while others will be workshops to give you the opportunity to explore and discuss problems and issues. You will also have opportunities to apply your learning through groupwork, essays and quizzes. We also invite guest lecturers to come and talk about their current projects.

Mandatory assignmente: Develop a strategic plan for a newly independent multinational company.

Compulsory assignments

  • Creating a strategic plan

Further on evaluation

Students are evaluated through a project assignment that counts 40% of the total grade and a three-hour school exam that counts 60%. The project assignment should be solved in groups by 2-3 students. Both project assignment and exam must be passed in order to be given a grade.

Students are entitled to re-sit only the part of the examination in which they have had legitimate reasons for an absence or have failed. A re-sit examination will take place only during the designated period for re-sit examinations. Later exam will require that both exam elements must be repeated.

Permitted examination aid for the written school exam is a simple bilingual dictionary.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Economics and Business Administration (ØAMSC)
Financial Economics (MFINØK)
International Business and Marketing (860MIB)
NTNU School of Entrepreneurship (MIENTRE)

Required previous knowledge

As for the study programme.

Course materials

A selection of acknowledged articles derived from the fields of International Business and Strategic Management.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
AL511612 7.5 sp Spring 2018
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Economics and Administration

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

NTNU School of International Business

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

School exam
Weighting 60/100 Examination aids HJELPEMIDD Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Assignment
Weighting 40/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Spring 2027

School exam
Weighting 60/100 Examination aids HJELPEMIDD Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Assignment
Weighting 40/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment