Course content

OverviewConducting business in culturally and institutionally different countries presents a unique set of challenges. The diverse cultures, laws, and languages serve to add to the complexity of establishing and managing business ventures across borders. This course provides a broad introduction to the international business environment and seeks to examine the challenges and issues related to developing strategies, building organizations, and managing people and operations across culturally diverse countries and regions. Topic list• International business environment• Complex role of culture on organizations • Strategic decision-making in the global business environment• Business models and competitive strategies across diverse environments• Cross-cultural communication in an international business environment• Managing people in a dynamic and complex global marketplace

Learning outcome

Knowledge• Have a basic knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories of culture, international business and management in the global context. • Develop an understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, trends, and approaches to conduct business in a cross-cultural environment• Develop an understanding of current and future trends in international business. Skills• Be able to critically analyze the business and organizational environments in diverse cultures • Be able to deal with the distinctive problems that arise when firms operate across national borders.• Develop the ability to communicate effectively across different cultural environments.General competence • Develop an international perspective.• Develop an awareness of the challenges and issues facing companies wishing to effectively operate across different cultural environments.• Know the principles of effective communication across different cultural environments, and know how to interact with people of diverse cultures.

Learning methods and activities

A combination of lectures, case studies, presentations and guest lectures.

Compulsory assignments

• Individual/group assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

As for the study programme.

Course materials

To be announced