Business Development and Supply Chain Management D 30 credits

About the course

The course is directed to students aiming to become entrepreneurs as well as managers or project leaders focused on (international) business development. The course provides deepened theoretical and practical knowledge about strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, networking and business growth and at the same time, systematically incorporates sustainability and internationalization aspects.The aim is to develop capabilities and skills to act upon business and societal opportunities, needs and challenges, to develop successful businesses and innovations in a global and changing business environment.

Common expected learning outcome:

• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing (applies for module 1-3)

The core course consists of four modules, which will be further described below:
Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
Module 2. Managing Networks and Internationalization 7.5 credits
Module 3. Entrepreneurship and Business Growth 7.5 credits
Module 4. Supply Chain Management II 7.5 credits

Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
This module highlights key challenges facing contemporary organizations in a globalized world. The students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the business context and the intertwined nature of its events and processes. Alternative theoretical perspectives on strategy will be presented to provide a comprehensive platform for strategic decision-making in the forthcoming modules. Students will practice strategic thinking from both an internal and external perspective. The module integrates theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active participation, both individually and in groups. Students will also practice making strategic analyses, identifying options, and recommending appropriate solutions that are both rooted in theory and actionable. During the module, students will also be introduced to methods of working in international teams and to academic conduct, for example how cheating and plagiarism can be avoided and referencing techniques.
 
Expected learning outcomes:
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• describe and analyze the foundations of strategy and strategic perspectives.
• propose solutions to cope with internal and external strategic challenges and complexities.
• propose appropriate strategies to meet key dilemmas concerning for example, innovation, product, process, organization, marketing and business models.
• critically reflect upon the consequences of strategic choices and assess the need for  developing the organizational capabilities and knowledge base..
• understand and be able to apply an academic approach to avoid plagiarism in academic work. 

Focus of instruction:
In addition to lectures and guest lectures, learning is supported by cases and seminars. The module requires significant amount of independent study of assigned compulsory book chapters, articles, hand-outs and case material. The module also requires a significant amount of group work. Case studies are carried out in groups with oral and written presentation. Students are introduced to academic conduct, for example how cheating and plagiarism can be avoided and referencing techniques.

Examination modes
The examination consists of case reports, an individual written hall exam and an individual computer based examination on plagiarism and referencing. Case reports are performed in groups and the exam is individual. Attendance at case-seminars is mandatory and is thus a requirement to pass the module. A passing grade for each graded part of the module is required to pass. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.
 
Module 2. Managing Networks and Internationalisation, 7,5 credits
In the international business setting, organizations meet competition from existing incumbents as well as new entrants and managers consequently need to design strategies both for cooperation and competition. This module focuses on   how companies can develop business capabilities  related to internationalization, various business relationships and different types of networking. This includes building, maintaining and supporting businesses with various modes of foreign operations,  joint ventures, alliances and networks, in a complex environment.  The students will analyze and design strategies for internationalization and network relationships through cases.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• explain the relationships between entrepreneurship, networking, internationalization, and business development
• analyze and interpret the dynamic structures and processes for international business development
• audit firms' international and network strategies 
• develop action plans and recommendations in order to support business development activities 
• identify strategic and ethical aspects of networking and internationalisation processes

Focus of instruction
From lectures, seminars and the literature base the ambition is to encourage the development of a conceptual understanding of the field. The ability to analyze real business problems and integrate different models and perspectives to solve these problems will be developed through different learning methods such as cases and audits. .  The audit of network and internationalization strategies will help the students to integrate conceptual understanding with the structures and processes of real-life businesses.

Examination modes
The examination consists of seminar(s), a written group assignment, andand an individual written hall exam. A passing grade is required for each part. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 3. Entrepreneurship and Business Growth, 7.5 credits
A key challenge for start-ups and existing organizations is to maintain the entrepreneurial spirit and create growth. The module discusses different perspectives on growth in small- and medium-sized enterprises and the differences between entrepreneurial orientation and a more traditional small business orientation. In the module students will analyze entrepreneurship, and how professional investors perceive entrepreneurial growth in emerging enterprises. Main themes concern (i) theoretical perspectives on entrepreneurship and its connections to business growth, (ii) the characteristics and components of entrepreneurial motivation, risk taking and the willingness to grow businesses, (iii) entrepreneurial strategy-making, (iv) entrepreneurial growth in context, (v) venture capital and financing challenges. The literature will cover these themes and connect them to businesses. During the module, students work with cases related to the above themes and develop solutions to solve the issues and problems outlined in the cases.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• apply theoretical knowledge to identify and evaluate challenges for, and ethical consequences of, entrepreneurial growth
• analyze driving forces for entrepreneurial growth and create strategies for new venture development
• assess how investors evaluate entrepreneurial growth and how institutional intervention influence entrepreneurial growth
• create solutions about how to turn around entrepreneurial ventures in distress
• apply investors decision making tools in order to evaluate and improve entrepreneurial ventures

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures and seminars and the teaching is characterized by a strong emphasis on student activity, both verbally and in written tasks. Work in groups is an essential part of the module. Assignments will include both practical analyses of growth possibilities and growth restrictions on the separate themes during the course. The student is expected to actively participate both individually and work in small groups during seminars and tasks, and in the written and oral presentations.

Examination modes
The examination consists  written group assignments and an individual oral exam. A pass grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note also examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 4. Supply Chain Management II, 7.5 credits
Supply chain management has evolved from an operational issue, focusing on the optimization of an organization's incoming goods, to a strategic issue of understanding effects of logistical systems on the overall supply chain. This supply chain typically encompasses multiple organizations interlinked locally, regionally and globally. Supply chain management II is an advanced course on supply chain issues with considerations not only for the immediate organization, but also for the overall industrial network, society in general and the environment. This means that sustainable development is of high importance in the course. In this context, climate change and transportation are given particular attention and are related to global, national and local circumstances and commitments. Among other important areas treated in the course are reverse logistics and outsourcing  In reverse logistics, organizations need to cater for not only products produced but also incorporate waste management. In outsourcing, organizations has a direct and indirect moral and contractual obligation to handle the environmental footprint and labor rights issues created by the overall supply chain.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate analytical and integrative skills on issues of the efficiency and effectiveness, of supply chain networks using different theoretical and value perspectives
• apply acquired knowledge to enable strategic decision-making based on supply chain considerations, including stakeholder dialogue
• analyze the impact of challenges in supply chain management networks, including resource constraints, environmental risks and labor rights
• analyze the increased role of reverse logistics and outsourcing on supply chain management
• demonstrate skills in the evaluation of the need for adaptation within retail and logistics due to climate change
• demonstrate skills in working with and presenting advanced and integrative real-world supply chain problems in organizations.

Focus of instruction:
The learning is supported by case-studies. Students will work with one large case where conventional issues of supply chain management, such as localization, transportation, cost efficiency, customer orientation and optimization, will be at the core together with issues of environmental sustainability and global responsibility. Students' basic understanding in supply chain management will now extend to a strategic level. In essence, students will work on a scientifically based evaluation report where they are to use their own prior knowledge of the subject matter together with contemporary research in the field of supply change management with a distinct environmental perspective.

Examination modes
The examination consists of a project assignment, an individual written examination and seminar participation. A larger case will be used throughout the course where each student will fulfil a specific assignment within the overall case structure. A passing grade is required for each part of the module.