International Business Administration and Global Challenges, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces the context and frameworks of international business where students discuss the opportunities, challenges, and trade-offs facing organisations in an increasingly global environment. During this course, students are also introduced to examples of contemporary global challenges (such as political, economic, social, technological and environmental). In doing so, this course discusses the dynamics of complex/wicked problems that transcend traditional boundaries of organisations, sectors, and national borders.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe and compare conceptual foundations of international business.
• Discuss and explain the holistic nature of global challenges and ways to cope with them.

Skills and ability

• Evaluate and select international business frameworks.
• Identify how global challenges influence international business and management at both a strategic, general level and on a day-to-day basis.
• Understand and be able to apply an academic approach to avoid plagiarism in academic work.
• Communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach

• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of frameworks introduced in relation to international business and global challenges.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The teaching and learning methods include the delivery of lectures, seminars and critical evaluation of the literature (e.g., articles, case studies, textbooks). Whilst the lectures are mainly designed to illustrate and explain theoretical concepts, the seminars provide the opportunity to reflect and present ideas about and for transformations in society, economy, and environment. Students are introduced to academic conduct, for example how cheating and plagiarism can be avoided and referencing techniques.

Examination modes

The examination consists of: written individual assignment, written group assignment with oral presentation in class, an individual computer based examination  on plagiarism and referencing, and a written individual hall exam.

The following grading system is used:

Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more), Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more), and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations.

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a re- examination within two months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, other form of examination can be used. 

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity. 

Adaptations 
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified. 

Academic integrity and cheating 
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead on a test or on another type of task for examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to written assignments. Submitted material may be subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the university credit transfer regulations.