Curricula

Objectives

This track will help you to understand the determinants of competitiveness that underlie the success of firms in international markets. Topics of the track include firm competitiveness, strategy, the attractiveness of locations, clusters, internationalization, corporate social responsibility (CSR), creating shared value (CSV), and circular economy.

You are able to develop personal learning in the fields of competitiveness, regional economic development, quality of the business environment, and internationalization (IBPER). You are able to provide recommendations to issues related to competitiveness and internationalization by reviewing academic literature critically (IBCRI). You are able to communicate the findings of his literature review responsibly in a written report (IBCOM). You are able to demonstrate ethical conduct in academic writing (IBETH).

Content

Competitive advantage, competitiveness of firms, internationalization of firms, competitiveness of regions, quality of the business environment, creating shared value, circular economy

Learning materials and recommended literature

Porter, M. (2008). On Competition. The Harvard Business Review Book Series.
Selected articles based on themes of the track and the selected thesis topic.

Teaching methods

Blended model.

Face-to-face learning: lectures, tutoring for the literature review assignment
Online learning: literature review assignment to be done individually in line with selected thesis topic

Exam dates and retake possibilities

There is no exam.

International connections

The contents of this track are based on learning materials from Michael Porter's Microeconomics of Competitiveness network, where JAMK is a member together with 150 higher education institutions from all around the world.

Alternative completion methods

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing.

The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: JAMK Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

Lectures 40 hours
Preparing for lectures 40 hours
Individual literature review assignment 55 hours

Content scheduling

14 weeks (starting in week 36, and ending at the end of week 50 excluding autumn holiday in week 42)
2 sessions per week, 2.5 hours per session (30 hours reserved for the applied track project)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

You are aware of the core concepts of competitiveness and internationalization and attempt to relate them to your personal career development (IBPER, IBCRI). You are able to draw conclusions at the basic level based on literature review (IBCRI) and express them in a written report responsibly (IBCOM, IBETH).

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

You understand the core concepts and principles of competitiveness and internationalization and relate them to some extent to your personal career development (IBPER, IBCRI). You are able to review the literature and make relevant suggestions for solving issues of competitiveness and internationalization (IBCRI). You express your findings in a well-structured written report responsibly in line with JAMK reporting instructions with minor errors (IBCOM, IBETH).

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

You understand the core concepts and principles of competitiveness and internationalization in details and relate them well to your personal career development (IBPER, IBCRI). You are able to review academic literature critically and make valid suggestions on issues of competitiveness and internationalization (IBCRI). You express your findings in a well-structured written report responsibly and fully in line with JAMK reporting instructions (IBCOM, IBETH).

Prerequisites

1st year studies