Curricula

Objectives

You understand the possibilities of internationalization to create new businesses and achieve firm growth. You know the key concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization, and you are able to apply them to analyze and design strategies for growing the company in international markets.

Content

Growth strategies, internationalization, market entry modes, internationalization strategies, exporting, foreign direct investments, franchising, licensing, mergers and acquisitions, platform strategy.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Selected readings on firm growth:
1. Greiner, L. E. (1972). Evolution and revolution as organizations grow: A company's past has clues for management that are critical to future success. Harvard Business Review, July-August, 37-46.
2. Davidsson, P. (1991). Continued entrepreneurship: Ability, need, and opportunity as determinants of small firm growth. Journal of Business Venturing, 6(6), 405-429.
3. Akpinar, M. (2009). Internationalization vs. diversification: A study on the drivers of growth strategies. Journal of Global Business Issues, 3(2), 1-7.
4. McKelvie, A. & Wiklund, J. (2010). Advancing firm growth research: A focus on growth mode instead of growth rate. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 34(2), 261-288.

Selected readings on internationalization:
1. Kogut, B. & Zander, U. (1993). Knowledge of the firm and the evolutionary theory of the multinational corporation. Journal of International Business Studies, 24(4), 625-645.
2. Oviatt, B. M., & McDougall, P. P. (1994). Toward a theory of international new ventures. Journal of International Business Studies, 25(1), 45-64.
3. Ghemawat, P. (2001). Distance still matters: The hard reality of global expansion. Harvard Business Review, 79(8), 137-147.
4. Johanson, J., & Vahlne, J. E. (2009). The Uppsala internationalization process model revisited: From liability of foreignness to liability of outsidership. Journal of International Business Studies, 40(9), 1411-1431.
5. The Economist (2019). Slowbalisation: A new pattern of world commerce is becoming clearer - as are its costs. 430(9127), 11.

Teaching methods

Blended model.

Face-to-face learning: Lectures, case study discussions, group project presentations
Virtual learning: individual assignments, group project

Practical training and working life connections

The individual assignment will aim to develop operations at your work place.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

There is no exam. The individual assignment is due a month after the last contact session.

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 27 hours
Preparing for the lectures 27 hours
Group project 27 hours
Individual assignment 54 hours

Content scheduling

4 contact days

Further information for students

Diploma in IBM students: 39
Exchange and Degree students: 11

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Sufficient 1: You understand the key concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization sufficiently but fail to attempt to use them to analyze and design strategies for growing a company in international markets. You have challenges to communicate your findings in oral and written in a structured form. There are issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.
Satisfactory 2: You understand the key concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization satisfactorily and attempt to use them to analyze and design strategies for growing a company in international markets. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly. There are some issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good 3: You have a good understanding of the concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization and use them well to analyze and design strategies for growing a company in international markets. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly in a structured manner. There are some issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.
Ver good 4: You have a very good understanding of the concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization and use them innovatively to analyze and design strategies for growing a company in international markets. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly in a well-structured manner. There are minor issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

You have a thorough understanding of the concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization and apply them critically and to design innovative strategies for growing a company in international markets. You are able to communicate your findings in oral and written form responsibly and in a well-structured manner, complying fully with JAMK reporting instructions.

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree