Sustainable Global Growth Strategies (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

4 contact days in spring semester 2025: 14.2 (14-20), 15.2 (09-14), and 7.3 (14-20)

Objective

You understand the possibilities of internationalization to create new businesses and achieve sustainable 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 sustainably. In designing sustainable growth strategies, you monitor global trends and take into consideration differences in different country markets.

The competences to develop in this course are sustainable global business management, and internationality and multiculturalism.

Sustainable global business management:
You critically review and understand sustainable strategies and models for firm growth and internationalization. You apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge to propose sustainable business solutions to grow new ventures in global markets.

Internationality and multiculturalism:
You monitor global trends and take into account differences in country markets in designing sustainable growth and internationalization strategies.

Content

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

Materials

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 learning: a combination of face-to-face learning and independent learning

Your primary learning takes place in the classroom through lectures and workshops. That will be complemented by independent study on your assignments.

Employer connections

There is no internship. You will reflect on the concepts in the context of your work experiences and workplaces.

Exam schedules

There is no exam.

International connections

You will learn about the opportunities and challenges of conducting international business.

Completion alternatives

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 17 hours
Preparing for the lectures 34 hours
Group projects 84 hours

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient (1):
You understand the key concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization sufficiently but fail to attempt to apply them to analyze and design strategies for sustainably 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 apply them to analyze and design strategies for sustainably 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.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3):
You have a good understanding of the concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization and apply them well to analyze and design strategies for sustainably 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 minor issues in complying with JAMK reporting instructions.
Very good (4):
You have a very good understanding of the concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization and apply them insightfully 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 and in a well-structured manner, complying with JAMK reporting instructions.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

You have an excellent understanding of the concepts and models of firm growth and internationalization and apply them critically and insightfully to design innovative strategies for sustainably 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.

Qualifications

It is recommended to complete the strategic management course.

Further information

The assessment will be based on group projects and active participation in class.