Sustainable Global Growth Strategies (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

This course will be implemented during the autumn semester 2025
28.08.2025-17.12.2025 as a face-to-face learning.
The final date for assignment submissions is 17.12.2025. After this date, you cannot submit your assignments anymore.
The course ends on 17.12.2025.
Course assessments will be ready by 30.12.2025.

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 model.

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

Exam schedules

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

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 20 hours
Preparing for the lectures 20 hours
Group projects 60 hours
Individual assignment 35 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

Your assessment in this course will come from four items, namely the group project (30% of the final grade), individual assignment (30% of the final grade), the case assignment (30% of the final grade), and active participation in class (10% of the final grade). The criteria for assessment are understanding key concepts and the ability to apply them in practice in a critical manner.