Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The course focuses on the external dimensions of contemporary global production systems. Focus is especially on global strategies, outsourcing choices/practices, supplier related choices/practices and procurement choices/practices.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• An understanding of the central international management theories.
• An understanding of the determinants behind the configuration of a company’s internationalization choices.
• Knowledge of strategic procurement and the associated challenges.
• Knowledge of different key managerial challenges pertaining to the outsourcing decision, supplier selection, relationship building and collaboration with suppliers.
• Knowledge of the role of digitalization with regards to configuration of global value chains.
• Knowledge of the role of technological issues and sustainability when making outsourcing and procurement decisions.

Skills

• Developed skills in applying the international management theories when configuring global value chains.
• Developed skills to evaluate different options concerning internationalization choices from the perspective of international management.
• Developed skills to critically asses the limitations to international management theories and supplier management theories.
• Develop skills in making outsourcing choices, supplier management, and to procurement.

Competences

• Be able to discuss in a nuanced way the problem complex associated with internationalization with specific focus on aspects relating to ownership advantages, locational choices and internalization issues.
• Be able to discuss in a nuanced way central issues in respect to supplier management and procurement.
• Be able to provide theory informed yet independent reflections on the adequacy of the international management and supplier management theories.
• Develop abilities to craft and implement relevant organizational set-ups in the global companies or companies interested in internationalizing.

Type of instruction

The teaching is organized in accordance with the general form of teaching. Please see the programme cirruculum §17.

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 5 ECTS course module the expected workload is 150 hours for the student.

Exam

Exams