Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The choice of foreign operation mode is a critical question for internationalising companies. In this module, the student will be introduced to knowledge and theories related to how organisations can internationalise using different equity and non-equity foreign operation modes, such as wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, exporting and contractual agreements such as licencing and franchising.

During the module, the student is introduced to the details and characteristics of different modes of internationalisation, including how they might be used, how they can contribute to foreign market expansion, and their drawbacks.

The student will also explore managerial decisions on resource commitment, flexibility, shifts in the mode of foreign market servicing and the influence of context on the combinations of modes of internationalisation. The purpose is to enable the student to analyse the usefulness and effectiveness of different foreign operation modes in developing a firm’s involvement in a foreign market and provide recommendations for the choice of foreign operation mode.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

The objective is that the student after the module possesses the necessary knowledge on:

• various equity and non-equity modes of entering foreign markets and the strategic implications of the different modes.
• theories and methods used to inform the choice of foreign operation methods and evaluate the effectiveness of different modes.
• the impact of home and host country context and institutions on the choice of equity modes of internationalisation and firm performance.

Skills

The objective is that the student after the module possesses the necessary skills in:

• critically and analytically reflecting on the choice of foreign operation modes.
• arguing theoretically and practically about the advantages and disadvantages of different foreign operation modes when expanding into foreign markets.
• comparing, contrasting, and critically evaluating the relevance of different foreign operation modes in context.

Competences

 The objective is that the student after the module possesses the necessary competences in:

• applying knowledge about theories and methods related to foreign operation modes to make decisions about foreign operation modes.
• independently design and conduct analyses of key problems within foreign operation mode choice.
• applying relevant theories and skills related to foreign operation modes to evaluate the effectiveness of different modes and provide recommendations for the choice of foreign operation mode.

Type of instruction

For information see § 17.

Exam

Exams