Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The activity consists of four modules, each of which extends over a limited period and has its own academic content within the theme framework of the module, and a block which includes philosophy of science:

Block 1:

Based on a selected case and on the presentation and discussion of selected and relevant models and theories, the students will work in groups to conduct a number of analyses of an international company. A particular focus will be on the international company as a phenomenon and on the role of the business economist in developing the international company.

Block 2: The companies in political and institutional contexts

In this block, the students will analyse the framework conditions of the companies, which are affected by the political system, labour market institutions etc. The block will focus on the effect on companies of different policy areas, i.e. economic policy, employment policy and industrial policy. Next, the effect of the regulation of the labour market through collective bargaining and social security schemes on company staffing strategies will be expounded. Finally, students will explore how the welfare state may affect the business climate of a community by promoting trust and social capital.

Block 3: Companies seen in an international context

In this block students will analyse the businesses in an international perspective. We will examine, among other things, the effect of globalisation and Europeanisation on international businesses in the shape of new economic and political dynamics. We will demonstrate how the EU internal market operates and discuss the consequences of Brexit and - in more general terms - the potential effect of a showdown with the liberal multilateral world order on the businesses. Finally, we will study theories from the subject of comparative political economy which explain how the institutional framework of businesses contribute to supporting the competitiveness of companies and to a great extent shape the comparative advantages of the companies in an international market.

Block 4:

In this block students will analyse the international company in a future perspective and put into perspective the role a business economist can and must play in the development of the international company in which technological changes constitute a major driving force for change.

Block 5: Philosophy of science

1st semester courses in scientific method will be further expounded by courses in different fields of philosophy of science. The course supports the student's work to understand and translate theory and empirical evidence through examples and exercises, thus enhancing the student’s awareness of and ability to include considerations of the philosophy of science in connection with study activities in the BSc in Economics and Business Administration generally and in future project work in more concrete terms.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

The student must through the module obtain knowledge about:

The objective is to enable students to reflect on companies in international political and economic contexts, including:

• Demonstrating knowledge of how globalisation and the various types of market economies promote different types of competitiveness - including the EU's internal market.

• Showing insight into the role of the business economist in the international company.

• Distinguishing between different analytical models for understanding the international company.

• Demonstrating knowledge of different concepts and perspectives of the philosophy of science.

Skills

The student must through the module obtain skills in:

• Applying skills in the analysis of business issues relating to the international contexts of a company, i.e. the company’s competitive possibilities in an international market.

• Applying concepts from the philosophy of science in project work and reflecting on the basis of the philosophy of science on the individual aspects of the project and their interrelationships.

Competences

The student must through the module obtain competences to:

• Selecting and reflecting on key business issues relating to the dynamics of an international context.

• Assessing which specific aspects should be taken into account when managing an international company.

• Applying the philosophy of science in future study activities in the programme BSc in Economics and Business Administration.

Exam

Exams