International Business Theory: Trade, Investment and the MNE

2025/2026

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The aim is to give the student an insight into fundamental subject specific theoretical knowledge on international business theories, their historical development, meta-theoretical analysis, and current developments. The student should understand the specifics of internationalisation of MNEs, the role of home and host country context and institutions in the internationalisation of the firm, the diverse speed, scope, scale, and pathways in firm internationalisation.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

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

  • key international business concepts and theories characterising the development of the international business theoretical field in relation to the internationalisation of MNEs.
  • the impact of home and host country context and institutions on firm internationalisation.
  • the foundations of internationalisation theories.
  • the implication of digitalization on international business theory and practice.

Skills

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

  • delineating international business theories, frameworks and concepts.
  • searching for, grouping, extracting, and synthesising key points from academic publications on a specific international business theory and concepts.
  • comparing and contrasting theories of the multinational firm and critically evaluating their relevance in today’s context.

Competences

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

  • presenting own view on international business theories and concepts by making a point, supporting it with evidence and own argument.
  • applying the above knowledge and skills to authentic problems.
  • relating contemporary trends in trade and investment to economic and social development.

Type of instruction

For information see § 17.

Exam

Exams

Name of examInternational Business Theory: Trade, Investment and the MNE
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
Individual examination.
ECTS5
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleInternational forretningsteori: Handel, investering og MNE
Module codeKAINB20221
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Economics and Business Administration
DepartmentAalborg University Business School
FacultyFaculty of Social Sciences and Humanities