Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The choice of modes of foreign market entry and servicing is a crucial for companies expanding internationally. This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both non-equity and equity modes of internationalization. Throughout the module, students will explore the characteristics and details of various internationalization modes as part of the internationalization strategy of companies, including their applications, how they drive foreign market expansion, and the advantages and disadvantages of their adoption.

In addition, the module will cover key managerial decisions related to resource commitment, flexibility, mode shifts in foreign market servicing, and the influence of contextual factors on mode combinations. The goal is to equip students with the ability to analyze the effectiveness of different modes in increasing/decreasing a firm’s involvement in foreign markets and to be able to make informed recommendations on the choice of foreign operation mode.

This module builds on content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Semester 1. By the end of the course, students will have gained insights into the costs and benefits of various internationalisation modes, their implementation and management, as well as relevant theories and frameworks. The knowledge and skills acquired will support students in their 3^rd-semester internships and in writing their master’s thesis.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

The objective is that the student after the module possesses knowledge about:

• The relevant theories, models, approaches and methods used to inform the choice and evaluate the effectiveness of different modes of internationalization.
• Managerial decisions on resource commitment, flexibility, and shifts in modes of internationalization.
• The impact of home and host country context and institutions on the choice of internationalisation modes and firm performance.

Skills

The objective is that the student after the module possesses abilities in:

• Critically and analytically reflecting on the choice of foreign operation modes.
• Comparing, contrasting and critically evaluating the relevance of different modes of internationalization.
• Selecting relevant theories, models, approaches and methods for examining the effectiveness of different foreign operation modes when entering and expanding into foreign markets.

Competences

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

• Identifying and analysing key theoretical and practical problems concerning equity modes of internationalization.
• Applying the above knowledge and skills to make decisions about foreign operation modes.
• Relating contemporary changes in the political environment to the strategic choice of modes of internationalization-
• Understanding and applying mode switching, mode stretching, and mode combination strategies to adapt to changing market conditions or strategic goals.

Type of instruction

The module combines lectures, exercises, and workshops to provide a comprehensive and interactive learning experience. Through a series of lectures, students will be introduced to key topics related to foreign modes of foreign market entry and servicing, gaining both theoretical and practical insights. The lectures will be complemented by exercises and workshops, where students can apply the concepts and theories learned in class. These sessions will include case studies and hands-on activities, allowing students to critically analyse real-life scenarios and make strategic decisions based on the module’s content. This blended approach ensures that students not only understand the material, but also develop practical skills in applying the gained knowledge to complex business situations associated with choice and justification of foreign market entry and servicing modes in firm internationalization.

Exam

Exams