Course 2026-2027 a.y.

• Globalization and fragmentation

  • Competing perspectives on globalization and its evolution

  • Recent economic, political, and social dynamics shaping global integration and fragmentation

• Key actors in global markets

  • Roles and interactions of firms, states, and societal actors

  • Implications for firm strategy in global business environments

• Entry and exit strategies in international markets

  • Drivers and modes of international expansion

  • Timing, location, and strategic choices in market entry

  • Determinants, processes, and implications of market exit

• Emerging market multinationals

  • Rise and internationalization of firms from emerging economies

  • Sources of competitive advantage and differences from advanced economy firms

• Reconfiguration of global value chains

  • Organizational and geographical fragmentation (outsourcing, offshoring)

  • Reconfiguration processes (reshoring, backshoring, regionalization)

• Power, conflicts, and sustainability challenges

  • Social and political tensions in global markets

  • Corporate responsibility and responses to stakeholder pressures

• Define and explain key concepts related to globalization, fragmentation, and global markets.
• Describe the main drivers and dynamics shaping global production and consumption networks.
• Identify and explain the range of strategic options available to firms operating in global markets.
• Describe the processes and determinants of firms’ entry into and exit from international markets.
• Explain the organization and reconfiguration of global value chains.
• Analyze the role of firms and other actors in shaping power dynamics and social conflicts in global contexts.

• Apply analytical frameworks to evaluate strategic options for firms operating in global markets.
• Analyze global market dynamics to identify opportunities and risks for firms.
• Formulate and justify strategic responses to changing global conditions and competitive challenges.
• Evaluate firm strategies in relation to social, political, and sustainability-related pressures.
• Assess trade-offs in global decision-making under conditions of uncertainty.
• Communicate strategic analyses effectively in team-based settings, including through presentations and class discussions.

• Lectures
• Collaborative Works / Assignments

The course combines lectures with interactive and practice-oriented teaching methods aimed at fostering active student engagement.

• Case study discussions: Real-world business cases are used to explore strategic challenges in global markets. Students are expected to prepare cases in advance and actively contribute to in-class discussions by analyzing different perspectives, identifying key issues, and connecting empirical evidence to theoretical frameworks.
• Group presentations: Students work in teams to develop and present strategic analyses of selected cases. Presentations focus on evaluating alternative strategic options and are followed by discussion and feedback, allowing students to refine their arguments and engage with different viewpoints.
• Class discussions: Structured and open discussions are used throughout the course to encourage critical thinking and the development of well-founded arguments. Particular attention is given to fostering students’ ability to articulate and defend their ideas in a collaborative setting.

Assessment is based on three main components:

• Group presentations (40 points): Students work in teams to develop and present strategic analyses of business cases. This component assesses the ability to apply theoretical frameworks, evaluate strategic options in global markets, and communicate arguments effectively in a team setting.
• Peer evaluation (10 points): This component evaluates individual contributions to group work and supports the assessment of teamwork and collaborative skills.
• Final written exam (50 points): The exam consists of a combination of multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering course materials as well as content developed during lectures and class activities, including insights emerging from student presentations and instructor feedback. Both types of questions may draw on case studies, including their analysis, comparison, and discussion. It assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts, as well as their ability to apply analytical frameworks and provide structured and well-argued answers. A passing grade in the final written exam is required.

Students are required to complete all assessment components to pass the course. The final grade is based on the total number of points accumulated across the three components.

Regular attendance is integral to the learning process and to the effective development of the analytical and communication skills assessed in the course. Attending status requires consistent presence throughout the classes.

• Assessment is based on a final written exam (100%), consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions based on the assigned course materials. Both types of questions may draw on case studies, including their analysis, comparison, and discussion. The exam assesses knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theoretical frameworks, as well as the ability to analyze their implications and communicate arguments clearly and effectively.

• Lecture slides made available on the course online platform.
• Case studies, which will be made available through the appropriate online platforms (e.g., Library Course Reserves).
• Additional readings may be suggested to support the understanding of specific topics discussed in class.

• Lindner T. & Puck J. (2025). International Business. Mastering Strategic Challenges in the 21st Century. Sage. 
• Case studies, which will be made available through the appropriate online platforms (e.g., Library Course Reserves).
• Additional readings and/or books may be assigned to complement the core materials and will be made available online, as specified in the detailed syllabus at the beginning of the course.