Aims

This course evaluates the following learning outcomes:

The student

1.1 (IZ+IB) Analyses strategic international business operational problems and questions taking into account the specific business context.

1.2 (IZ+IB) formulates, based on scientific knowledge on and insight into the international business environment,  a well-founded solution for strategic and operational international business problems and questions and when doing so, takes into account the specific business context.

1.4 (IZ+IB) reflects in a critical spirit about the internal context of the international organisation and about how international strategy and management affects the internal context in such a way as to increase overal efficiency and effectiveness of the organization in a global environment.

2.1 (IZ+IB) analyses strategic international business problems and questions taking into account the specific business context, the stakeholders involved, and the broader international environment in which the company operates.

2.2 (IZ+IB) formulates, based on scientific knowledge on and insight into the international business environment,  a well-founded solution for strategic and operational international business problems and questions and when doing so, takes into account the specific business context.

2.3 (IB) Develops the capacity to formulate an independent view on the ethics of current and new international business practices.

2.3 (IZ) formulates, based on the knowledge and insights into international legal, political and cultural frameworks, rigorous solutions for international strategic problems and questions, while taking into account the specific international business environment, stakeholders and the global context in which the company operates.  

2.4 (IZ) can take a reasoned stance concerning actual societal and global problems as well as the globalisation topic in general, based on scientific knowledge and insights in 'International Business'.

2.5 (IZ) reflects critically on the external international context of organisations and aligns the strategy, management, and organisation of the international company on these reflections in order to improve the functioning of the company and/or the general wellbeing of people in a global market environment.

3.1 (IB) Collects and analyses online data in an efficient and effective way to solve international business problems.  

3.2 (IB) Retrieve online data in such a manner that they can be used for solving international business problems. 

3.3 (IB) Has a profound understanding of cultural and institutional factors and how they impact international business decisions.

3.1 (IZ) plans, organises, evaluates and optimises financial, operational, logistic, strategic, legal, marketing and HR related processes concerning international business while taking into account the specific international / global business context and integration of different processes.

4.1 (IB)  reflects critically on new developments en trends in international business.

4.1 (IZ) reflects critically on the forces playing in the international / global context of organisations that affect the economy. 

4.2 (IZ+IB) interpreteert en analyseert trends op de internationale markt, en kan een kritisch onderbouwd standpunt innemen over maatschappelijke globale thema’s, daarbij rekening houdend met (gevolgen voor) de betrokken internationale stakeholders.

4.3 (IB) Is able to assess the impact of technological and privacy constraints on the quality of international business analyses. 

4.3 (IZ) develops a vision which allows to operate fluently on the global market as well as to show empathy and respect for entrepreneurs and managers from different cultures, with different political, cultural and historical backgrounds. 

4.5 (IZ) has a broad view on the situation of today's world as it evolved and will still evolve in an era of globalisation.

5.1 collects and consults sources and data purposefully and critically, on the basis of a given management problem or social question and takes into account the characteristics of the type of source or data used (popularizing or scientific source, primary or secondary data).

5.6 synthesizes research results acquired on the basis of a critical analysis (and integration) of information from relevant sources and data, and substantiates solutions for a complex management problem or social question.

7.1 takes on a diplomatic and honest position and can reach an agreement that takes into account the interest of all parties involved through negotiation and mediation. 

7.2 discusses the social, ethic and sustainability aspects of management, analyses a policy on the basis of these aspects and formulates suggestions for improvement. 

7.3 takes initiative, is flexible, shows responsibility and can work independently in complex and unpredictable contexts. 

7.4 is able to utilize his/her acquired knowledge and his/her ability to think analytically, synthetically, abstractly and/or creatively in a flexible and authentic way in specific and/or complex situations. 

7.5 is critical and not afraid to question himself/herself and his/her environment. 

8.1 formulates, as a member of a team, the interdisciplinary problem that is at the basis of the project, analyses the content of the project, the circumstances surrounding the project and factors that will influence the course of the project, and uses this information to formulate the (general) goals of the project. 

8.2 organises, as a member of a team, the project and sets up a detailed and realistic plan, taking into account the context of the question, the scope of the project, the conditions, the limitations, the expected quality and the means available. 

8.3 follows, both individually and as a member of a team, the arranged plans and applies time management techniques. 

8.4 takes responsibility for his/her role in the team and carries out his/her part of the project on time. 

8.5 assesses, as a member of a team, the project, monitors the progress of the project, deals with uncertainty, gives feedback and formulates points of action and points of improvement throughout the project.

8.6 participates constructively in meetings with the team and with others who are involved in the project.

8.7 assesses his/her own input critically and evaluates, as a member of a team, the course and the result of the project. 

9.1 informs experts and laymen correctly and structurally on his/her general and/or specialised knowledge, both in speaking and writing.

9.2 chooses and uses the appropriate communication channels and means and adjusts both the communication content and style to the audience and the communication goal. 

9.3 communicates convincingly, shortly and concisely his/her vision and actions in different contexts and accounts for his/her choices, both in speaking and writing. 

9.4 substantiates clearly and convincingly.

9.5 is aware that communication is a two-way street, asks for and anticipates input or feedback of the supervisor(s), listener(s) or reader(s). 

10.1 (IB) Detect and interprets the continuously evolving globalisation forces and how they impact the internationalisation process of firms.

10.1 (IZ) keeps his / her knowledge of international economics and business related themes up-to-date on the basis of practical as well as policy oriented, legal and scientific information. 

10.2 (IZ) can integrate policy-oriented, legal, scientific andf practice-based, hands-on information about specific international themes and can take a solid and fully reasoned position concerning the relevance of the particular theme for the business context.     

10.3 (IZ) reflects critically on how important evolutions and innovations on the international market can be translated into the policy of internationally oriented organisations, thereby taking into account the specific business context.   

11.1 is aware of the rapidly evolving knowledge society that he/she will enter and therefore understands the need for maintenance and improvement of acquired knowledge, skills and competences and acquisition of new knowledge, skills and competences. 

More information

The course prepares students for the kinds of situations and decisions that will be encountered when operating in international markets and when formulating and implementing the internationalisation process. As such, students can properly analyze and understand the international business environment. They know how to make decisions that are critical to the success of international growth initiatives. As part of this, participants in this course are able to analyze, report and present on the various issues that are relevant to companies operating internationally.

At the end of this course, students are able to:

- Understand the motives for internationalisation.

- Apply the theories underpinning the internationalisation process.

- Explain the internationalisation process model and born global concept.

- Develop and apply a market selection process.

- Advise a firm on choosing an appropriate entry mode for internationalisation.

- Manage the different entry modes effectively.

Previous knowledge

It is recommended that students have had exposure to an international economics and international business course prior to taking this course.  Such a course will provide an important foundation on technical aspects of international trade, foreign direct investment, and multinational enterprises.

Is included in these courses of study

• Master of Business Administration (Antwerp) 60 ects.
• Master of Business Administration (Antwerp) (Track: International Business) 60 ects.
• Master in de handelswetenschappen (Antwerpen) 60 ects.
• Master in de handelswetenschappen (Antwerpen) (Specialisatie: Internationaal zakenwezen) 60 ects.
• Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Economics and Business (Antwerp)