Critical Issues in International Business and Entrepreneurship

About

The course explores how globalization, mobility of capitals, and sustainability challenges shape international business and entrepreneurship in diverse and evolving contexts. It provides an updated view to different business actors and contexts. This course equips students to navigate complex global challenges and drive sustainable, inclusive business practices and flourishing. It fosters critical thinking and global awareness essential for responsible management.

Course leader

Maria Elo, Associate Professor, University of Southern Denmark

Target group

Master's course, suitable for postgraduates and PhD students.

Course aim

Aims and learning outcomes:

• To be able to critically reflect and rethink theoretical assumptions and ways of doing business in different contexts
• To develop an understanding on complex, multi-stakeholder and transboundary challenges
• To develop skills and competences needed for sustainable and legitimate managerial and entrepreneurial action
• To enhance entrepreneurial innovativeness and thinking, global mindsets and collaboration skills for problem solving across contexts

Content and mode of study:
• Intensive 4,5-day seminar (on-site teaching, Lappeenranta campus)
• Online lecture, exam: Monday 10/08/2026 (after the on-site course)
• Pre-seminar readings (30 hours)
• Group exercises and collaborative tasks
• Developing research skills (in situ)
• Final individual written essay and oral examination (20 hours) next to daily exercise submission

Total workload 80 hours.

Evaluation: Daily participation with exercises that are uploaded to Moodle (group work and individual) (50%)
Final assignment and oral examination (50%)

Study material: Selected journal articles and book chapters are provided as pre-readings and in-class readings throughout the course. Additional in-depth material is provided by request. The course builds on inclusive learning and uses videos, seminars and other types of materials to support the written sources.

Prerequisites: This course is intended for students pursuing a master's degree. Previous courses in entrepreneurship, international business, and management are helpful but not required.

Fee info