Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

This course describes the first steps of the internationalization process of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Students learn to make a basic market analysis of a new target market for a company. Students analyze international marketing environment (macro and micro) of the target country and help the company with their internationalization plan.

After completing the course, the students will be able to:
• Search for market information of a new target market
• Describe the contents of an international market analysis.
• Analyze international marketing environment of a target country
• Apply the knowledge of the market analysis to company’s internationalization plan.
• Work effectively in a multicultural team.

Content (course unit)

• How to find market information of a new target market?
• What is international market analysis?
• What are the special features of international marketing environment?
• What knowledge is needed when entering into a new target country?
• How to work effectively in a multicultural team?

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student is familiar with basic concepts of international business. He/she is aware of common export modes. The student knows how to identify factors that indicate potential export markets in order to define market entry modes. The student can identify selected sources of market information and apply that knowledge in the context of a company’s internationalisation strategy. The student is capable of working in a multicultural team.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student has comprehensive knowledge of the concepts used in international business. He/she can analyse and select suitable export modes. The student knows how to identify and evaluate the factors indicating promising export market potential and is able to match them with the most suitable market entry modes. The student can identify a variety of sources of market information and relate that knowledge in the context of a company’s internationalisation strategy. The student is capable of working effectively in a multicultural team.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has extensive knowledge of the concepts used in international business. He/she can identify, analyse and select the accurate export modes in a variety of situations. The student knows how to identify and evaluate the factors indicating strong export market potential and is able to match them with the most suitable market entry modes. The student can identify an extensive variety of sources of market information. He/she can utilize and apply that market information in the context of a company’s internationalisation strategy. The student is capable of working effectively and productively in a multicultural team.

Location and time

On campus according to the timetable

Exam schedules

See Methods and Grounds for Evaluation

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment is based on successful completion of the following tasks and assignments:
• project for the commissioner's company (report + presentation)
• written exam
• course participation

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work, independent study, research, project work

Learning materials

• Course book: International Business: The New Realities, Knight, Gary; Riesenberger, John; Cavusgil, S. Tamer, 2016
• Materials in Moodle

Student workload

Total hours: 3 cr x 27 h = 81 h including:
• contact lessons 21 hours (7 x 3 h)
• independent study and research 60 hours

Content scheduling

• Sources of information for international market analysis
• Foreign market selection criteria
• External business environment (PESTEL analysis of a given market)
• Entry modes to a foreign market

Completion alternatives

If a student has completed corresponding studies at another university or university of applied sciences, the student may apply for credit transfer through HyväHot / CreTa system.

Such cases have to be discussed with the course teacher at the beginning of the course, and students may be required to complete additional assignments to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Practical training and working life cooperation

The main project of the course is carried out in cooperation with a commissioner (Finnish company).

Further information

Mandatory attendance - 80%
Active participation in group work
Research skills