Course Syllabus

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Semester & Location:

Spring 2026 - DIS Stockholm

Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits

Major Disciplines:

Economics, Business, Political Science

Prerequisite(s):

One course in Economics.

Faculty Members:

Fairouz Hussien (current students please use the Canvas Inbox)

Time & Place:

Time: Tuesdays, 11:40 - 14:35

Place: C502

 

Course Description

In the past few years, the turbulence that the global economy has experienced has led to increasing uncertainties and changes, challenging growth expectations worldwide and highlighting the need for understanding economic strategies and components of competitiveness. As we reflect on what makes Sweden maintain its edge in the global economy (or challenge whether that is true or not), we turn to examine a variety of industries to investigate the economic conditions and the markets in which they operate.

This course explores the economic competitiveness of Swedish industries within the context of a rapidly changing global economy. You will learn how to collect data through a variety of means, practice the use of a few analytical tools, and work together to both present your work and evaluate the works of others. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to…

  • …know how to analyze the competitive advantages of Swedish industries in the global market.
  • …understand the role of industrial clusters in promoting competitiveness.
  • …analyze the strengths and challenges of the Swedish economy.
  • …identify strategies for enhancing international competitiveness in the global marketplace.
  • …explore policies and strategies that support Sweden’s economic competitiveness and sustainability.
  • …develop critical thinking and analytical skills through coursework.

Faculty

Fairouz Hussien (Ph.D. Stockholm School of Economics; M.Sc. Hanken School of Economics; co-founder of the SSE Methods Lab) is the lecturer of the elective course Economic Competitiveness in a Changing Global Economy: Swedish Industries.

Field Studies

This course will have multiple field studies, for which we will often meet outside of DIS. This means that your awareness of announcements on Canvas is of heightened importance. Staying informed is your responsibility.

DIS Accommodations Statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support acadsupport@disstockholm.se

Expectations of the Students

I expect all of you to show up to class with a good attitude, and the understanding that your laptop will remain closed unless I state otherwise.

I also expect all of you to have done your readings, homework, and assignments in a timely manner. If you encounter a situation that could cause a delay, please communicate that asap.

For work that needs to be submitted:

  • 1-5 days delayed: work will be accepted, but an automatic penalty of points will be taken.
  • 6< days delayed: work will no longer be accepted, and the points given will be 0.

Use of laptops or phones in class:

  • No phones or laptops open unless stated otherwise. Lecture slides will be posted into Canvas afterwards, but should you need to make notes, you may do so by hand. If you physically cannot do that, please do not hesitate to share your accommodation letter and we can adapt accordingly.

Evaluation

Aside from the submitted materials, you will also be evaluated based on an abundance of in-class work. Some of it will be individual, most of it will be in groups. I do not expect perfection, but I do need to see genuine effort being put into the work you do in class.

Grading

Assignment

Percent

Participation

50%

Course Project

30%

DIS Festival Project

20%

Academic Regulations

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due