Course Syllabus

European Business Strategy: Case Studies (Section C)

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European Business Strategy: Case Studies, Core Course

Semester & Location:

Spring 2018 - DIS Copenhagen

Type & Credits:

Core Course - 3 credits

Core Course Study Tours:

Western Denmark & Riga/Helsinki

Major Disciplines:

Business, Management

Faculty Members:

Daniel Reece

Program Director:

Susanne Gaul Hovmand - sgh@dis.dk

Assistant Program Director:

Anne Christine Nielsen - acn@dis.dk

Program Assistant:

Adeline Reiser - are@dis.dk
Time & Place:

Mondays & Thursdays, 08.30 - 09.50 - F24-203

Prerequisites:

A one-year sequence of courses in micro and macroeconomics.  

Course content:

European Business Strategy will be studied primarily through lectures and case-studies of European companies. The focus is on how to analyze and create strategies for selected companies taking the complex environment under which European companies operate into consideration. This focus includes a closer look at:

  • the specific business models and strategies of local and global companies operating in these various European contexts;
  • business challenges relating specifically to Latvia and Helsinki;
  • the similarities and differences between European countries in terms of business environment; and finally;
  • the business impact of policies and regulations at the EU level, as well as at national level.

As part of this course the students will develop a comprehensive project focusing on the Carlsberg Brewery (fast moving consumer goods – beverage). The findings of the project will be presented to a senior executive of the company.     

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Understand the European business environment using multiple case studies as examples;
  • Identify key issues facing European business today, including how European business are influenced by:
    • The Single European Market and EU policies and regulations ;
    • National legislation and structural conditions;
    • Cross-cultural challenges;
  • Analyze business models and strategies of European companies as well as their responses to changes in Europe’s evolving business environment;
  • Apply critical thinking (pro/con) in analyzing empirical/corporate information;
  • Engage in group projects in a structured and efficient manner;
  • Identify “best practices” regarding presentation delivery skills, presentation structures, and the design and use of PowerPoint.
  • Design and deliver a professional, well-structured, persuasive presentation;
  • Effectively handle a question-and-answer session;
  • Write a professionally formatted, strategically structured business memorandum.

Required Textbook:

Doing Business in Europe.  Los Angeles: Sage Publications, 2008. Suder, Gabriele

Course overview:

  • Sponsor project: The main case project for this course is developed in collaboration with the Carlsberg Brewery. The purpose of the project is to address some of the challenges for the beverage industry 8fast moving consumer goods industry), and to suggest possible strategic recommendations. The details of the project will be disclosed in class.
  • Study Tour: On our study tours to Western Denmark and to Riga/Helsinki we will visit companies and analyze their specific business cases. Also we will use the study tours to collect relevant data for the ongoing Sponsor project.
  • Class room sessions: In class we will focus on establishing a common theoretical framework that we will use to analyze European industries and business cases. Also we will study the European business environment in detail. This includes the EU integration process, EU policy areas, and national private sector policies. This information serves as a basis for understanding the conditions that European businesses operate under. In class we will also have student presentations of different companies and topics, and workshops where you can work on the Sponsor project, and practice your presentation skills.  

Faculty member:

Master of Laws (International Taxation, St Thomas University Miami, 2005). Founder and Managing Director of Nordeq Management A/S. CEO of the Equinor Group 2005-2014. Expertise in cross border corporate structuring, private equity, and leadership. With DIS since 2015.

DIS contacts:

Susanne Hovmand, Program Director, sgh@dis.dk, tel: +45 3376 5430

Anne Christine Nielsen, Assistant Program Director, acn@dis.dk, tel: +45 3376 5718

Grade Components:

One individual written assignment and one group written assignment, and associated presentation. Written assignments are each app 4-page paper (double-spaced, 300 words each) of a) Reflections on Latvia and Helsinki business environment, and b) strategy for one of the companies visited on field studies during the study tours. Analysis should be based on company presentations and your own research. These assignments (including presentations) are worth 30% toward the final grade, i.e. 15% each.

Midterm Exam is a closed-book exam held in class. The exam will assess your understanding of the European business environment and in analyzing and making strategies for European companies. The midterm exam is worth 20% toward the final grade.

Sponsor project is a team assignment developed for Carlsberg. The purpose is to uncover the challenges and to propose strategic recommendations as well as ideas and plans for implementation to Carlsberg. This assignment is worth a total of 30% towards the final grade.

Engagement: This class requires a high level of motivation and active participation in class and during the study tours. Attendance is mandatory. The following is expected from students:

  • Active and voluntary participation in class discussions
  • Having prepared properly for every class
  • Being able to address the readings critically during class, thus displaying a good understanding of the subject matter
  • Being analytical and concise in oral interventions.
  • Being able to collaborate well with your assigned team and delivering elaborate and analytical papers and presentations.

If you are unable to attend class, you must notify your instructor in advance. We allow computers and smart phones in class PURELY for note-taking purposes. In case of other uses such as Facebook, e-mails or internet surfing, it will have a negative impact on your engagement grade. Engagement is worth 20% toward the final grade.

 

Grading Elements:

 

 

 

Grading Scheme:

 

 

 

 

Points

Grade

Engagement (in class and study tours)

 

= 20 points

 

100 – 93

A

Written Assignments 

 

 = 30 points

 

<93 – 90

A-

Written Exam

 

 = 30 points

 

<90 – 87

B+

Sponsor Presentations

 

 = 30 points

 

<87 – 83

B

Total

 

 = 100 points

 

<83 – 80

B-

 

 

 

 

<80 – 77

C+

 

 

 

 

<77 – 73

C

 

 

 

 

<73 – 70

C-

 

 

 

 

<70 – 67

D+

 

 

 

 

<67 – 63

D

 

 

 

 

<63 – 60

D-

 

 

 

 

<60

F

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

 

Schedule: Schedule is subject to change if necessary with as much notice as possible.

Class Policy on Audio and Video Taping and Distribution: Any audio or video recordings produced during this class, as well as any recordings posted to online class sites such as Canvas, may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation, for posting on social media sites, or be used for any other purpose other than for study by students enrolled in this class. In addition, distribution or sharing of course materials (including instructor PowerPoint slides) may constitute copyright infringement.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due