Course Syllabus

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International Strategy and Leadership: Case Studies 

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Semester & Location:

Summer 2019 - DIS Copenhagen

Type & Credits:

Summer Course - 3 credits

Core Course Study Tours:

Stockholm and St. Petersburg

Major Disciplines:

Business, Management, Marketing

Faculty Members:

Leif Rasmussen and Peter Friis-Mikkelsen

Program Director:

Susanne Hovmand - sgh@dis.dk

Time & Place:

Monday-Friday 8.30 - 12.30; first day 1:30-4:30. Classroom F24-302

Description of Course

Through intensive studies of a well-known international company we will gain valuable insights in order to make proper analyzes of the company’s market situation and international opportunities. Based on these analyzes and the theories of Michael Porter we will create a strategy which must be applicable for markets worldwide. By visiting the company in three different markets and using specific tools, you will discuss and learn how to make plans for implementation of the strategy – including considerations about cultural differences.

Such a process cannot be successful without proper leadership. Consequently, we will focus on the management perspectives of developing and executing business strategies, and the introduction to management theory will be accompanied by practical use of management tools in the cases.

Learning Objectives

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

  • Analyze business models and strategies of a European company and based on these analyzes create proposals for new strategies based on Porter’s theories.
  • Understand how to transform strategies into implementation plans.
  • Understand the purpose of management and the application of various management tools.
  • Understand different personality traits and their relevance for leadership and followership.
  • Apply critical thinking in analyzing empirical/corporate information.
  • Engage in group projects in a structured and efficient manner

 

Faculty

Leif Rasmussen
2008 - CEO and owner of Trading company, Imexpo Aps.
1997 – 2007: Sales and Marketing Director, Member of Executive Board, Royal Unibrew
1995 – 2007: Member/Chairman of Supervisory Boards, mainly subsidiaries and in
Associations in the beer and soft drink industry
1990 – 1996: Marketing Director, Danish Brewery Group
1985 – 1989: Marketing Manager, Faxe Brewery
1982 – 1984: Consultant and Account Manager, Ted Bates Advertising Agency
1982: Cand. Merc, Copenhagen Business School
1975 – 1982: Product Manager, Irma
1975: General Business Administration, Copenhagen Business School, N. Brock
Email: lr@imexpo.dk

Peter Friis-Mikkelsen
2012 – CEO and owner of PerForM Consulting and Coaching Institute
2011 – 2012: VP Europe, Medical Insight A/S
2008 – 2011: VP Sales, ScanJour A/S
1998 – 2008: Acc. Mgr., Partner Group Manager, Business Manager SME, Microsoft Denmark & Iceland
1993 – 1998: Large Acc. Mgr. Digital Equipment Corporation
1991 – 1993: Consultant and team lead, Hafnia Insurance & Banking Group
2008: Managing IT Strategically, Copenhagen Business School/SIMI
1991: Master of Law, Copenhagen University
Email: pfmmail@me.com

                                                                                                                                                                         

Readings

  • Article: Fordham International Law Journal: Fifty years of European Integration: A remarkable achievement
  • Article: Michael E. Porter: The five competitive forces that shape Strategy
  • Article: Michael E. Porter: What is strategy
  • “Global Marketing and Advertising, Understanding Cultural Paradoxes” (Fourth Edition) by Marieke de Mooij
  • Yves Morieux & Peter Tollman: “Six Simple Rules”, HBR Press 2014
  • Osterwalder, Alexander et.al. : “Business Model Generation”, 2009

Study Tour

Stockholm in Sweden and St. Petersburg in Russia.

In combination with your stay in Copenhagen, the visit to Stockholm will give you great insights into the Scandinavian business, economic and welfare system – which have proven successful for many years. But also, the cultural differences between two closely related countries can be observed. The cultural differences between markets – and their impact on business - will become very clear when we are visiting St. Petersburg in Russia.

Finally, it will give us the opportunity to experience two very old and culturally very rich cities in northern Europe.

Approach to Teaching

The teaching style is highly interactive and experiential with a mix of theory/tools and their application in practice. The course will include in-class case work and simulations, in-class practicing of tools in pairs and in groups.

Expectations of the Students

You are expected to have an interest in exploring management in a business context – and to integrate the learning about strategy with the learning about management to help you actually execute the strategies and lead teams to achieve the strategic goals.

Evaluation

Grade components:

Assignment 1:  App. 6-page paper and a group presentation of analyzes and corresponding strategies counts for 20%.

Assignment 2:  App. 6-page paper and a group presentation of chosen strategy plus specific and detailed plans for implementation counts for 25%

Assignment 3:  App. 6-page paper and a group presentation of the management of the organization which is in charge of the process developing strategies and implementation plans counts for 30%.

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

  • Active and constructive 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 able to collaborate well with your assigned team and delivering elaborate and analytical papers and presentations.

Engagement counts for 25%.

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:

Date Details Due