LiU Summer Academy: Swedish International Management in a (De-)Globalized World, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Specific information

The course is given within the framework of the Linköping University Summer Academy and is only open to students from Linköping University's partner universities. The course is on bachelor level and is offered in English.

Entry requirements

To meet the general entry requirements, students must have completed 1 year full-time studies (passed 60 ECTS credits or equivalent) from one of Linköping University’s partner universities.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• analyze the internationalization processes of Swedish companies and how business models can be adapted to different cultural and institutional contexts.
• identify and discuss global challenges that multinational companies may encounter, including the balance between global standardization and local adaptation.
• apply theoretical frameworks to understand how Swedish companies integrate sustainability and innovation into their global business strategies.
• evaluate the role of Swedish companies in shaping markets by influencing norms, standards, and demand.

Course content

This course offers an in-depth introduction to international business, with a unique focus on the global activities of Swedish companies. By using Swedish firms as examples, the course explores key themes within the field of international management. Topics covered include internationalization processes, the influence of cultural and institutional factors on global operations, and how Swedish companies adapt to and shape competitive environments internationally.

In an era characterized by discussions of “de-globalization” and regionalization, Swedish firms stand out as role models in combining resilience and adaptability within international business. The course further examines how Swedish companies address global challenges by adapting to regional markets, driving sustainability initiatives, and promoting innovation.

Students will gain a deeper understanding of how Swedish firms integrate innovation, sustainability, and Nordic values into their global value chains. The course aims to combine practical examples (case studies) with fundamental theoretical frameworks (e.g., the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, network theory, and the Uppsala model) to provide a broad understanding of international business in a changing world. In short, the course is designed for students who wish to develop deeper insights into international business with a specific connection to Sweden’s role in the global economy.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching consists of lectures, group work, seminars, and case studies. 

In addition to this, the students will engage in self-studies. 

Examination

The course is examined through:

• Individual written examination, grading scale: EC
• Active participation in seminars, grading scale: EC (P/F)
• Case-based group assignments, grading scale: EC (P/F)

To receive a Pass (E) as a final grade, the student is required to achieve at least Pass (P) on both the active participation in seminars and the case-based group assignments, as well as an E on the individual written examination. A higher final grade is based on the grade received on the individual written examination.

Detailed information is available in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department