The business environment in the High North and in other parts of the world is changing due to digitalization, financial and political developments, green economy and globalization, among others.
The research suggests that the future is in the North due to the changes in the demand of natural resources, demographic changes, global warming and globalization. Also the businesses are changing; the organizational structures, the ownership of businesses, business models and role of work and labor.
Networks are changing to emerging partnerships where all actors have to be actively looking for new innovations and trusted partners. Because of these developments, the character and role of entrepreneurship is seeking new forms.
The objective of the International Business Management is to give a holistic picture of the international business.
The programme is designed to increase the competencies of the students and to respond to the needs of the changing business environment. Its foundation is on definition and solving of a development idea and problem together with the fellow students and the working life.
A strong emphasis on multiculturalism is included to enhance competencies in the field of business model development, business cultures, business platforms and ecosystems, and strategic management in international business especially in the High-North.
Furthermore, the aims at designing and building concrete development plans for enterprises to support their internationalization processes.
The programme is conducted entirely in English. There are
also close relationships with international partners, both businesses
and universities.
Study contents
The Master’s Degree Programme in International Business Management will
conform to the requirements knowledge, skills and competencies for the
level 7 of European Qualification Framework, EQF(7).
Tuition is carried
out virtually by utilizing Moodle and GAFE Study Environments and Adobe Connect
system.
Contact weeks are arranged once in a semester. The on-line
studies make it possible to combine studies with the work and private
life.
- Seminar week in Tornio, Finland 3 – 7 September 2018
The vision of the International Business Management programme is based on three competence areas:
- digital transformation of enterprises,
- business model innovation, and
- service ecosystems and platforms.
Leadership plays a central role in a transformation process. This means
that the success of a transformation is dependent on the skills and
competencies of the leadership within an organization. The behaviour of
managers is an important determinant for the culture within an
organization.
In the IBM programme, future managers will be trained in
showing appropriate behaviour and raising awareness and engagement.
Structure of studies
Overall theme: Business developer
The programme is divided into themes:
Theme 1. Changing Business Environment 20 cu
• Northern Business Environment 5 cu
• Business Model Innovations and Leadership 10 cu
• Elective: Intercultural Interaction 5 cu
Theme 2. Analyzing Business Models and Ecosystems 20 cu
• Customer Experience Management 5 cu
• Service Ecosystems and Platforms 10 cu
• Business Research and Development Methods 5 cu
Theme 3. Digital Transformation Strategies 20 cu
• Knowledge and Network Management 5 cu
• Digital Transformation Strategies 10 cu
• Elective: Project Management 5 cu
Master Thesis 30 cu
Three themes consist of 10 and 5 credit unit courses, and an elective
course. The thesis process starts from the first semester aiming at
developing skills of the students in academic writing and in research
and business development methods.
Final project
The aim of the Master thesis is to apply the all-encompassing knowledge
and skills in international management to a specialized area of the
student’s choice in her/his stakeholder organization or in a regional
development project.
Most talents do research and write their Master
thesis aiming to apply the learned theories in to practice, and to
develop their own research competences and also internationalization
processes of their home organizations.
It is also possible do research
which has more general interest in enhancing cross-border co-operation
in the High-North.
Qualification
The Master’s Degree Programme in International Business Management will
conform to the requirements knowledge, skills and competencies for the
level 7 of European Qualification Framework, EQF(7).