MAKRE4070 Research Design and Project Description Course description

Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

This course covers the research process from the planning phase until completion of the master’s thesis, including literary searches and referencing, formulation of research questions/hypotheses/issues, choice of research method and development of a project description, as well as ethical assessments relating to the student’s own work. Formal requirements for the project description are also covered to enable the student to complete the project description for their master’s thesis by the end of the course.

Grade scale A-F

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Programme in Health Sciences.

The world appears to have become more global and digital, and we have witnessed an increased growth in international expansion of companies of all sizes, i.e., MNEs, SMEs and Born global firms (BGs). Managers of these firms are facing opportunities and challenges related to international expansion and it is vital for future leaders and employees to have an understanding of these issues. The focus in the course encompass firms of all sizes, yet with a particular focus on SMEs and BGs and the particular challenges that need to be addressed by these firms in their internationalization process. It will be used cases throughout the course to illustrate theories and discuss practical problems.

Some of the topics covered in the course is international strategy, choice of entry modes, the internationalization process, market learning and knowledge transfer, institutional differences, the role of networks for internationalization, international entrepreneurship/born global firm and ethical issues.

Language of instruction is English.

None

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has an understanding of globalization, globalization forces and how globalization is related to international expansion
• has Insight and deep understanding of international expansion, including choice of markets, modes of entry, and tensions between global integration and local adaptation
• has a particular knowledge about what characterize born global firms/international new ventures and their internationalization process
• has basic and up-to-date knowledge of research and different dilemmas facing firms competing in international markets
• has developed their ability to reflect and understand issues facing firms going international
• has an understanding of sustainability and ethical issues facing internationalizing firms

Skills

The student

• is capable of analyzing complex and comprehensive internationalization issues for various types of internationalizing firms
• can apply theory and critical thinking to real cases and complex business challenges
• can reflect on opportunities and challenges for firms competing internationally

General competence

The student

• can engage in analytical discussions of internationalization issues
• can approach international decisions from various perspectives

A combination of lectures, seminars, case discussions and student presentations. Students are expected to take an active role in their own learning experience, actively participate in discussions, and contribute to an open and positive learning environment in class.

The following coursework requirements must be approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Completion of two written assignment (up to 6 pages). The coursework will be carried out in groups of four students, comprising different nationalities if possible.
• Coursework 2: Oral presentation in class, of a research article, book chapter, or business case (approx. 20 to 25 minutes), carried out in groups of four students comprising comprising different nationalities if possible.

The required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the students will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version within a given deadline.

The exam in the course is a supervised exam of 5 hours.

The following aids are permitted:

• One dictionary (Native language - English/English - native language or English-English).

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.