International Business Strategy in Emerging Country Markets
15 credits
Emerging markets have provided the bulk of market growth globally in the last decades. Spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, they are implementing economic and institutional changes that are opening them up for international business. Income growth and the growth of their companies are providing opportunities for foreign firms. In the next decade, these markets, constituting almost 80% of the world’s population will surpass the developed economies in market size. At the same time, challenges exist in succeeding in these markets due to the institutional differences, instability, and speedy changes in comparison to developed markets. Despite similarities between them mentioned above, these markets have some important differences. It is, thus, important to study them, understand their opportunities and challenges and develop appropriate strategies that help firms to succeed.
These societies have been called network societies and the importance of institutions, traditional culture, relationships and networks, makes the institutional network approach (Jansson, 2007) a potent framework for understanding them and developing appropriate strategies. On its part, the resource-based view provides a classical strategy approach to competition, which can be applied in emerging markets. The course presents both perspectives and applies them to analyze the strategies of companies. The course also takes up corporate sustainability and responsibility as these are increasingly important challenges for companies doing business in emerging markets.
Kalmar – the student city by the sea
In Kalmar centre, right next to the sea, you will find the university’s facilities that were inaugurated in August 2021. In Kalmar, everything is nearby, and you can take your bicycle to the university regardless of where you live in the city.
New students have housing guarantee. This means that you are entitled to student accommodation within two months. This is one of the reasons for Kalmar being appointed Student City of the Year 2023 by the Swedish National Union of Students. Kalmar has also received the award because the city offers students an excellent living environment. What is more, the city works actively to create opportunities for students to stay in Kalmar to work when they have completed their studies.
Kalmar municipality has about 70 000 inhabitants. Kalmar has a strong trade and industry with many companies that are on the forefront in green energy, e-commerce, and eHealth, which means there is good opportunity to establish contacts for your future work life.
Kalmar has a cultural history centre and has been named Sweden’s Summer City several times. No wonder, with all the hours of sun, beaches and concerts. What is more, the island of Öland is just one bridge away.
Build your own degree
Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.