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

Right in the heart of Kalmar, by the sea, you’ll find Campus Kalmar. Everything is close by, and no matter where you live in the city, you’ll be within cycling distance of the university.

If you’re a new student, you’re covered by an accommodation guarantee, meaning you have the right to student housing within two months. This is one of the reasons why Kalmar has been recognised as one of Sweden’s best student cities – several times.

The municipality has around 70,000 inhabitants. The city boasts a strong business sector, with leading companies in green industries, e-commerce, and e-health, providing plenty of opportunities to make connections for your future career.

Kalmar has a charming and historic city centre, with small shops, cafés, and gyms nestled along cobbled streets and alleyways. The coastline offers great opportunities to enjoy nature – whether you want to go for a walk, exercise, swim, or simply relax. Plus – Öland is just a bridge away.
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House Vita at universitetskajen in Kalmar

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