Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Objectives
The language of instruction is English. Teaching, assignments, exams and the master's thesis writing process are instructed, conducted and completed in English.
In Xamk's International Business Management (IBM) degree programme, you will learn how to use business intelligence to manage your organisation: how to plan, implement and develop measures internationally. In the IBM programme, you will focus on the business aspects that are essential for a company's international strategic planning and growth.
This master's degree programme prepares students to work on responsible strategic assignments in international business organizations. Students will be able to successfully address leadership issues in international marketing, supply chain management, smart logistics, sustainable development and the green transition, as well as a wide range of strategic management issues.
Learning is based on action learning and interdisciplinary cooperation between students, teachers and companies. During your studies, you will build important networks with professionals from different fields of study and the world of work. You will develop your professional skills to succeed in demanding development, management and expert roles.
Your workplace can be your learning environment, as you can carry out a development assignment for your own employer. You also have the opportunity to spend part of your studies at one of our partner institutions abroad.
Degree programme description
Core competence (45 ECTS credits)
Core competence courses are mandatory for all students in the degree programme and aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills that allow them to utilize and integrate a wide range of business data necessary for the planning, implementation and development of management operations in an organization or company. The theoretical and applied models and methods of international business management are an essential part of the core competence studies. The scope of one course is 5 ECTS credits.
Core competence courses are:
• Business process development
• Sustainable growth
• Marketing management
• Cross-border management
• Supply chain management and smart logistics
• Innovation management for business
• Research methods and RDI competences for business
• Strategic business game
• Customer intelligence
Complementary competence (15 ECTS credits)
You can choose complementary competence studies from a wide range of Xamk Master School’s common studies based on your interests.
These common studies cover courses both in Finnish and English and include the following:
• Digitality and technology in society
• International operating environments and communication
• Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
• Research and development
• Language studies
You can also choose complementary competence studies from other higher education institutions provided that they are offered as master’s degree level studies.
If you have previously completed studies at the level of EQF 7, and they match the objectives of the degree programme, they can be accredited as part of your studies. More information is provided by the Degree Programme Coordinator.
Master’s thesis (30 ECTS credits)
The master’s thesis (30 ECTS credits) is an important part of your studies. Its topic should aim at developing your own work or the performance of a work community. In the thesis process, you identify development needs in your professional field and plan and implement a related research or development process. You can also complete your thesis as part of Xamk’s RDI projects or as commissioned by one of the degree programme partners.
The subject of the thesis should be related to the themes of international business management and include two main criteria - internationalization and strategic business development. The purpose of the thesis is to improve your research, project management and development skills.
Implementation of studies
The programme is organised as blended studies, which means you can study while working. However, having a job is not a prerequisite. The studies include contact teaching, online learning, independent work and group work. The language of instruction is English.
Contact teaching days are held at Xamk's Kouvola campus. The compulsory contact courses are held approximately twice a month on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The number and timing of these courses depend on your personal study plan.
During your master's degree programme, you will get to know professionals in your own field as well as in other fields. This multidisciplinary network of experts will also bear fruit in your working life after your studies. You will also build important networks in development projects for the world of work, the most important of which is the thesis.
Career opportunities
Operations Manager, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Marketing Manager, Product Manager, Market Research Analyst, Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Business Development Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Operations Analyst, Logistics Manager, International Sales Manager, International Trade Specialist
RDI and cooperation with world of work
Xamk has strong partnerships with businesses, the public sector and the third sector.
The most important partners for the IBM degree programme from the world of work are companies, public sector organizations and other network actors in Finland, especially in Kymenlaakso.
Learning environments
You will study in different environments such as the Kouvola campus, online or in companies and organizations where students, teachers and company representatives work together.
The master’s degree programmes at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences offer an authentically international study environment with students and staff members coming from over 30 countries.