Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Degree programme description
IBM studies cover 90 ECTS credits divided into three parts:
Core competence (40 credits)
Complementary studies (20 credits)
Thesis (30 credits).
Core competence (40 credits)
Core competence courses are the following:
• Business process development
• Cross-border management
• Customer intelligence
• Innovation management in business
• Marketing management
• Strategic business game
• Supply chain management and smart logistics
• Sustainable growth
Core competence courses apply to all graduate students. Core competence courses aim to provide you with knowledge and skills to utilize and integrate a wide range of business information, necessary for the planning, implementation and development of managerial interventions in an organization. The theoretical models and methods of international business management are an essential part of the core competences. The extent of one course is 5 ECTS credits.
Complementary studies (20 credits)
Complementary competence studies enable you to specialise and deepen your studies according to your own interests and needs. You can include 20 ECTS credits of free choice Master School studies into your diploma.
The studies are categorised under the following themes:
• Research and development
• Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
• International working environments
• Information, digital services and networks
Master's thesis (30 credits)
The degree language is English. Teaching, assignments, exams and bachelor’s thesis are conducted in English.
Objectives
The Master’s degree programme improves the students’ professional expertise, giving them skills to succeed in demanding development, management and expert positions.
The International Business Management (IBM) studies focus on the aspects of international business which are of vital importance for the international strategic management and growth of companies. We offer our students the possibility to exchange studies with our numerous partner institutions.
A higher university of applied sciences degree produces the same competence for public offices and tasks as a higher academic degree – such as the Finnish degree Master of Science in Economics (KTM). Master’s degrees at Xamk are carried out within our Master School. Our learning approach bases on action learning and interdisciplinary team work together with the students, teachers and companies. Master School boosts your professional competence and connects you to a valuable network of professionals from different fields of study and businesses. Our International Business Management programme provides you with the cards to take your career to the next level.
RDI and cooperation with world of work
During master studies, you will meet professionals from your field and from other fields. You will benefit from this multidisciplinary network of experts even in your professional career after graduation. You also build important networks in professional development projects, the most important of which is your thesis.
Xamk has strong partnerships with companies, the public sector and third sector players. The most important partners in education and training are companies operating in Finland, especially in Kymenlaakso, together with public sector organizations and other network actors.
RDI projects (research, development and innovation) are large projects, which also include external financing. It is possible for you to participate in them through a course, as a trainee or as a project assistant writing a thesis. These projects can focus on topics such as large-scale customer research, development work for the local area or national education development.
International perspective
Studying in a Master’s programme at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences offers a truly international study environment with students and staff from over 30 different countries.
The students of International Business Management can strengthen their personal internationalisation by studying abroad during the studies. Xamk offers students the possibility to study with our numerous partner institutions.
Implementation of studies and flexible learning tracks
The programme is organised on a part-time basis and the studies involve a great deal of project work, teamwork and independent study. All studies are in English and carried out through blended learning methods, including lectures, online studies and project-based learning. There are on average three contact days per month. Most of the studies are completed online individually or in small teams. Your progress is supported by online study counseling. The contact lessons are normally held during weekdays, typically on Thursdays and Fridays. It takes about two years to complete the studies. Contact sessions are mainly held on Kouvola campus.
Study guidance
Xamk supports students in all matters related to studies. There are Studies Coordinators and peer student tutors to help, for example, in questions on study environments and study practices. All campuses also provide services by Student Affairs Advisors, Student Wellbeing Advisors, Councelling Psychologist and student health care.
The beginning of studies starts the process with your personal study plan (PSP). It involves making decisions on the courses and their timing, practical training, bachelor’s thesis and international studies. Studies Coordinators support and advice you in drawing up the personal study plan.
BYOD – Bring your own device
According to the BYOD policy, new students starting studies at Xamk must bring and use their own devices on campus.
Tuition fees
There is a tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students. In addition to the tuition fee, students must independently cover the costs of the study materials and living.
Scholarship scheme at Xamk
Students whose studies progress well and who complete 55 ECTS credits during the academic year, will be refunded 50% of the paid fee. The refund is paid yearly on the basis of the studies (ECTS credits) completed during the previous academic year.
Career opportunities
International Business Management opens a versatile career at the top of the global business world. The graduates have found positions as:
• Account Managers
• Development Directors
• Entrepreneurs
• Export Managers
• Export Operators
• Logistics Managers
• Market Supervisors
• Project Managers
• Purchasers
• Sales Representatives
• Team Managers
Learning environments
You can study either on campus – where the modern premises are designed especially for learning – or on-line, or outside the campus in different companies and organizations where students, teachers and company representatives cooperate. This way of learning provides you with knowhow on the working world and its possibilities around you.
All the courses – irrespective of their implementation method – use the systems of e-Campus (e.g. virtual learning environment Moodle), which enables smooth group work and document sharing. In addition, various special systems and digital environments such as e-books, databases, office tools, financial management systems, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, business games and research work programs required by different courses are widely available. Network tools, the student intranet called Student and social media channels increase wide-ranging and quick ways of communication and cooperation.
Enrollment
06.04.2023 - 21.04.2023
Timing
04.09.2023 - 31.12.2023
Number of ECTS credits allocated
5 op
RDI portion
4 op
Mode of delivery
Contact teaching
Unit
Liiketalouden koulutusyksikkö
Campus
Kouvola Campus
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
20 - 40
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Teachers
- Mikhail Nemilentsev
Teacher in charge
Mikhail Nemilentsev
Groups
-
MBKV23KYInternational business management, master studies
Objective
You learn how to manage new services and product development processes and how to commercialize them.
You are able to identify and apply soft skills behind innovation management.
You learn how to manage collaborative innovation networks (i.e. crowdfunding, crowdsourcing).
You are able to manage complex internal and external innovation processes in firms.
Content
How to manage new service and product development processes and how to commercialize them?
What are the soft skills behind innovation management?
How to manage collaborative innovation networks (i.e. crowdfunding, crowdsourcing)?
How to manage complex internal and external innovation processes in firms?
Materials
Materials will be published in Learn by the beginning of the course.
-The recommended book for the course: Innovation and entrepreneurship / John Bessant and Joe Tidd. - Third Edition. Wiley. Available in Xamk e-library.
Teaching methods
Certain course parts can be completed individually. However, a group work is motivated through an evaluated work task.
Employer connections
4 ECTS of this course are based on the RDI task(s).
Exam schedules
There are no exams or tests in this course. Students instead fulfill individual and group tasks.
International connections
The students are provided by the international study and business examples and cases. RDI cooperation is aimed at international development.
Student workload
5 ECTS is equivalent to 135 hours of student work.
Content scheduling
The course content is based on international aspects of innovations, innovation competences and innovation management. More exact description will be given in the beginning of the course.
Further information
The course will be organized mainly on campus in the presence mode.
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment methods and criteria
50% of the course evaluation comes from a group task. 50% of the course evaluation comes from an individual task.
Enrollment
08.01.2024 - 28.01.2024
Timing
01.01.2024 - 30.04.2024
Number of ECTS credits allocated
5 op
Virtual portion
2 op
Mode of delivery
60 % Contact teaching, 40 % Distance learning
Unit
Liiketalouden koulutusyksikkö
Campus
Kouvola Campus
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
20 - 40
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Teachers
- Slaveya Hämäläinen
- Mikhail Nemilentsev
Teacher in charge
Mikhail Nemilentsev
Groups
-
MBKV24KYInternational business management, master studies
Objective
You can characterize major global commitments to sustainable development and explain their influence on an industry level. You can create a framework for developing firm’s sustainable growth strategy including trends and issues regarding sustainable future. You can develop an action plan for implementing more sustainable growth strategies.
Content
How do international agreements and conventions govern sustainable development and what are the best industry practices for sustainability? How to incorporate sustainability into growth strategies? What are the metrics, measurements, and tools for tracking sustainability? (eg., ISO standards, triple bottom-line, key performance indicators (KPIs), lifecycle assessment (LCA), carbon management)
Materials
Course material and literature will be announced later.
Teaching methods
Scheduled track:
The course will be implemented as scheduled in student timetables.
Employer connections
As a part of their studies, students complete a report based on their own organisational RDI context. The objective of this research work is to find transformative processes towards sustainability inside a firm/organisation.
Exam schedules
Accepted assignments, no exam
International connections
The course will be based on the international framework of sustainability and sustainable development.
Student workload
5 ECTS is equivalent to 135 hours of student work. There will be both individual and group work during the course.
Content scheduling
A detailed curriculum will be presented prior to the course via Learn. There will be two separate research projects, which the students complete individually.
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, good (3)
Student can
* find, study, produce and evaluate critically multidisciplinary data in their field of expertise.
* solve demanding problems in research, development and innovation
* be responsible for operations and develop them independently.
* evaluate different strategic approaches and justify their use in terms of management and development.
Assessment methods and criteria
The course evaluation will be based on a number of assignments. No exam.
Enrollment
08.01.2024 - 28.01.2024
Timing
01.01.2024 - 30.04.2024
Number of ECTS credits allocated
5 op
Virtual portion
1 op
RDI portion
3 op
Mode of delivery
80 % Contact teaching, 20 % Distance learning
Unit
Liiketalouden koulutusyksikkö
Campus
Kouvola Campus
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
20 - 40
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Teachers
- Marko Lumijärvi
- Jagat Kunwar
Teacher in charge
Jagat Kunwar
Groups
-
MBKV24KYInternational business management, master studies
Objective
You learn to identify the components of business modelling.
You are able to make a value proposition and know how to deliver it.
You learn to analyze business platforms.
You are able to identify and utilize key business model patterns and pricing models.
Content
What are the components of business modelling (e.g. – BMC, Lean Canvas)?
How to make a value proposition and how to deliver it?
What are the main business platforms?
What are the key business model patterns and pricing models?
Materials
The learning material will be provided in XAMK Learn material. For further understanding, following readings are suggested.
Gassmann, O., Frankenberger, K. & Csik, M., 2015. The Business Model Navigator. Harlow, England: Pearson.
Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y., Etiemble, F. & Smith, A., 2020. The Invincible Company. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Osterwalder, A. et al., 2014. Value Proposition Design. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Parker, G. G., Alstyne, M. W. V. & Choudary, S. P., 2018. Platform Revolution: How networked markets are transforming the economy and how to make them work for you. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
Rogers, D. L., 2016. The Digital Transformation Playbook: Rethink your business for the digital age. New York: Columbia Business School Publishing.
Teaching methods
Individual study tracks can be negotiated with the instructor. It will be available only if the student can provide sufficient basis for such implementation. There can be a pre-test to assess the students’ ability and suitability to complete the course individually.
Employer connections
The students will develop their own business processes based on business models, value propositions and platform thinking. It is recommended to use organization where you are employed as cases but there are possibilities for RDI projects at XAMK to cooperate in completing the tasks.
Exam schedules
There are no written exams. There will be three theme tasks at the end of each module. The deadline for the first task is before the second meeting and so on.
International connections
Students have possibilities to complete theme tasks in international and multicultural groups. The case assigned for the theme specific project report can involve collaborating with SMEs aiming to internationalize abroad.
Student workload
There will be three contact sessions (F2F). The contact sessions will be held at the Kouvola campus. The virtual sessions will be held through Teams.
Content scheduling
You learn to identify the components of business modelling.
You are able to make a value proposition and know how to deliver it.
You learn to analyze business platforms.
You are able to identify and utilize key business model patterns and pricing models.
Further information
Please contact jagat.kunwar@xamk.fi directly for further information.
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment methods and criteria
Students can:
* Gather appropriate insights from stakeholders using multiple sources and methods
* Map and develop business processes for own commissioner or a case company
* Work individually and in development teams to solve given business problems
* Apply key theoretical frameworks in business and management to solve case problems
* Demonstrate independent expertise in developing own business processes as an entrepreneur
* Communicate own expertise through written reports and presentations in English.
Enrollment
08.01.2024 - 28.01.2024
Timing
01.01.2024 - 30.04.2024
Number of ECTS credits allocated
5 op
Virtual portion
2 op
Mode of delivery
60 % Contact teaching, 40 % Distance learning
Unit
Liiketalouden koulutusyksikkö
Campus
Kouvola Campus
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
20 - 40
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Teachers
- Mari Hämäläinen
- Slaveya Hämäläinen
Teacher in charge
Mari Hämäläinen
Groups
-
MBKV24KYInternational business management, master studies
Objective
You are able to develop and implement a marketing strategy.
You are able to identify an interlink between a marketing strategy and a sales strategy.
You learn the key features of brand management and are able to utilize them in your professional field.
You know how to use the marketing tools and how to evaluate marketing performance.
Content
How to develop and implement a marketing strategy?
What is the interlink between a marketing strategy and a sales strategy?
What are the key features of brand management?
What are the marketing tools and how to evaluate marketing performance?
Materials
Study materials are given in the first contact session and can be found in Learn.
Teaching methods
You participate in contact lessons according to our timetables. This course includes contact teaching, group works and independent work.
Employer connections
This course includes assignments that can be applied in working life.
Exam schedules
This course doesn´t have an exam. Completing this course requires accepted assignments.
Student workload
The content of this course is 5 credits which equals approximately 135 hours of student´s work.
Content scheduling
- marketing strategy
- brand management
- evaluating marketing performance
Further information
This course starts with a pre-assignment. Instruction for the assignment will be given by email before the course.
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment criteria, good (3)
Student can
* find, study, produce and evaluate critically multidisciplinary data in the field of marketing management.
* solve demanding problems in research, development and innovation related to the marketing management.
* evaluate and manage independently operations involving individuals and teams.
* evaluate different strategic approaches and justify their use in terms of management and development.
Enrollment
06.04.2023 - 21.04.2023
Timing
04.09.2023 - 31.12.2023
Number of ECTS credits allocated
5 op
Virtual portion
2 op
RDI portion
3 op
Mode of delivery
60 % Contact teaching, 40 % Distance learning
Unit
Liiketalouden koulutusyksikkö
Campus
Kouvola Campus
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
20 - 40
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Teachers
- Jagat Kunwar
Teacher in charge
Jagat Kunwar
Groups
-
MBKV23KYInternational business management, master studies
Objective
You are able to identify and analyze the industry-specific global business environment.
You learn to analyze the basic internationalization processes in business.
You learn how to develop a suitable entry-mode strategy.
Content
What is the industry-specific global business environment?
What are the basic internationalization processes in business?
How to develop a suitable entry-mode strategy?
Materials
(1) Ghemawat, P., 2018. Redefining Global Strategy: Crossing Borders in a World Where Differences Still Matter. Revised Second ed. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.
(2) Hollensen, S., 2011. Global Marketing. Fifth Edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
(3) Welch, L.S., Benito, G.R. & Petersen, B., 2007. Foreign Operation Modes: Theory, Analysis, Strategy. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Teaching methods
The lessons will be conducted face to face in the Kouvola campus according to the schedule provided. Please discuss with the instructor beforehand to justify alternate arrangements.
Employer connections
You have to select a case company, preferably the one where you work currently, to complete your course project. Based on the selection, you have to discuss their relevant internationalization strategies.
Exam schedules
The maximum number of points for the course is 100, broken down as follows:
Group/Individual course project (40%)
Reflection tasks for three sessions according to given instructions (3 X 20 =60%)
To pass the course, you must:
Complete each item of assessment listed above;
Attain at least half of the available points for each item of assessment listed above.
No exceptions will be made to these minimum requirements.
Content scheduling
After the course is over, participants should be able to:
Analyze the industry specific global business environment
Identify antecedents of foreign investment decisions
Recognize internationalization process models
Select foreign entry operation modes specific to a particular environment
Plan appropriate organizational structure for multinational management
Design and implement global functional strategies
Evaluation scale
1-5
Assessment methods and criteria
1-5 (5 being the best)
Enrollment
06.04.2023 - 21.04.2023
Timing
04.09.2023 - 31.12.2023
Number of ECTS credits allocated
5 op
Virtual portion
2 op
RDI portion
3 op
Mode of delivery
60 % Contact teaching, 40 % Distance learning
Unit
Liiketalouden koulutusyksikkö
Campus
Kouvola Campus
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
20 - 40
Degree programmes
- Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management
Teachers
- Jayden Khakurel
Teacher in charge
Jayden Khakurel
Groups
-
MBKV23KYInternational business management, master studies
Objective
You know what the value in supply chain management (SCM) is.
You learn how to transform the linear models to the circular ones.
You learn how to develop a firm’s SCM strategy.
You are able to identify the major process models and practices in SCM development such as Lean, Agile, TQM, and Lead-time compression.
You are able to identify and use the major measurement tools and KPIs for analyzing the efficiency of SCM performance.
You learn how to confront digitalization with the help of the modern supply chain management.
Content
How to deliver customer value in SCM?
How to create a sustainable and responsible SC?
How to develop the SCM strategy of a firm?
What are the major process models and practices in SCM development such as Lean, Agile, TQM, and strategic lead-time management?
What are the major measurement tools and KPIs for analyzing the efficiency of SCM performance?
How to apply digitalization in managing SC?
Materials
Given by teacher.
Student workload
1 credit means 27 hours work.
Evaluation scale
1-5