This business course is part of the WU's master's program in Export and Internationalization Management and covers the growth stages of enterprises from the founding idea via expansion and international market entry to global operations. Based on a number of actual and fictitious companies, this class – in addition to all business-related aspects – deals with cultural, legal, and communication issues companies are facing when going through the abovementioned stages.

In addition to varied input from the lecturer, students will have to prepare two group presentations in line with the topics named above, with each student presenting once. Furthermore, participants will have to submit a reflective essay on the course as well as their own contributions throughout. Grading will be effected on the basis of diligent and structured preparation as well as the communicative success of the various submissions. Grades range from 1 (“Excellent”) to 5 (“Fail”).

Key concepts dealt with:

International market entry
Product diversification
Stakeholder management
Cultural issues
Corporate communication

After completion of this course, students will be able to understand the specific English terminology and essential communication approaches relevant to the field and apply them in a variety of settings.

The class will include input from the lecturer as well as group work (primarily in the form of presentations).

Successful completion of the first two English classes of the ExInt Master's program (corresponds roughly to C1 under the Common European Framework of Reference). Note: This does NOT apply to incoming students.

Basic knowledge of international marketing as covered (mostly in German) in the first two semesters of the Master's program.

Usually before or after class, or by email at any time

e-mail: alexander.beer@wu.ac.at