Course Objectives

The course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to enable them to function effectively in companies that have international suppliers and contacts in marketing. Although the emphasis will be on companies in the Nordic and Baltic countries, the course will also emphasise the importance of attaining knowledge concerning working in a world that has become increasingly global. It is also important to be aware of the fact that even our nearest neighbours do not always share the same values and perspectives.

Course Description

The course will consider the following themes:

- Historical, cultural and political aspects of the Baltic and Nordic countries.

- Nordic and Baltic contributions to marketing theories.

- More generally, an analysis of the distribution system and marketing in this region, similarities and differences.

Many of the companies that operate in the Nordic-Baltic market are large international groups such as, IKEA, Nokia, Telia and Telenor. In addition to considering how international groups based in the Nordic-Baltic region market themselves, the course will also examine more closely how small and medium-sized companies operate in this market, both in relation to purchasing and marketing.

Learning Methods

3-4 weeks of web-based teaching and 2 weeks of intensive teaching in the autumn and/or spring semester. The weeks of intensive teaching will alternate between six Nordic universities/university colleges. There is a limit to the number of students that may enroll on the course. Language of instruction: English.

Assessment Methods

Portfolio assessment based on:

- Written project reports from groups in each country

- Oral presentation of the results from these national projects

- Work during the intensive period writing the joint-reports with an analysis of similarities and differences between the various countries.

Students must achieve passing marks in all parts of the assessment in order to obtain a passing mark for the course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean