General provisions

​The course is given in Master's Programme in International and European Law and Business.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Also required is 90 credits in commercial law, legal science or business studies. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

The course is to develop an understanding of the link between business strategies and the legal framework and problems related to different ways of operating in international markets, such as cross-border trade, business establishment, and international business partnerships.

After completing the course, students will have acquired

• knowledge and understanding of both business and legal perspectives on strategic management,
• the ability to analyze, assess and manage complex business phenomena, issues and situations in international business strategy, including different industry settings, involving legal and/or ethical aspects, with limited information,
• the ability to independently identify and formulate questions and to plan and use adequate methods to carry out qualified tasks, such as to develop analytical models for business- and corporate strategies, within given timeframes,
• the ability to present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based orally and in writing in dialogue with different groups,
• developed ability to make strategic assessments using integrated knowledge in the field of international and European business law with an international entrepreneurship perspective as well as to evaluate the consequences of these assessments.

Content

The course covers the areas of international and European commercial law and the strategic management of companies. The course will develop and deepen students' knowledge of the structure of international and European commercial law as well as their sources, theories and methods. The course will also provide an ability to analyze and assess issues and cases regarding strategic management. These two elements are integrated throughout the course.

The course deals with the strategic management of companies that operate with a global footprint and legal issues that arise in connection with this. From a strategy perspective, the course deals with the organization of global business operations within the company, in different markets as well as value creation and value capture in a global context. The themes addressed are i.a. industry analysis, resource analysis, strategic alliances and vertical integration. From a legal perspective, the course deals with e.g. the rules governing corporate governance, cross-border investments, the management of corporate assets and competition law issues.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, and practical application exercises (e.g., case). A large part of knowledge-collecting study consists of reading course literature and other course material. Problem-based learning in groups is also an important element.

The course is taught in English.

Assessment

The examination consists of the examination modules:

1. Oral and written presentation, 5 credits

2. Written individual test, 10 credits

and one grade is given for the whole course, 15 credits.

Grading criteria are presented in the study guide that applies to the course section. The grading scale used in examination module 1 is pass (G) and fail (U). The grading scale used in examination module 2 is pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), and fail (U). Final grades for the entire course are given with the grades pass with distinction (VG), pass (G) or fail (U). For final grade G on the entire course, at least a G grade must be obtained in all examination modules of the course. For final grade VG on the entire course, the grade VG must also be obtained at examination module 2.

Students who haven't received a passing grade on examination module 1 can complete the assignment in accordance with the examiner's instructions. Completion must be carried out within a certain time from the time the student is assigned the assignment. If a student has received the grade U on examination module 1, then the examination module has to be retaken. This is only possible through re-registration during subsequent course sections. Re-examination of examination module 2 takes place at a special time for re-examinations or at subsequent course sessions.

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make exceptions to the specified examination method and allow a student to be examined in another way. Special reasons may include, for example, the announcement of special pedagogical support from the university coordinator. 

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, who may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.