SFB31020 Entrepreneurship in global perspective (Autumn 2026)

The course is based on:

• Markedsføring / Marketing (10 ECTS).
• Organisasjonsteori / Organisational Theory (10 ECTS)

Basic knowledge of marketing and organizational theory is preferable, but not a prerequisite.

The course introduces into the theories and practices of entrepreneurship in a global perspective. It gives basic insights into international entrepreneurship, which has has been developing into a research field located at the intersection of international business and entrepreneurship and innovation studies. The course will provide knowledge on basic concepts related to international entrepreneurship by highlighting a global perspective and focusing on business start-ups or turnarounds with incumbent companies. In doing so, the course pays attention to the fact that an increasing number of firms - start-up companies as well as established businesses - are innovating and switching to new business models that are integrated in a global value chain in the market.

The course will focus on four key topics:

(i) Introduction into the main theories on entrepreneurship;

(ii) Entrepreneurship as a global phenomenon;

(iii) The business plan for global markets;

(iv) The practice of entrepreneurship in Østfold, Norway.

The course will be based on a mix of lectures, case studies and workshops (e.g. creativity workshop, writing a business plan), combined with invited guest lectures from entrepreneurs and/or business incubator agencies (e.g., Drivhuset Østfold).

Knowledge

• Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to discuss and apply key theories and practices of international entrepreneurship.

Skills

• The students will be enabled to understand challenges and opportunities of international entrepreneurship in global markets including the financing of international entrepreneurship.
• Moreover, students will be able to establish a business plan for a start-up and discuss case studies of international entrepreneurs based on knowledge provided in the course.

General competence

• The course will provide students with knowledge that is both relevant for their subsequent professional career as well as master study programmes in business administration in general and entrepreneurship and innovation studies in particular.
• The course will enable the students to consider becoming a start-up themselves and take an informed decision about future career development as business start-ups.

Individual portfolio and individual written exam.

The exam consists of both an individual portfolio and an individual written exam.

Part 1: The portfolio counts 60 % and consists of up to two written assignments. Grades: A-F

Part 2: The individual written exam counts 40 % and is based on the course curriculum. Duration 2 hours. No supporting materials permitted. Grades: A-F

Both parts of the exam must be passed to pass the exam as a whole.

The student will get an individual joint grade for the entire course. Grades: Assessment on the A - F grading scale.

Resit / rescheduled exam is carried out at the same time as the next ordinary examination. The department management can nevertheless decide to arrange a resit exam in the following semester for students with a valid absence at the ordinary exam.

Upon re-examination, each part of the examination can be retaken.