Faculty
Jakob Rasmussen, Søren Henning Jensen

Course Coordinator
Søren Henning Jensen

The increasing globalization and the emergence of the knowledge-based economy are changing some of the basic conditions for doing business. The challenges and complexities of trans-national management as well as increasing competitive pressures require new analytical insights, new skills among tomorrow’s business leaders, and new business models. Development of new knowledge as well as the ability to efficiently transfer, absorb, share, combine and exploit knowledge is fundamental to success in the global economy. Departing from a knowledge-based perspective on international management emphasis is put on management of dynamic business operations in the knowledge economy, including the management of business networks and alliances, global innovation and business development, and management of technological change and innovation.

The ever importance of knowledge-based assets and the increasing knowledge content in new products and services require companies to be able to manage their knowledge-based assets efficiently in order to be able to further develop their organizational capabilities and maintain competitive advantage. This phenomenon has been referred to by several researchers as “the knowledge society” and more recently “the network society”. From this starting point the course covers a broad range of emerging perspectives and management issues, e.g. management of knowledge resources in MNCs and knowledge intensive firms, management of participation and exchange in business networks, management of professionals and the strengths and weaknesses of self-management and empowerment.

4 hour open book written exam “scenario exam”. The exam will test the student’s ability to use the knowledge gained through the course to solve particular problems related to the overall themes. As it is not about learning the texts by heart but rather understand and reflect on topics covered the exam is an open book exam. It is made to simulate a crisis situation in a company where the student has to come up with a solution to the problem, the solution will be presented by the management at a press conference. To reflect the focus on simulating reality the written output will consists of a 2 page executive summary and 8 powerpoint slides rather than the usual 10 pages written material.

By way of a series of illustrative examples, the course should enable students to critically reflect upon theories of relevance to international knowledge management. In particular, focus will be put on management theories that provide insights into business organisation and strategy in the international knowledge and network economy.