International Business Leadership

Additional course information

• Detailed content

  Homework will consist of reviewing material previously learned, studying assigned readings and videos (that will be subsequently discussed in class), preparing and recording the reflection video-journal, and preparing for in-class individual simulations.  

  1. Participation in class discussion and debates: This course relies on active participation in class discussions and on high-quality individual preparation. Where discussion is about a case, participation in case discussion should demonstrate:  

  • Good preparation by having familiarized oneself with the case materials and having internalized the theoretical basis previously provided during the course that could serve as a lens for analyzing the case; 
  • The ability to make a persuasive and complete argument;  
  • The ability to build on other participants’ contributions, either in order to (thoughtfully and respectfully) disagree, while bringing good arguments for doing so, or in order to develop the prior speaker’s contribution further, by adding a complementary perspective.  

  Learning goals tested:  

  • Analyze specific situations using course concepts
  • Present coherent, evidence-based arguments
  • Collaborate in discussion to co-create insights that extend beyond individual input

  2. Reflection video-journal: After each day’s class (for Days 1-3 only), participants will record a two-minute reflection video-journal on topics discussed in class.

  Learning goals tested:  

  • Apply course concepts to real-world or personal contexts beyond textbook definitions
  • Articulate personal learning and development through structured self-reflection 
  • Evaluate how the course material influences their thinking or behavior

  3. Individual, in-class simulation: Each participant will be presented with a real-life-like situation that they will need to address, using the knowledge and tools previously learned in the course. Background information for each simulation will be provided in advance.

  Learning goals tested:  

  • Analyze complex, real-life-like situations using course frameworks 
  • Apply relevant concepts and tools to propose effective actions or solutions 
  • Justify decisions and recommendations with clear, evidence-based reasoning 

  4. Team in-class simulation: Participants will work in teams, each presented with a real-life-like business situation that they will discuss and decide how to respond to, using the knowledge and tools previously learned in the course. Background information for each simulation will be provided in advance.

  Learning goals tested:  

  • Apply relevant course concepts and tools to analyze and respond to complex situations 
  • Collaborate effectively within a team to reach and communicate a shared decision 
  • Integrate diverse viewpoints and negotiate solutions to address the scenario comprehensively

• Learning objectives

  By the end of this online course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and explain effective leadership behaviors and analyze how they are applied in international business contexts 
  • Describe and evaluate organizational structures and governance models in international companies 
  • Apply key skills required to lead effectively in international business organizations, including: 
    • Communicate and influence across diverse organizational levels and cultural contexts 
    • Demonstrate cultural awareness in decision-making and team collaboration 
    • Navigate organizational power structures and respond strategically to political dynamics 
    • Motivate individuals and teams using context-appropriate strategies 
    • Interpret basic financial information to support leadership decisions
    • Explain and apply fundamental strategic concepts to leadership challenges 
  • Critically evaluate academic literature relevant to leadership and international management 
  • Construct well-supported, evidence-based arguments in both written and oral formats 
  • Reflect on personal learning and leadership development using academic concepts and structured self-assessment 

• Forms of tuition and assessment

  Classes will take place from 9am to 3pm CET, with a one-hour lunch break and shorter breaks in between, followed by individual homework. Class will be a mixture of lecturing, case discussion and debates, participating in individual and team simulations, and working on group assignments. 

  Assessment will be composed of:

  1. Class discussion participation (20%), including participation in case discussions and debates;
  2. Individual reflection video-journal (20%) consisting of a 2-minute reflection on learning from class;
  3. Individual simulation (30%): Each participant will take part in an individual, real-life-like simulation, in class, that they will need to address using concepts learned in class. Background information for each simulation will be provided in advance.
  4. Team simulation (30%): Participants will group in teams, and each team will address a real-life-like simulation in class, using concepts previously studied in class. The team’s effective application of concepts previously studied in class in a real-life-like setting will be assessed. Background information for each simulation will be provided in advance.

• Course syllabus

  Course Syllabus - WS 2026