This course aims to examine the issues of international expansion relevant to SMEs. The course will take an experiential learning approach that will blend discussion on key theoretical frameworks along with case studies of practical examples. The case studies covered would have a diverse focus including digital ventures, social enterprises, product- & service-oriented SMEs. Also, it would have geographical diversity examples from developed and developing country contexts. This will allow to critically evaluate the motivations, drivers and challenges of SMEs to internationalize from diverse sectors and geographical contexts. Drawing on examples of emerging tech- and digital- ventures, the course would also explore the dynamics of born-globals. The course would also engage in a comparative understanding of the entrepreneurship ecosystem and the role of government in SME internationalization. The skills developed through this course include:

1. Disciplinary knowledge and practice of SME internationalization

2. Digital mindset within SMEs

3. Sustainability mindset within SMEs

4. Critical thinking

5. Solution seeking

6. Collaborative working

Through discussions on the theoretical frameworks around internationalization of SMEs, students will be immersed in research-informed learning environment. In line with increasing digitalization of SMEs, through deliberation of digital venture internationalization, students will enhance their digital skills. Through discussion of aspects such as sustainability and ethics with regard to internationalization, the course intends to develop ethical and socially aware future leaders. In class exercises would involve peer-discussions and peer-learning to deliberate over SMEs internationalization decisions, creating an inclusive learning environment. The inclusion of case studies from diverse geographical contexts including those from the Global South will allow for students from across different parts of the world to relate to and reflect on diverse contexts of internationalization.

The assessment of the course is consistent with the Learning Through Assessment approach at the University of Glasgow. The assessment is meaningful as students will be expected to step into the shoes of a SME owner internationalizing and then evaluate the options ahead of them based on SME's situation and international markets. The assessment is iterative as the final assessment will build on the feedback from in-class deliberations of other case studies. This assessment is also inclusive, as during one of the sessions students would engage in a peer-feedback and grading process to use the same rubric of the final assessment to assess an example case study. This allows for a low-stakes opportunity for the students to engage themselves in the assessment and feedback process. This approach is inspired by the Teaching Excellence initiative. The course would involve innovative approaches to teaching and learning including the use of AI-based tools and collaborative learning online tools. These would help create an active learning space for students.

6 x 2 hour workshops

1 x 3 hour workshop

The session would take an interactive, experiential and peer-learning based approach, which includes discussion on theoretical frameworks alongside practice learning through case study deliberations and debrief.

None

ILO(s) 

This course aims to examine both theoretical and practical issues, related to the international expansion of SMEs:

1. Understand globalisation as a strategy for growth for SMEs and to examine the motivations and drivers.

2. Understand the different modes, barriers and factors influencing internationalisation of SMEs.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the motivations/drivers behind an SME's plan to internationalise together with any required strategic changes to the business.

2. Analyse the types of market entry modes SMEs have available to them in their internationalisation tool kit.

3. Evaluate the role of government, digital technologies, and sustainability in internationalisation of SMEs.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. Further requirements may include monitored attendance at classes and examinations. All such requirements shall be specified by the Subject concerned, and given to students in writing at the beginning of the course. Normally no grade or credits shall be awarded to a candidate who has not met these requirements.