COIL International Business Development (IBD)

School of Business

Design effective internationalisation strategies for real-world business contexts

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Overview

Collaborating Universities FHNW School of Business EAFIT, Medellin, Colombia
Responsible Person/Contact Prof. Dr. Rolf Meyer Camilo Franco-Ruiz
Course description This COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) module focuses on International Business Development (IBD) and is offered through a partnership between the FHNW School of Business and EAFIT University in Medellín, Colombia. As part of the IBD specialisation within the MBA programme, the module equips students with the knowledge and tools to design effective internationalisation strategies for real-world business contexts. Through study materials such as checklists, practical examples, and analytical frameworks, participants will explore key topics including the strategic rationale for going abroad, identifying which parts of the value chain could or should be internationalised, selecting target markets, choosing appropriate entry modes, and conducting risk assessments. The heart of the module lies in collaborative, cross-cultural teamwork. Swiss MBA students working on the internationalisation of their companies to South America will team up with Colombian students and lecturers – and vice versa. These mixed teams will support one another by sharing cultural, economic, administrative, and governmental insights, as well as leveraging potential networks and contacts in their respective regions. By engaging in joint research, intercultural exchange, and applied problem-solving, students will develop practical strategies that integrate both local expertise and global perspectives. The COIL experience fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and collaborative leadership, preparing participants to navigate the complexities of international business and to seize opportunities that create value across borders.
Good to know For the MBA students from FHNW, this COIL is an option within the specialisation in IBD.
Collaborative part Materials, Checklists, Examples about IBD. Bringing together Swiss and Colombian (MBA) students with the intention to evaluate expansions to South America respectively Europe, supportet by Colombian and Swiss professors and lecturers.
Conditions FHNW-students Optional part of the specialisation in IBD of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) FHNW.