In addition to the goals stated in Government Decree on University Degrees (794/2004) 7 § the main goal of the Bachelor’s Programme in International Business offered at the Aalto Mikkeli Campus is to produce graduates who are successful in international business. The purpose of the BScBA degree is to give students a broad background in business and economics as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of expertise. The studies are designed to develop both academic as well as working life competences and introduce multidisciplinary perspectives. In the Bachelor’s Programme in International Business at the Mikkeli Campus, students belong to a tight-knit, multicultural learning community, working alongside faculty and students from around the world. The fast-paced curriculum prepares students to meet grand challenges in the global business environment, such as sustainability; engage in ethical decision-making, and begin a journey of life-wide learning.

The specific goals and objectives of the Bachelor’s Programme in International Business are listed below.

• Business knowledge
  • Good knowledge of the basics in business and economics, very good knowledge of the field of international business, and good knowledge of subjects taken in minor studies.
    • Programme Learning Objectives; By graduation, students will demonstrate the ability to:
      • understand the core subjects comprising business and economics;
      • apply key theories, concepts and frameworks to approach international business problems critically;
      • analyze grand challenges in the global business environment; and
      • formulate and critically evaluate international business strategies, including elements such as business models, foreign entry modes and alliances.
• Working life competences
  • Good abilities to analyze and develop the operations of companies and other organizations, taking into account ethical, economic, societal and global sustainability aspects, and utilizing data analytics. Very good abilities to navigate various international business contexts.
    • Programme Learning Objective; By graduation, students will demonstrate the ability to:
      • develop cultural competences;
      • compile, analyze and visualize data for effective decision-making;
      • cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset; and
      • address global sustainability challenges and develop creative responses to them.
• Communication and teamwork competence
  • Good competences in these areas: communication and interaction; project management; self-management. Very good competences in multicultural teamwork.
    • Programme Learning Objective; By graduation, students will demonstrate the ability to:
      • engage in clear and analytic oral and written communication;
      • demonstrate good communication skills in English in diverse contexts;
      • develop their skills in Finnish, Swedish and/or another language; and
      • work collaboratively in multicultural teams.
• Scientific thinking
  • Good competences in scientific thinking and working methods.
    • Programme Learning Objective; By graduation students will demonstrate the ability to:
      • understand key research approaches and methods and use them in the study of international business;
      • analyze qualitative and quantitative data for research purposes and managerial decision-making; and
      • maintain the knowledge and skills needed for studies leading to a higher university degree and for life-wide learning.

The educational philosophy of the program includes a distinctive and unique approach to the study of international business. Three fundamental components underscore all facets of the programme: a strong intellectual foundation in the field of international business, the cultivation of professional development skills, and an academic climate that facilitates an appreciation of the professional work environment.

Courses 

Major Studies

* The student must complete at least 18 cr of electives in International Business in the BScBA Program. At least one of these electives needs to be chosen from the list below:

1. Digital Disruption
2. Environmental Economics
3. Global Game Industry
4. Green Ventures
5. Innovation Management in the Global Economy
6. International Arts Management
7. International Business Strategy
8. Management Information Systems in International Business
9. Strategic Design Management
10. Tools for Data Analysis 

Minor Studies: Study abroad period

The completion of the BScBA Programme of the Aalto University School of Business, Mikkeli Campus requires students to spend their last semester abroad. This is done in a foreign university, where students take a semester of undergraduate level courses equivalent to the usual workload expected in the specific institution during the term.

Students must complete 30 credits (ECTS) during the study abroad period. A minimum of 24 of the study abroad credits must be in the field of business. Six (6) of the study abroad credits may be in humanities, social sciences or related areas that focus on historical, cultural, political or sociological studies. Language studies can be accepted, if you have not studied the same language for your degree in Aalto Mikkeli.

Language and communication skills have been defined as an important area of expertise for the graduates of the School of Business. One of the goals set for the bachelor’s degree are good language and communication skills and the skills needed to operate in a multicultural environment.

Language and Communication Courses

English

Other Foreign Language Courses

* Finnish Business Communication is required of those who have had Finnish or Swedish as their language of education in comprehensive (grades 1–9) and/or upper secondary (grades 10–12) school in Finland.  The other students are required to complete the course Finnish for Foreigners.

** Swedish Business Communication is required of those who have had Finnish as their language of education in comprehensive (grades 1–9) and upper secondary (grades 10–12) school in Finland.

• Those who have had Swedish as their language of education in comprehensive and upper secondary school in Finland, will complete a special advanced course in Swedish language (please contact Mari Syväoja for more information).
• For others, the missing 3 cr can be earned by taking other language and communication courses. 

Examples of options to be considered:

• language studies (in addition to the required 6 cr) offered by the Mikkeli BScBA program
  • will be placed under the Language and Communication Studies on Sisu
• elective courses offered by the Mikkeli BScBA program
  • will be placed under the International Business Major Studies on Sisu