Developing an Operational Model for the Degree Programme of International Business at the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

This thesis was made for the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences. The main goal was to investigate how the operational model of the International Business program should be formed that it would answer to the needs of working life. The objective of the research was to find out the needs of the South Karelian organizations for international business competence.

The information of Saimaa UAS’ needs, the current study plan of the IB programme, different operational models as well as learning environments and teaching methods were gathered from books and internet sources. Six local organizations from different operation fields were interviewed by a theme interview method in order to find out about their need for international business competence.

The results were analyzed with a thematic approach. Based on the findings the new operational model was created for the IB programme. The new model is a cooperative model designed to answer to the needs of the local organizations as well as to answer to the Saimaa UAS’ need to offer requisite expertise for the IB students. Further study can be applied to investigate the opportunities of Russian business possibilities and how the IB programme could better make use of the international cooperation.