Sustainable International Growth

Module content

In this minor, students tackle internationalisation challenges faced by SMEs. They analyse market opportunities, evaluate sustainable growth strategies, and develop solutions for international business expansion. Key themes include global supply chain management, financial decision-making, sustainability, stakeholder management, and market analysis. Through project-based learning, students apply analytical tools and research methods to solve business issues.

Students also strengthen their intercultural, leadership, and professional skills through international teamwork and reflection. Regional studies provide insight into European and Dutch business environments, while exchange students can enhance their experience through Dutch Language and Culture courses.

Structure of the module

Course overview:
Global Supply Chain and Financial Management (5 ECTS)
SME Sustainable International Growth Project (10 ECTS)
Personal and Professional Leadership and Internationalisation (5 ECTS)
Regional Studies Dutch (5 ECTS)
Dutch Language and Culture* (5 ECTS)
*Dutch Language and Culture is available for exchange students as part of their regional studies pathway.

Structure of the Minor
The Sustainable International Growth minor consists of four core modules worth 30 ECTS (840 study hours) in total.
Students combine theoretical knowledge with applied project work, focusing on the international growth and sustainability challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through a blended learning approach, workshops (ateliers), case studies, and collaborative assignments, students develop competencies in international business strategy, supply chain management, financial analysis, intercultural collaboration, and regional business environments.

The programme includes Global Supply Chain and Financial Management (5 ECTS), where students analyse international supply chains, financial performance, risks, and data-driven decision-making. In the SME Sustainable International Growth Project (10 ECTS), students work on real internationalisation challenges by conducting market research, evaluating strategic options, and developing sustainable growth recommendations for SMEs. The Personal and Professional Leadership and Internationalisation module (5 ECTS) focuses on self-reflection, leadership development, intercultural competence, and collaboration in international teams. Regional Studies Dutch (5 ECTS) explores European and regional business environments, geopolitical developments, and their impact on international business. Finally, Exchange students also take Dutch Language and Culture (5 ECTS) to strengthen their language skills and cultural understanding.

Learning outcomes include analysing international markets, designing sustainable business solutions, interpreting financial and operational data, collaborating across cultures, and reflecting on personal and professional development. The programme may include field trips, international events, and company-related projects. Key literature includes Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains, Principles of Finance, Principles of Marketing, and Exploring Strategy.

For Project International Business Strategy, students will work with the Design Thinking phases on a project that enables students to:

• Apply the knowledge and skills gained from different educational activities offered;
• Conduct various research to fulfil the project deliverables;
• Analyse an organisation and its business aspects in a competitive landscape and within an international business context;
• Develop a strategic blueprint and the related prototype(s) for the project company.

For Knowledge International Business Strategy, students will enrich their knowledge on two overarching topics, organisation and people & marketing and sales.

For Personal Professional Development, students will follow one chosen elective course that focuses on topics which are not explored in the Project International Business Strategy or Knowledge International Business Strategy. The topics differ from year-to-year and a final overview of electives is provided upon starting the semester. Alongside this, students will work on an assignment aimed at self-reflection and exploration of personal and professional development as well as the international business field.

For Dutch, students will develop their Dutch language skills and learn about Dutch culture.

For English for Business Communication, students will improve their speaking, writing, listening and understanding English skills.

Study features