Course Name: Theories and research in international purchasing and supply management
Time and place: Sept/Oct 2025, TBA, Aalto University School of Business, Otaniemi, Espoo
Learning goal and objectives:
Purchasing has increasingly become a strategic activity for companies, and international/global sourcing, in particular, has attracted an increasing attention by both researchers and companies. The aim of the course is to give an overview of the main theories, research traditions, key studies and the current situation and future trends related to international purchasing and supply management, sustainable sourcing and global sourcing. Research on both company strategies and practices related to global sourcing will be analyzed.
Instruction and examination:
The course consists of an extensive reading package (ca. 400 p.), active participation during the five teaching days and writing a 20-25 page report on a topic agreed upon with the instructor(s). The participants have to read all the material (different articles) beforehand and to be prepared to discuss them in class. The students are also expected to be ready to make short oral presentations on the basis of their own research (study plan) and/or the articles, reflecting on their learning of the material. The final report must be handed in one month after the course ends. The aim is that the reports will become discussion papers that can eventually later be developed to conference papers.
Credits: 6 ECTS
Grading: 1-5, based on the activity of the student and the final report.
Prerequisites: Target group are doctoral students doing research within international business, purchasing, marketing, management, logistics and industrial economics.
Admittance: Max 25 students are admitted to the course. Application by sending an email to the students 3 months before course start, acceptance 2 months before the course starts. There is no fee for participation but students are required to pay their own travel and accommodation expenses
Instructors (to be confirmed):
Course coordinator and contact information: Associate Professor Katri Kauppi, Aalto University School of Business, katri.kauppi@aalto.fi