Theories and research in international purchasing and supply management
Time: 23.-26.9.2025
Venue: 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. Topics of research ethics and research integrity are also covered.
Instruction and examination:
The course consists of an extensive reading package (ca. 400 p.), active participation during the four 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 supply chain management, operations management, purchasing, marketing, management, international business, logistics and industrial engineering.
Instructors:
Associate Professor Katri Kauppi (Aalto University School of Business, Finland)
Professor Asta Salmi (University of Oulu, Finland)
Professor Erik van Raaij (Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands)
University Teacher Sini Laari (University of Turku, Finland)
Course coordinator and contact information:
Person in charge: Associate Professor Katri Kauppi, Aalto University School of Business, katri.kauppi@aalto.fi
Course application: To apply to the course, please send the following information to the course coordinator by 15.8.2025. Admittance to the course will be confirmed by 19th of August.
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When officially accepted to doctoral program and whether full time or part time student: