Globalization persists, but is slowing and shifting into geopolitics-driven regional blocs. In this minor, you examine what this changing landscape means for businesses. You will assess international opportunities and risks, and learn how to develop strategies that help firms respond effectively.

You will work as an aspiring consultant: advising companies on international strategy, market selection, and entry decisions. This minor prepares you for roles such as entrepreneur, business developer, or (junior) consultant. Throughout the program, you will develop skills in innovation management, consultancy, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Content

The Globalizing Business minor teaches you how companies work across borders and how they can grow internationally in a responsible and future-proof way, even if you have no business background. You learn, step by step, how to spot international opportunities and risks, choose a country or market, and build a practical plan for going abroad (including basics like strategy, marketing, and a simple financial plan). You also train hands-on consultancy skills such as interviewing a company, dealing with challenging situations, and creating a clear proposal for advice. Along the way, you explore how organizations handle change and innovate in a fast-changing world, using practical activities and reflection. You examine how companies affect people and the environment, and you practice using real examples to suggest realistic ways businesses can operate more responsibly by reducing harm, creating social value, and using resources in a more circular way. The minor culminates in a real-life team project where you act as consultants for a business client, deliver recommendations (often as a presentation), take part in a business simulation game, and write a short case study about what you learned.

The minor finishes with an International Week with visiting students and guest lecturers from India and Indonesia. You will play an International Business Simulation game with these visitors.

Courses

The programme consists of the following courses:

Consultancy: 5EC

Managing Change and Innovation: 5EC

Topics in International Business: 5EC

Business in Society: 5EC

Global Management Project: 10EC

All reading material will be provided. No additional costs are required. 

This minor addresses a large variety of learning objectives, at levels 2 and 3:  

• Consultancy skills level 2  
• International Business knowledge level 3  
• Project Management skills level 2  
• Change and Innovation Management Skills level 2  
• Communication Skills level 3  
• Sustainable business management knowledge level 3  
• Professional attitude level 2  

To join this program, all you need is an interest in business and management, a curious attitude, and a willingness to engage with diverse cultures while collaborating in learning teams. The Globalizing Business minor program welcomes both business and non-business students. You cannot participate in this minor program as a part-time student or as a flex student.

• Mintzberg, H. (2013). Simply Managing What Managers Do - and Can Do Better. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.  
• Daft, R., Murphy J. &, Willmott, H. (2020). Organization Theory & Design: An International Perspective, 4th Edition. Cengage  
• Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist. Random House UK.   
• Ghemawat, P. (2007). Redefining Global Strategy: Crossing Borders in a World where Differences Still Matter. Harvard Business Press.  
• Hamidizadeh, M. R., & Zargaranyazd, M. (2014). Analyzing International Readiness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Central European Business Review, 3(4), 43.  
• Meyer, K., & Peng, M. W. (2016). International business. Cengage Learning.  
• Nidumolu, R., Prahalad, C. K., & Rangaswami, M. R. (2009). Why Sustainability Is Now the Key Driver of Innovation. (cover Story). Harvard Business Review, 87(9), 56–64.  
• Osterwalder, A., Pigneur, Y., & Clark, T. (2010). Business model generation: a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.  
• Stroh, L.K. & Johnson H. H. (2006): The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting. Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers: London  
• Lewicki, R. (2022). Essentials of Negotiation 5th (fifth) edition.  
• Why are transferable skills so important? (n.d.). Michael Page. https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/advice/career-advice/making-your-next-career-move/transferable-skills  

The teaching days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (after 10.00 hrs). They could be subject to change. 

With the exception of the first teaching period of the academic year (starting September), the lesson and test schedules are always posted on Mijn Rooster four weeks before the start of each teaching period. The schedule for the first teaching period of the academic year can be found on the site three weeks before the start. The most up-to-date schedule is always visible on Mijn Rooster. 
At HU, full-time education may be scheduled between 08:30 and 19:00. 

You will be assessed through: 

• Professional portfolio 
• Criterium Based Interviews
• Presentations (traditional, pitch style, poster and role play) 
• Collaboration with the professional field for the project. 

Signed learning agreements for minors in period AB or Lint period can be uploaded up to and including 3 July 2026 in Osiris Application, see the instructions on the learning agreement or check our site. Learning agreements that are received after 3 July will not be processed.  

Signed learning agreements for minors in the CD period can be uploaded up to and including 4 December 2026 in Osiris Application, see the instructions on the learning agreement or check our site. Learning agreements that are received after 4 December will not be processed.  

Please note: Learning Agreements will be considered in order of entry in Osiris Application (first come, first serve). A submitted learning agreement will not entitle you to a spot within a minor unless the following is the case: 

* The minor is not yet full: each minor has a maximum number of places per period 

* The student has submitted the learning agreement in full (including his/her own details and signature and the stamp of the examination board). 

* HU has signed and stamped the learning agreement