Project Overview

This OIL project aims to offer an introduction to the challenges and drivers for companies deciding to do business internationally. The Online International Learning [OIL] project compromises of five activities/interactions on a mutual shared digital platform. Students from both universities are asked to work, present and discuss case studies critically. The whole online experience aims to provide students a new perspective of student interaction, student experience and student learning in higher education.

Oil Outcomes

1) Demonstrate an awareness of the organisation’s external environment.
2) Understanding of the Strategic Capabilities Concept and the VRIO framework/ hybrid strategy/generic strategy
3) Critically analyse case studies to understand the real business environment and to enhance the understanding of macro and micro environmental influences

OIL Activities

Week 1 / Task 1 – Welcome dialogue and Icebreaker Activity

Get to know each other; understand each other`s perspectives, cultures, learning styles and the aims of each individual from this OIL Project.

Icebreaker Activity:

Name
Where are you from
What are you studying?
What are you expecting from this OIL project?
Which skills you want to develop and acquire?
Students upload a photo (if they wish) and share information about themselves to build relationships, communications and trust
Allow introductory learning for two weeks into the semester

Students will be grouped (max 4 Students) at each university. The groups are required to read a case-study (will be uploaded onto our Facebook page) and will be supplied with a number of questions that need to be approached. Students are asked to upload their findings in forms presentation slides or flipcharts for formative feedback.

Facebook:
• Presentation Slides or flip-charts need to be uploaded on Facebook

Case study I: Rocket Internet

Case study questions will be provided in advance

Themes and topic covered via this case study: Strategic Capabilities, VRIO framework

Week 5/ 6 : Case Study Analysis III

Facebook:
• Presentation Slides or flip-charts need to be uploaded on Facebook

Case study III: The IKEA Approach

Case study questions will be provided in advance

Themes and topic covered via this case study:
Generic strategies, hybrid strategy, cost leadership, differentiation

OIL Outputs

Creating presentation slides/ flipcharts of Case Study I & II

 

David Suguku is the partner leading on this project at Middle East College in Oman.

 

Picture: unsplash.com