This course provides an opportunity to learn about family enterprise, the predominant form of business worldwide, along with stakeholdership, sustainability, and innovation, through theory and practice that goes far beyond a typical class experience. Students will delve into the driving forces behind these timely issues, with specific focus on the Nordic region as a leader in each area. After a series of classroom sessions in NYC, students will travel to Sweden and Denmark, countries that are not only major players in the Nordics but also vibrant economies, innovative business environments, leaders in social enterprise, and consistent (positive) outliers on global "happiness" ratings. Other unique regional issues include current challenges caused by immigration shifts, transition from the Nordic model, and strong governance norms. English language fluency and relative openness and transparency about family and business provide an open window into personal experience and insights not always available elsewhere. Through site visits with principals, business executives, and experts at start-ups, foundations, and family businesses, students will have a chance to ask questions and compare notes on doing business, being family, and leading innovation with a sustainable focus in another part of the world. There is no better way to learn about family enterprise innovative business models than at the source. The trip will also provide an opportunity for students to travel with their peers and exchange ideas about the cross-cultural experience as it is happening. This help students re-consider their perspectives upon returning home. For this course, the Nordic region is defined as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. There will be six 90-minute sessions on campus during the A term, followed by a weeklong trip to Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden March 10 - 16, 2024. A de-brief session after the trip on March 29th. Course objectives are: • Increase understanding of the global role and importance of family enterprises through in-depth focus on the Nordic region. • Experience "behind the scenes" looks and engage in open discussions with family principals, owners and next generation members • Learn about cutting edge innovation and sustainable social enterprise, including in the family office context. •Explore stakeholdership in the region that was at the forefront of developing this vision of business. • Provide point of comparison to cultures in which students live and work. • Examine aspects of ownership and governance, including the Nordic industrial foundation. Global Immersion Program classes bridge classroom lessons and business practices in another country. These three credit classes meet for half a term in New York prior to a one week visit to the country of focus where students will meet with business executives and government officials while working on team projects. Upon return from the travel portion of the class, students may have one wrap up meeting at Columbia Business School. The 2023-2024 Global Immersion Program fee for most classes is $1950 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals; unless an increased fee is otherwise specified in the course description. It does not cover round-trip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in-country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first class meeting may be removed from the course. No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program and visit the Global Immersion Policies page to review policies affecting these courses.
Division: Business
Programs/Center: Global Family Enterprise Program

Spring 2024


B8716 - 001

Spring 2023


B8716 - 001