Argyros MBAs in Scandinavia For International Business Travel Course

The Chapman University “Business in Scandinavia” course has come to an end, and what a trip it has been. Traveling across much of Sweden and Finland for two weeks, we have gained unique insights into the rapidly growing high-tech business environment of Scandinavia while learning about local culture, making professional contacts, and developing and deepening friendships that will last a lifetime.

Our group of 17, led by Professor of Marketing Niklas Myhr and Director of Graduate Programs Debra Gonda of the
Argyros School of Business and Economics
, consisted of
full-time, flex, and executive MBA students
of all ages and backgrounds. The international members of our group included students from China and Kenya. This was a reflection of the global focus of the trip, and its participants added valuable perspectives to understanding of the companies we visited.

Scandinavia is home to cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled workforce, excellent access to renewable energy, and some of Europe’s fastest growing startup companies. Our company visits focused on leading information and communications technology (ICT) firms that represent the best of global technology, bringing Argyros students face to face with today’s technology leaders. We learned about business strategies in the highly competitive high-tech industry and the challenges and opportunities companies face in recruiting and retaining top talent in a global market.

We began our trip in Gothenburg, the second-largest city in Sweden on the western coast. The ease of travel to the city and the friendliness and English fluency of the Swedish people made Gothenburg a great starting point for our travels. Our first company visit set the tone for the entire trip—a visit to
Volvo
, a company steeped in history as well as one that is positioned on the cutting edge of technology, sustainability, and global marketing. We were treated not only to insights into business strategies and emerging technologies, but also to test drives of new Volvos at the beautiful countryside demo track outside of Gothenburg.

Out of the turn and into the straightaway in a new Volvo S80 at the Volvo demo track in Gothenburg, Sweden

From Gothenburg we flew to Stockholm, the cultural capital of Sweden. Staying at the beautiful, modern Hilton with breathtaking views of medieval Gamla Stan, the historical heart of Stockholm, was thrilling. In true Swedish sustainable style, we traveled the city via ample public transportation, making a stop at
Spotify
, a leader in the new generation of ICT companies based in Sweden.

The Business in Scandinavia team, at Spotify headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden

On our second day in Stockholm, we paid a visit to
Ericsson Studio
, a state-of-the-art facility that showcases the communications company’s emerging technologies. We were treated to a fantastic presentation detailing Ericsson’s business model and strategies and a wonderful lunch of Swedish delicacies.

Gaining insights on emerging communications technologies at Ericsson Studio in Stockholm, Sweden

A little sightseeing time was included in our schedule in Stockholm, allowing us to explore the city’s shops, cafes, historic churches, Royal Palace, and museums such as the Vasa Museum, home of a beautifully preserved 17
^th
century Swedish warship that took our breaths away with its immense size and detailed carvings.

Then we were off to Helsinki, Finland, via cruise ship through the stunning Stockholm archipelago across the Baltic Sea on an overnight cruise. The late light of the Midnight Sun of summer in Scandinavia gave us great views of the beautiful islands late into the night.

Bill and Aaron enjoying the beauty of the Stockholm archipelago on our cruise to Helsinki, Finland

In Helsinki we visited
Rovio Entertainment
, the video game and entertainment company that brought the world “Angry Birds.” With over two billion downloads, Angry Birds is one of the most popular mobile games of all time and a merchandising phenomena. Founded by three students from the Helsinki University of Technology in 2003, Rovio demonstrates the meaning of perseverance in entrepreneurship – Angry Birds was Rovio’s 52nd game release.

Learning lessons in entrepreneurship with Rovio Entertainment in Helsinki, Finland

After Helsinki, we traveled north to the border of Finland and Sweden near the Arctic Circle to enjoy the natural beauty of Kukkolaforsen on the Torne River, where we went rafting in Europe’s northernmost white-water rapids. We continued down the northern coast of Sweden, stopping in Lulea, home of
Facebook
’s new data center; Pitea, where we visited
Studio Acusticum
at the School of Music of Lulea University of Technology; and finally Skelleftea, where we were honored to be included in the exclusive
Creative Summit 14
, a unique gathering of creative leaders in technology, media, and the arts. Professor Myhr was one of the featured speakers at #CRESUM14, where he spoke about social media and the challenges of global growth in the digital age.

Professor Niklas Myhr presenting at Creative Summit 14 in Skelleftea, Sweden

As we head back to the U.S., we reflect on our many memorable experiences with companies and new friends in every city we visited. The Business in Scandinavia course provided us an invaluable understanding of the flat, consensus-based organizational structure of Scandinavian companies and the humble but powerful demeanor of Scandinavian business executives that will help us better navigate the global business landscape. We take back to the U.S. the lessons we learned in collaboration, respect, personal responsibility, perseverance, sustainability, and work–life balance. Thank you Professor Myhr, Debra Gonda, Dean Gilyard, the Argyros School, and Chapman University!