Nord University and Babson College (MA-USA)

Overview

Nord University has been a member of the The Babson Academy’s Babson Collaborative for Entrepreneurship Education since 2017. This partnership between Nord and Babson College, spanning over 15 years, has fostered a robust exchange of pedagogical best practices, research, and academic collaboration, further strengthened through the strategic integration of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).

In this project, the Innovation Management course at Nord and Communicating and Collaborating in Virtual Teams course at Babson were paired to create an 8-week collaboration that engaged students in real-world, cross-cultural teamwork. This collaboration involved students working together on a case study from Yara International, a Norwegian global fertilizer company, applying innovation management concepts in a global context. 

The courses were designed to help students develop effective communication strategies, intercultural competence, and innovative problem-solving skills.

Curricular Framework

The curriculum was co-designed to bridge cultural and academic gaps while providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences in global teamwork and innovation management. The collaboration centered on three core areas:

1. Virtual Team Dynamics and Innovation
   Students explored virtual team communication, leadership, and collaboration while tackling real-world business challenges in cross-cultural teams. The focus was on applying theoretical business concepts to practical contexts, such as solving a communication challenge presented by Yara.
2. Synchronous and Asynchronous Collaboration
   Students participated in synchronous video sessions using Zoom, complemented by asynchronous work facilitated through Nord’s Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). The teams collaborated on joint projects through shared digital platforms, enabling them to overcome geographical and time-zone barriers.

3. Industry Engagement with Yara International
   Yara’s representative presented a real-world case study on innovation management, offering students valuable industry insights. The students then worked in mixed teams to develop solutions to Yara’s challenge, culminating in final presentations to the company’s representatives. This connection to industry professionals added a layer of authenticity to the learning experience, demonstrating the application of course concepts in real-world scenarios.
    

   

Goals & Outcomes

Key Learning Objectives (SLOs):

SLO 1: Develop diverse perspectives and intercultural communication skills to navigate virtual teams effectively across different cultural contexts.
SLO 2: Compare and contrast innovation practices in small, medium, and large organizations in Norway and the U.S., exploring different communication styles and management approaches.
SLO 3: Apply theoretical concepts from innovation management and virtual team dynamics to practical, real-world problems.
SLO 4: Reflect on the role of communication, trust, and adaptability in successful virtual teams, particularly in a cross-cultural business context.

The students completed pre- and post-course surveys to assess their development in global competence, communication skills, and intercultural awareness. They also created team charters to guide their collaboration, establishing norms for communication, deadlines, and problem-solving.

Activities

Initial Icebreaker and Team Formation

During the first joint synchronous session, students engaged in an icebreaker activity where they introduced themselves via video, allowing for personal connections before diving into group work. This session helped students become comfortable with one another and set the stage for collaboration.

Team Charter Development

In the second joint session, students collaboratively created team charters, outlining communication norms, roles, and responsibilities. This ensured that students had a clear structure for working together effectively, even when facing time-zone challenges.

Yara International Case Study

Yara presented a case study on innovation challenges in their industry, focusing on the integration of sustainability in business practices. Students worked in small teams to develop solutions, drawing on both their cultural perspectives and the theoretical knowledge gained from the course. The final presentation, delivered to Yara’s representative, provided students with professional feedback and industry insights.

Final Presentations and Reflections

Teams presented their solutions in a synchronous session attended by students, faculty, and Yara’s representative. The presentations were followed by reflective discussions, where students shared what they had learned about virtual collaboration, cultural differences, and problem-solving in a global context.

Results & Impact

Industry Integration

The Yara case study provided real-world relevance, making the theoretical content more engaging and applicable for students. Both Nord and Babson students felt they had a chance to apply their learning in a practical context, deepening their understanding of innovation management.

Student Engagement

Despite the challenges of virtual collaboration, students from both institutions reported a high level of engagement and enthusiasm for the project. The use of both synchronous and asynchronous tools allowed for flexibility and enhanced communication between team members.

 Intercultural Competence

The project significantly improved students' intercultural competence, as noted in their reflections and post-course surveys. Many students commented on the value of working with peers from different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing how it broadened their perspectives on communication and collaboration.

Challenges

Time Zone and Schedule Coordination

The six-hour time difference between Norway and the U.S. posed scheduling challenges, especially for synchronous sessions. Some students reported difficulty in finding convenient meeting times and overcoming communication barriers due to time-zone differences.

GDPR Compliance Issues 

Navigating GDPR regulations posed difficulties, particularly in the use of shared digital platforms and recording sessions. Some technical adjustments were necessary to ensure compliance, which delayed the initial setup of the course. 

Testimonials & Reflections

This collaboration became an intercultural learning arena. We had the opportunity to learn about each other's cultures, work methods, and values. It was enriching to see how people from different backgrounds approach the same problem differently. 

-Nord University Student

It was a short but fun project. Although it took some time to adjust to virtual collaboration, the opportunity to work with Babson students was invaluable. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to navigate cultural and communication differences in a professional setting. 

- Nord University Student

Future Directions

Both Nord and Babson College have expressed interest in expanding this collaboration into blended learning programs and short-term exchanges. Babson is exploring ways to integrate COIL into more of its curriculum, such as in their Doctorate in Business Administration program. Additionally, there are discussions around extending the partnership into joint research projects, focusing on virtual teamwork and innovation in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The partnership is strategically aligned with both institutions’ goals of internationalization and innovative education. This ongoing collaboration will likely serve as a model for other global COIL initiatives, demonstrating the potential of virtual learning to provide meaningful, real-world educational experiences.