Three research students from Karlstad Business School are currently in Oxford to participate in an international masterclass for graduate students in law. Through seminars, networking and access to world-leading resources, they hope to strengthen both their own research and Karlstad Business School’s standing in the global research community.

For four intensive weeks, three research students Peter Lillieh, Helena Fryklund and Erika Sandström, will participate in the IECL Masterclass for Graduate Students at the University of Oxford – a course that brings together doctoral students from all over the world to delve deeper into the different phases of the research process. The course, organised by the Institute of European and Comparative Law, offers both joint seminars and individual in-depth studies based on the participants’ own research projects.

Jonathan is one of our master students in marketing and Karlstad Business School’s new social media ambassador during his semester abroad.

Jonathan, what made you choose Karlstad Business School for your studies?

– When choosing places to study outside of Denmark, I’ve tried to go to places I didn’t know much about beforehand. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, so when I saw the nature around Karlstad – like Lake Vänern – I thought it would be a great place for me to study.

Tell us about your plans for studying abroad

– I’ll be studying at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s, Canada. I’ll be taking MBA courses and hopefully exploring a bit of Atlantic Canada as well.

Muhammad Murtaza Ali recently presented his licentiate thesis in business administration, where he identifies connections between the digitalisation of the music industry and educational initiatives for street children.
– Services shape human capabilities and well-being and it’s often the practical details that determine if a service actually is inclusive, says Muhammad.

What led you to focus on the connection between the music industry and educational initiatives for street children?

According to the Public Health Agency, approximately 20 percent of the Swedish population has some form of disability. Suzanne Millmark, doctoral student at Karlstad Business School, has conducted research on the inclusion of employees with disabilities when working from home.

– Based on my work experience and academic background in psychology, public health and work, it felt like a natural and interesting area to study. I didn’t expect the level of knowledge about disabilities to be so low, says Suzanne.

What does it actually mean for a country to overinvest in military preparedness – and how can we tell when the limit has been reached? In a recent research article, Mats Ekman, senior lecturer in economics at Karlstad Business School, presents an argument suggesting that war is a rational, but devastating, decision made by political leaders to monitor each other’s overinvestments.

– I apply an economic perspective and discuss the risk that preparedness may become a public bad – something that could provoke war rather than prevent it, says Mats Ekman.

Through close collaboration between the disciplines of law and information systems at Karlstad Business School, students can now specialise in legal tech.
– We have a unique advantage in that it’s natural for us to work together across disciplines. This enables us to offer students cutting-edge training, says Cyril Holm, docent in law.

The studies are demanding, fast-paced and challenging, as the courses are interdisciplinary and taught in English. However, this also offers great advantages for the students.