International team management competencies’ development during business studies

In today's globalised business environment, effective team management competencies are fundamental.These competences represent a multidimensional framework that integrates knowledge, skills, abilities, and behavioural attributes necessary for guiding and coordinating collective efforts toward organisational goals.As organisations confront growing complexity, cultivating team management competencies has become a central priority in business education, especially in international and multicultural settings.This study examines the application of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project in fostering international team management competencies among undergraduate business students.The research was conducted through an online collaboration among higher education institutions in Lithuania, Ukraine, Kosovo, the Czech Republic, and Finland, in which students engaged in cross-cultural teamwork, structured discussions, and joint academic assignments.Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through semistructured student interviews to explore participants' experiences and perceptions of international collaboration.The findings reveal that students significantly enhanced their international team management skills, intercultural awareness, and ability to function effectively in multicultural business environments.Moreover, participants broadened their understanding of foreign markets, international trade practices, and business strategies through sustained interaction with peers from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.The results demonstrate that COIL represents an effective learning approach for strengthening intercultural competence, promoting collaborative problem-solving, and preparing students for professional careers in a globally interconnected economy.Integrating virtual international collaboration into business studies can therefore improve students' employability, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability to diverse professional environments, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.