International Economics & Business – (B.Sc.)

Contents

In IE&B you will become knowledgeable about economic issues and you will learn how to analyze, explain, and solve these issues. Within this context, you will make use of (international) economic theories. International organizations' policies will be studied and the activities carried out by multinationals will be analyzed.

First-year courses

• Organization Theory

This consists of an introduction in organization theory, with due attention being paid to its origins, its main themes, and its further theoretical development. a

• Methods of Research and Intervention

This course introduces you to the tools scientists use when conducting research (methods of research). During the course, possible solutions for organizational problems (methods of intervention) are also recommended.

• Academic Skills

This is a practical course given to groups of fifteen students at a time. You will acquire the skills you need to complete your academic studies successfully. For instance, you will be taught to reason and argue scientifically. You will collect and structure scientific information which you then present orally or in writing.

• Statistics

This course links basic elements from descriptive and explanatory statistics to economic research. It prepares you for doing the research projects later during the programme and for the other Finance, Accounting and International Economics courses.

• Mathematics in Economics and Business

An introduction to the tools needed for analyzing economic models and theoretical issues is provided during this course. You will practise mathematical techniques that are linked to economic research questions. The course prepares you for the Micro and Macro Economics and International Economics courses.

• Organizational Economics

An overview of the core terminology and basic principles of economics is given during this course. You will come to view economics as a societal science that is closely related to issues pertaining to the field of economic politics and policies.

• Introductory Micro and Macro Economics

This course deals with the behaviour of economic agents. You will learn to analyze consumption and production decisions and subsequently ascertain how these relate to inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and the role of the government at a macro-economic level.

• Research project: Money, Banking and Financial Markets

This project will help you to become familiar with financial organizations, capital markets and the important role money plays in the world economy. Among other others, the basic principles of the monetary theory, the monetary strategy of central banks, risk management, and the recent credit crunch will be discussed. Small groups of students will set up a research project on the theme.

• International Business Ethics

This course will teach you to view the ethical aspects of organizations from a philosophical perspective. You will gain insight into the role ethics plays in the decision-making process of international organizations and you will learn how to apply the main ethical theories to moral dilemmas found in the business world.

• Accounting

The focus of this course is on the financial and administrative aspects of organizations, in particular those for-profit enterprises. Among others, subjects such as management accounting and control, accounting information systems and financial reporting are dealt with.

Second-year courses

• Introductory International Economics

This course deals with the basic insights into international economics. You will come to understand international trade, capital flows, exchange rate fluctuations, and trade policies.

• Intermediate International Economics

You will broaden and deepen your insights into international economics during this course.

• Intermediate Micro and Macro Economics

This course consists of two parts, a micro-economics and a macro-economics component. It is the sequel to the course called Introductory Micro and Macro Economics.

• International Management

This course deals with meso-economics as a business economic supplement to the course Intermediate Micro and Macro Economics. The focus is on managing international companies.

• Corporate Finance

During this course you will develop skills and acquire knowledge concerning investments, risk management and project financing.

• Behavioral Finance

Psychological aspects play an important role in the decisions made concerning investments. This course shows insight into the behaviour of market participants and their influence on pricing in financial markets.

• Financial Accounting and Reporting

This course will provide you with insight into the theory and practice of financial reporting. Subjects that are included in this course are assessment and presentation of capital, result, cash flows and consolidation.

• Methods of Economic Research

This course starts by conducting economic research analyses. The key tool is making an analysis of time series data.

• Economic Methodology

Here you learn about the economic research methods from a philosophical and historic perspective. Subjects that are reviewed during this course include the developments of scientific research methods since the Renaissance, the use of experiments in the science of economics, and the economists' views on measurements.

• Project Financial Instruments

The two subjects mentioned above are given a ‘real world' context during this project. You will be taught about the use of financial instruments such as forwards, futures, swaps and options, after which you will analyze how an organization can best use these instruments.

Third-year courses

• International Investments

After having studied at a university abroad, you will continue your studies in Nijmegen. The second semester starts with the course International Investments, which deals with how to set up an international investment portfolio. The advantages and disadvantages internationalizing capital markets are also dealt with in this course.

• Topics in International Economics and Business

This course prepares you for writing your Bachelor thesis and links the Bachelor and Master programmes. The major focus during the course is to teach you how to assume a critical stance during academic debates concerning current international economic issues.

• Marketing

Marketing will focus on the delivery of customer value through relationships with loyal customers. The marketing mix (product, price, promotion and place) provides a comprehensive view of the marketing offer to the customer.

• Bachelor thesis International Economics and Business

The Bachelor specialization is concluded by writing a Bachelor thesis, in which you independently and creatively apply the knowledge, insights, and skills you have acquired to a relevant scientific research topic of your choice. A lecturer will supervise you and the final result will be presented and defended in front of your fellow students.