De elektronische studiegids voor het academiejaar 2025 - 2026 is onder voorbehoud.





The economics and management of international business (5087)

  
Coordinating lecturer :Prof. dr. Piet PAUWELS 
  
Co-lecturer :Prof. dr. Mark VANCAUTEREN 


Language of instruction : English


Credits: 12,0
  
Period: semester 1 (12sp)
  
2nd Chance Exam1: Yes
  
Final grade2: Numerical
 
Exam contract: not possible


 
Sequentiality
 
   No sequentiality

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of micro and macro economics (indication: 2x 3EC at the level of BSc management/business)

Basic knowledge of strategy, organizational behavior and marketing (indication 3 x 3EC at the level of BSc management/business)

Basic knowledge of statistics (6EC at BSc level)



Content

This course develops a medium-to-advanced level of knowledge and competencies related to (1) international economics and governmental policy-making; (2) international business strategic decision-making; and (3) decision-making on international issues in the context of the classic functional management domains. The course splits in two parts. Part A deals with international economics as the foundation of international business strategy. Part B further develops international business strategy landing at the level of functional management domains.

Part A:In the part ‘Economics of IB’ we explore the most important models and concepts of international trade, including classic and new trade theory and the analysis of trade policies. We investigate why firms trade, what they trade, and how trade affects aggregate welfare and inequality. We examine the relationship between international trade and the UN environment agenda. Further, the course covers key institutional aspects of international trade, such as trade policy, the functioning of the GATT/WTO and the trade policies of the EU. We will also address some of the main contemporary debates of trade policy: new deep trade agreements and their consequences, foreign direct investment, exchange rate regimes, and debt crises. Limited economic empirical analysis will be incorporated into lectures. Each topic starts with some empirical stylized facts before discussing theory. Throughout the course, students apply theory and models as tools for policy-making case studies.

Part B: In this part we explore how firms compete globally, focusing on international business strategy and the role of firm-specific and location advantages. We examine how multinational enterprises (MNEs) structure their networks, balancing home-country strengths with host-country challenges. Key topics include international innovation, entry mode dynamics (e.g., foreign distributors, alliances, M&As), cross-border marketing and also cover international sourcing and production, global finance, and reporting. The course integrates empirical research, case studies, and real-world illustrations, ensuring students apply theory to contemporary global challenges.



Organisational and teaching methods
Organisational methods  
Case session  
Lecture  
Response lecture  
Teaching methods  
Case study  
Discussion/debate  
Exercises  
Group work  
Homework  
Presentation  


Evaluation

Semester 1 (12,00sp)

Evaluation method
Other evaluation method during teaching period30 %
Other Several individual and group assignment (written paper and oral presentation). More detailed information in the course guide.
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearif partial grade at least 10/20
Written exam70 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearif exam grade is at least 10/20
Open questions

Second examination period

Evaluation second examination opportunity different from first examination opprt
No
Explanation (English)In case of a resit on group assignment(s), individual alternatives will be defined.
 

Compulsory textbooks (bookshop)
 

Beugelsdijk, S., Brakman, S., Garretsen, H., van Marrewijk, C., & Murtinu, S. (2023). International Economics and Business: Nations and Firms in the Global Economy. (3rd ed.) Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 9781009427692

Verbeke, A., I.H. Ian Lee (2021) International Business Strategy (3rd ed.) Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 9781108738378

 

Compulsory course material
 

A bundle of articles will be provided through Blackboard.



Learning outcomes
Master of Management
  •  EC 
  • EC 03: The holder of the degree actively monitors developments in business administration and business practice. (Self-direction and entrepreneurial spirit)

  •  EC 
  • EC 09: The holder of the degree shows autonomy in analysing, interpreting, evaluating and reporting research results.  (Research skills)

     

  •  EC 
  • EC 10: The holder of the degree integrates the perspective of intern and extern stakeholders when making decisions in an organizational context. (Stakeholder awareness)

     

  •  EC 
  • EC 15: The holder of the degree is able to formulate strategic solutions to create organizational value. (Programme specific competences)

     

 

  EC = learning outcomes      DC = partial outcomes      BC = evaluation criteria  
Offered inTolerance3
Exchange Programme Business Economics J
Specialisatie International Business verplicht J



1   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.12.2, section 2.
2   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.15.1, section 3.
3   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.16.9, section 2.