ACADEMIC YEAR 2013-2014- COURSES available in ENGLISH
1st SEMESTER September to December - Exam in January
Title
Corporate Strategy
CSR and Ethics
E business : Strategy
European Economics
European History and Institutions
European Management
Export-Import Strategy
Financial Management
Human Resources Management
Intercultural Marketing, Negotiation and Communication
Intercultural Topics
International commercial Law and Dispute Resolution
International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS
International Marketing
Management Accounting Control
Principles of international Taxation of Enterprises
Public Economics
*If the student is specialized in Finance
Level
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
BAC
MAS
MAS
BAC/MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
ECTS credits
Level
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
BAC
MAS
BAC/MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
BAC
ECTS credits
Level
BAC/MAS
BAC/MAS
BAC/MAS
ECTS credits
5
3
3
5
5
5
5
4
3
5
5
5
3
5
3
5
3
2nd SEMESTER January to May - Exam in June
Title
Advanced international Economics and corporate Business Cycles
Corporate Business Cycles + case studies
Corporate Finance
E business : Seminar
Fundamentals of international Economics
Human Resources Management : Seminar
Intercultural Topics
International Finance and Fiscality
International Management and Negotiation
International Trade and Innovation
Marketing II – Consumer Behaviour
4
5
3
3
3
2
5
5
5
5
2
French language
Title
Intensive Week of French
Weekly French course (beginner)
Weekly French course (intermediate/advanced)
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
3
5
5
1
Corporate Strategy
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
5 ECTS
Objectives
- Understand strategy concepts and vocabulary: strategy analysis, strategy formulation, strategy execution.
- Understand dimensions of strategy: financial market strategy - value realization; commercial market strategy value creation; organizational and competence strategy; alliances strategy.
- Understand the characteristics of strategic decisions.
- Understand how strategic priorities vary by level: corporate, business and operational
- Understand the 3 key elements of the "Exploring Corporate Strategy" strategic management model
- Understand the kind of people involved in strategy (managers, in-house specialists, consultants) and the work
they do.
Course content
Part I: Exploring Corporate Strategy
Part II: Strategic Choices
Part III: Strategy in Action
Introduction – Recognizing Performance
• Chapter 1 – The Strategic Position
• Chapter 2 – The Environment
• Chapter 3 – Strategic Capability
• Chapter 4 – Strategic Purpose
• Chapter 5 – Culture and Strategy
• Chapter 6 – Business-Level Strategy
• Chapter 7 – Strategic Directions and Coporate-Level Strategy
• Chapter 8 – International Strategy
• Chapter 9 – Innovation and Entrepreneuship
• Chapter 10 – Strategy Methods and Evaluation
• The Processes • Organizing • Resourcing
• Changing • Doing Strategy • Conclusions
Methodology
Combination of lectures on concepts, presentation of recent cases, invitation of business leaders. Students must
prepare an individual paper.
Assessment
Written exam (multiple choice) and individual paper (during the 2nd semester)
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
2
CSR and Ethics
YEAR 5 (MASTER 2)
3 ECTS
Objectives
- Develop an understanding and a critical approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a whole and
understand the semantic and operational ambiguities inherent to the concept and the diversity of its tools, without
being naive and/or cynical.
- Making students aware of the different levels at which ethical issues arise (individual, organizational,
societal,...) and the responsibilities of future managers facing ethical decisions making.
- Develop the future managers’ ability to implement their ethical choices accurately and concisely, while being
aware of the objections that could arise to their decisions.
- Make future managers aware of the different ethical and largely contradictory positions, according to the prior
definition(s) given to an ethical situation.
Prerequisites
Basic training in Management, Human Resource Management, Social Science and Philosophy
Course content
- CSR in a multinational company: role, position, action, initiatives, management.
- Defining CSR, understanding its tools and its main debates.
- Defining company values, implementation and integration within, importance of communication and heightening
awareness.
- 3 major theoretical models in political philosophy (utilitarianism, libertarianism, liberal equality).
- Integration of ethic principles in concrete managerial decisions.
Methodology
Ex-cathedra presentations, case studies, group work/exercises and testimony of professionals
Assessment
Proactive participation in the group work during the classes (representing 20% of the final note) and a written
exam (representing 80% of the final note)
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
3
E business Strategy
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
3 ECTS
Objectives
- To improve the understanding of the impacts of digital developments on the economy, and of the role of the
internet on corporate management.
- To comprehend the strategic dimensions of the internet for companies.
- To get a better understanding of the e-business models and processes.
- To get acquainted with the main steps in an e-business development plan.
Course content
E-Business strategy
- Economic characteristics of the Internet and digital developments
- Strategies and tactics in the internet world Business models
- Internet, Intranet et Extranet Architectures
- Examples in B2B, B2C, C2C, ...
Web development projects
- Specificities of Web applications
- Roles and responsibilities in Web development projects
Methodology
Lectures should draw the framework of analysis and provide practical examples of good and bad practices in
e-business operations.
Assessment
Written exam
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
4
European Economics
YEAR 5 (MAS2)
5 ECTS
Objectives
- To enable students to gain an understanding of the major European economic policies and their impact on
business making in Europe
- To develop some experience in the application of theoretical economic thinking to applied policy problem
Course content
The course covers the fundamentals of trade and integration theory necessary to understand the achievements
of the Single Market and provides an economic analysis of the main policies and policy problems of the European
Union, including coverage of topics such as Competition policy, common Agricultural policy, European
unemployment, the functioning of European Monetary Union, and the economics of the enlargement process.
Methodology
Lectures - Student presentations and a visit to the museum of the National Bank of Belgium
Assessment
The following elements will be taken into account:
- written paper and presentation (40%)
- concluding paper (30%)
- class participation (30%)
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
5
European History and Institutions
YEAR 5 (MAS2)
5 ECTS
Objectives
Give the students a historical approach in order to have a better understanding of Europe today.
Get acquainted with and understand the functioning of the European Union - be able to analyze the political and
economic decisions taken both at the national and at the European levels.
Course content
Introduction: European civilisation or European cultures?
-
Europe before the Political and Industrial Revolution
1815-1914 Powerhouse of the World
Two European civil wars
European Integration from 1945 to the Treaty of Rome
What is the EU? Why is the European Union difficult to understand and why is it worth studying?
-
Recent historical developments, treaty revisions and enlargement rounds since the treaty of Rome.
The main European institutions, their composition, role, competencies and informal power.
Functioning of the European Union
Main policies of the European Union
Challenges of the European Union
Methodology
The course will be divided into two parts. One first part, more theoretical, where students are expected to get the
knowledge and objectives cited above.
The second part of the course will be more concrete and practical. Students will prepare an oral presentation
Visits will be organized (European parliament, European Commission, Exhibition or museum), as well as
conferences from experts (lobbyists, Members of the European parliament).
Assessment
Students will be evaluated on the basis of their active participation in the class (25%), written paper (25%), paper
presentation (25%), and final exam (25%).
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
6
European Management
YEAR 5 (MAS2)
5 ECTS
Objectives
To determine whether there is a European type of management.
Course content
I. Economic Environment
II. Supply chain as key element in management
III. Hidden Champions of Europe
IV. How to implement the new business strategies?
V. Study Harvard Business School
VI. The transnational organisation
VII. Intercultural Management
VIII. The new strategic freedom
Methodology
We will first develop the theoretical part of this subject and then a series of guests from industry will be invited to
classes to present and share their practical experience to illustrate the theory.
Assessment
Team work + presentation
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
7
Financial Management
YEAR 3 (BAC3)
4 ECTS
Objectives
The course aims to give students an overview of corporate finance by addressing both the basic principles of
valuation of assets (stocks, bonds) and the concepts of profitability and risk and the notion of financial structure of
the company.
Content
The first part provides an introduction to financial markets. This section seeks to understand the functioning of
financial markets and their different roles. The concepts of money market, foreign exchange, capital markets and
derivatives markets will be addressed. The second part is devoted to the valuation of assets. After addressing
the selection criteria of an investment (NPV calculation, IRR and payback period), we will study the methods of
valuation of bonds and equities. The third part deals with notions of profitability and risk. After using traditional
measures of profitability and risk of a financial asset, we will study the methods of optimal choice of portfolio. We
end this fourth part by calculating the cost of equity and debt capital. The fourth part concludes this course by
analyzing the financial structure of the company and its value.
Methodology
Ex-cathedra lectures
Assessment
Written exam
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
8
Human Resources Management
YEAR 4 (MAS1)
3 ECTS
Objective
Our aim is to help students in developing a methodology in order to tackle the main issues relating to human
resources especially
• analysing existing situations
• how the HR functions in various types of companies.
This approach is limited to the capitalistic management; it insists on the practical issues facing managerial
positions.
Course requirements
A good knowledge of English.
Course content
Chapter I: General overview
Chapter II: The foundations of HRM
Chapter III: The practice of HRM
Chapter IV: Organization, jobs and roles
Chapter V: Employee resourcing
Chapter VI: Performance management
I.1) structure & content
I.2) didactic media
I.3) evaluation
II.1) HRM
II.2) Historical approach to HRM
III.3) Personnel management versus HRM
II.4) HRM activities
III.1) Role of the HR dept.
III.2) Role of the HR practitioner
III.3) Evaluating HR dept.
III.4) International HRM
IV.1) Organizational design
IV.2) Organizational development
IV.3) Jobs & role design
IV.4) Analysing & describing jobs & roles
V.1) Human resources planning
V.2) Recruitment
V.3) Selection - interviewing
V.4) Selection - testing
V.5) Introduction to the organization
V.6) Release from the organization
VI.1) The basis of PM
VI.2) PM process
VI.3) 360-degree feedback
Methodology
Cases will be discussed during the class; supports from videos or external speakers are foreseen.
Assessment
Written examination (75%) + practical homeworks (e.g. analysis of job advertisements) + teamwork (e.g. on job
descriptions) (25%)
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
9
Intercultural Marketing, Negotiation and Communication
YEAR 5 (MAS2)
5 ECTS
Objectives
Intercultural marketing
Have a comprehensive helicopter view on the international marketing process
Learn basics to do marketing in an international environment
Get an inside view on how to do marketing in several countries (case studies)
Get tools to decipher a country/regional culture
Proactively identify cultural aspects of the marketing process
Proactively promote intercultural marketing
Be able to use the tools (models, frameworks) in order to analyse and appreciate critical incidents in multicultural
business settings
Intercultural communication
Increase understanding of the relationship between culture and communication;
Provide an intellectual framework that allows description and understanding of communication between culturally
heterogeneous individuals;
Explain the role of culture patterns, verbal codes and nonverbal codes in the development of interpersonal
relationships;
Describe obstacles to competent intercultural communication;
Develop communication skills that improve competence in intercultural communication.
Prerequisites
The marketing essentials
The culture essentials
Course content
Intercultural marketing
Part I: The Marketing essentials
Part II: Globalization in a cross cultural perspective
Part III: Cultural frames for global marketing & cross cultural marketing
Intercultural negotiation
Part I: Key principles to respect during the whole negotiation process
Part II: The negotiation phases – prepare, start, conduct, conclude and follow up with international negotiation
examples
Part III: Golden negotiation rules (conclusion and wrap up)
Intercultural communication
Session 1. The key components of culture: Language, Time, Space
Session 2. The key components of culture: Communication styles, E.T. Hall
Session 3. Six basic cultural orientations according to Kluckhohn and Strodbeck
Session 4.Frameworks and dimensions: Hofstede, Trompenaars, GLOBE Study
Case study: The careless collaborators
Session 5. International HRM
Session 6. Cases, take-aways and feedback
Methodology
Ex cathedra + team presentations and exercises
Assessment
Group Paper Work and Presentation
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
10
Intercultural Topics
YEAR 3 (BAC 3)
5 ECTS
General objectives
This seminar/workshop will enable the student to get information about the different cultures (and business
cultures) found in Europe, the United States and Asia. This will be an asset for him as he will be in contact with
different people from different cultural backgrounds. Indeed, it will a major target for future managers in Europe
(and all over the world) to be able to handle these different cultural backgrounds.
When completing this course/seminar, the student must have acquired the notions on the cultural differences, on
the cultural differences applied to the corporate world. He/she will have carried out a series of interactive
exercises which allow him/her to put into practice these notions in specific business and company situations and
surroundings: lead (and take part in) a meeting with various cultural backgrounds, negotiate, present a subject,
solve a problem, work in mixed cultural teams, …
The course will be interactive, i.e. based on oral exchanges between the teacher and the students or between
various students.
Course requirements
Each student should (at least) have a B21 level in English to be able to attend and understand the course.
Specific objectives
After having attended the course, each student should be able:
- To understand a short theoretical presentation about the intercultural differences (theory of Hofstede) –
introduction to the course;
- To examine this theory with a critical mind;
- To understand an oral presentation on the Belgian State structure (and compare it to his/her own);
- To present his/her own cultural background as well as the typical corporate culture found in his country;
- To produce a critical analysis of other students’ oral presentations;
- To apply these theories to the corporate world;
- To take part in a business meeting, negotiation, teamwork with various cultural backgrounds and develop
strategies to handle them (case study / workshop).
Assessment
There is a permanent feedback during the various class exercises.
The more formal assessment includes:
- an oral presentation during the term;
- case studies / workshops.
1 As defined by the Common European framework of Reference (Council of Europe)
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
11
International commercial Law and Dispute Resolution
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
5 ECTS
Objectives
- Show non-specialists how juridic matters are linked to international trade.
- Become aware of the practical difficulties involved in resolving international problems - the juridic aspect of
which is often neglected.
Course content
1. International Business Transactions
2. Negotiating International Business Transactions
3. International Trading of Goods
4. Money and International Business Transactions
5. Governmental Regulation of Imports & Exports & Investments
6. Technology Transfers
7. Employment of People across National Borders
8. Regional Integration: The European Community
9. The Taking of Foreign Investment by Governments
10. Immunity of States in Commercial Transactions
11. The Act of State Doctrine
12. Dispute Settlement: Litigation & Arbitration
Methodology
Interactive sessions, with constant reference to the latest developments in the matter.
Assessment
Oral exam.
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
12
International Financial Reporting Standards -IFRS
ECTS
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
3
Objectives
Present the key requirements of most IASB standards and interpretations Understand IFRS financial statements
Follow the continuing developments of IFRS
Course requirements
Good basic accounting knowledge is needed
Course content
Introduction & Presentation of IFRS
Financial Statements of IFRS
Financial Statements IASB
Objectives & Structure
Standards and interpretations
Current projects
IFRS in Europe
IFRS in Belgium
Methodology
Practical examples and illustrations will be used when appropriate
Assessment
Written exam
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
13
International Marketing
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
5 ECTS
Objectives
Part A: Behaviors of International Markets & Actors
Understand the difference between a national and international market
Identify the major international market actors
Understand the actors’ behaviors in a cross cultural perspective
Analyze the international market structures
Evaluate the market attractiveness and select a market in function of a company strategy Develop a strategy for
market penetration
Part B: International Marketing Management
Present the bridging from an International management concept to an International Marketing Strategy
Analyze at a global level some major elements of marketing mix concept
Specifically, the course provides an analysis of how the international environment will affect the four major
marketing elements: product, distribution, pricing and communication in order to build an image in the global
market place
Prerequisites
The marketing essentials
Course content
Part A: Behaviors of International Markets & Actors
1: The International Market and its Actors
2: The Actors and their Behaviors
3. A Cross Cultural Approach of Marketing
4. The Satisfier Concept
5. Analysis of the Market Potential within an International Perspective
6. Market Selection
7. International Market Channel Management
8. Market entry approaches
Part B: International Marketing Management
1: Objectives and methodology
2: Definition and Marketing principles
3: International market research
4: Building a brand image internationally
5: Designing an international marketing strategy 6: Adaptation vs standardization
7: Factors influencing adaptation
8: Elements to adapt
9: International advertising and promotion
10: International pricing
11: Ethics and social responsibility in international marketing
Methodology
Ex cathedra and
Plenary Session: Presentation of a business game
Follow-up Q&A Sessions
Plenary Session: synthesis of the experience gained through the exercise & sharing of learnings.
Assessment
Written exam + case study
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
14
Principles of international Taxation of Enterprises
YEAR 5 (MAS2)
5 ECTS
Objectives
The course aims at giving students a practical understanding of the role and the impact of European law in the
tax field.
- Enable students to acquire knowledge of basic concepts in international tax
- Understand the tax consequences inherent in international business activities.
Course content
Title I. Principles of international tax law
Title II. European Tax Law
- European Institutions
- Powers of the European Institutions in the area of taxation
- Positive Harmonization : European Instruments in the Area of Direct Taxes
- Negative Harmonization : Case-law of the European Court of Justice
- State Aid Rules of the European Union
- Harmful Tax : Competition and State Aid compared
- The European Company
Methodology
Interactive sessions
Assessment
The examination is open book and is geared towards the practical application of the main principles of European
Tax Law.
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
15
Public Economics
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
3 ECTS
Objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide students with tools to (i) understand the role of public policies –
with particular attention to those targeting corporations – and (ii) analyse their design in order to (iii) adopt the
most appropriate corporate strategies and (iv) be able to participate in the process of their design or reform.
Course content
Lecture #1
Lecture #2
Lecture #3
Lecture #5
Lecture #5
Lecture #6
Topic
1. Introd uction
2. Size of the public sector
3. Markets, efficiency and equity
4. Public good s
5. Externalities
6. Cost-benefit analysis
7. Income red istribution
8. Social insurance
9. Im perfect competition
10. Taxation
11. Fiscal competition
12. Environmental policy instruments
Case study (compulsory reading)
US Acid Rain Program
Congestion pricing in Lond on
H ighw ay project
Social security in BE or other country
TBD
European Emissions Trad ing Scheme
Methodology
The course is composed of six lectures and six case studies. The lectures cover 12 topics, such as public goods,
income redistribution, fiscal competition or environmental policy instruments (see below). The aim is to present
key concepts on each topic, as well as relevant applications.
A copy of the slides will be posted on the website (http://www.icheccampus.ichec.be/). The presentation of each
topic is based on one of the four textbooks mentioned below. For each lecture, I recommend the reading of the
corresponding chapter(s).
A case study is associated with some of the topics (six). For instance, as a case study for the topic ‘externalities’,
you will analyse how the city of London has implemented a system of road congestion pricing. For each case
study, I have selected a paper that you should read by yourself.
Assessment
A written exam
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
16
Advanced international Economics and Corporate Business Cycles
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
4 ECTS
Objectives
Advanced international economics
- Address and discuss the issue of competitiveness at the international level
- Provide a multi-disciplinary perspective on that issue, at the level of the firm, as well as at the level of the nation.
- Explain why economic policy makers have extensively discussed and acted in function of this significant national
or regional objective.
Business Cycles
- Explain fluctuations in aggregate economic activity, and the implications on public and private sectors
- Describe the economic context of the firm, as it indicates relevant connections between macroeconomic topics
and business related decision-making.
- Help participants in understanding how to cope with economic data and information available through the press,
and alternative sources of documentation.
Course requirements
A course basic course of economics
Course content
Advanced international economics
Module 1: International trade theory – a framework for competitiveness Reminder of theories of international trade
Essential determinants of trade
Module 2: Determinants of nations’ competitiveness – an integrated approach Michael Porter’s conceptual
framework: the Diamond
Criticism of Porter’s model
Module 3: Providing a “competitive” environment – national policies for competitiveness The Productivity equation
from Growth Accounting
Supply side policies
Demand side policies
Module 4: The drivers of firm’s competitiveness – how do firms compete?
Business Cycles
1.- Introduction. General survey.
2.- Long Waves Theory.
3.- Indicators and Forecasting Techniques.
4.- Private Consumption and the Domestic Cycle.
5.- Private Investment and the Domestic Cycle.
6.- Government and the Cycle. Fiscal and Budgetary Policies.
7.- Money, Stock Exchange and the Cycle.
8.- Domestic vs. International Cycle.
9.- Business Cycle Sensitivity Analysis.
10.- Cycle Management: Marketing and Production.
11.- Cycle Management: Finance and Human Resources.
12.- Long Waves and Corporate Strategy.
13.- Conclusions. Questions and Answers.
Methodology
Business Cycles
Topics are addressed in 12 lectures, plus a session for questions and answers. Lectures are divided into two
parts: theoretical concepts or principles, followed by applications and illustrations taken from business cycle
analysis, corporate reports, or economic and financial magazines.
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
17
Assessment
Advanced international economics
Written exam
Business Cycles
Final examination will be a written test. Students are evaluated on their ability to explain theoretical concepts, to
describe, analyze and forecast business cycle information, and apply this to corporate management and strategy.
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
18
Corporate Business Cycles and case studies
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
5 ECTS
Objectives
Business Cycles
- Explain fluctuations in aggregate economic activity, and the implications on public and private sectors
- Describe the economic context of the firm, as it indicates relevant connections between macroeconomic topics
and business related decision-making.
- Help participants in understanding how to cope with economic data and information available through the press,
and alternative sources of documentation.
Case studies
To practice your English (oral and written) and increase your knowledge of macroeconomics.
To find reliable information about a given topic - develop your communication skills.
Methodology
Business Cycles
1.- Introduction. General survey.
2.- Long Waves Theory.
3.- Indicators and Forecasting Techniques.
4.- Private Consumption and the Domestic Cycle.
5.- Private Investment and the Domestic Cycle.
6.- Government and the Cycle. Fiscal and Budgetary Policies.
7.- Money, Stock Exchange and the Cycle.
8.- Domestic vs. International Cycle.
9.- Business Cycle Sensitivity Analysis.
10.- Cycle Management: Marketing and Production.
11.- Cycle Management: Finance and Human Resources.
12.- Long Waves and Corporate Strategy.
13.- Conclusions. Questions and Answers.
Case studies
2 types of activities:
- oral part: 10 groups of 4 to 5 students
- written part (individual): you choose a topic and develop it in a written personal document
Key concepts: macroeconomic policy (fiscal, budgetary, monetary, environmental, industrial, health, social...) and
business cycles
Assessment
Business Cycles
Final examination will be a written test. Students are evaluated on their ability to explain theoretical concepts, to
describe, analyze and forecast business cycle information, and apply this to corporate management and strategy.
Case studies
Oral and written evaluation.
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
19
Corporate Finance
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
3 ECTS
Objectives
To make the students able to understand financial markets, to take right investment decisions and financing
decisions, to value bonds and stocks, and to have a large comprehension of international finance and the
hedging tools.
Course requirements
Basic finance course
Course content
Part I: Introduction to the Financial Markets
Part II: Investment decisions
Time value of money
Investment decisions rules (NPV, IRR, Pay back period, Profitability index)
Bonds valuation [Fixed income]
Risk, Return and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM)
Stocks valuation [Equities]
Part III: International Finance
How to manage your exchange rate risk (Forward rate, futures, options)
How to manage your interest rate risk (Forward rate agreement (FRA), futures, options, swaps)
Methodology
Theory explained by examples from the finance world
Assessment
Written Exam: 2/3 exercises, 1/3 theory.
Duration: +/- 3 hours.
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
20
E business Seminar
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
3 ECTS
Objectives
- To develop the student’s understanding of e-Business strategy by involving him in an in-depth analysis of
specific themes related to the e-Business strategy;
- To put e-Business strategy related knowledge into practice;
- To critique the e-Business/e-Commerce strategy of established Web businesses on the basis of the analysis
their Web site and other relevant information.
Prerequisites
e-Business Strategy course
Course content
i) Digital marketing: Web analytics, Social media marketing, etc.
ii) Mobile marketing and location-based marketing;
iii) Communication strategy;
iv) Web site ergonomics & usability (Cultural/international usability)
v) Trust & Security Management issues (hacking, phishing, etc.)
vi) Logistics: delivery, tracking, returns, etc.
vii) Legal issues: copyrights, privacy, consumer protection, e-commerce regulations, etc.
viii)Online payments: new forms, micro-payments, legal issues...
ix) Project Planning of a web site design & development. Students with a background in Information Management
gained during their bachelor’s studies are allowed to opt for a theme related to a Web site design & development
project;
x) Cloud computing;
xi) Supply Chain Management.
Methodology
• Practical work: 100% (Vol. II);
• Team work with individual research input;
• References: articles, books, web site links, etc.;
• Presentation of key issues to be considered for each theme.
Assessment
Individual assessment on the basis of the team work (research papers + PPT presentations)
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
21
Fundamentals of international Economics
3 ECTS
YEAR 3 (BAC 3)
Objectives
The course aims at providing the students with the basic concepts, tools and mechanisms for understanding "how
the world works" today in an accelerating globalization context. This implies an overview of international
economics, both trade and international finance theory and policy.
The purpose is to give in a historical framework, both facts and theories in order to be able to be part of the
present debates first (real part) about globalization, trade and development policies, outsourcing, regional
integration, and second (monetary part) about international monetary system, exchange rate determination and
open economy macroeconomics.
The course deals with the basic principles founding the opening of economies and their progressive integration
and the effects and interdependencies which result from the mutual opening, both for resource allocation and for
macroeconomic policy management. The focus is mainly a "political economy" approach i.e. focusing on the
forces behind policy making and the effects for vested interests and social groups.
Course requirements
It is suited for undergraduates who have taken introductory micro and macroeconomics courses. Students should
have a working knowledge of basic economic concepts but the graphic approach does not necessarily mean
knowledge of algebra techniques.
Course content
Introduction
In the real part, the main axis is to explain the rationality of the "protectionism-versus-free trade" debate, following
the chronological development of the international trade theory and updating it to the most recent analysis of the
globalisation process. The teacher's position is clearly announced: although there is room for some voluntary
development policies, protectionism appears always as a costly solution with respect to alternative state
interventions since it tends to be dominated by "rent-seeking" behaviour and asymmetrical information bias.
In the monetary part, from the balance of payment and exchange-rate analysis, the macroeconomic aspects of
the open economy are articulated in order to understand the debates about the exchange rate determinants and
regimes (free-floating versus fixed exchange-rate regimes)
Assessment
Written exam.
ICHEC Courses in English 2012/2013
22
Human Resources Management: Seminar
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
2 ECTS
Objectives
This seminar is a complement to the course Human resources Management and organizational behaviour.
Students in the Master in International Business and Management can take this seminar in English, Dutch or
Spanish (if their working knowledge of the language is judged sufficient).
Objectives are:
- To help the student having a better understanding of the theoretical course through case studies and exercises;
- To enrich the student’s personal experience in human resources practices, not only in the company but in
society in general.
Course requirements
Good working knowledge of the English language.
Course content
The topics are mainly the same ones as in the course but with the students participating in team work, oral
presentations, written papers...
Some preparatory work and reading are required.
Methodology
Role plays, case studies, analysis of practical examples.
Assessment
Interaction and participation are essential features of the final evaluation, based on written and oral expression
and specific vocabulary tests.
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Intercultural Topics
(Bachelor/Master)
5 ECTS
Objectives
This seminar/workshop will enable the student to get information about the different cultures (and business
cultures) around the world. This will be an asset for him/her as he/she will be in contact with different people from
different cultural backgrounds. Indeed, it will be a major target for future managers in Europe (and all over the
world) to be able to handle these different cultural backgrounds.
When completing this interactive course/seminar, the student must have acquired the notions on the cultural
differences, on the cultural differences applied to the corporate world. He/she will have carried out a series of
interactive exercises which allow him/her to put into practice these notions in specific business and company
situations and surroundings.
Methodology
The course will be interactive, i.e. based on oral exchanges between the teacher and the students or between
various students.
Prerequesites
-
Assessment:
There is a permanent feedback during the various class exercises.
The more formal assessment includes:
- an oral presentation during the term;
- a written exam (case studies) at the end of the term.
.
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International Finance and Fiscality
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
5 ECTS
Objectives
To understand the basics of International Finance and International Taxation
Course content
Part A : International Finance
Part A1:
Understand the nature of financial risks associated with different business models.
Master the basic financial products (interest rate & foreign exchange)
Elaborate basic financial hedging strategies
Feel the financial market behaviour
Understand the role of a treasury department within the corporate organization
Part A2:
Understand risks and opportunities of international trade finance
Develop diversified tools in international payments
Manage working capital requirements by various financial techniques
Part B : International Fiscality
Understand the basics of international taxation (fiscal residence, territoriality principles, international tax
sources, etc.)
Identify direct tax costs connected with international transactions/financial flows (such as dividends,
interest and royalties).
Ability to grasp VAT and custom duties impact in an international context (intra-Community acquisition,
export and import).
Understand transfer pricing principles in cross-border relationships within a group.
Acquisition of knowledge to recognize key tax issues and risks.
Elaborate basic strategies to decrease tax costs.
Methodology
Case studies, field research and guest lecturers
Assessment
Written exam
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International Management and Negotiation
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
5 ECTS
Objectives
to provide students with a living experience of the interaction between key international economic relations, the
dynamics of exports development, the role and behaviour of Nation States and multinationals, and the
importance of the human actors in the world trade mechanisms.
Course content
 International management
Characteristics of industrial markets, markets of services, public sector and international organizations
and their buying behaviour and techniques
Market analysis and the selection process
Selection of markets
 Globalization of international markets Business game GLOBEX
Methodology
International and national case studies- exchange of experience with key actors
GLOBEX is an international business and simulation game whose dynamics is based upon the participants'
business behaviour
Assessment method
Written exam + individual written report.
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International Trade and Innovation
YEAR 4 (MASTER 1)
5 ECTS
Objectives
- Improve the understanding of how international and global companies evolve, compete and cooperate in the
changing environment
- Analyse the innovation management as a strategic behaviour of international firms
- Identify the major tools and methods of dealing with the technological race matter in a competitive global
economy: from the strategic choices of the innovation projects to protecting knowledge and managing financial
and human resources
- Understand the responsibilities and implement best practices on corporate management in order to attract key
human resources, generate added value and contribute to a global social and economic development.
Course content
PART A
Chapter I: Analysing the Evolution and the Design of World Trade
Analysis in terms of Value/Volume and International comparison
Factors Affecting Trade Flows
Developing Countries
Intra Regional Trends (RTA) Intra Group Trade
Chapter II: Dealing with the BRIC economies & Business Challenges
BRICs’ Characteristics
Economic Policy
Specialization
Potential Demand
Business Opportunities and Challenges in:
Brazil o Russia o India o China
Chapter III: Developing the EU (8+2) Markets
Context and Enlargement Issues
Lessons from EU 8+2 Accession
Major Economic Trends
Current Challenges
How to cope with a Country/Market of the EU 8+2
Special Topics
PART B
Chapter I: What’s Innovation?
 Definitions
 Taxonomy
 Technological innovation
Chapter II: Innovation & International Business Strategy
 Why do firms innovate?
 Why firms do not innovate?
 Innovation as a strategic behaviour
Chapter III: Role of the Nation State
 Industrial clusters
 National system of innovation
 S & T government policy
Chapter IV: International Co-operation
 Open Innovation Paradigm
 Protection of Innovation (WIPO, EPO, USPTO, JPO)
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Chapter V: The Lisbon Perspective
 The European Paradox
 The ERA
 The Lisbon Strategy
Methodology
International and national case studies- exchange of experience with key actors
Assessment
Group work - an essay and presentation - and an individual final test.
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Marketing II – Consumer Behaviour
YEAR 3 (BAC 3)
2 ECTS
Objectives
I.
Specific objectives in terms of knowledge
• Describe and explain the steps of the process internal purchase decision
• Demonstrate the role of environment in consumer choices.
• Define and explain the (s) model (s) of consumer behavior revealed in the course.
• Describe and analyze marketing techniques the most recent.
II.
Objectives in terms of know-how students must be able to:
• Identify the socio-economic and socio-cultural consumer and psychological variables that might explain
buying behavior.
• Develop the way to deal with consumer behavior in various contexts.
• Identify the risks perceived by consumers and strategies to eliminate them.
Content
Each individual is a choice between arbitrating consumer products, brands and outlets. Purchase is the result of a
complex process that starts from a simple need and that will be influenced by factors both internal and external to
the individual's personality. The study of consumer behavior is at the heart of the marketing process. The
contributions are essential and contribute to strategic thinking as well as operational marketing.
1 The market and the consumer
2 The model of consumer behavior
3 The major factors influencing consumer behavior
• Cultural factors: culture, subculture
• Social factors: social class, reference groups, family, ...
• Personal factors: age and family life cycle, occupation, lifestyle, ...
• Psychological factors: motivation, perception, learning, beliefs, attitudes, ...
4 The process of the buying decision
Methodology
Most of the course topics are exposed during ex cathedra sessions. Practical cases help to deepen the
understanding and to apply the theoretical concepts.
Prerequisites
Introductory course in marketing
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Weekly French course
(beginner – intermediate – advanced levels)
5 ECTS
Objectives
This course is mainly intended for non-French speaking students that come to ICHEC through the Student
Exchange Program (ERASMUS).
The global objective of this class is to enable the students to review and/or deepen their grammatical knowledge
and their French communication skills. The dialogues and conversation exercises will be mainly based on
corporate life and enterprise culture. Furthermore, this course aims at enhancing cross-cultural exchanges and
awareness by creating groups of students from different nationalities, for various exercises or teamwork.
Course content
 Review of the grammatical themes, depending on the French level of the students and their
specific difficulties. Some homework and exercises will be assigned and then corrected during the
class in order to ensure that all the grammatical points reviewed are well understood.
 Review of the main characteristics of the French phonetic system (according, again, to the
students’ difficulties).
 Reading of various texts and articles from economic press or international publications related to
the business and corporate world. The students will have to read these texts at home. Afterwards, a
discussion based on their reading will be organized during the classes.
 Listening Comprehension: pieces presenting actual situations within a company and pieces from
recent television news (in the classroom).
 Role-plays and oral presentations: the purpose is to develop and improve the communications
skills of the students and to motivate cross-cultural exchanges within the group.
 Vocabulary Enrichment: through written exercises related to the business and corporate world (in
the classroom).
 Study the way of life of Belgian citizens (Belgians’ life-styles): the students will pair in teams and will
have to conduct a survey. The themes and the methodology will be discussed in the classroom.
Methodology
In each lesson, the students will be given exercises (vocabulary enrichment), listening and reading
comprehensions and will also be able to put themselves in real-life situations through various role-plays. The
exercises, listening and reading comprehensions as well as the role-plays will be, of course, linked to the theme
studied during that particular lesson. “Conversation round tables” with a native French speaker will allow to put
the theory into practice.
Assessment
Oral presentation based on a written report (conclusions of the survey).
Written exam: the students will be tested on the vocabulary, the grammar, a reading comprehension and their
written expression.
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