Programme 4 International Business Economics (IBE) 1st year
-
Maximum number of students: 10
English: B1 level (IELTS 6.0)
Basic knowledge, the student’s major should be business related
PLA1 Project Organization of Businesses
PLA2 Marketing Processes
PLA3 Accounting
PLA4 International Business
PLA5 Business Mathematics
Fontys Project
5 ECTS
5 ECTS
5 ECTS
4 ECTS
5 ECTS
6 ECTS
Total number of credits
30 ECTS
Optional:
Business English (meeting and speaking skills)
Dutch for beginners
2 ECTS
2 ECTS
PLA1 Project Organization of Businesses
Brief description
In this course the student executes a project in a group. The project consists of an internal and
external analysis leading to recommendations to a company which the students choose themselves.
First, information is sourced from desk research and expert interviews with managers of the chosen
firm. Second, the students write an individual report that presents recommendations on how to
change the internal organisation of the company to best fit the external environment. In this course
the student deals with: organisation theory, project management, report writing and interviewing.
Didactic methods
Didactic methods used are the following. First, tutorials will provide students with theory on project
management, organisation theory, interviewing, analyses tools used in this course and report
writing. In addition, three hours per week give enough room to practice interviewing in class, use
exercises to further familiarize students with the analyses tools, and to practice report writing on
report examples. Second, in groups of five, students collect information about a company of their
choice (project activities) through desk and field research. Third, three consultation hours per group
will ensure a smooth group process and sufficient interim feedback on project activities from the
lecturer’s side. Fourth, students will have to study course material individually.
Method of testing and criteria
The testing of this course consists of an assessment of the process and an assessment of the
individual report (final examination). The group file represents the process assessment. The group
file is handed in before handing in the report. If the group file is assessed with a NO GO (i.e. at a
grade below 5.5), the students are not allowed to hand in the individual report. In case of an
insufficient grade for the group file, the project group can readmit the group file within three days. If
the group file is still insufficient after handing in the second time, the end result for this course will
be 0. The final examination in this course is the individual report. The determined grade for the
individual report is 100% of the end grade of PLA 1. The report can be maximum 15 pages. Handing in
more than 15 pages core text will result in a 1.0 as the final grade. In the testing of this course both
content and report writing skills are judged.
PLA2 Marketing Processes
Brief description
This course treats the marketing process as a basic structure for market-focused acting. In this course
the focus will be on the basis of the entire marketing process in particular the subsections of
marketing analysis, segmenting and target group identification as well as marketing-mix. This course
consists primarily of interactive lectures (theory) connected with topic-referred, practice-oriented
exercises.
Didactic methods
The LA consists primarily of interactive lectures (theory) connected with topic-referred, practiceoriented exercises.
Method of testing and criteria
To round off the course, the student will participate in a 60 minutes examination (closed book
written exam) during regular examination weeks. The students receive questions to the treated main
topics (week 1-15). The individual knowledge based on certain competences is exemplary examined.
PLA3 Accounting
Brief description
This course is set up as an introduction to Accounting and Finance. From time to time international
managers will have to deal with the Finance Department of the organisation. An important part of
the information, which is used for decision-making, is provided by this department. During this
course, the student will learn about the day-to-day activities within this department. While carrying
out these activities, the results of all management processes will come together. This way, the
student will gain insight in a company’s administrative organisation.
Didactic methods
Students obtain knowledge and skills through tutorials and self-study. During the tutorials there will
be brief outlines on specific subjects and the opportunity to ask questions. In every class students will
have time to master skills by doing book exercises.
For this course there is a “companion website”
(http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_black_introaccfin_1 ) where students can find and outline
on the chapter contents, extra questions (multiple choice and true/false) and long
questions/exercises (Excel). Upon request the outcome of these exercises/long questions can be
discussed in class.
Method of testing and criteria
Examination Procedure
Procedure exams A, B
In L8 (lesson week 8) a written test A of 60 minutes will take place. The study material that is tested
has been taught in lecture week 1 through 7. In the regular exam week a written test B of 60 minutes
will take place. The study material that is tested has been taught in lecture week 9 through 15. The
final grade is determined by the formula: 0.5 times grade exam A plus 0.5 times grade exam B, where
both grades and final grades will be rounded to one decimal place. When a student has not
participated in an exam the number 0.1 will be registered (for administrative reasons). There will be
no minimum grade for exam A or exam B. To complete the course successfully, the average of exam
A en B has to be 5.5 or higher.
PLA4 International Business
Brief description
You will be introduced into the principles of international business and management. What does it
mean to go across borders? What will be different from producing and selling domestically? How to
adapt your business to the needs of the international market? You will become more aware of these
and other aspects of doing business internationally. Also, the course will help you train your ability to
critically analyse developments in a global industry and to evaluate foreign markets.
Didactic methods
A case study will be used to illustrate different topics in international business and management. A
series of lectures will support students in understanding these topics. In addition, exercises will be
offered to support the students while learning the topics.
Method of testing and criteria
Procedure exams A, B
In L8 (lesson week 8) a written test A of 60 minutes will take place. The study material that is tested
has been taught in lecture week 1 through 7. In the regular exam week a written test B of 60
minutes will take place. The study material that is tested has been taught in lecture week 9 through
15. The final grade is determined by the formula: 0.5 times grade exam A plus 0.5 times grade exam
B, where both grades and final grades will be rounded to one decimal place. When a student has not
participated in an exam the number 0.1 will be registered (for administrative reasons). There will be
no minimum grade for exam A or exam B. To complete the course successfully, the average of exam
A en B has to be 5.5 or higher.
PLA5 Business Mathematics
Brief description
In this course, the student is trained in mathematical methods that are used to analyze and solve
problems in economics, management and business. Some main subjects are financial calculations,
optimization problems, and the analysis of Supply and Demand Curves, of Cost Functions and Profit
Functions.
The analysis can be carried out with various tools, including graphs. The problems can be solved “on
paper” or by the use of a handheld electronic calculator.
Didactic methods
Lectures: these have an interactive style and serve to expose the main theory with telling examples.
Self-study: students use the textbook and their own lecture notes. The lecturer will provide
documents to guide the self-study. (Note that also school has rooms for study, alone or together with
others).
Assignments: students may receive small assignments for tackling a problem.
Exam training: students receive test papers, with detailed solutions, from the recent past of this
course.
Web based activities: students can use the website relating to the textbook, receive mails from the
lecturer, and references by the lecturer to useful websites. The lecturer is generally available by email.
Examination Procedure
Procedure exams A, B
In L8 (lesson week 8) a written test A of 60 minutes will take place. The study material that is tested
has been taught in lecture week 1 through 7. In the regular exam week a written test B of 60 minutes
will take place. The study material that is tested has been taught in lecture week 9 through 15. The
final grade is determined by the formula: 0.5 times grade exam A plus 0.5 times grade exam B, where
both grades and final grades will be rounded to one decimal place. When a student has not
participated in an exam the number 0.1 will be registered (for administrative reasons). There will be
no minimum grade for exam A or exam B. To complete this course successfully, the average of exam
A en B has to be 5.5 or higher.
Fontys Project
Project is being developed, more information soon