Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Geneva

The course is designed to introduce the principles of business management within a modern organizational environment. Students will explore major theories of management, critically examining a variety of management functions, including planning, organizing, digital transformation, leading and controlling. They will study the various environmental frameworks under which organizations operate, and gain insights into in-depth, specialist areas which form the basis of subsequent courses.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course serves as an introduction to the key concept of people management within contemporary organizations. It outlines the strategic need of an organization to attract, develop, motivate and retain talent via departmental functions and managerial skill sets. The course focuses on issues concerning people management from the perspective of both organization and employee. It examines cutting-edge global organizations and small medium enterprises across a variety of industries, analyzing the importance of workforce management in acquiring competitive advantages.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course is designed to prepare students for work as effective marketing managers within increasingly competitive environments. The course provides a foundation on the principles of marketing, teaching students how to analyze market forces in order to make decisions, while exploring processes related to segmentation, targeting and brand positioning. The importance of user experience is studied through the lenses of customer-centric approaches and consumer aspirations, with particular regard to the appeal of environmentally friendly products and the impact of social media.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course is designed to assist students in developing written and oral communication skills for both business and academic environments. The course provides an introduction to business communication theory, whilst developing students' understanding of university writing standards, improving research and citation skills and awareness of standard academic writing practices. Audience analysis, intercultural communication and strategic messaging are covered, together with the differences between virtual and in-person presentation methods, which are studied in order to prepare students for work in a digital business environment.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course focuses on the fundamentals of accounting and finance, encompassing the processes involved in evaluating, creating and interpreting financial statements. Governance and regulatory issues are studied, and students acquire a comprehensive knowledge of accounting tools together with general financial acumen, including concepts such as ethical behavior in the context of fraud and corporate governance, common forms of business ownership, and present and future value. Such competencies are essential for managers working across a variety of industries and are crucial for making informed investment decisions.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

Innovative Technology in Business provides first-year students with a concise understanding of how technology has led to transformations in business operations at the global level. The course explores the components necessary to nurture innovation, and outlines the risks that companies face in failing to adapt to, and incorporate, new technological advances. Students gain an understanding of innovation concepts such as information systems implementation, contemporary data management practices, open-source software and cloud storage solutions. They will study the application of innovative technological products and processes within small, medium and large organizations, together with the ethical implications of data collection and behavioral surplus.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course introduces students to the concept of creativity as a leadership skill, developing their understanding of the most fundamental tools in design thinking. The structure of the course facilitates the application of the acquired skills and competencies within the career planning process. Students will study how creative approaches can be employed within fast-changing business environments to ensure effective operations. The course includes a focus on soft skills such as listening, user empathy, whole-brain thinking, and collaboration, and their importance for successful teamwork across all fields. Students will practice designing novel solutions and implementing creative strategies for business decisions.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course introduces the key concepts and practices that underpin successful advertising and brand communications. Students will learn how to develop comprehensive Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) advertising campaigns exploiting online and offline channels, learn how to assess and select appropriate media for communications, and develop an understanding of branding and brand positioning, trends, visual thinking, advertising brief development, marketing principles, brand communications, media relations and client/agency work.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This integrated course guides students through the principles of acting in a sustainable and ethical manner whilst performing management roles. The module equips students with an understanding of the tools and strategies required for the responsible execution of projects in the modern business world. Students will study key concepts such as corporate social performance, law and compliance, ethical versus destructive leadership, and stakeholder engagement and management for value creation. They will learn about responsible supply chain and human resources management, ethical marketing and communication strategies, and how to apply activity mapping within the global context. The module ensures responsible management principles can be incorporated effectively across various business structures and functions.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

The study of economics provides a lens to understand and interpret global issues and interdependencies amongst individuals, firms, and nations. A solid grounding in economics is essential for business managers, and policy makers to understand markets, risk, opportunity and profits. This course provides students with a complete understanding of the factors which affect economic decisions. They will study the main theories of international trade, the effects of global economic integration, and the role of international institutions and multinational companies. The module concludes with an overview of sustainability issues, and an exploration of development beyond economic growth.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course provides a practical approach to data analysis, exploring trends, patterns and relationships in data to acquire information for quantitatively informed business decisions. Students will complete problem-solving exercises using Microsoft Excel's spreadsheet software as the principal learning tool. Concepts such as descriptive statistics and visualization to extract insights are covered, in addition to the widely used business tools of statistical inference and regression analysis. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to summarize and present data sets, collect random samples from a population and evaluate fundamental probability as part of the decision-making process.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course guides students through the fundamental project management concepts required to launch, lead and obtain benefits from projects in both private and non-profit organizations. Students explore the role of project management in achieving operational sustainability in competitive markets. They will gain an understanding of the impact of organizational culture on project outcomes, and learn about how defining scope, sequence, and objectives form part of the process. Causes of project failure, together with risk mitigation through planning and early phase initiative analysis are studied, providing a solid foundation in essential project management skills that can be applied across a range of different industries.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

Covering production and operations management, this course focuses on productivity analysis which contributes to improving businesses and creating a competitive edge. Students will be given an introduction to logistics and supply chain management, and examine inventory control systems, planning of material requirements and manufacturing resources, and quality controls. During this course, students will undertake a projection project that will allow them to put the theoretical knowledge they have acquired into practice.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

Digital business is about advancing digital transformation by applying technology to improve processes, expand automatization, open new markets and add value to the business and its customers. This course provides insight into the key concepts, technologies, applications, and strategic organization of digital business. Students will learn to analyze the development of competitive advantage through the use of digital technology; evaluate current trends and types of technology used in digital businesses; examine how digital technologies can be integrated within businesses; and assess different approaches to the development of digital platforms and e-commerce services.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

Students will increase their knowledge and comprehension of financial analysis in the major areas of financial reporting, comparative financial statement analysis, sales forecasting, budgeting, and cost-volume-profit analysis. They will learn how to comprehend, evaluate, and interpret financial and managerial data, which are essential skills for business managers in any field. On completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze cashflow statements; compute the cash flows from operations; understand investments and financial transactions.; complete a comprehensive financial ratio analysis from all stakeholders; prepare cash budgets and sales forecasts; and formulate a cost-volume-profit analysis and a break-even analysis.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

From market research to developing a comprehensive business plan, this course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of what starting a new business or developing a business idea entails. The role of a business developer in both an entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial setting will be examined, and students will learn how to distinguish business development from other functions by identifying the skills required for a business development role. During the course, students will develop a comprehensive business plan on their own, which will allow them to put the theoretical knowledge they have acquired during the course into practice.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course explores the complexities and challenges of running a business in culturally diverse circumstances and examines how this diversity can lead to competitive advantage. Topics include company policy and strategy, vision and mission, ethics, human resources (HR) management and other aspects concerning a company's internal environment, joint ventures and international expansion.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course will introduce students to the ways in which the international system operates; how it has developed over time; and how it is constantly evolving. The study of international relations is interdisciplinary, and this course combines the theoretical traditions of international relation and practical approaches to the analysis of global issues. Students will thus gain a broad appreciation for the complexity of international relations and acquire a toolkit to question, analyze and interpret socio-economic-political events in a global context.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course focuses on the discipline of strategic management and provides an opportunity for students to bring together all that they have learned in the program as a whole, integrating and contextualizing their knowledge. It draws upon strategic management theories, concepts, methods and tools to nurture each student's capacity to think strategically about organizations in terms of uncertain external development contexts and current strategic positions, and to identify potential for pursuing alternative strategic development paths and maintaining a competitive edge.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

In this course, students will learn how to develop a strategic marketing plan for a company and/or brand. They will acquire knowledge of the specific tools and skills required to implement key stages of any marketing strategy: analysis, segmentation, targeting and positioning, execution and control. On completion, students will be able to apply the analytical frameworks used to harmonize organizational goals and resources with market needs and opportunities; execute segmentation, targeting and positioning plans; create marketing strategies and programs; formulate a strategic marketing plan for a company or brand; and systematically review the outcomes of a marketing plan.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This mandatory course is designed specifically for all bachelor's students in their second year of studies. The course acts as a guide and a practical stepping-stone to conducting real-world business and management research by teaching students how to design a real-world business research project. Students will be able to use the array of academic and transferable skills acquired in this course in their coursework; independent research; cases; business plans; and in their dissertations. The current course deals primarily with academic writing, authorship, referencing and bibliography, and contains a brief introduction to the EU Business School's dissertation process.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

The course introduces students to relevant theories and concepts of political science from an international relations perspective. Students will revisit the important questions of 'state' and 'power' in international relations and how they have shaped the world order. They will also consider the politics of the global economy with a special emphasis on economic relationships and interdependence of nations in the era of globalization. A comparative analysis of different political systems represented in the international order will also be presented.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This provides an introduction to a wide array of inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, including their evolution, purpose and role. The course first examines the creation, principles, structure, issues and challenges of the League of Nations and the current United Nations system. The course goes on to cover other important international and regional organizations, as well as programs within the United Nations system. Students will also learn about the evolution and proliferation of non-governmental organizations, and the important role they play in international relations today.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course examines foreign policy and diplomacy in the context of international relations. It revisits global politics from the standpoint of its manifold practices - first and foremost, the practice of diplomacy. Diplomacy is the basic constitutive process of world politics and diplomatic practices give shape to global intercourse. From that standpoint, IR students must better understand the workings of diplomacy in order to understand the dynamics of world politics.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

Students will analytically review and frame two business cases, analyze their issues/problems, evaluate the options and the course(s) of action, and provide recommendations, solutions and justifications. In this course, students will be exposed to selected case studies in order to fully appreciate the nuances and complexity of business-based problem-solving. While studying different cases, students will be encouraged to think creatively, reflect critically, and design viable solutions. By doing so, students will enhance their logical, analytical, and decision-making skills.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course deals with the complexities that confront businesses and organizations worldwide as technologies advance at breathtaking speed and threaten to replace jobs, roles, and responsibilities. Students explore the multiple considerations that management must take into account in order to effectively transform their businesses, while simultaneously staying competitive in their own industries. Specific issues that need to be addressed in order to determine optimal changes include levels of disruption, cultural perspectives, knowledge management, and a wide range of data analysis.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course focuses on the concept of innovation as applied to leadership challenges. Students will study how innovative approaches can be applied to issues in fluctuating business environments. The course provides opportunities for discussion of design thinking techniques, with students gaining an understanding of how to apply innovative solutions to new venture creation and organizational transformation. Students will develop their skills in critical thinking, collaboration and strategy formation. The study of innovative organizational culture, together with the principles of partnership and future orientation, helps to promote an entrepreneurial mindset that is relevant across a variety of roles and industries.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This module adopts a multidisciplinary approach and focuses on theoretical tools to understand and analyze how economic activity is distributed globally, with an emphasis on Asia. The course will deal primarily with how geo-economic factors influence the evolving position of a state and its relations with others. The economic, financial, demographic, historic, cultural and political factors that shape global economic relations between states are analyzed in detail. The key geo-economic issues and perspectives in China, Japan, the Koreas, the Asian Tigers, Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia are examined. Students will also learn about geo-economics in the context of globalization, economic and resource competition, demography and migration and maritime issues.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

Students will be introduced to a wide array of issues that cover the scope of public international law. The module is designed to be integrated and applicable to other fields and subjects of international relations. The first part of the course will cover the basic principles of international law; its history and evolution; main subjects and sources; and the key differences between national and international law. Students will then consider topical aspects of statehood and state recognition; the role of international institutions in the promotion, protection and preservation of international law; the laws of war; and the issues and debates surrounding the legitimacy of the 'use of force.' Finally, there will be an introduction to the law of treaties and the mechanisms for international settlement of disputes.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

The course provides students with the main tools for understanding and analyzing conflicts in contemporary international relations. Studying theories, models and conceptual frameworks will enable students to identify not only the main elements and conditions that operate in the emergence of a conflict and its subsequent stages but also the different alternatives for its management and resolution. Each stage of the conflict process is examined, from the basis to emergence, escalation, de-escalation and finalization. Cases are used to illustrate situations arising in different areas and covering a wide variety of issues.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This module aims to develop deep knowledge and critical insights into the complexities and dynamics of managing business concerns across national boundaries. The module aims specifically at developing a critical awareness of the strategic challenges and opportunities in a global business context, while equipping students to address these issues using appropriate tools and frameworks necessary for formulating and implementing effective strategies on a global level. Students will understand the strategic thinking necessary for successful competition in diverse and changing markets from both perspectives: firm internal capability and the external pressures on it from the environment of international contexts. In this module, students learn how multinational organizations and small businesses negotiate various macro and supra factors. Central to this module is an exploration of key megatrends, including the climate crisis, digital transformation, and geopolitical risks. Students will examine the implications of these trends on global business strategy, understanding the ways in which organizations must adapt to remain resilient, competitive, and responsible. The module also emphasizes the importance of corporate governance in fostering ethical decision-making and corporate social responsibility, especially in addressing global challenges as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learning through case studies, real-life cases, and strategic models and theories, students are expected to develop the analytical capability to understand a competitive landscape, assess strategic choices, and handle cross-border challenges in an effective manner. They will be equipped with strategic thinking and responsible behavior to enable them to contribute toward the sustainable growth and competitive advantage of organizations in their effort to perform business globally.

10 ECTS

Improvements to processes, services, products, people, and systems are core to the strategy of organizations. Improvements bridge the gap between current and required performance to add value and achieve and sustain a competitive advantage in the long-term. Effective consultation and project management using appropriate business improvement and research methodologies is key to the successful implementation of change. In this two-part module students will explore how to plan, organize, motivate, and control resources to achieve defined goals, on time and to agreed cost and quality criteria. Using a consultative approach, students will be challenged to make decisions based on their own research to provide practical advice and solutions to real-life scenarios taking into consideration the organization's constraints. They will liaise with employers, establish agreed objectives and present their findings in a clear, business-focused report and presentation.

10 ECTS

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the added complexities involved in global marketing and how these impact on the formulation of marketing plans and strategies through this module. It builds on the knowledge and concepts acquired earlier in the program. This model familiarizes students with a range of issues and concepts encountered by international marketers and provides the theoretical framework for analyzing and implementing them in a real-life business situation. Assessment is coursework-based, designed to enable students to demonstrate their ability to approach a business challenge as a marketer and business manager. The assessment methods used on this module will also help develop key skills desired by employers, such as critical analysis, business report-writing and presentation skills.

10 ECTS

Organizations need effective leadership but the number and quality of leaders who are able to build a culture of trust is under threat. This module explores the way in which leadership has developed over time and considers how leaders need to continue to adapt to the new challenges of the future. It will look at how this leadership can be developed within organizations considering who should receive leadership development, what form leadership development should take and how the impact of leadership development can be evaluated.

10 ECTS

Improvements to processes, services, products, people, and systems are core to the strategy of organizations. Improvements bridge the gap between current and required performance to add value and achieve and sustain a competitive advantage in the long-term. Effective consultation and project management using appropriate business improvement and research methodologies is key to the successful implementation of change. In this two-part module students will explore how to plan, organize, motivate, and control resources to achieve defined goals, on time and to agreed cost and quality criteria. Using a consultative approach, students will be challenged to make decisions based on their own research to provide practical advice and solutions to real-life scenarios taking into consideration the organization's constraints. They will liaise with employers, establish agreed objectives and present their findings in a clear, business-focused report and presentation.

10 ECTS

This module seeks to develop an understanding of the emerging area of international entrepreneurship, and how that knowledge can be applied to a real-life situation. In recent years, international business and entrepreneurship have been coalescing into a single cognate area. Trading blocs such as the EU highlight entrepreneurship as an engine of economic growth and SMEs are becoming more international thanks to technological advances. At the same time globalization has prompted the re-emergence of local cultures which influence the growth of entrepreneurship in diverse ways. Creating an in-depth appreciation of these issues will enable students to apply theory to inform, evaluate and enhance potential international entrepreneurial ventures.

10 ECTS

In this course, students will learn to think and act like business consultants. They will conduct a specific project through which they will learn the latest business and project management methodologies and tools, examine the main challenges faced by businesses, and apply this knowledge to make informed decisions. Students will develop their problem-solving, strategic-thinking and project management skills, essential for managing projects of all sizes, and learn to identify any gaps between realities and expectations and define possible approaches, options, and solutions.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

The primary objective of the course is for students to explore the roles and responsibilities of leaders and entrepreneurs in the workplace and the development of theoretical approaches as well as their practical application. Students will analyze the skills, traits and competencies of effective leaders and examine alternative methods of leadership development. On successful completion of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate the roles and responsibilities of leadership; critique the challenges of entrepreneurs in contemporary business management; assess alternative theoretical approaches to leadership; and construct comprehensive business models.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

All management and leadership positions require important soft skills and aptitudes, including a capacity for collaboration, critical thinking, negotiation, and public speaking. In this course, students will learn to identify their own strengths, as well as areas where they could improve, in order to develop as confident future leaders. Topics covered include effective time management; learning how emotions can be interpreted and managed to create effective leaders and inspire teams; how to exhibit an accurate sense of self; how to apply a wide range of tools from several disciplines to solve problems effectively and creatively; select the correct negotiation style or strategy for specific situations; develop their business presentation skills.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of social, company and state protocol. Protocol is vitally important in our business and social lives today as it lays down a framework of mutual respect covering different cultures and practices. The course discusses the rules governing a wide range of activities, from business meetings and diplomatic receptions to charitable or sport events. As well as face-to-face encounters, the course covers written communications, telephone, email and social and electronic media protocols. Rules may differ from country to country and it's important to understand their relationship with the underlying business culture.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

The first part of this course deals with the history, evolution and politics of development. Various key development terminologies and their multi-dimensional nature are discussed in order to provide students with a critical and in-depth understanding of the theoretical backdrop to development. The second part of the course focuses on key thematic issues of international development, such as poverty, food and water security, and the environment. Students are introduced to key development challenges that face us today and discuss current international policies under the auspices of the IMF, World Bank and various UN organizations. Practical examples are provided throughout the course.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS

This course examines the concept of security from a broad perspective, including both conventional and asymmetric threats and areas such as environmental and food security. The narrower concept of defense, and within it military power, is also examined. Security is discussed from a conceptual and historical perspective, using theoretical approaches which are then applied to practical cases. The ethical basis of security and defense policies is an integral part of the course. The subject complements other international relations courses by examining this important aspect of the international system and is also useful for students interested in a career in the security and defense sector.

3.5 CH | 5 ECTS