Undergraduate course descriptions

Global Environmental Issues BA 200 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Environmental issues are among the most profound challenges of the 21st century. The widespread degradation of the earth’s air, water, soil and diversity of species is compromising the quality of life for many on earth. The course will provide an introduction to understanding environmental issues and the socioeconomic processes that shape the relationship between human beings and the natural environment.

 

Introduction to Mass Communication BA 202 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course examines the different phases of development of various media. Students study the sociological and economic impact of mass media. Students are expected to analyze media events and provide comments.

 

Peace and Conflict Resolution BA 203 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course offers a multidisciplinary approach which combines both micro and macro level analysis that links theory with practice, and research with action. It provides training in implementation skills as well as critical analysis.

 

Public Relations BA 208 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course focuses on the importance of public relations as a management tool for communicating with media and internally with employees and shareholders. Specific techniques for influencing people are presented in this course.

 

Global Communication Strategies BA 209 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course examines communication across various cultures. Students study how communication is affected in cross-cultural contexts influences in order to better understand communication processes in such settings. Examples of successful cross-cultural communication are examined.

 

New Media BA 214 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course explores the impact of «new media» on corporate communications and how audiences increasingly interact with organizations and each other through emerging digital and electronic communications: web sites, digital video, and virtual 3-D environments. Students gain hands-on experience in using and managing the latest forms of digital communications.

 

Issues and Crisis Management  BA 215 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Publics are increasingly aware of local and global issues that effect their life, work and society. Companies and institutions need to be able to manage these issues and interact with publics in a constructive manner before crises emerge. Consequently, active issues management and crisis planning have become key priorities for companies. In this course, students learn through case studies how to analyse issues, design appropriate responses and manage crises when they occur.

 

Multimedia Applications BA 303 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The objective of this course is to provide students with an overview of the tools and skills needed to manage and produce multimedia projects. This course covers the management of multimedia projects from the concept and storyboard phase to the final product and its promotion. Students gain hands-on experience by participating in an audiovisual production of an interactive multimedia DVD.

 

Communication and Image Management BA 310 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course analyzes the various tools required to build up and maintain a successful corporate identity, image and reputation. Students examine the effects and impact of the corporate brand and how they relate to the meaning interpreted by stakeholders.

 

Corporate Communication BA 352 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course focuses on the role and importance of corporate communications in today’s global economy. Corporate communications serves to integrate the various facets of the corporation by promoting interactivity between the numerous channels and stakeholders in that exist today. Students are expected to improve their writing skills and to understand the role of language in shaping perceptions in a corporation both internally and externally.

 

Principles of Management BBA 100 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course introduces the different management structures with special reference to the problems and challenges facing managers, in the field of planning, controlling and decision-making. The importance of organizing and budgeting resources, time and employees is emphasized.

 

Fundamentals of Accounting BBA 105 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course describes the fundamentals of accounting; the objective is to familiarize students with the use of financial statements, journals, ledgers and business transactions.

 

Creative Problem Solving BBA 107 3 Credits (4ECTS)

Creative Problem Solving is a course designed to assist students to analyse case studies and complex problems of all types. Using a variety of problem solving techniques, students will learn how to arrive at a range of possible solutions and how to finally arrive at the optimum solution given the available data. The course uses a large number of practival exercices and is highly participative - the overall objective being that the student will be provided with techniques that can then be applied in other courses throughout the period studying for a degree and in later work situations.

 

Introduction to International Relations BBA 114 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course outlines the role of International Relations in every day life. Students are presented with the major theories and approaches which determine international relations and raise new issues in the field.

 

Principles of Marketing BBA 115 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The goal of this course is to provide students with vocabulary, theories and methods related to marketing.
The course looks at the terminology and strategic concepts of marketing and its role in organizations.

 

English Composition BBA 116 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course provides the basic building blocks for effective university-level writing skills in English. Students learn the mechanics, usage, punctuation, vocabulary, sentence, paragraph structure and advanced grammatical structures necessary for a more sophisticated writing style.

 

College Algebra BBA 122 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
An introduction to mathematical techniques used to explore, model, and analyze phenomena in a broad range of subject matters using computer spreadsheets or mathematics modeling programs. Students employ analytical, graphical, numerical, and verbal approaches to model solutions to these problems, increasing their reasoning and problem-solving skills.

 

Micro-Economics BBA 125 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course introduces students to the role of supply and demand in determining market prices. The importance of consumers and firms on supply and demand is emphasized.

 

Globalization BBA 132 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course addresses International Relations by focusing on global economic and social problems from a political perspective. These are issues that cross national borders and are concerned with relations between and among nation states. Topics include the role of multinational corporations, poverty, gender and the environment.

 

Essentials of Finance BBA 201 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of finance. It covers financial mathematics, valuation approaches for different financial instruments, the appraisal of capital investment projects and the measurement of financial risk.

Application of Information Processing BBA 202 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course covers advanced information technology concepts and terminology and introduces students to the use of software tools for business applications. It provides a thorough presentation to the use of spreadsheets from basic navigation to building financial models including introduction to database management systems.

 

International Commercial Law BBA 205 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course studies the legal systems and their impact on business; special attention is given to contract law and different types of partnerships. The course is a pre-requisite to the advanced course “International Law”.

 

World Literature BBA 207 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course introduces poetry, fiction and drama. Students learn to recognize elements that characterize each genre. Students analyze manuscripts using common literary terms, writing essays interpreting literature by developing a single point and supporting it with specific examples from the text.

 

Communication and Presentation Techniques BBA 220 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course examines the strategies and skills necessary to make successful business presentations. Students will develop their oral communication skills and examine the components of informative and persuasive presentations.

 

Social Psychology BBA 223 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course is an analysis of the structures and properties of human groups. Topics include: group formation, development of role relationships, intragroup and inter-group conflict, and factors influencing group effectiveness.

 

Advertising BBA 225 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course provides a comprehensive study of the correlation between media and advertising. During the course, organizations active in the field of advertising introduce students to different advertising and communication campaigns.

 

Financial Reporting BBA 232 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course provides broad knowledge of financial statement analysis techniques and corporate financial reporting practices as well as the accounting standards upon which these practices are based. The financial reporting topics include, among others, reporting of standard and off-balance sheet transactions, cash flows, consolidated statements, overseas operations, financial instruments, structured financings, and asset impairments. Each topic is approached from a variety of perspectives, theoretically and practically.
Prerequisite: Essentials of Finance (BBA 201)

 

Macro-Economics BBA 235 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The aim of this course is to examine the impact of national income, monetary policies, interest rates and prices on the global economy. Different economic models and theories are analyzed.

 

Calculus BBA 240 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course introduces students to the use of advanced mathematical statistical tools for business management, including descriptive data-driven methods, line-fitting techniques, regression and correlation analysis, pattern analysis and model building. Emphasis is given to developing a logical and systematic approach to problem solving.

 

International Political Issues II BBA 241 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Ricardian Trade Theory demonstrates why countries benefit from trade. Later models show however, that not all sectors of the economy benefit equally. This in turns gives rise to special pleading, lobbying and pressure groups and to trade imperfections in the form of
tariffs and quotas. National trade and development policies – such as “infant industry” arguments, “import substitution” and “local content requirements” – also disrupt trading patterns, and have a significant influence in international economic relations.

 

Business Writing BBA 242 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course prepares students to write successful business correspondence. Basic grammar, style, and rhetorical strategies will be examined. Students will be responsible for writing and editing numerous forms of writing.

 

Statistics BBA 243 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course builds upon and expands the knowledge acquired in mathematics by introducing statistical methods such as inference, intervals of confidence, hypothesis testing and multiple regression technique. Application of statistics to real life problems in a broad range of subject matters are discussed and practiced using spreadsheets and advanced computer based technology.

 

Consumer Behaviour BBA 245 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The aim of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of consumers and consumer behaviour and how they influence the marketing strategy. Students will understand and apply consumer behaviour within a behavioural science framework in order to learn how to develop and implement effective marketing strategies.

 

International Economics BBA 300 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course covers such topics as international trade issues, international monetary systems and economic development and growth. Subjects of actual relevance, such as globalization and the European Monetary Union, are discussed in detail. Prerequisites: Macro and Micro-

 

Human Resource Management Economics BBA 305 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
An introduction to key HRM functions found in modern organizations such as: effective job design, staff selection, evaluation, reward systems, management development and organizational training.

 

Introduction to Journalism BBA 308 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Introduction to Journalism is a study of basic rhetorical and ethical principles of journalism. The course includes writing and editing style, investigative and interpretive reporting, ethics and legal issues, broadcast, wire and internet trends.

 

Marketing Strategies BBA 310 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The goal of this course is to introduce students to marketing analysis and strategies. Topics covered include the marketing mix, market planning and implementation through case studies. Prerequisite: Principles of Marketing (BBA 115)

 

Financial Management BBA 315 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course covers financial analysis tools used for evaluating corporate performance and forecasting future financial needs. It introduces techniques for managing working capital and optimizing the firm’s long-term capital structure. Prerequisite: Essentials of Finance (BBA 201)

 

Evolution and Trends in the Nation State BBA 316 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Despite being taken for granted in the modern world, the nation state is a relatively recent institution. The course will trace its origins and antecedents, examine the state system with its strengths and weaknesses and issues of political hegemony. Security and the concept
of balance of power will be considered as well as current changes in statehood and new challenges to peaceful relations.

 

International Organizations BBA 317 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course offers a holistic and in-depth view of the institutional structures through which international policy is made. Topics include the evolution of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Institutions with offices in Geneva will receive special attention.

 

NGOs: Evolution, Activities and Impact BBA 318 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course considers the evolution of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Students review the history of these organizations in the 20th century and examine the changing roles of NGOs in gathering and disseminating information in such fields as human rights, international peace and security, economic and social development.

 

International Decision Making BBA 319 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Decision making practices are examined by exploring the political process at local, national, and regional level. Special emphasis is placed on the role of civil society and how decisions at every level are influenced by the public.

 

Geopolitics BBA 321 3 Credits (4ECTS)

Contemporary internaitonal relations have been characterized by the increased involcement of non-state actors, rapid rechnological advances, resource comptetition, identity conflicts and tensions caused by contradictory effects of globalization. To deal with this challenge, geopolitics takes into account history, geography, strategy, economy and cluture in explaining the complexity of current and potential future conflicts.

 

Cultural Diversity BBA 323 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course examines the conceptual and theoretical aspects of ethnic and gender relations. Students learn to discuss theoretical concepts; analyze the dynamics of inter-group relations; and develop a deeper appreciation of a diverse society.

 

Contemporary Ethical Issues BBA 324 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course explores the ethical and philosophical basis for making decisions in business. Students review precedent-setting cases and analyze its effect of government control and legislation on economic and business enterprises; and review the use of the law as
a tool for generating policy and decision-making.

 

The Culture and Politics of International Security BBA 331 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course explores “security” as a cultural concept. Students will study how definitions of security have changed with time and how different definitions reflect changes in goals and conduct in international relations. Conflict and harmony in “security practices” are explored.

 

Organizational Behaviour BBA 340 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course provides an introduction to selected critical issues affecting individual and group behaviours in organizations. Topics include motivation, teams, leadership, interpersonal communication, effective presentations, consulting skills, as well as the dynamics of conflict and change in organizations.

 

Quantitative Decision Making (BBA243) BBA 341 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course familiarizes students with techniques commonly used in Quantitative Decision Making. Topics discussed include concepts of decision-making and decision analysis, optimization theory, linear programming, sensitivity analysis, transportation and assignment problems, cross-section analysis, forecasting and time series analysis, waiting line models and Markov processes. Prerequisite: Statistics (BBA 243)

 

Negotiation and Dispute Resolution BBA 342 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The goal of this course is to develop interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with others. The issues of power and influence, corporate culture and group dynamics are studied. Students learn selected negotiating strategies and tactics and apply them through practical cases in a global setting.

 

International Money and Banking BBA 345 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This advanced course examines how international monetary systems function and the meaning of monetary policy from the point of view of banks and other major financial institutions including the International Monetary Fund. Students will analyze various monetary theories and how changes in the volume of money impact on capital formation, national income, employment, prices and interest rates.

 

Managerial Accounting BBA 350 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Special emphasis is placed on the collection and interpretation of data for managerial decision-making. A study is made of cost concepts used in planning and control, cost- profit-volume analysis, and budgeting. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Accounting (BBA 105)

 

International Finance BBA 400 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course examines the issues of financial decisions in an international environment. Specific topics covered include currency risks, trans-national acquisitions and transfer and financing in international trade.

 

Management Information Systems (BBA 202) BBA 401 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course prepares students to apply knowledge learned from IT tools to solve management problems and find new opportunities to improve their organizations.
It examines how information technology supports managers in their operational and decision making tasks. Prerequisite: Application of Information Processing (BBA 202)

 

International Business BBA 402 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course addresses the particular problems involved when managing on an international scale. Global strategic issues are outlined. The planning, implementation and controlling aspects of a multinational corporation are analyzed through case studies.

 

Regionalism BBA 403 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Political and economic concepts of regionalism are examined, particularly as they have given rise to the development of regional political and economic groupings (NAFTA, EU). Students will examine the growing trend towards similar regional groupings in Latin America, Asia and Eastern and Central Europe.

 

Commercial Law (BBA) BBA 406 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course covers sources of law, recognition of statehood territorial sovereignty, state jurisdiction, the protection of individuals and groups and other legal concepts important in international settings. Prerequisite: Business Law (BBA 205)

 

International Trade & Policy BBA 408 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The goal of this course is to study the determinants of trade and to examine how trade affects the distribution of real income in the economy. Students will become familiar with terms related to international trade and gain understanding about international trade policy in developed and developing nations. The course presents various theories, trade barriers, their
instruments and impact on social welfare, the political economy of trade barriers and the evolution of trade organizations. Students will study the role and function of the World Trade Organization in the global context of free and fair trade agreements.

 

Issues in International Relations BBA 409 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course studies numerous phenomena that affect international relations. This includes migration and the “brain drain” it causes in the home country. Other issues include effects of international relations on natural resources, oil exploration and new and renewable sources of energy.

 

Entrepreneurship BBA 415 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Students are expected to develop a business plan encompassing the different management functions. During the course students analyze human and capital resources, the marketing mix, the strategic implementation, financial projections and finally the action plan.

 

Sustainable Development BBA 421 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Sustainable Development is a course that demonstrates the need for examination of linkages among economic, social, technological, and environmental issues in achieving a sustainable global society. Building on the multi-disciplinary nature of environmental studies the course incorporates various aspects of economics, social engineering, ethics, politics, and science. This advanced course requires students to discuss issues at a level where they must integrate knowledge from various fields and realities and their knowledge of international finance and global investments.

 

Research Methods BBA 430 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
Skills, tools and techniques presented in this course are essential for effective report writing and presentation. Scholarly mentoring and guidance will be given to students preparing a research paper or thesis.

 

International Investment Management BBA 431 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course introduces students to the financial issues facing corporations making international investment decisions. It covers international monetary environment, international investment and market equilibrium, equity and bond investment.

 

Services Marketing BBA 433 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course aims to provide students with a practical understanding of the function of marketing in the service sector of the economy. The goal of this course is to enable students to grasp, adopt and apply the details of service marketing operations in a variety of practical solutions.

 

E-Commerce BBA 458 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course takes a comprehensive look at how the new information technology is fundamentally transforming the way business is done today, and offers practical examples on moving into the digital age. Using examples from leading-edge organizations that are successfully riding the IT wave, the course covers how the new technology is altering the way products are created and marketed; how it is shifting the dynamics of competition, and, in fact, is transforming all of the rules which govern business success. The course also introduces the student to concepts of how management could take advantage of the technology which drives business today.

 

Risk Management BBA 478 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course looks at the wide variety of risks and uncertainties that business organizations face. Special attention is given to two specific areas: the treatment of risk in capital investment decisions and techniques for managing market-related risks in commodities, currencies, money and capital markets. The course is designed to be as practical as possible, with the contribution of a number of outside experts.

 

Auditing BBA 479 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course covers auditing standards and procedures for examining financial statements in business and other organizations. Major topics to be addressed include such practices and processes as audit standards, audit objectives, the conceptual framework for the collection of evidence, risk assessment, audit reporting, operational auditing and the preparation of audit programs. Students will also study the impact of computer controlled processes on the total audit environment.

 

Leadership Skills BBA 480 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to leadership theories aimed at leading, influencing and coordinating team members in the workplace. Students will identify their own leadership attributes and improve their skills through practical exercises. Real world business cases will be analyzed to identify successful and less successful examples of leadership.

 

Corporate Governance BBA 490 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course studies the system by which companies are directed and managed. The aim of this course is for students to understand that corporate governance is a framework for accountability and a vehicle which encourages companies to create value. Students will understand that establishing the roles of the board and management are fundamental to any corporate structure. Students will also understand how corporate governance influences the setting of objectives, their achievement, how risk is monitored and assessed andhow performance is optimized.

 

Business Policy BBA 498 3 Credits (4 ECTS)  (capstone Course)
This course emphasizes the strategic decisions on the overall performance of the firm. This is a capstone course and concentrates on management, finance and other issues that affect the firm. Case analysis is the method used to review business problems.

 

Luxury Goods and Services – Markets and Trends BSC 401 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This foundation course analyzes the luxury goods market and industry trends. Using the case study and project based learning approach, the course examines ways in which strategic thinking, creativity, and business skills are integrated in the successful luxury goods firm. Topics include general management of the luxury good or service firm, luxury brand management, product development, pricing, and supply chain management in the luxury industry.

 

Marketing of Luxury Goods BSC 402 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course provides an overview of the entire luxury marketing management process. Focusing on the luxury consumer, the course examines market research, segmentation, targeting and positioning, branding, pricing, product development, retailing, and communication strategies in the luxury industry. Using well established brands as examples, the course delves into consumer and buyer behaviour analysis.

 

Legal Aspects of Luxury Goods BSC 403 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
The course covers: contracts, torts, unfair competition, licensing, intellectual property rights, and international payment mechanisms and financing. The course focuses on brand protection, international licensing, trademark law, negotiations and contracts, and franchising. Students will learn about the relevant legal topics of international luxury transactions, and how to analyze the problems and methods of international law as it applies to the luxury industry.

 

Managing Brands Internationally BSC 404 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
This course provides an overview of the ways in which luxury brands are conceived, developed, and protected. It focuses on defining the luxury industry in relation to the concept of prestige and image while also imparting techniques and strategies for developing an international luxury brand. A practical approach is emphasized throughout the course by reference to real world examples and proven tools used to build a luxury brand.

 

Global Strategies in selected Industries BSC 405 3 Credits (4 ECTS)
In this course students will develop a business plan taking into consideration the international environment, competition and the comparative advantage of the firm. Students will analyze the strategic positioning of the brands in terms of pricing, distribution and creating superior value for consumers including after sales service.

 

Accounting Fundamentals GBA 514 3 Credits (foundation course)
The course offers a study of accounting concepts, methods and their significance to management. This course does not require previous accounting knowledge.