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2022/2023  BA-BEBUO1019U  Europe and Global Megatrends

English Title
Europe and Global Megatrends

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in European Business
Course coordinator
  • Cornel Ban - Department of Organization (IOA)
  • Johann Ole Willers - Department of Organization (IOA)
Main academic disciplines
  • International political economy
  • Organisation
  • Political Science
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 28-11-2022

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding about the nature of megatrends, as forms of grand social challenges
  • Describe key megatrends affecting Europe as opportunities and constraints for businesses, states and societies
  • Use the analytical skills learned in previous courses - specifically approaches they have met in the political economy - as well as the new theories taught in this course, in order to analyze how EU institutions could address and solve the challenges posed by the megatrends
  • Define and analyze a relevant policy problem pertaining to one or two of the four megatrends drawing upon a range of qualitative and quantitative sources
  • Communicate and discuss the research results clearly, using appropriate terms and concepts.
Examination
Europe and Global Megatrends:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Oral group exam based on written group product
Number of people in the group 2-3
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
Assignment type Synopsis
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
15 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
If a student participated in writing the group synopsis, but was sick at the time of the oral examination, the re-examination will be based on a resubmission of the original group synopsis.
If a student participated in writing the group synopsis, but did not pass the oral examination, the student can choose either to resubmit the original group synopsis or to write a new, individual synopsis, of maximum 5 pages, within a specified time period.
The exam time for a single student reexamination is 25 minutes (10 mins student presentation, 10 mins for exam dialogue, 5 minutes voting and changeover).
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course deals with “megatrends” or ‘driving forces that are observable now and will most likely have significant influence on the future' in terms of the challenges and opportunities they pose for states, businesses and societies in the European context.

 

The course material focuses on four megatrends 1) New Forms of Social Change, 2) The Climate Crisis 3) New Forms of Technological Disruption, 4) Shifts in Global (Economic) Power. Each ‘global force for change’ brings about challenges and opportunities for societies, business and states in different sectors and industries.

 

Those challenges and opportunities that derive from each megatrend are discussed separately in each lecture around selected topics throughout the whole course.

 

The lectures and exercise classes explore the observable implications of the megatrends for the rapid shifts observed in the European economy and society. As such, they discuss each megatrend in terms of how it shapes and is shaped by firms, states and cities.  To make sense of these analytical linkages, the course introduces a set of focused concepts, theoretical frameworks and cases dealing with critical issues such as labour markets, natural resources, financial markets, commodity markets, social policy, wealth accumulation, green investment, digitalization and cyber security, global trade disputes, public debt management and tax dodging practices.  The lectures discuss and touch upon each megatrend at both the global and the European level for private and public sectors, as well as for  societies.

 

The theoretical and conceptual backbone of this course is introduced in each lecture and exercise class through a combination of peer reviewed articles, podcasts, policy documents, and case studies, among others. Further, the readings and the lectures will enable students to synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired in program as a whole, in courses such as ‘Denmark in Comparative Perspective’,‘Internationalization beyond Europe and Qualitative Methods’, or ‘Political Economy of European States.’

 

The course is an integrative platform for the European Business program, mobilizing the knowledge and skills develop through the program in order to understand and analyze the complexity and the challenges that the megatrends pose to European businesses, societies and states.

 
Description of the teaching methods
The course consists of a combination of lectures and exercise classes, both organized around a concrete megatrend. Students obtain knowledge through participating in groups discussions, lectures, and exercise classes. Each lecture starts with main questions, key terms and theoretical framework relevant to the megatrend and then continues with exploring the implications of the megatrend for specific issues faced by European businesses, states and societies. The exercises will deepen these aspects and, most importantly, will link the take-home lessons from the lectures and readings to the knowledge acquired by the students in previous EB courses.

All content will be available on Canvas, which will be structured according to the activities of each week where lectures and exercise classes are carried out. Besides faculty lecturers, students will be able to learn from invited guest speakers who deal with concrete megatrend related policy challenges and represent different sectors from the realm of business, state and society.
Feedback during the teaching period
Student feedback will occur regularly throughout the course in the following venues and ways:
1. Students are encouraged to take advantage of office hours for a one-to-one dialogue with lecturers. Office hours can be made use of individually, as well as, by groups and can be booked by contacting the respective teacher.
2. During exercise classes’ student will get feedback on their answers to the questions posed in the class.
3. There will be three voluntary multiple-choice quizzes made available on CBS Canvas. Feedback will be given collectively on each question discussing why answers were incorrect or correct, further, helping to related answers to the literature/reading materials in the course. The quiz questions will be integrated as parts of the exam questions.
Student workload
Preparation time 122 hours
Lectures 36 hours
Exam 24 hours
Expected literature

Oatley, Thomas. "Toward a political economy of complex interdependence." European Journal of International Relations (2019): 1354066119846553.

 

Baccaro, Lucio, and Jonas Pontusson. "Rethinking comparative political economy: the growth model perspective." Politics & Society  44.2 (2016): 175-207.

 

Blyth, Mark, and Matthias Matthijs. "Black Swans, Lame Ducks, and the mystery of IPE's missing macroeconomy." Review of international political economy  24.2 (2017): 203-231.

 

Gingrich, Jane. "Did State Responses to Automation Matter for Voters?" Research & Politics  6.1 (2019): 2053168019832745.

 

Wright, Christopher, and Daniel Nyberg. "An inconvenient truth: How organizations translate climate change into business as usual." Academy of Management Journal  60.5 (2017): 1633-1661.

 

Mertens, Daniel, and Matthias Thiemann. "Building a hidden investment state? The European Investment Bank, national development banks and European economic governance." Journal of European public policy  26.1 (2019): 23-43.

 

Giordono, Leanne S., Michael D. Jones, and David W. Rothwell. "Social Policy Perspectives on Economic Inequality in Wealthy Countries." Policy Studies Journal  47 (2019): S96-S118.

 

 
Last updated on 28-11-2022