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2023/2024  BA-BIBAV1012U  Doing Business in Europe

English Title
Doing Business in Europe

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Third Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 40
Study board
Study Board for BSc in Business, Asian Language and Culture
Course coordinator
  • Kevin McGovern - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
  • International political economy
  • Political leadership and public management
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 31-01-2023

Relevant links

Learning objectives
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the EU’s development and institutions
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of institutional diversity in the political economy of European states
  • Understand common challenges and ethical dilemmas facing the EU
  • Describe and analyze key EU policy areas as a context for business
  • Show awareness of complex economic, political and social issues relating to policy-making in the EU
  • Conduct an independent analysis drawing upon theories and concepts taught in the course
  • Communicate and discuss course topics using appropriate terms and concepts
Examination
Doing Business in Europe:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 5 pages
The examination consists of a home assignment in which students are required to answer a set question pertaining to the course syllabus.
Assignment type Written assignment
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration 72 hours to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The principal aims of this course are twofold: to introduce students to the European Union (EU) and Single European Market (SEM) as a framework for conducting business in Europe; and at the national level, to examine diversity between European states in the institutions and policies that frame economic activity. Accordingly, the course plan divides into two parts, with the bulk of content and teaching devoted to the EU and SEM.

 

In recent decades, Europe has undergone a process of market integration and harmonization in economic governance and the regulation of business. The first part of this course thereby introduces students to the institutions and policies of the European Union. The course gives an overview of the historical development of postwar integration in Europe to the present day, as well as the functions and practices of the key institutions of the EU: the European Council, European Commission, European Parliament, and Court of Justice. The course also covers some of the key EU policy areas relevant to business: Firstly, the EU as a customs union and as an external trade partner, including trade agreements such as the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement of 2019, and the proposed EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. Second, the four freedoms of the SEM, comprising the mobility of goods, services, capital and labour. Third, the monetary and fiscal framework of European Monetary Union (EMU) herein the adoption of a single currency. In addition, other norms and arrangements pertaining to the internal market such as competition policy, and environmental policy with a focus on the European Green Deal and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

 

By studying the external trade policy of the EU as well as conditions pertaining to the SEM, students gain knowledge of the terms of access to the European market as well as the standards and norms relevant to doing business across borders in Europe. Students also learn to reflect upon economic, political, social and ethical implications, developing critical awareness of policy-making in the EU. 

 

Despite the marked progress of regional integration in Europe and comprehensive initiatives of the EU to harmonize economic governance and the regulation of business, there exists significant diversity between European states in the institutions and policies that frame economic activity. The latter part of this course thereby briefly surveys the nature and content of such institutional diversity between European states, such as Denmark, Germany, France, and the UK. For example, the institutions and policies of macroeconomic governance, labour market regulation and welfare policies.

 

This course provides some of the knowledge needed by companies, NGOs and government agencies engaged in cross-border business or in developing policy positions pertaining to standards applied in European markets. The course also introduces students to theories of regional integration, as well as theory relating specific policy areas. 

Description of the teaching methods
Classes consist of a combination of lectures on specific topics from faculty, class discussions of selected issues, group work, and student presentations of additional material, including relevant academic texts, articles, and official publications. Most weeks the teachers upload questions to accompany the set reading material. One of the main focal points of the questions is to elucidate the most important concepts and issues in the readings.
Feedback during the teaching period
Student feedback will occur regularly throughout the course in classes, in which there will be regular presentations by students as well as set questions on the texts. Written online feedback is provided on the slides students prepare for their presentations in class, as well as direct feedback on the oral performance. Students will also write a short assignment during the course, for which they will receive written feedback.

Students are encouraged to participate fully and constructively in two-way communication in classes. Students are also welcome to take advantage of office hours for a one-to-one dialogue with lecturers.
Student workload
Classes 38 hours
Preparation for classes 158 hours
Exam 30 hours
Expected literature

Ian Bache et al (2020): Politics in the European Union, OUP. 

 

Details of further literature will be provided in the detailed course outline at the start of the semester.  

Last updated on 31-01-2023