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2025/2026  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 70
Study board
Study Board for Business, Language and Area Studies
Programme Bachelor of Science in Business, Asian Language and Culture
Course coordinator
  • Manuele Citi - 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 13-02-2025

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

 

At a higher level of analysis, the course introduces students to the institutions and policies of the European Union: the European Council, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Court of Justice. Simultaneously, the course addresses key EU policy areas most pertinent to business: competition policy, environmental and energy policy, labor market policy, monetary policy, and external trade policy

 

At a lower level of analysis, the course examines the significant diversity that characterizes the European states in terms of 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, and what it means for business. It does so with the help of several business case studies, which the students will discuss in class throughout the course.

 

By studying the conditions related to the SEM and the EU's external trade policy, students acquire knowledge of access strategies to the European market, as well as the relevant standards and norms for conducting business across borders in Europe. Moreover, students learn to reflect on the economic, political, social, and ethical implications of doing business in Europe, thereby developing a critical awareness of policy-making in the EU. Finally, as part of the discussion on trade policy, we examine several trade agreements, including the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement of 2019 and the proposed EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI).

 

This course provides some of the knowledge needed by companies 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 relevant theories related to each specific policy area. 

Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • Teacher’s own research
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
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 Business case studies. 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 particular during the presentations and discussions of business case studies, as well as during the discussion of critical questions on the assigned literature.

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

 

 

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

Last updated on 13-02-2025