Amsterdam, Netherlands

Introduction to Business and International Management

A basic understanding of business concepts is useful for people pursuing any type of career. Learning the foundations about the most important aspects of business such as how are businesses organised, how to work in teams, how to market a product, how to lead, or how to judge the financial situation of a business will provide you with a toolbox to better understand the world in which you will work.

The course will expose students to the most important business knowledge. Regardless of a student’s background or career ambitions, an understanding of business concepts can help you get the job you want and provide you with a toolbox to help you advance faster.

This interactive course teaches students the basics of business through simulations, games, movies, and in-class team assignments. The course will address the following topics:

• Understanding the Business Environment

• Starting and Structuring a Business

• Business Management and Organisation

• Motivation, Leadership, and Teamwork

• Human Resource Management

• Principles of Marketing (branding, pricing, promotion)

• Principles of Finance (Financing and Accounting for Business Operations)

Course leader

Dr Oli Mihalache

Target group

Bachelor’s students from all educational disciplines and all years of study and Master’s students who are interested in learning the basics of business are invited to join this course. Professionals are also welcome.

Course aim

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

- discuss the differences and relationships between different areas of a business
- solve practical business problems (e.g. how to organize a business, lead employees, market a product, assess the financial health of a business);
- present solutions to practical problems verbally and in writing for various audiences

Credits info

3 EC
Contact Hours: 45
Do you want to make the most out of your summer? You can combine this course with a course in session 2 to create a 4-week Online Summer School.

Fee info

EUR 1310: Tuition fees two-week course

VU Students/PhD candidates and employees of VU Amsterdam* or an Aurora Network Partner €735
Students at Partner Universities of VU Amsterdam €995
Students and PhD candidates at non-partner universities of VU Amsterdam €1100
Professionals €1310

Early Bird offer
Applications received before 15 March (14 March CET 23:59) receive €50 Early Bird discount!

Scholarships

VU Amsterdam Summer School offers two kinds of scholarships: the Equal Access Scholarship and the Photographer Scholarship. More information can be found on the VU Amsterdam Summer School website.