Introduction to Business and International Management

About

This course aims to provide an overview of all business areas so that students can better understand how to function in organizations.

Business is all around us. 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.

Fee info

Students, PhD candidates and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner €765 Students and PhD candidates at partner universities of VU Amsterdam €1035 Students and PhD candidates at non-partner universities of VU Amsterdam €1140 Professionals €1360