Business Administration

This course examines psychological behavior and instinctive psychological behavior of organizations and individuals in organizations.

This course is an introduction to strategic management of global firms. It studies the patterns of business globalization and analyzes successful strategies of firms facing the challenges imposed by the international integration of markets and production processes. Topics include the changing structure of industries and the response of companies, both those based in the advanced industrial countries and those based in emerging markets, to increasing international competition and opportunities opened by international integration in terms of markets and efficiency gains. The content of the course reflects the increasing role played by emerging economies in international markets. 

The course looks at the way assets are valued in financial markets. It considers interest rates and the pricing of fixed-income bonds, stock market prices and returns, stock market risk and the influence of risk on the pricing of shares, and the characteristics and pricing of financial futures and options. The course also covers some aspects of company finance theory. These include business investment decisions, sources of finance, the cost of capital, the financial structure decision, and the dividend decision.

The purpose of this course is to provide you with the essential knowledge of and skills related to human behavior in an organization. Organizations are everywhere. Regardless of the type of work, understanding how people think, feel, and interact with others is crucial for your career success and happiness. We examine the issues of motivation, perception, group dynamics, leadership, diversity, and culture in organizations, not only from a theoretical academic perspective but also from a practical
standpoint. Topics include Personality and Values, Diversity, Foundations of Group Behavior, Perception & Decision making, Attitudes & Job satisfaction, Team Conference, Motivation, Negotiation & Power, Organizational Culture, Organizational Change, and Contemporary Issues in organizational behavior. 

The course focuses on the role of banks and other financial institutions. The course discusses (1) the main types of financial institutions and the risks they face; (2) banks’ liquidity management and systemic risk; (3) the regulatory framework, with particular emphasis on capital requirements and the resolution framework, and the relationship with accounting; (4) executive compensation; and (5) the challenges for the financial industry due to the low interest rate environment and the Covid-19 crisis. Particular attention is devoted to the European banking industry throughout the course. The course discusses topics including commercial and investment banks: Activities and challenges; financial risks; liquidity and systemic risk; interconnectedness between banks and mutual funds and hedge funds: implications for systemic risk; executive compensation; capital, liquidity, and macro-prudential regulation; the relationship between accounting and prudential regulation; bank resolution framework and state aid; low interest rate environment (LIRE); and post Covid-19: main events and the future of banking.

This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of audit and assurance practices, in relation to the regulatory framework. It discusses the role, principles, and limits of audit and assurance, and students learn to assess internal controls and apply the audit procedures for detecting material misstatements or fraud in financial statements. Students also discuss the professional values of auditing and learn to apply them to specific cases. Students demonstrate problem solving skills and develop reasoned arguments by applying concepts and frameworks to case studies.