Business Administration

The course explores the world of fashion and luxury by providing an overview and general framework of the sectors, the companies, and brands, then delving into two key areas: the sustainability and circularity management focus and the merchandising process (from the point of view of brand building of the seasonal offerings). Both topics are strategic today: sustainability has become a key factor for the fashion system; collection development has to be adapted to the industry evolution and the omnichannel approach. The course discusses topics including an overview of the fashion system and a detailed industry analysis; analyzing the main business logic and business models in fashion; an overview of opportunities and challenges related to sustainability and circularity management in fashion; key tools to manage sustainability and circularity in fashion, to create a competitive advantage based on differentiation; the concept of the fashion cycle and innovation, the pipeline and its timing; the seasonal strategies at the level of the product, with relation to distribution and communication; and the role of merchandiser, the collection plan, the sales campaign, and the role of buyer.

This course covers the scale and speed at which innovative business models are transforming industry landscapes, which is unprecedented. Students are enabled to understand and methodically address the challenge of business model innovation. Ultimately, business model innovation is about creating value, for companies, customers, and society. It is about replacing outdated models. The course discusses ways in which powerful new business models can be systematically invented, designed, and implemented. The course is guided by Alexander Osterwalder’s book Business Model Generation. It is an interactive course in which there isn’t one right answer. However, this course gives students tools for how to rewrite business models by breaking down patterns and routines. To do so the course also takes a look at some trends, especially the rise of Corporate Social Responsibility or Social Entrepreneurship. What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and what are the implications for companies that want to implement it? In particular: Does CSR affect business results? How can CSR help businesses to create, deliver and capture value?

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.

This course develops the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to both appreciate the real-world societal context in which taxation exists as well as the technical ability to plan and manage the taxation for individuals and companies. 

This course studies French business with a focus on commercial, communication, and marketing strategies. Topics covered include selection of products, distribution channels, communication and business image, visual and sound identity, communication decisions, and business reputation. The course utilizes local, national, generalized, and specialized mass media.

This course enables students to critically assess aspects of strategic project management. Organizations have to choose where they focus their resources and what they hope to achieve. Strategic project management introduces the key principles of project, program, and portfolio (P3) management, focusing on how projects are selected, sustained and completed. Students have the opportunity to understand how P3 management relates to operational management. Essential management skills such as leadership, team building, and conflict management are explored in the context of strategic management of projects, programs, and portfolios. Through a blended learning approach, students are encouraged to evaluate organizational strategies through case studies both in lectures and coursework. Through strategic business relationships, case studies are both current and relevant. The focus is on providing students with insights based on current practice, significant industry experience, and professional standards.

This course examines financial accounting and reporting from a decision usefulness perspective. Specifically, the course explores contemporary accounting theory and research to examine the role and implications of accounting information in decision-making. It builds on basic knowledge of financial accounting by examining implications of financial reporting for business decision-making.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the basic structures and pricing theories for financial derivatives, including an examination of futures, forwards, options, swaps, and credit derivatives. Topics include basic pricing theories for the derivatives, arbitrage vs. hedge transactions, bond pricing, duration, term structure of interest rates, interest rate derivatives, binomial option pricing model vs. Black-Scholes model, implied volatility, numerical analysis, exotic options, market risk vs. credit risk, and several cases of financial risk management.

Climate change, environmental pollution, waste of resources and the decline of biodiversity clearly show mankind that processes of change are necessary. On a policy level, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris climate agreement and the Green New Deal are setting the stage, at the corporate level, standards such as environmental social and governance (ESG) reporting, supply chain integrity and voluntary certification, and diversity are critical to long-term business success. How are companies innovating towards more sustainability today? What are the criteria, the success factors and the strategic approaches to tackle consumer, policy, employee and societal demand for more sustainability? This course looks at current sustainability frameworks, sustainable companies and sustainable innovation. Students get to know and to apply collaborative tools to be better prepared for a business environment. One focus is on the development of a sustainable business model or project, based on which students learn and try out modern methods such as the Sustainable Business Canvas, Design Thinking, Effectuation and the Blue Ocean Strategy.

This course develops knowledge and technical skills in the area of financial accounting and reporting, with a focus on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In addition, the course aims to enhance the ability to apply professional judgement in making sound financial reporting decisions and effectively utilizing accounting information in business decision-making.