Business Practices in Central and Eastern Europe

COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES:

The course introduces the fundamental elements of business practices, within a global and European context. It examines not only economic but also cultural, social, legal, political, financial, and geographic dimensions. The course emphasizes the practical aspects of the application of business practices in the international environment.

Relevant materials along with practical examples and cases are used to help students understand each of the topics. The core of the course will not only be lectures but also presentations and discussions of cases involving active participation of students. Reading assignments, exams, homework, presentation and participation will be used to achieve the objectives of this course.

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Strengthen knowledge of typical business practices in an international context
• Understand major macro-environmental factors in global and European markets
• Develop skills to address business practices in specific international markets needs while recognizing regional and local constraints
• Develop an appreciation for the cultural and environmental uniqueness of the global business environment

CONTENTS:
(This is a sample of course contents; changes may be made based on current developments, students' requests etc. Some issues will be discussed in several sessions. The issues at hand will overlap to some degree.)

1. The globalization of business practices. Examine how the realities of an increasingly globalized world impact the undertaking of business internationally.
2. The role of regional structures in business and their relationships to globalization
3. Rules, regulations, and laws differ around the world. An overview of these differences and their impact on doing business is presented
4. Money & banking as a foundation of business. The evolution of money and its role in the globalized world are covered.
5. Foreign Direct Investment as a means of international expansion
6. Transition from central planning to the free market economy. Examination of the process of transforming formerly state run enterprises in Central & Eastern Europe into private sector entities.
7. IT and M&A in CEE and recent related trends
8. Sustainability as a driver of global business and examination of its globalized nature.

TEXTBOOK:

Slides will be prepared by the lecturer based on textbooks and other materials, no textbook is required, students are expected to take notes during lectures. Materials for the course made accessible on course website.

COURSE EVALUATION:

• Participation 10%
• Midterm exam 20%
• Final Presentations 20%
• Final Exam 30%
• Assignments/Group class work/Homework 20%

Each student is expected to:

• Participate actively in class discussion. This applies to general reading assignments and specific class activities, cases, and presentations. Each student is expected to be able to summarize reading materials/subjects and are encouraged to express their own opinion on the topic
• Deliver a final group presentation which will be prepared throughout the term and presented at the end of the term in class
• Hand in homeworks on time (at the beginning of class the day they are due)
• Be on time to class, attend all classes, return to class from breaks on time

The grading scale:
100 - 96 % A
95 - 90 % A-
89 - 87 % B+
86 - 83 % B
82 - 80 % B-
79 - 76 % C+
75 - 70 % C
69 - 60 % C-
59 - 0 % F

ATTENDENCE POLICY:
Attendance is obligatory. More than one unexcused absence from class will endanger an officially certified completion of the course (grading + certificate). Medical absences are excused with the prompt receipt of proper documentation. It is expected that students arrive to class on time and that they return promptly to class after any given class break. Tardiness is figured into the attendance policy.

CLASS PROTOCOL:
Students are required to be involved in class activities. They are expected to show their preparation by participating in discussions, by asking relevant questions, being critical and analytical with the contents presented in class as well as by sharing their ideas and opinions. In class the student is required to maintain a polite demeanour always and under every circumstance. Students are asked not to eat in class and to put their cell phones on silence. With the exception being for class presentations, laptops are not to be used in class. *Course content subject to change