Learning outcomesOn successful completion of the course, students will be able to:understand important societal, cultural, and environmental issues and their relation to businesscritically evaluate the role of business, markets, and consumption in societyapply multi-disciplinary knowledge to business operations in a local and global environmentidentify and assess demographic trends, technological developments, and considerations of social stratification in business operationsapply the knowledge necessary for further advanced study on marketing, consumer behaviour, international management, and economics in general

aktive participation in group discussionsparticipation in fieldworksubmission of work tasks 

Course detailsThe world is changing tremendously. Significant economic, political, technological, cultural, and social changes prevail. What does the future hold for markets? How are societies and cultures evolving? Take this class and find out how global trends are transforming business and society so that you can adapt and cope with these changes in international management and the world.This course provides an introduction to the relationship between society, business, markets, and consumption. It considers historical, economic, technological, social, and cultural influences on that relationship and the responsibilities of business stakeholders and market agents. Students will examine influential factors and understand their impacts on markets, the business world, and on society at large.AimsThe principle aim of this course is to provide students with a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the sociological study of relationships between business, markets, consumption, and society. More specifically, the course aims to:explore historical, social, scientific and ethical perspectives on the role of business in the worldstudy the impact of business on society and society on businessanalyse the non-market forces that managers encounter such as regulatory, social, and environmental forces and the impact of business operations on societies and environments in which they operateaddress major societal issues, consider trends and future implications for society and business, and discuss solutions, in light of moral and ethical concernsexamine the evolution of the global economy as well as major institutions that have supported it, and interpret the proliferation of global markets and consumer cultures that accompanies itprovide students with analytical tools necessary to study and research business and society

Knowledge in academic writing and use of citation 

There are no required prerequisites for this course.

Required books, reading materials and additional reading assignments will be posted on the course Moodle site.Link auf weitere InformationenMoodle

Organization and assessment The course includes a combination of lectures (theoretical part), case studies, and students’ participation (practical part). Students are expected to participate in group discussions and fulfil tasks during the class and during blended learning sessions. Accordingly, a substantial portion of the mark will be assigned to effective course participation (i.e. not simply attendance).Furthermore, students have to demonstrate an understanding of the course materials by integrating the topics through an essay that critically examines the concepts presented in class.

Detailed information on the essay will be given in class.

Assessment:Effective course participation (group discussion)Work tasksEssay