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Find the course unit descriptions for this programme (course catalogue)

Courses

Compulsory Modules (27ECTS)

Only 24 ECTS when staying a full year.

Courses listed in the same cell cannot be taken separately.

Cultural & Socio-economic Introduction to Belgium (3ECTS)

(this module cannot be chosen anymore by students staying a full year)

In this module, you will learn about Belgian and Flemish culture and socio-economic data, all in comparison to the socio-economic data of your home country. This module includes a Dutch survival course and visits to several important cities in Belgium.

Sustainable Business Management (3ECTS)

In this module, you gain insight into what sustainability is today, which theories and frameworks exist and which solutions are already implemented in the current business environment.

We explore the domain of sustainable business management and look at the frameworks and challenges in the three main areas that can be defined: economic, social and environmental.

We discuss practical solutions that could help face the challenges discussed in the first part. We look into corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, digitalization, sustainable energy and circular economy.

Entrepreneur­ship: Business Game (3ECTS)

Students will play an international business game in teams. The game consists of different rounds with increasing degrees of difficulty for making the team decisions.

Intercultural Communication (3ECTS)

In the context of a globalized world, intercultural communication has become very important. However, effective cross-cultural communication and cooperation is still quite a challenge. This course looks at the barriers that arise when people from different cultures and social groups interconnect, and what you can do to lower those barriers.

International Marketing (3ECTS)

International marketing is the application of marketing principles in more than one country, by companies overseas or across national borders. International marketing is based on an extension of a company’s local marketing strategy, with special attention paid to marketing identification, targeting, and decisions internationally.

Innovation Management (3ECTS)

Nowadays companies make the difference, not (only) by keeping costs low, but by renewing products, processes or markets. You will learn why innovation is so important, how it can be triggered in a company, and which are the necessary ingredients in the innovation process. Furthermore, the topic of managing innovation is also covered.

AI Fundamentals (6ECTS)

GOOD ICT background is recommended. Make sure your laptop runs on Windows Operating System otherwise you can’t install the required software.

Turning data into knowledge

Presence in the lessons is required. When missing classes 4 times students need to send an email to the lecturer explaining the reason for their absence in order to be admitted for the examination.

Data Visualisation and machine learning

  • Introduction
    Before you can start learning how to use data science techniques and build machine learning solutions, it might be useful to start by defining what we mean by "data science".
  • Working with Data
    Now that you have learned about the principles that underpin data science and you've been introduced to Azure Machine Learning, it's time to explore the ways you can prepare data for modeling.
  • Visualizing Data
    After cleaning your data, it can be useful to explore it visually before selecting the features that will help you create a useful model.
  • Building Machine Learning Models
    Now that you understand the iterative process of exploring data and building and evaluating models, it's time to examine some specific model types.

E-Commerce (3ECTS)

The objective of this course is to obtain insight in analogue and/or digital tools (e.g. UX Design and Customer/Buyer Journey) to gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative marketing data. You will come across the typical jargon in the field and the legal framework concerning privacy, intellectual property and e-commerce. You will be able to build a commercial website taking into account a specific target audience.

Elective Course(s) (3 or 6ECTS)

  • Chinese Language and Culture (6ECTS)
    Nowadays, there is an increasing need and interest in Chinese culture and language. It is useful to know about the language when coming to China for travel or business. The Howest Confucius Institute offers (elementary – intermediary – advanced) Chinese language courses for students. The course also involves a small tailor-made and practical project.
  • Event & Project Management (3ECTS)
    You learn how to organize an event in a professional way. A project needs to be SMART. It has a start, an end, goals, stakeholders, a target audience. Projects can be simple, like organizing an event e.g. a business conference, but also very complex, like building a space rocket. In this module you learn the basics of managing a project: P6 method, risk analysis, budget, roadmap, work breakdown structure, ... Focus on SMART, teamwork, phases of project management, after-action review.

International Business Law (3 ECTS)

International Business Law aims to give students an understanding as well as practical knowledge of legal problems arising in the area of international business, and to equip them with the skills needed to prevent and tackle these problems.

International Research (3 ECTS)

The research module is aimed at preparing students to write a final thesis. You will learn to select a relevant research topic in your field of study and you will get tips about writing a thesis partly on desk research, partly on field research. This module also focuses on the proper use of the English language, speaking and writing.

Financial Risk Management (3 ECTS)

The student acquires knowledge and insight concerning the functioning of financial institutions and their environment, in general, and in the area of the main variables of the management of financial institutions, in particular, within an international legislative context. The student is able to judge in an uncertain context: able to cope with uncertainties that are specific to the banking environment or able to elaborate accurate forecasts of the main bank variables.

The student can deal with complex problems: he is able to analyze a (risk) situation and contribute to a strategic solution for the organization. The student has knowledge of risks, can map these various risks that financial institutions and companies face, and has insight into some basic risk management techniques. The student acts ethically and morally responsible with respect for the applicable legislation and guidelines.

English for Exchange Students (3 ECTS)

This English course provides students with training in speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, all focused on their ongoing or upcoming academic experience. The lecturer will take the diversity of academic areas of the participants into account, addressing a range of topics and choosing subjects that are relevant to the attending students wherever possible.

The course aims at the B2 proficiency level. We strongly recommended it to all exchange students who have not fully achieved the B2-level in English at the moment of application for their mobility project. For the more proficient students, the course offers an interesting immersion experience.

Classes take place in the evening.

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Remaining 18 ECTS

You follow the modules:

  • CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC INTRODUCTION TO BELGIUM;
  • AI FUNDAMENTALS
  • INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP: BUSINESS GAME
  • PROJECT CONSUMER AWARENESS.

If you already participated in GLOBAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT I then INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH is an alternative for the module CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC INTRODUCTION TO BELGIUM.