International Business and Economic Diplomacy master degree programme

Against the backdrop of current economic and political developments, you will recognise the significance of international business relations and capitalise on them in order to achieve success on international markets.

Our two-year master programme is centred on developing broad-based, forward-looking expertise related to international management and economic diplomacy. This programme gives you managerial skills that will enable you to confidently hold your own in a competitive and constantly changing environment. The programme also comprises wide-ranging practical elements, with a focus on ongoing enhancement of soft skills and research techniques, all of which improve your employability.

The degree programme: Master of Arts in Business (MA)

International and interdisciplinary, with a strong strategic and practical focus: welcome to the International Business and Economic Diplomacy master degree programme!

Slowbalisation vs. Globalisation 4.0

Although protectionism and initiatives aimed at decentralising politics are increasingly the focus of attention, digitalisation and new business models are resulting in ever closer ties between consumers and producers.

This has enabled companies to develop new global markets and change existing ones, but it is also bringing about shifts in political, economic and social frameworks.

International Business meets Economic Diplomacy

The interplay between the core elements of the programme, international business and economic diplomacy, enables our graduates to play a part in companies’ internationalisation processes.

Thanks to their sound knowledge of international market dynamics, graduates can identify business potential, and their expertise also supports successful execution of these commercial activities through establishment of a network of key international stakeholders.

Study the international way

Studying the international way: you will be studying alongside colleagues from around the world, discussing cultures, global events and economic developments with lecturers who have an interdisciplinary, international background, and exchanging notes at guest lectures and on visits to international businesses and organisations. You also have the option of spending the fourth semester at one of our partner universities.

Tip

Do you want to strike the right balance between studying and your work commitments? Or would you prefer to have the weekends off? We offer two study-time models for this part-time master degree programme: you can attend courses either on Thursdays and Fridays, or on Fridays and Saturdays.

The programme also includes courses and excursions spread over a total of three block weeks. So the degree is perfectly compatible with professional and/or family commitments.

Studium International Business and Export Management - Studierender sitzt im Innenhof und liest

Studium International Business and Export Management - Studierende sitzen am Boden und reden

Studium International Business and Export Management - Mappen von Studierenden

Our students are tomorrow’s game changers: they are open-minded, innovative, systematic and forward-looking. For them, international cooperation and diplomacy are priorities – not just as a means of promoting foreign trade, investment and innovation, but also as a way of safeguarding environmental and economic sustainability.

Programme director Alina Schoenberg

A formula for success: theoretical knowledge + practical experience

The programme is built on three pillars.

1

The core subjects

Semesters 1-3

The core subject international business focuses on internal company operations that are relevant for internationalisation processes. Courses are aimed at enhancing your prior knowledge of subjects such as international management, international finance, international employment relations and international marketing.

The strategic focus of the course contents enables you to develop your managerial skills, and to accurately assess and positively influence a company’s competitiveness in an international context.

The emphasis in the core subject economic diplomacy is on external factors that provide the framework for international economic relations, and which in turn have a significant influence on business success abroad.

Courses concentrate on domestic and foreign economic policy, as well as on investment and business promotion measures. You will look at management of business relationships with domestic and foreign companies, political institutions, international organisations and NGOs, as well as the public, with a view to building effective corporate partnerships.

Courses such as International Political Economy, International Institutions, Location Analysis and International Business Law are designed to give a clearer understanding of the dynamic interaction between economics, politics and law, and underline the role of businesses in a globalised world. The opportunities and challenges arising from internationalisation are highlighted in courses including Governance and Ethics, Economic Diplomacy and International Tendering.

2

Employability and research skills

Semesters 1-4

The topics of international business and economic diplomacy are brought together in the core subject of Employability and Research Skills.

The Skill Lab is a place where you can enhance both your hard and soft skills. For example, the Business Analytics course shows you how to understand and analyse business data from an application-led perspective, and how such data can be used to support corporate decision-making processes. The Consulting course helps you to develop the right demeanour, which is so important for managers. Meanwhile, the Negotiation Techniques and Crisis Management courses give you the skills needed to manage commercial and political negotiations in a professional manner, and show how you can contribute to boosting your organisation’s resilience in the face of crises.

You will also learn the ins and outs of diplomatic etiquette, which will enable you act appropriately when dealing with political and business partners both at home and abroad.

You can put the skills you have acquired to the test in a wide-ranging business simulation in semester 4. The Research Methodology course helps you to broaden your academic skills. The master thesis gives you the opportunity to carry out an academic analysis of a topic taken from one of the core subjects, and in turn further enhance your skills profile.

A practical focus is more than just a buzzword at IMC Krems: programme lecturers share their real-life professional experience, and problems are discussed and analysed on the basis of case studies. In addition, projects implemented in partnership with companies allow you to examine your newly acquired knowledge from a practical viewpoint.

3

The electives

Semesters 2 & 3

The core subjects, International Business and Economic Diplomacy, give you a detailed insight into the internal and external factors that have a decisive impact on the success of internationalisation processes.

In your chosen elective, you go one step further and take on the role of an expert, focusing on strategic aspects of international trade in a business context, or on international collaboration from an institutional perspective.

You can tailor your degree in line with your personal interests – the electives in semesters 2 and 3 give you all the flexibility you need.
More about the electives

Curriculum

What can you expect from your studies? The curriculum provides an overview.
Click on the individual courses for further information.

Semester 1

Course	SWS	ECTS
Strategic Management
International Management	2	3
International Management Module: Strategic Management Root module: Strategic Management Semester: 1 Course code: IMOB1VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This lecture deals with relevant theories and methods in international strategic management that will support the ability of developing and implementing competitive strategies in a globalized world. The course focuses on theoretical explanations and their practical implications of the strategic role of internationalization, international organizational structures and foreign operation modes, Fundamental principles of leadership, strategies of multinational enterprises. The course will focus in particular on: Fundamentals of strategic international management Motives for internationalisation Cultural environment of global markets International coordination (formal and informal mechanisms) International control Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: recall, explain and discuss advanced concepts in strategic international management and apply them to practical problems, analyze internationalization strategies and identify their implications, identify problems and challenges in strategic management and develop solutions, develop strategic management options for the internalization process, discuss current developments in international business.
Advanced International Marketing	2	3
Advanced International Marketing Module: Strategic Management Root module: Strategic Management Semester: 1 Course code: MCB1VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: Recall, explain and discuss advanced concepts in strategic international management and apply them to practical problems Analyze internationalization strategies and identify their implications Identify problems and challenges in strategic management and develop solutions Develop strategic management options for the internalization process discuss current developments in international business Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: integrate classical marketing approaches into marketing decision making, use suitable tools to analyse and identify target markets, summarise organisational buying behaviour, identify stages in the customer journey and adapt marketing decisions in a marketing action plan, develop a marketing mix for international business, which takes into account classic and new marketing channels for inclusion in marketing action plans, communicate the action plan.
International Employment Relations	2	3
International Employment Relations Module: Strategic Management Root module: Strategic Management Semester: 1 Course code: IER1ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: Dispersed workforces are very common in international business. However, digitalisation leads to changing means of collaboration. In this course students discuss the role of workstyles and leadership. definition and typology of dispersed workforces examples of global and virtual collaboration intra- and inter-firm collaboration workstyles in dispersed organisations workstyle analysis case study organisation and leadership theory working styles and the impact of cultural, political, social and economic issues in dispersed collaboration trust in virtual environments Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: evaluate strategies for leading dispersed teams effectively, analyse different meanings and dimensions of “culture” and its impact on business practices, illustrate how leadership differs across cultures, develop strategies for managing international teams and projects, reflect on ethical dilemmas and social responsibility issues which companies encounter in different cultures, evaluate and apply integrative models for assessing and diagnosing the need for change, identify the role of leaders and managers, change agents, and change recipients at various stages of organisational change.
Financial Management
Performance Management	2	3
Performance Management Module: Financial Management Root module: Financial Management Semester: 1 Course code: PEMA1VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This lecture focuses on the performance management system that ensures that organizations define and achieve short and long term goals. Strategic planning and information systems Effects of risks and uncertainty on organisational performance Sources of information and reporting Creating performance measures (financial and non-financial performance indicators) Performance measurement in the private, public and not for profit sector Corporate failure Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: translate strategic plans into budgets and feedback systems, identify growth-related financial decisions, develop strategic and tactic budgets, develop feedback systems, link financial decisions to strategic decisions, transform strategies into KPIs, relate the growth of a company to acquisitions and value creation, recognize risks of corporate failure.
Institutions and Diplomacy
Economic Diplomacy	2	3
Economic Diplomacy Module: Institutions and Diplomacy Root module: Institutions and Diplomacy Semester: 1 Course code: ECD1VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This lecture focuses on the role of diplomacy for international business. It discusses the factors shaping economic diplomacy, the involved stakeholders as well as the economic success of international economic relations. The course will focus in particular on: the concept of economic diplomacy Determinants and stakeholder economic diplomacy and international business economic effectiveness of diplomatic representation Economic diplomacy in developed vs. developing countries trends and challenges for economic diplomacy Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: recall, explain and discuss the role of diplomacy for international business, analyze determinants of international economic relations, identify problems and challenges in economic diplomacy, discuss current developments in international relations.
International Business Law	2	4
International Business Law Module: Institutions and Diplomacy Root module: Institutions and Diplomacy Semester: 1 Course code: LAW1VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course outlines the fundamentals of international law and different legal systems, as well as addressing legal challenges (e.g. space exploitation, sea exploitation etc.). Legal environment of international business International trade law International competition law Protection and licensing of intellectual property International investment law Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: distinguish between different legal systems, use their knowledge of international law when dealing with contracts and carrying out business activities, describe the principles of international law, discuss recent developments and their impact on business.
International Institutions	2	3
International Institutions Module: Institutions and Diplomacy Root module: Institutions and Diplomacy Semester: 1 Course code: INI1ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This course covers the essentials of the international institutions, which are important for international trade. structures and mechanisms of international organizations development and funding organizations the WTO and the World Bank the United Nations, OECD, EU and their institutions formal and informal associations and committees for international steering (OPEC, Club of Rome, G20 etc.) trade policy instruments trade treaties and negotiations current developments in relations between countries, cultures and regions Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: summaries the international institutions, their development and objectives, contrast the responsibilities and duties of the organizations and institutions, incorporate current political developments and macro trends into the business decision-making process, classify the legal institutions in Europe, appraise the impact of institutions on global affairs.
Employability Skills
Business Analytics I	2	4
Business Analytics I Module: Employability Skills Root module: Employability Skills Semester: 1 Course code: BUAI1WK Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: In this course students focus on descriptive analytics. Also it discusses how data can be obtained for the purpose of supporting management decisions. This course investigates the types of data that are available and how this data can be managed and used for business purposes. The course will focus in particular on: data structures creating and managing databases data collection exploratory data analysis data visualization descriptive statistics data governance and protection Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: identify suitable sources of data for strategic decision making, analyse the data, and draw conclusions and findings from the data, develop strategic alternatives, plan a business intelligence system, reflect on and apply methods of finding business opportunities or areas for improvement, discuss the findings and implications of data analyses.
Negotiation Techniques	1	2
Negotiation Techniques Module: Employability Skills Root module: Employability Skills Semester: 1 Course code: NET1WK Contact hours per week: 1 ECTS: 2 Course Content: This course focuses on developing relevant negotiation skills, and on the application of negotiation techniques in different business and political settings. Introduction to negotiation Negotiation planning Distributive negotiations Integrative negotiations Multi-party negotiations Cognitive and emotional biases in negotiations Negotiation on the edge Body language in negotiations Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain the dynamics of international negotiations, apply negotiation techniques on several business-related situations, prepare negotiations in different settings, analyze international negotiations strategies and develop measures to improve the negotiation capacity, identify optimal outcomes of negotiation processes, lead a negotiation team, read and apply body language within negotiation situations.
Research Skills and Master Thesis
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods	2	2
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods Module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Root module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Semester: 1 Course code: QQR1WK Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 2 Course Content: In this course students encounter a range of social research methods and data analyses. The course will focus in particular on: research process research design and research questions principles of science and theory research questions quality in research measurement descriptive and inductive analyses quantitative research: structured interview, surveys, structured observation, content analysis, secondary analysis and official statistics qualitative research: in depth interviews, ethnography, focus groups, document analysis experiments Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: identify different research methods, develop a research design for given research questions and theoretical frameworks, contrast suitable data collection methods, generate and test hypotheses and discuss findings, develop a qualitative line of argument supported by data.

Semester 2

Course	SWS	ECTS
Strategic Management
Disruptive Business Models	2	3
Disruptive Business Models Module: Strategic Management Root module: Strategic Management Semester: 2 Course code: DBM2ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This lecture focuses on understanding the challenge of disruptive technologies on several levels of an organization. The course discusses the role disruptive technologies have had on business activities and will determine opportunities and risks of disruptive innovation while also discussing how businesses can adapt successfully. Technology trends and emerging technologies Stakeholders Value drivers Disruption and digital platforms Strategies to deal with disruptive innovation Techniques to adapt business models Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: recall and explain the role of disruptive technologies for businesses, identify positive and negative effects of disruptive, technologies, identify and conceptualize new business models based on collaborative, open, and continuously evolving infrastructures, identify of stakeholders such as Start-ups, venture capitalists, industry players, local and international authorities, etc.), identify and assess business use-cases related to specific technologies.
Financial Management
International Finance	2	4
International Finance Module: Financial Management Root module: Financial Management Semester: 2 Course code: IFA2VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This lecture focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of international finance such as international capital markets, foreign exchange markets, the derivatives market. International Financial Environment Exchange Rate Behaviour Exchange Rate Risk Management Long-term asset and liability management Short-term liability management Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: identify and analyze the markets that facilitate international business, explain the interdependency between exchange rates and economic indicators as well as external factors affecting these, identify the methods to measure and manage exchange rate risk, evaluate and discuss alternatives for the management of long-term assets and liabilities, for direct foreign investment, multinational capital budgeting, country risk, analysis and capital structure, identify and discuss multi-national corporations (MNCs), management strategies of short-term financing and international cash management.
International Taxation	2	3
International Taxation Module: Financial Management Root module: Financial Management Semester: 2 Course code: INTA2VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This lecture focuses on understanding important aspects of international corporate taxation, including national regulations, double taxation agreements and regulations at EU level. Furthermore, the course deals with tax consequences of national and international investments for firms and their subsidiaries. Transfer pricing as well as the tax burden of firms are also discussed. International taxation and strategic management Fundamentals of international taxation Taxation of international investments Allocation of profits Corporate tax harmonization in the European Union Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: recall and explain tax treaties and the fundamentals of international taxation, explain and identify the causes of double taxation, determine differences in taxation for foreign and domestic firms, analyze the effects of transfer prices on the tax burden, determine strategies to optimize tax burden for multinational companies.
Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies
Business Development in Export	2	3
Business Development in Export Module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Root module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Semester: 2 Course code: S1_BDE2ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: The development of a unique and value creating business model is a key to creating successful export opportunities. This course introduces the steps of business development, considering target markets and value proposition. analytics of environment, industries and competition innovation and modification of processes and products business idea generation creativity techniques strategies for growth of the idea and export integration Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: develop strategies for the development of a business including interface issues, employ creativity techniques, evaluate the feasibility of the business idea, draft business plans, use analytic tools to analyse customers and competitors.
Political and Economic Strategies
International Political Economy	2	4
International Political Economy Module: Political and Economic Strategies Root module: Political and Economic Strategies Semester: 2 Course code: IPE2VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course focuses on historic and current developments in international political economy. It explores different ideological currents and theories as well as on different aspects of globalization. with the essentials of the international institutions which are important for international trade. Theories of global political economy Historical perspective of global political economy International trade Global production Global finance Division of labor Globalization in the context of development, equality and environment Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain and discuss the linkage between economics and politics in a historical context, analyze main ideologies and their implications for international business, explain an discuss trends in global political economy.
Location Analysis	2	4
Location Analysis Module: Political and Economic Strategies Root module: Political and Economic Strategies Semester: 2 Course code: LOA2ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course addresses the economic aspects of regional development when choosing the location for operations. ustrial location agglomeration and clustering spatial structure of economic activities regional specialisation regional labour markets regional growth Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: incorporate economic factors into the planning of different export investments, explain the role of labour and regional specialisations for the development of regional growth strategies, integrate economic development aspects of regions into planning a business strategy, critically reflect on how business decisions impact the wider economy in a region.
Governance and Ethics	2	3
Governance and Ethics Module: Political and Economic Strategies Root module: Political and Economic Strategies Semester: 2 Course code: GET2VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This course focuses on current governance and ethical issues in international business. Concepts and theories of corporate governance Corporate governance structure, roles and responsibilities Corporate Governance in Not-for-Profit Organizations International differences and convergence in corporate governance Ethics theories Ethical behavior and leadership Current ethical problems in international busines Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain and discuss the linkage between economics and politics in a historical context, analyze main ideologies and their implications for international business, explain an discuss trends in global political economy.
Elective 2: International Economic Relations
Foreign Policy Analysis	2	3
Foreign Policy Analysis Module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Root module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Semester: 2 Course code: S_FPA2ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: This course focuses on the effects of foreign policies on international relations. It includes aspects such as determinants and instruments of foreign policy Models of foreign policy decision making Determinants of foreign policy Instruments of foreign poliy Economic statecraft Public opinion, media and foreign policy Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: describe different aspects of foreign policy decision making, identify determinants of foreign policy, assess effects of foreign policy, discuss the context and effects of foreign policy, recognize the implications and and generate strategies for maintaining and improving international relations in international business.
Employability Skills
Business Analytics II	2	4
Business Analytics II Module: Employability Skills Root module: Employability Skills Semester: 2 Course code: BUAII2WK Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: In this course students focus on predictive analysis. Several business intelligence activities, such as statistical analysis, forecasting/ extrapolation, predictive modeling (as data mining), optimization and simulation are being dicussed. The course will focus in particular on: Modelling relationships and trends in data Simple linear regression analysis Multiple linear regression Forecasting techniques (time series with linear trend, time series with seasonality) Data mining (data reduction, classification) Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain and apply analytical tools to analyze data in different business settings, use software tools and analyze and interpret output sheets, report results in an unbiased manner.
Crisis Management	1	2
Crisis Management Module: Employability Skills Root module: Employability Skills Semester: 2 Course code: CM2WK Contact hours per week: 1 ECTS: 2 Course Content: This course focuses on identifying, preventing and controlling organizational crisis as well as the role of planning for crisis. Introduction to crisis management Sources of organizational crises Organizational Strategy and crisis Crisis management and communication strategies Organizational learning Trends in crisis management and management strategies Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: identify crisis in different contexts, recall and explain the dynamics and processes of a crisis, analyze sources for crises and prepare to react to crisis, identify and discuss various crisis scenarios.

Semester 3

Course	SWS	ECTS
Financial Management
Mergers and Acquisitions	2	3
Mergers and Acquisitions Module: Financial Management Root module: Financial Management Semester: 3 Course code: MAA3VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: Alongside business development, mergers and acquisitions are a means of achieving corporate growth or access to foreign markets. On this course the strategic and legal perspectives are discussed and students apply assessment tools. mergers and acquisitions as a means of achieving strategic growth assessment of company value aspects of due diligence the process of due diligence acquiring companies with different legal forms cultural and organisational challenges of mergers and acquisitions acquisitions and market entry Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: identify the essential steps of due diligence, reflect on the role of mergers and acquisitions for the strategic growth of cooperative associations, apply suitable methods for estimating the value of a firm, relate the growth of a company to acquisitions and value creation.
Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies
Logistics and Supply Chain Management	2	4
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Root module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Semester: 3 Course code: S1_LSM3ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: International business and export is primarily concerned with manufactured goods. Students discuss how the sourcing, logistics and manufacturing operations contribute to the creation of value. Production planning: forecasting, planning, controlling Logistics management and network planning Inventory management and risks Supply chain integration Procurement and outsourcing strategies Distribution strategies Warehousing Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: analyse supply chains, analyse locations with a view to their suitability for manufacturing, create integrative production, logistics and sourcing plans, develop tactics for internal and external logistics, appraise suppliers, assess the performance of operations.
International Reporting	2	4
International Reporting Module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Root module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Semester: 3 Course code: S1_INR3ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course addresses the requirements of external reporting. Students investigate international accounting standards (IFRS) and discuss how they differ from national standards. This course takes a managerial position on accounting in order to analyse and understand the company financial reporting. The course will focus in particular on: cash flow statements income statement financial position asset statement IFRS and global standards in accounting issues in global taxation reporting of finance instruments in export: hedges, currency etc. the role of reporting and auditing corporate governance in finance Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: distinguish between the various components, design and content of an IFRS financial statement, evaluate the elements of financial statements, summarise the role of reporting and auditing with respect to management, classify alternative ways of financing projects and corporates, develop finance approaches for small and medium-sized enterprises, evaluate different financing trends with respect to their applicability, taking standards and business requirements into account.
Internationa Business and CSR	2	4
Internationa Business and CSR Module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Root module: Elective 1: Trade Management Strategies Semester: 3 Course code: S1_CSR3ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course focuses on discussing sustainable strategies for international business. Several CSR issues related to market activities, working place and the environment are analyzed from the perspective of the firm. CSR: Motives, methods and strategies Ethical markets and ethical consumers Labour rights and International Labor Standards Social entrepreneurship Transnational environmental governance Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain the reasoning behind CSR activities and identify its strategic potential, develop and incorporate sustainable and ethical business, assess current topics in CSR and identify their significance for business practice, create integrative production, logistics and sourcing plans, develop tactics for internal and external logistics, appraise suppliers, assess the performance of operations.
Political and Economic Strategies
International Tendering	2	4
International Tendering Module: Political and Economic Strategies Root module: Political and Economic Strategies Semester: 3 Course code: ITE3VO Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course focuses on different procurement and funding opportunities. Bidding for public sector contracts Tendering for the private sector Tendering for international development contracts Developing and managing bids Biding price Tender evaluation Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: recall, explain and differentiate existing procurement and funding opportunities, identify and apply for appropriate funding, develop successful bids, create and manage collaboration in consortia.
Elective 2: International Economic Relations
European Economic Integration	2	4
European Economic Integration Module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Root module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Semester: 3 Course code: S_EEI3ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course focuses on the economics of the European Union. It discusses several aspects of European economic Integration, such as common markets and activities, economic policies aiming at the optimizing the allocation and distribution of resources in the EU and economy stabilizing interventions. Dynamics of the Integration Process Common markets (goods and services, labour, capital) Sectors of activity Competitiveness policies Stabilization policies Cohesion policies Foreign relations Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain and discuss the process of economic integration in Europe, assess the role of European policies for economic development and competitiveness in Europe, evaluate the implications of European integration for international business and develop strategies for business activities in the common European markets, discuss recent developments in the EU (EU-enlargement, financial crisis, protectionism, Brexit) in the context of the integration process.
Interest Groups and Advocacy	2	4
Interest Groups and Advocacy Module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Root module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Semester: 3 Course code: S_IGA3ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course focuses on lobbyism in the context of international business. The course discusses the lobbyism techniques, strategies and the effect of interest groups on public policy. Lobbyism and models of influence Interest group strategies and influence on the regulatory process Lobbying and ethics Interest group politics in the global context (EU, US, Asia) Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain and discuss various channels to increase influence, assess differences in advocacy across different cultures, identify and develop tactics for advocacy opportunities, evaluate ethical implications of lobbyism, discuss the effects of global advocacy campaigns.
Development Cooperation and Economic Growth	2	4
Development Cooperation and Economic Growth Module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Root module: Elective 2: International Economic Relations Semester: 3 Course code: S_DCEG3ILV Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: This course focuses on development issues in emerging and developing economies. The course deals with current issues in developing countries and discusses the role of several actors and private firms in decreasing poverty and enhancing economic growth in these countries. Theories in international development Development actors and the role of private firms Issues in international development (debt, trade, climate change, gender, health, human rights) Strategies in international development Practice in international development Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: explain reasons for differences in development, assess different levels of economic development, analyze the role of international business activities for developing countries, identify options for cooperation activities in developing countries.
Employability Skills
Consulting	2	3
Consulting Module: Employability Skills Root module: Employability Skills Semester: 3 Course code: CON3WK Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 3 Course Content: The course on consulting provides an overview of the industry, the role of consultants as well as the design of business consulting projects. The course focuses particularly on transformation consulting. the consulting industry typology of consulting the consultant: role, internal and external methods for transformation consulting analysis and delivery phase written and oral presentation skills/pitching Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: identify and consider the role of consultants, analyse the consulting industry, distinguish between different consulting approaches and typologies, model transformation consulting projects, plan methods of solving consulting problems, design and deliver (pitching) a consulting presentation.
Diplomatic Protocol	1	2
Diplomatic Protocol Module: Employability Skills Root module: Employability Skills Semester: 3 Course code: DPRO3WK Contact hours per week: 1 ECTS: 2 Course Content: This course focuses on skills related with multi-cultural communication abilities. It deals with various aspects of diplomatic etiquette such as formal communication, behavior for official functions and courtesy rules. Introduction to diplomatic protocol and etiquette Order of precedence Seating arrangements and order of processions Flag protocol Gifts and honors Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: recall and explain the formal and personal standards required for the international business environment, Identify different roles, responsibilities and privileges of different stakeholders, analyze different meeting settings and act according to etiquette.
Research Skills and Master Thesis
Research Seminar: Problems and Challenges in International Business	2	6
Research Seminar: Problems and Challenges in International Business Module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Root module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Semester: 3 Course code: PIB3SE Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 6 Course Content: Students write a seminar paper during the course of this seminar and discuss several aspects of the seminar topic. analysing relevant literature developing research gaps and questions research ethics discussion Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: conduct literature review and evaluate the literature, articulate research questions, synthesise different theories and approaches to develop a research framework, discuss research topics in a broader context.

Semester 4

Course	SWS	ECTS
Employability Skills
International Business Project	2	4
International Business Project Module: Employability Skills Root module: Employability Skills Semester: 4 Course code: BPRO4SE Contact hours per week: 2 ECTS: 4 Course Content: Students are challenged to compete in a business simulation that combines all various aspects of a real corporation. business simulation covering various business aspects like strategic planning, forecasting, pricing, marketing, demand planning, budgeting, etc. application of strategic tools Team management Self-reflection present results and lessons learned to the whole group Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: use business methods and tools accurately, justify and defend their choice of methods, summarise findings and suggest an integrated solution to the problem, communicate their findings.
Research Skills and Master Thesis
Master Thesis	0	22
Master Thesis Module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Root module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Semester: 4 Course code: MAT4DA Contact hours per week: 0 ECTS: 22 Course Content: Submission of the master thesis Course outcome: Upon completion of this course, students are able to: examine and critically discuss literature related to the topic or research problem, compile and evaluate data for the purpose of addressing the research problem/s, discuss and critically reflect on findings, independently complete their master thesis.
Master Exam	0	4
Master Exam Module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Root module: Research Skills and Master Thesis Semester: 4 Course code: MAE4AP Contact hours per week: 0 ECTS: 4 Course Content: Master committee exam Course outcome: Within the master committee exam the student demonstrates the ability to: communicate in a target group specific manner, tie in with scientific findings of their studies and to use them for innovative ideas in practice and research, to interpret relevant data (analysing and judging), to apply theories and principles for processing specific issues and to critically reflect and evaluate them (evaluation), to communicate problems, ideas and solutions adequately (communication) and to substantiate the findings of a paper (communication, synthesis, evaluation), possess expert knowledge which partly relates to the newest findings in an occupational of academic field and which serves as a basis for innovative thinking and/or research; s/he demonstrates critical awareness of theories and fundamentals in an area and at the interface of various areas ( EHEA learning outcomes ), the ability to put his/her topic into multidisciplinary (research) context and to strike links to relevant issues/subjects of his/her studies and their occupational and research fields, use facts and conceptual knowledge within broader contexts, transfer expert knowledge to different and interconnected areas (knowledge and transfer), to use it in new situations (application and synthesis), to make use of theories and concepts, to solve problems, to find new ways and justify solutions (application, analysis) as well as to communicate their ideas and arguments adequately (communication).

Electives

Choose your own focus areas. You select one of two electives on the programme. Courses are held in semesters 2 and 3.

Trade Management Strategies

Do you want to break into international markets with your products? Building on the core subjects, this elective takes you through key aspects that enable you to define a successful export strategy.

These include preparing business plans, which covers elements such as ideation, market and competitor analysis, and the export strategy. You will also study supply chain management, which gives you a clearer picture of the strategic significance of procurement, logistics and goods manufacturing.

There are also courses dealing with international accounting standards, meaning you will be in a position to handle financial reporting after you graduate.

In addition to business-related considerations, you will also gain an insight into the social responsibilities of international businesses, and learn how to develop strategies that enable your company to operate more sustainably.

International Economic Relations

If you’re looking to learn about international cooperation at an institutional level, this elective enables you to examine the factors that influence political systems, and the ways in which they do so. This puts you in a position to identify political trends and analyse the political stability of states and regions. You will investigate the role played by interest groups in political decision-making processes.

The elective also examines the process of economic and political integration in Europe. The aim is to enable you to analyse the effects of the EU’s trade and regional policies, the integration of its factor markets, monetary union and the EU expansion process.

However, the elective does not focus exclusively on Europe: the heterogeneous development of countries is an aspect of globalisation, which therefore also gives rise to options for collaboration with developing countries.

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Career paths for graduates of the International Business and Economic Diplomacy master programme

After graduating from the International Business and Economic Diplomacy master programme, you will have advanced knowledge of management, as well as expertise in economic and political analysis, and negotiating. This means you are ideally placed to perform various roles in private and public sector organisations with an international focus.

Strategic aspects are the centre of attention throughout the programme. Your interdisciplinary education allows you to assume managerial responsibility for a variety of functions.

You have the option to put your knowledge to use at an Austrian company, or to head abroad. Whichever you choose, you will have what it takes to launch an international career, and your professional experience as well as any time spent studying abroad during the programme will boost your attractiveness for prospective employers.

Or are you interested in starting your own business? The broad-based approach employed in the degree programme gives you all the tools you need to set up your own company and manage it successfully.

The professional areas open to graduates include
National and international organisations and NGOs
Foreign direct investment (FDI) management
Think tanks
Consulting
Foreign trade (import/export)
International marketing
Outsourcing/product management
Risk management and hedging
HR and employee development

10 good reasons

What makes us special? We are more than happy to tell you about the aspects of our university, which we are especially proud of.

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Krems

Friendly and cosmopolitan: The city attracts students from all over the world, who come to study, research and work together.

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Service centers

Our university has removed a host of administrative hurdles, leaving you free to concentrate fully on your studies.

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Advisory Service

Do you have questions regarding our degree programmes or the application? Contact our Prospective Student Advisory Service.

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Opinions: International Business and Economic Diplomacy

Click through the videos of the degree programme.

3 good reasons

3 key features

3 career paths

Our info events

Thursday
30.01.2020
16:00
Master Lounge
All information about the master degree programmes at IMC Krems.
#Master Lounge #Info Events
IMC Campus Krems, Wing G1 IMC Campus Krems, Wing G1
Saturday
22.02.2020
09:00
Open House
All information about the bachelor and master degree programmes at IMC Krems.
#Info Events #Master Lounge #Bachelor Info Day #Angebote für Schülerinnen und Schüler #Open House
IMC Campus Krems, Wing G1 IMC Campus Krems, Wing G1

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Our team

Get to know the core team of our master degree programme International Business and Economic Diplomacy.

Prof.(FH) Dr. Alina Schoenberg
Programme Director International Business and Export Management
Institute International Business
+43 2732 802 181
alina.schoenberg@fh-krems.ac.at
IMC International Campus Piaristengasse
Core Competencies
Input-Output-Analysis, SAM, CGE Model, Policy Analysis
Economic Evaluation in Healthcare
Location Analysis, Spatial Analysis (GIS), Gravity Models
Activ in the degree programmes
Marketing
Master of Arts in Business / full-time
International Business and Economic Diplomacy*
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Tourism and Leisure Management
Bachelor of Arts in Business / full-time
Export-oriented Management
Bachelor of Arts in Business / full-time
Prof.(FH) Dr. Alina Schoenberg
Programme Director International Business and Export Management
Programme Director International Business and Export Management
Prof.(FH) Dr. Alina Schoenberg
- Core Competencies
- Input-Output-Analysis, SAM, CGE Model, Policy Analysis
- Economic Evaluation in Healthcare
- Location Analysis, Spatial Analysis (GIS), Gravity Models

Full-time Lecturers

Prof.(FH) Mag. Dr. Martin Waiguny
Chair of the Academic Board / Head of Institute Business Administration & Management / Programme Director Management
Institute Business Administration & Management
+43 2732 802 231
martin.waiguny@fh-krems.ac.at
IMC Campus KremsIMC Campus Trakt G
Core Competencies
Consumer behaviour and New Media. Product Placements, Entertainment Theory, Gamification, Advertising
Consumer Strategy. Advertising and Advertising psychology, Customer relationship Management, Information based Customer Management
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
Activ in the degree programmes
International Business and Economic Diplomacy*
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Projects
Enterprise 4.0 – Erfolg im digitalen Zeitalter
Department of Business
eMobSim - Elektromobilität im Alltag
Department of Business
Prof.(FH) Mag. Dr. Martin Waiguny
Chair of the Academic Board / Head of Institute Business...
Priv. Doz. Mag. Dr. Markus Latzke
Professor Department of Business
Institute Business Administration & Management
+43 2732 802 139
markus.latzke@fh-krems.ac.at
IMC Campus KremsIMC Campus Trakt G
Activ in the degree programmes
International Business and Economic Diplomacy*
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Management
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Business Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Business / full-time
Management von Gesundheitsunternehmen
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Betriebswirtschaft für das Gesundheitswesen
Bachelor of Arts in Business / part-time
Betriebswirtschaft für das Gesundheitswesen
Bachelor of Arts in Business / full-time
Priv. Doz. Mag. Dr. Markus Latzke
Professor Department of Business
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Roger Hage
Programme Director Digital Business Innovation and Transformation
Institut Digitalisation
+43 2732 802 307
roger.hage@fh-krems.ac.at
IMC Campus KremsIMC Campus Trakt G1
Activ in the degree programmes
Digital Business Innovation and Transformation
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
International Business and Economic Diplomacy*
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Informatics
Bachelor of Science in Engineering / full-time
Marketing
Master of Arts in Business / full-time
Projects
eMobSim - Elektromobilität im Alltag
Department of Business
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Roger Hage
Programme Director Digital Business Innovation and Transformation
Dr. Dipl.-Wirt.-Inf. Helena Lovasz-Bukvova, MRes
Professor Department of Business
Institut Digitalisation
+43 2732 802 138
helena.lovasz-bukvova@fh-krems.ac.at
IMC Campus KremsIMC Campus Trakt G1
Activ in the degree programmes
Digital Business Innovation and Transformation
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
International Business and Economic Diplomacy*
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Informatics
Bachelor of Science in Engineering / full-time
Business Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Business / full-time
Unternehmensführung
Bachelor of Arts in Business / full-time
Unternehmensführung
Bachelor of Arts in Business / part-time
Marketing
Master of Arts in Business / full-time
Projects
eMobSim - Elektromobilität im Alltag
Department of Business
Dr. Dipl.-Wirt.-Inf. Helena Lovasz-Bukvova, MRes
Professor Department of Business
Prof.(FH) Dipl.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. Michael Bartz
Professor Department of Business
Institute International Business
+43 2732 802 392
michael.bartz@fh-krems.ac.at
IMC International Campus Piaristengasse
Core Competencies
Digital Business Transformation
New World of Work
Digital business models
Activ in the degree programmes
Digital Business Innovation and Transformation
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
International Business and Economic Diplomacy*
Master of Arts in Business / part-time
Projects
New World of Work: Erfolgsmessung Porsche Informatik GmbH
Department of Business
Prof.(FH) Dipl.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. Michael Bartz
Professor Department of Business

Application and admissions – the next steps

You've found a course that's a perfect fit? Great – you’ve already taken the most important step! We’ve put together an overview to guide you through the next steps.

1

Admission requirements

We'll be happy to inform you about the requirements you have to meet in order to apply.

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Admission requirements

What are the admission requirements for master programmes?

To qualify for a master programme, you must have completed a bachelor degree – with a workload of at least 180 ECTS and lasting at least six semesters – in a related subject, or hold an equivalent degree from a recognised Austrian or foreign higher education institution.

If your undergraduate studies are not sufficiently relevant, for instance if you’ve completed a degree in an unrelated subject, your qualifications will be assessed after we have received your completed application.

Information about accepted previous academic qualifications

Will I have to provide evidence of professional activity during my studies?

We’re convinced that linking theory and practice together closely is the key to the success of a part-time degree. The curriculum therefore includes compulsory work experience. However, if you are engaged in a relevant professional activity, the respective ECTS points will be credited on a semester-by-semester basis.

Otherwise, you'll need to complete an internship equivalent to the respective ECTS workload: 1 ECTS equals 25 hours.

What proof of your language skills is required for our English-language master degree programme?

If English is your first language, or if you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree which was taught entirely in English, you don’t need any additional evidence of your English proficiency.

Otherwise, you’ll need to submit one of the following certificates:

IELTS Academic – minimum score of 7.0
Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE)

Language certificates must be no more than two years old and can be submitted by the start of the degree programme. If you submit it after your application, upload a copy of your proof of registration for the English language exam you are going to take along with your application.

Do you still need to earn a certificate? At our International Language Center you can complete both an IELTS preparatory workshop as well as the ILTS certificate.

2

Admissions procedure

Preparation is everything – read up on the admissions procedure in detail.

Details

3

Important dates and deadlines

What deadlines do you need to keep an eye on for your online application? Get an overview.

Details

Application deadline	31/05/2020
Application deadline for non-EU nationals	31/03/2020

4

Apply online

You've decided for one of our degree programmes? First of all: congratulations and thank you for choosing us! We’ll be happy to guide you step-by-step through your online application.

Details

5

Study-relevant dates

You would like to plan ahead and would like to know when your degree programme starts? Here you will find the answer!

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Questions about the degree programme?

Prospective Student Advisory Service

Do you have questions regarding the entry requirements, the admission procedure and more? Our Prospective Student Advisory Service is happy to help.

+432732802222

information@fh-krems.ac.at

Ask a Student

Join our Facebook group: Direct your questions to our students and get first-hand accounts about studying at IMC Krems.

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International Business and Economic Diplomacy master degree programme

Against the backdrop of current economic and political developments, you will recognise the significance of international business relations and capitalise on them in order to achieve success on international markets.

Part-time

English

4 semesters

EUR 363.36

The degree programme: Master of Arts in Business (MA)

Slowbalisation vs. Globalisation 4.0

International Business meets Economic Diplomacy

Study the international way

Tip

Programme director Alina Schoenberg

A formula for success: theoretical knowledge + practical experience

The core subjects

Employability and research skills

The electives

Curriculum

Semester 1

International Management

Advanced International Marketing

International Employment Relations

Performance Management

Economic Diplomacy

International Business Law

International Institutions

Business Analytics I

Negotiation Techniques

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

Semester 2

Disruptive Business Models

International Finance

International Taxation

Business Development in Export

International Political Economy

Location Analysis

Governance and Ethics

Foreign Policy Analysis

Business Analytics II

Crisis Management

Semester 3

Mergers and Acquisitions

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

International Reporting

Internationa Business and CSR

International Tendering

European Economic Integration

Interest Groups and Advocacy

Development Cooperation and Economic Growth

Consulting

Diplomatic Protocol

Research Seminar: Problems and Challenges in International Business

Semester 4

International Business Project

Master Thesis

Master Exam

Electives

Trade Management Strategies

International Economic Relations

Newsletter & additional information

Newsletter & brochures

Career paths for graduates of the International Business and Economic Diplomacy master programme

10 good reasons

Krems

Service centers

Advisory Service

Opinions: International Business and Economic Diplomacy

3 good reasons

3 key features

3 career paths

Our info events

Master Lounge

Open House

Our team

Prof.(FH) Dr. Alina Schoenberg

Core Competencies

Activ in the degree programmes

Programme Director International Business and Export Management

Full-time Lecturers

Prof.(FH) Mag. Dr. Martin Waiguny

Core Competencies