Global business and economics

What will I learn?

International Business Economics	International Business Management	Project Management	Analytical Knowledge in Research
International Trade and Foreign Direct Investments	International Business Strategy	International Project Management	Research Project
Comparative Economics	Cross-Cultural Marketing	Total Quality Management	Master’s Final Thesis
Financial Markets and Derivatives	International Human Resources Management	Risk Management
	EU Economic Law

Lecturers

 

Prof. dr. Algirdas Miškinis

Economic Globalization

While studying Economic Globalization students will obtain a deep knowledge in current trends of the development of global economy and business, about their driving forces and consequences. Students will learn about multilateral frameworks for trade, investment and people movement, global production systems, international dissemination of technology, regional agreements and social inequality issues. They will find out how countries and businesses can adapt their economies to the global processes and benefit from them. Students will also expand their abilities to critically analyze and evaluate the impact of global trends on the businesses’ local and international development. They will also gain skills to adequately predict future changes and adjust to the ongoing trends of the global economy.

 

 

Prof., dr. (HP) Linas Čekanavičius

Comparative economics

It is evident that developed economies, although belonging to the same general class of economic systems, represent various, sometimes quite different types of organization and performance. Why the economic systems are so markedly different? What are their specific allocation mechanisms, forms of ownership, types of incentives, role of planning, income distribution and redistribution schemes, relation between politics and economics? Is there panacea type of answer to the economic downturns? The course intends to shed a light on these issues, heavily leaning on the case studies that represent varieties of advanced market economies, as well as some issues of economic transition. The approach will focus on encouraging a general understanding of how various economic systems work, and how their institutional settings and economic performance can be explained by their history, culture and government policies.

 

Prof. dr. Vincentas Rolandas Giedraitis

Economic Globalization

When considering any aspect of global business, it is vital to understand the theoretical and historical underpinnings of economic globalization. This multidisciplinary course introduces students to the orginis and basic theoretical paradigms of modern globalization, a process that far too many take for granted as contemporary and “spontaneous.” The course begins with a historical review of globalization, highlighting key turning points in global econmic history such as the Black Plage and its impact on the formation of capitalism, then moves to models of globalization, such as world-systems analysis, and ends with several applied aspects of economic globalization such as gloabalization and economic inequality. Having completed this course, students will have a better understanding of the ongoing process of globalization, and will be able to apply their knowledge to their respective fields. 

 

Prof. dr. Arvydas Paškevičius

Corporate Finance

Finance affects each and every person and company. It shows the overall health of an organization, explains how decisions and actions impact the company’s success, creates guidelines for future development.

Corporate Finance  course   develops students' financial skills and enables them to plan, organise, analyse, and assess the financial performance of a company and to develope plans that ensure its further expansion. Financial management is at the heart of running a successful business.

During this course you will get acquinted with the theoretical and practical financial management principles, learn how to assess the financial condition of a company and how to prepare and apply financial accountability reports. Also you will learn how to prepare projects of a company‘s financial activity and to plan its development.

The purpose of this course is not only to acquaint the students with the fundamental concepts but also to formulate practical skills while solving basic financial problems and to develop the financial capabilities you need.

 

Prof. dr. Vytautas Dikčius

Statistical Data Analysis of Survey Using SPSS

For most companies, lack of data isn’t a problem, I would say oppositely - there’s often too much information available to make a clear decision. Unfortunately, data themselves are worthless if they aren‘t related to the specific problem. Data-driven businesses make decisions based on data, which means they can be more confident that their actions will bring success. However, gathered data could be very harmful if they analysed inappropriately and shows false reality. Thus you need better data analysis. With the right data analysis process and statistical techniques, what was once an overwhelming volume of disparate information becomes a simple, clear decision point. The course is designed to get you comfortable with using IBM SPSS statistical software and gain an understanding of when and why to use various statistical techniques as well as how to apply them with confidence and interpret their output.

 

Assoc. prof. dr. Laimutė Urbšienė

Financial Markets and Derivatives 

Financial Markets and Derivatives financial markets are functioning around the world, how money is invested, securities are traded and risk and return is evaluated. Also how it is possible to use derivatives to diminish this risk. The aim of the course is to introduce students to financial markets and derivatives: to explain and demnstrate how financial markets are functioning, to present main concepts of risk and return and the basic approaches to risk management by using four types of derivatives: forward, futures, options and swops.

 

 

Assoc. prof. dr. Rasa Paulienė

Leadership

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do what you want done because he wants to do it” - these words were spoken, since then many theories on leadership and leadership styles have arised. This is especially true in a complex and challenging economic climate when companies are expanding activities across international borders and competition is on the rise, and the companies’ managers, no matter what age they are or how much experience they have, frequently find themselves in positions of responsibility without direct authority but must make quick and immediate decisions by themselves.

 

 

Assoc. prof. dr. Erika Vaiginienė

Global Entrepreneurship

During this course students work under the conditions which stimulate development of intercultural intelligence, the ability to identify opportunities and use creative methods to translate them into business ideas. Students develop abilities to organize and manage activities in international and virtual team in conditions of uncertainty and cultural distance. They improve cultural intelligence, international and virtual collaboration competencies, problem-solving skills, and interest in cross-cultural interactions. After graduation students are able to identify opportunities, customer needs and develop business ideas, they know the characteristics of change management in the context of the organization's life cycle.

 

Viltė Kristina Steponėnaitė, visiting professor, Research Associate, KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law

International Business Law

International Business Law course shall familiarise students with some of the key legal requirements that are relevant for doing business in Europe. Specifically, the course provides essential information on how to benefit from the economic freedoms in the European Union such as free movement of goods or freedom to provide services. Besides, the course provides detailed guidance on how to protect intellectual property such as copyright, trademarks and patents, as well as how to comply with the privacy and data protection requirements. Overall, the course offers both theoretical and practical knowledge which is relevant in all stages of a business life cycle.

 

 

Prof. dr. Danuta Diskienė

Every culture tends to possess a different way of looking at certain issues. That‘s why it is essential for people in business to understand cultural differences. Understanding the behaviours, attitudes, values, beliefs of the host country nationals is a key success factor for organizations operating in different countries. Cross-cultural management explains the behaviour of people in organizations around the world and shows how to work in organizations with employees, partners and clients from different cultures.

 

 

 

Assoc. prof. dr. Indrė Pikturnienė

Research methods

Research methods is a fundamental course for a student to be well prepared for her/his major milestone – Master thesis writing and defence. While passing through particular stages of scientific research, we discuss how scientific research method differs from applied (and how a student can derive value from the knowledge later in practice), what are current trends in science in regard to rigour, validity and reliability of research, model potential research questions and construct designs, look for inspirations in up to date literature and companies’ practice, address various issues of good and bad practices in creating questionnaires, drawing samples, data analysis, presentation and conclusions. The course develops critical thinking, ability to identify research gap and draw valid and reliable methodology, foresee the value in potential results, pitch research idea and findings to various target audiences.

 

Dr. Arūnas Burinskas

Competition policy and practice

Having studied competition policy, students will become familiar with the European Union's competition regime and its main objectives. A brief overview of the theoretical basis of competition policy will be followed up by examining the concept of competition and market power and the definition of the market. Students will then study the economic and legal aspects of competition law infringements by examining cartels, vertical agreements, and abuses of a dominant position. The competition policy course shall be completed by an analysis of mergers and acquisitions and state aid.

 

 

Dr. Christof Gellweiler, visiting professor, practitioner

International Project Management

The course ‘International Project Management’ provides students with essential skills for managing projects in global environments. The lecture covers the essential building blocks and techniques required for effective project management in practice. The course consists of a balanced mix of theory and exercises to comprehend the concepts and terms as per Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)™. Students get a solid understanding and gain experience in proven project management methods, including goals setting, stakeholder analysis, scope planning, and state‐of‐the‐art controlling tools to achieve the objectives in time and in budget.

 

 

 

Dr. Eva Panetti, visiting professor from the Parthenope University in Naples

Global Business Strategy

By learning from real-world situations, the course illustrates the challenges and the strategic tools to be successful in an ever-changing global business. Through business simulation games, students will be exposed to the diverse scenarios of world culture and societies and the challenges to approach issues of international business from different perspectives. Students will learn how the use of data can effectively drive their strategy of international business.

 

 

 

Career opportunities

This programme appeals to students seeking careers in multinational organizations or small and medium enterprises seeking for a competitive edge in global markets, public and non-governmental institutions with a focus on global issues and other organizations where global business projects are being developed and implemented.

Testimonials

Daniela Fedele, Global Business and Economics graduate 2020

My name is Daniela, I come from Italy and I graduated from Vilnius University in Global Business and Economic Master Program. First time I joined VU was for the Erasmus program that lasted 5 months, and afterwards I decided to come back and apply for a master degree, and it was one of the best choices I have ever made. My experience at VU was incredible. I was honored to receive a scholarship during my studies and extra incentives in order to achieve higher performance. It was an international and multicultural experience full of challenges and continuous improvements. A long path of professional growth, and much more.

 

Ilker Teker, Global Business and Economics graduate 2020

Being a graduate of Global Business and Economics Master study programme, I would like to share my insights. When I started my Global Business and Economics studies, I aimed to write scientifically proper and valid master thesis in English. Administration of my study programme dealt very well with the changed circumstances because of the pandemic, I graduated without any extra struggles. When I was doing my research, I received help from both faculty management and my advisor professors. Having a Master’s degree will make me a better candidate in future job applications or academic career. For this reason I would like to thank all faculty members and professors who helped me in my studies.

 

 

Luana Baglieri (Italy), programme graduate

"Thanks to this experience, I improved my professional and personal skills and this will help me to make the difference in the working context."

 

Oleksandra Slobodianiuk, programme graduate

“It was an honor for me to become a part of this great and diverse community of Vilnius University. The studies at the university became for me one of the most wonderful encouragement for my development and growth”

 

Anastasiia Kuz, Global Business and Economics graduate 2020

“I cannot believe that my 1,5-year journey in Vilnius University is over. After graduation in Ukraine, I was dreaming about studying at Vilnius University and when I received the acceptance letter I was over the moon. I was excited that my life was going dramatically changed.

Studying at VU on programme “Global Business and Economics” gave me not only strong knowledge from different business management areas but also the opportunity to grow and develop. Professors are professionals and always open for communication with students – it was unusual for me. After exams period each semester students with high academic achievements have a chance to be nominated for scholarship – it is a great reward for all your efforts and motivation to keep moving forward.

I am grateful to VU for giving me an opportunity to participate in Erasmus+ Programme, which definitely changed my life. I spent one semester in Belgium, studying at KU Leuven. And even at distance from my alma mater, I felt the support of VU staff.

Also, University cares for further employment of the students providing consultations about career, how to prepare CV etc. After graduation, I was accepted for an internship at cosmetics start-up in Belgium. And all thanks to the background which I got at Vilnius University.

Finally, I cannot but mention work of ESN VU! Guys care for newcomers providing with any help you need when you moved to another country and throwing interesting events to make new friends. They made my student life unforgettable.”

 

Maksym Leus, Global Business and Economics graduate 2020

“Global business and economics study program gave me additional knowledge in management, economics and econometrics . There are several reasons why I have recieved a pleasure during master study program in VU. Firstly, a wide range of disciplines and excellent knowledge of the subject by professors. Secondly, disciplines were taught by both Lithuanian and foreign academics, which made possible to study also the cultural aspects of doing business in different countries. Thirdly, if your grades are high,  you can obtain stimulus in form of scholarship.  And the last, friendly administration which will help you 24/7 . Thanks for this unforgettable 1,5 year .”

Study program improvement

2020 admission flow:	Compulsory subject Research Methods is moved from the 1st sem. to the 2nd sem. Compulsory subject International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment is moved from the 2nd sem. to the 1st sem. New elective subject Global Entrepreneurship is proposed to the 1st sem. and the 3rd sem.
2021 admission flow:	Contact hours of all programme subjects are changed from 24 to 32 hours