Preparatory Courses
1st quarter
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Title: Management
Credit Rating: 6 ECTS
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dimitris Manolopoulos
Teaching Methods: The course is taught once a week with a three-hour lecture
Consultation Time/Tutorials: Monday and Wednesday, 11:15 – 15:00
Contact email: dmanolop@aueb.gr
AIM OF THE COURSE
The contemporary enterprise is a complex and dynamic entity, the management of which requires executives who possess an in-depth understanding of the management science. It should be noted that the concept of management refers directly to the nature of the firm; management reflects the way/means followed by the company to fulfill its purpose. According to the economic perspective of the firm, the enterprise / organization is an entity that combines and utilizes production factors in order to produce products and/or offer services. In our era, however, organizations include in their mission the creation of wider value for the continuous satisfaction of the needs of stakeholders, operating with respect to the environment and society at large. In other words, organizations/businesses should operate taking into account a combination of economic, social and environmental parameters in order to develop their competitiveness and achieve sustainability. A basic prerequisite in this direction is the way they are organized and managed, as well as the decision-making process are consistent with ethical values. The effectiveness of the above processes leads to healthy entrepreneurship and creates competitiveness and sustainability.
The aim of the course is an in-depth understanding of the evolution of management theory, organizational environments as well as a detailed investigation of its four functions: planning and decision making, organizing, leading and controlling.
STUDY AND ATTENDANCE
The educational material of the course is covered in the lectures. The lectures concern discussions, case study analyses and projection of audio-visual material. The presence of students in lectures is mandatory. This is an optimal way to understand the issues that are being analyzed. Individual study is an essential and important part of the educational process
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Understand the historical evolution of the firm; from an economic to a social entity that has at the same time environmental considerations. Analyze the key developments that caused the above transformation.
2. Describe the impact of management on the survival and development of businesses in a competitive environment.
3. Possess knowledge, skills and methodologies on how businesses are organized, operated, managed and strategize; and critically evaluate the effectiveness of their organization.
4. Evaluate and critically analyze the various alternatives offered in the functions of planning, managing, leading and controlling.
5. Identify the factors that influence the decision-making process, and consider ethical issues in business.
RECOMMENDED READING
The course does not require a specific textbook. All the necessary material regarding the understanding of the topics to be discussed will be handed by the instructor.
Recommended textbooks:
1. Robbins, SP and Coulter, M. Management, Pearson (latest edition)
2. Ηitt, M., Black, S., and Porter, L. Management (latest edition)
3. Daft, R. Management, Thomson South-Western (latest edition)
SYLLABUS
The content of this course consists of concepts, theories, methodologies and models, which contribute to the understanding of the evolution of the corporate framework, and create strategies and practices for responsible entrepreneurship. It also refers to the analysis of the basic functions of management and their connection with the purpose and objectives of the firm.
1. The nature of the firm and theories of competitiveness: Purpose and nature of the organization.
2. Management theories: Content, contribution, dimensions, and evolution thereof.
3. Management functions: Planning, Managing, Leading, Controlling.
4. Combination of firm theories with management functions
5. Decision making and evaluation of behaviors and practices according to prevailing ethical standards at both the individual and business level.
EVALUATION
The evaluation of students will be as follows:
20% Class participation (discussions, case study analysis, simulations of practical applications, etc.)
80% Final exam
2nd quarter
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Title: Financial Management
Credit Rating: 5 ECTS
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Konstantinos Kassimatis
Teaching Methods: The class meets once a week for a four-hour lecture.
Consultation Time/Tutorials:
Contact email: kkassima@aueb.gr
AIM OF THE COURSE
The aim of the course is to provide students with the required knowledge and skills to evaluate investment decisions as well as financing decisions.
STUDY AND ATTENDANCE
We cover the course material in lectures. Attending lectures is compulsory. This is the best way of being introduced to a topic. Self-study is a vital and significant part of studying for the course.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Understand the different investment evaluation methods.
· Understand the technical characteristics of assets such as stocks and bonds.
· Appraise an investment proposal.
RECOMMENDED READING
Main textbook:
· Principles of Corporate Finance, 13/e, 2020, Richard A. Brealey, Stewart C. Myers and Franklin Allen.
Recommended textbooks:
· Applied Corporate Finance, 4th Edition, 2014, Aswath Damodaran.
· Χρηματοοικονομική Διοίκηση των Επιχειρήσεων, 2010, Αναστάσιος Δράκος και Γεώργιος Καραθανάσης.
SYLLABUS
1. Investment appraisal criteria (IRR, PV, FV)
§ Free Cash Flows and special cases
§ Investment appraisal under Uncertainty, Sensitivity Analysis
2. Analysis of Financing sources
§ Stocks
§ Bank loans (long/short term),
§ Bonds (Zero, Coupon)
3. Bonds (evaluation, duration)
4. Stocks (types, evaluation)
5. Estimation of the Cost of Capital (Cost of Debt Financing and Cost of Equity Financing, Weighted Average Cost of Capital)
6. Capital Structure, Risk and Cost of Capital (its use in investment appraisal and decision making), difference between Required Return and Expected Return of Investment, Business Risk, and types of Risk (Systematic/Unsystematic Risk).
EVALUATION
100% final examination
Two (2) elective courses from:
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Title: International Management
Credit Rating: 6 ECTS
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dimitris Manolopoulos
Teaching Methods: The course is taught once a week with a three-hour lecture
Consultation Time/Tutorials: Monday and Wednesday, 11:15 – 15:00
Contact email: dmanolop@aueb.gr
AIM OF THE COURSE
The importance and effects of international firms are evidently multifaceted; as these ventures impact on the economies and societies in which they operate. The core aim of the course is to acquaint students with the international dimensions of management science and their practical applications. Basic management principles remain the same during the internationalization stage of a corporation; however, they should be studied in a context of diverse markets and macro-environmental characteristics. As a result, international corporations should be able to identify an appropriate mix of global integration and national responsiveness, adapt their strategies, and utilize core competences and resources so as to exploit the advantages of internationalization and the differences in foreign countries’ factor endowments.
STUDY AND ATTENDANCE
The educational material of the course is covered in the lectures. The lectures concern discussions, case study analyses and projection of audio-visual material, as well as simulations of international management’s practical applications carried out in the classroom. The presence of students in lectures is mandatory. This is an optimal way to understand the issues that are being analyzed. Individual study is an essential and important part of the educational process
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Understand the importance and impact of international business on global economic and social scenery.
• Critically analyze the phenomenon of globalization and local responsiveness in today’s reality.
• Identify the key cultural, political, economic and technological developments affecting international management and international business.
• Identify opportunities and threats for managers working in an international context.
• Describe and analyse international strategies.
· Classify and describe the role of subsidiaries and their impact on the economic development of host countries.
· Critically evaluate the diverse organizational structures that govern the relationships of the international corporation.
· To link theories with international practice
RECOMMENDED READING
The course does not require a specific textbook. All the necessary material regarding the understanding of the topics to be discussed will be handed by the instructor.
Recommended textbooks:
· Μανωλόπουλος Δ. & Μπιτζένης, Α. 2018. Η Διεθνοποιημένη Επιχείρηση τον 21ο Αιώνα. Interbooks, Αθήνα.
· Ghemawat, P. 2007. Redefining Global Strategy: Crossing Borders in a World where Differences Still Matter. Harvard Business School Press, Boston.
· Gupta, A.K. Govindarajan, V. & Wang, H. 2008. The Quest for Global Dominance. Jossey-Bass. San Francisco.
· Hodgetts R. & Luthans, F. International Management. McGraw-Hill, New York (latest edition).
SYLLABUS
Understanding International Management – The Context: Introduction. Definitions. Challenges for international management. Core dilemmas of firms before internationalization process. Motives for expansion. Internationalization strategies. Location selection. Advantages deriving from the internationalization of enterprises. The role of host countries.
The Macroenvironment of International Corporations: The globalized environment and the global economy. The impact of the macro-environmental characteristics on international management. Ethical dilemmas that arise.
International Firms as Networks - Internal Environment: Strategy challenges for international companies. International Strategies. The roles of subsidiaries in the network of international firms. Organizational structures and management challenges regarding the coordination and control of geographically dispersed activities
EVALUATION
The evaluation of students will be as follows:
20% Class participation (discussions, case study analysis, simulations of practical applications, etc.)
80% Final exam
3rd quarter
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Title: Business Analytics
Credit Rating: 5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Xenia Mamakou
Teaching Methods: Weekly 3-hour lecture
Consultation Time/Tutorials: Tuesday 10.00-11.00
Contact email: xenia@aueb.gr
AIM OF THE COURSE
The course aims to train postgraduate students in data analytics for business applications, utilizing Excel and Power BI Desktop for analyzing large and diverse data sets. Students will learn about the capabilities of these tools, process different data sets, apply advanced analyses, and learn ways to visualize results in reports & dashboards. The course offers direct contact with real situations and business problems, developing useful skills for professional work.
STUDY AND ATTENDANCE
The educational material is covered in lectures, with mandatory attendance for a thorough understanding. Personal study is a crucial part of the learning process, supplemented by application solutions using computers.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completing the course, students will understand IT terminology, work according to personal data security laws, comprehend the benefits of business analytics in decision-making, and analyze business data using Excel & Power BI.
RECOMMENDED READING
· Papathanasiou E.A. and Mamakou X.I., EXCEL: Data Analysis & Business Applications, AUEB Publications, Athens 2022, ISBN: 978-618-83313-8-9
· Course notes
SYLLABUS
TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND APPLICATIONS IN BUSINESS
GDPR
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ANALYTICS
• Meaning and utility
• Categories and tools
• Business usage and new trends
DATA MANAGEMENT IN EXCEL
• Data lists
• Classification
• Conditional Formatting
• Simple functions
• Automatic and complex filter
• Naming areas & cells
FUNCTIONS
• Mathematical functions (SUM, INT, ROUND, MROUND etc.)
• Statistical functions (AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, MIN, MAX etc.)
• Logical functions (AND, OR, NOT, IF etc.)
• Text functions (UPPER, LOWER, PROPER, TRIM, CONCATENATE, etc.)
• Time functions (NOW, TODAY, YEAR etc.)
• Database functions (DSUM, DAVERAGE etc.)
• Search and reference functions (LOOKUP, INDEX, XLOOKUP etc.)
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION
• Create, edit and format graphs
• Different kinds of graphics
• Plotting different data on the same graph
STATISTICAL DATA ANALYSIS
• Database functions
• Descriptive statistics
• Frequency distribution
• Correlation
• Simple and multiple regression
• Forecasting
ASSEMBLY TABLES
• Create, edit and format pivot tables
• Grouping of data
• Connection with slicers and timelines
• Graphical representations from a pivot table
INTRODUCTION TO POWER BI
• Features of Power BI
• Import data from other sources
• Different data views (report, data, model)
POWER BI CHARTS
• Create graphs with Power BI
DATA PROCESSING
• Filters
• Transform data with the Power Query tool
• Calculated Columns
• Calculated Tables
COMPLETE EXAMPLES
• Step-by-step examples of creating Reports & Dashboards
EVALUATION
Assessment will be based on assignments (30%) and exams (70%)
Two (2) elective courses from:
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Title: Strategic Change Management
Credit Rating: 6 credit units
Prerequisites:
Instructor: Anastasios Magoutas, Associate Professor, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA)
Alexandros Papalexandris, Associate Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB)
Teaching Methods: The course is taught once a week with a three-hour lecture.
Consultation Time/Tutorials:
Contact email: Anastasios Magoutas: amagoutas@ba.uoa.gr
Alexandros Papalexandris: alexp@aueb.gr
AIM OF THE COURSE
The concept of change is not new. Indeed, change is always recognized as necessary and inherent in all aspects of life. However, the past decade has been, for most organizations, a time of unprecedented and seemingly accelerated change. Although organizations must change in order to adapt to external and/or internal developments, implementing change can be very difficult. There is evidence that up to 70% of all major change efforts fail. In this dynamic and hypercompetitive environment, the success or even survival of businesses depends heavily on their adaptive abilities.
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with a variety of economic and managerial circumstances, in which strategic changes are necessary, and with the use of real case studies, help them understand the process of change as well to present a strategic framework of change management.
STUDY AND ATTENDANCE
The educational material is covered in the lectures of the course. The lectures include a presentation of the theoretical framework and discussions on it, case study analyses and the projection of audiovisual material. Student attendance at lectures is compulsory and is the recommended method for optimal understanding of the course topics. Finally, the personal study of the educational material by the students is an essential part that completes the learning process.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand change as an organizational phenomenon and present a clear view of the theory and practice of managing change.
2. Identify and explain different organizational change types.
3. Appraise all factors relevant to change and also, the methods of identifying, planning and implementing change.
4. Evaluate employees’ emotional reactions to change and manage them effectively.
5. Apply the theories, approaches and beliefs available to guide employees’ and managers’ action, in order to make informed choices when instigating and implementing change.
6. Develop ideas, actions and strategies for managing change in the workplace.
RECOMMENDED READING
Bibliography – Indicative literature
Greek
1. Παπαδάκης Β. (2018). Επίκαιρα Θέματα Στρατηγικής των Επιχειρήσεων, Εκδόσεις Μπένου, κεφ. 3.
2. Παπαδάκης, Β. (2023). Στρατηγική των Επιχειρήσεων: θεωρία και Μελέτες Περιπτώσεων. Εκδόσεις Μπένου.
English
1. Whittington, D. Angwin, P. Renger, G. Johnson, K. Scholes, 2023. Exploring Strategy Pearson, 13th Edition, chapter 13.
2. Balogun, J., Hope Hailey, V. and Gustafsson, S. 2016. Exploring Strategic Change. Pearson: Harlow (4th edition): Chapter 2, section 2.2
3. Burnes, B. (2017). Managing change. Harlow, England: Pearson. (Προτεινόμενο)
4. Alvesson, M., & Sveningsson, S. (2007). Changing Organizational Culture, London: Routledge.
Bibliography – Indicative research articles
1. Badrtalei, J., & Bates, D. L. (2007). Effect of Organizational Cultures on Mergers and Acquisitons: The Case of Daimler Chrysler. International Journal of Management, 24(2), 303-317.
2. Dievernich, F. E., Tokarski, K. O., & Gong, J. (2016). Change Management and the Human Factor, Basel, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
3. Johnson, G, Yip, G and Hensmans, M (2012) Achieving Successful Strategic Transformation, MIT Sloan Management Review, Vol 53, 3, 25‐32.
4. Kotter, J. P. (1995). Leading Change: Why transformation efforts fail, Harvard Business Review, 73(2), 59-67.
5. Lau, C. M., & Woodman, R. 1995. Understanding organizational change: a schematic perspective, Academy of Management Journal, 38(2), 537-554.
6. Oreg, S., Vakola, M., & Armenakis, A. (2011). Change recipients’ reactions to organizational change: a 60-year review of quantitative studies, Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 47(4), 461–524.
7. Van de Ven AH, Poole MS. (1995). Explaining Development and Change in Organizations. Academy of Management Review 20(3): 510‐540
SYLLABUS
1. Introduction to Change Management.
2. The importance of change: What changes and how.
3. Why is it difficult for organizations to transform themselves/change?
4. Implementation (and possible barriers) encountered in strategic change efforts: a reflection on employee attitudes and organizational culture
5. Ways of effective change management for achieving competitive advantage.
6. Effective change management in reversal of negative results (Resolution) and in acquisitions - mergers - strategic alliances
EVALUATION
The assessment of the course will be based on a group assignment (50% of the final grade for the course) and examination of the assignment (50% of the final grade for the course) which will take place during the date/time of the exams.
4th quarter
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Title: International and Export Marketing
Credit Rating: 6
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Dionysios Skarmeas, Paraskevas Argouslidis
Teaching Methods: Face-to-Face
Consultation Time/Tutorials: Tuesday 15:00-18:00
Contact email:
AIM OF THE COURSE
The purpose of the course is students to understand the challenges and opportunities of globalization for a company, the motivations and obstacles of company’s internationalization efforts, the criteria used for selecting a country/market and segmenting the global market, the development of appropriate marketing strategies (adaptation, standardization) for foreign markets and how to formulate an export marketing plan. Teaching includes lectures, case studies, and a simulation game.
STUDY AND ATTENDANCE
The lectures cover a wide range of concepts, strategies, and techniques pertinent in the field of International Marketing, combining theory and practice. The core of the material covered in the lectures will be uploaded to e-class in advance. However, lecture attendance and systematic study of the uploaded material is essential for in-depth understanding of the subject matter of each lecture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
• Understand the ramifications and problems companies face when operating overseas
• Analyze the international market environment
• Assess key data sources and the importance of gathering information for overseas markets
• Comprehend the foreign market selection process
• Distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of alternative foreign market entry modes
• Explain the importance of gray markets in exporting
• Understand the INCOTERMS system of International Commercial Terms
• Comprehend the alternative methods of payment in international trade
• Formulate and execute an international marketing strategy
RECOMMENDED READING
Green, M.C. & Keegan, W.J. (2020). Global Marketing, 10th edition, Pearson.
Hollensen, S. (2020). Global Marketing, 8th edition, Pearson.
Additional Reading: Journal of Marketing, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of International Marketing, Journal of International Business Studies, International Marketing Review, Journal of Business Research.
SYLLABUS
• Introduction to International Marketing
• PESTEL Analysis
• International Market Selection
• International Marketing Strategy
• Export Marketing Plan
• Export Routes and Gray Markets
• International Commercial Terms INCOTERMS
• Payment Methods in the context of Exports
EVALUATION
Students will be evaluated as follows.
· Written exam (70%)
• Simulation game (30%)
Two (2) elective courses or Thesis:
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE
Title: Sustainability Reporting
Credit Rating: 5
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites
Instructor: SANDRA COHEN
Teaching Methods: A 3-hour lecture once a week
Consultation Time/Tutorials: Please consult eclass
Contact email: scohen@aueb.gr
AIM OF THE COURSE
The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the importance of environmental, social and corporate governance factors on sustainability and sustainable development and to provide knowledge about the new forms of non-financial reporting that now accompany financial reports in both the public and the private sector.
STUDY AND ATTENDANCE
The course will include lectures and in-class visits of private and public sector executives who will describe the philosophy and the way the sustainable development reports are drafted within their organization context.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon the completion of the course, the students will be :
· aware of the importance of non-financial information as a complementary source of information to financial data,
· acquainted with the new non-financial information systems in the private and public sector and
· able to assess the challenges related to sustainable development information.
RECOMMENDED READING
- Suggested bibliography:
As this a very new topic, , the bibliography will be finalized before the beginning of the course
- Related academic journals:
European Accounting Review
Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal
SYLLABUS
The course will include the following modules:
· Introduction to non-financial information – ESG reporting
· The sustainable development goals of the United Nations (SDGs)
· Sustainability information and standards
o European Sustainability Reporting Directive
o International Sustainability Standards
o Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
· EU Taxonomy
· ESG reporting in practice
· Assurance issues of non-financial statements
· Problems in the preparation of non-financial reports - Differences in the purposes of authors and recipients – Greenwashing
· Sustainable Development and public sector
· Green Budgeting/Gender Budgeting
EVALUATION
Students’ assessment will be based on the following.
· 35% group assignment and presentation
· 65% final written exams



