Business & Society

Block 1 and 2

• Business & Consumer Behavior (5 ECTS)

  Business & Consumer Behavior (5 ECTS)

  Topics

  During this project you will get introduced to a local company. In this creative marketing assignment you focus on personas of the businesses and the customer journey.

  In this module you will work in teams of 5 to 6 students. We will assign you to 1 of the local businesses. With your assigned team you will describe in a factsheet at least 2 personas (1 male, 1 female) of the business. Besides that, you will describe in a factsheet the Customer Journey of that local business. You will present your outcomes to the class.

  Learning materials

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  Learning outcomes

  After participating in this project you will know how to:

  • Describe "Personas" of a business
  • Describe a "Customer journey" of a business
  • Write recommendations for a business how to improve, linked to the "Personas" and the "Customer journey"
  • Convincingly present your recommendations for the assigned business

  Type of assessment

  This is a group project which consists of two parts: a report and a presentation.

  Module code

  RBSBAS01   

• Cultural Diversity & Leadership (6 ECTS)

  Cultural Diversity & Leadership (6 ECTS)

  Topics

  The main purpose of this module is to introduce the concepts of Diversity & Leadership within the business environment, as well as to enable you to apply these concepts in your daily practices and study. The module is going to be 50 % theory and 50% practice driven. 

  Learning materials

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  Learning outcomes
  

  At the end of this module you will:

  • Have developed an awareness about commonalities and differences regarding the way business practices are done in the Netherlands, and in your own countries.
  • Be aware of different layers of diversity within organisations, and their influence/impact on current/ global business practices.
  • Have developed yourself as an effective learner, leader and group member when being part of an international environment.
  • Be able to conduct and evaluate professional interviews.
  • Be able to evaluate your own intercultural proficiency level, intelligence type and emotional intelligence in a well-founded report.

  Type of assessment

  Interview, assignment and report

  Module code

  RBSBAS03 

• Global Society & World Politics (6 ECTS)

  Global Society & World Politics (6 ECTS)

  Topics

  Business and society are inextricably linked. In this part of the course, students explore global societal issues from a glocal Rotterdam perspective. The course discusses several social problems related to business, such as:

  • Inclusivity and diversity
  • Sustainability
  • Healthcare
  • Public education
  • Fair trade

  In a world increasingly shaped by interconnected challenges and opportunities, Global Society & World Politics gives you the tools to critically understand the forces transforming today’s global landscape. You’ll explore the dynamic interplay between globalization, political power, and societal issues—and examine how these forces influence both international relations and everyday life.

  Throughout the course, you’ll dive into key topics such as the evolution of globalization, global governance, and the rise of emerging powers. You’ll also explore the inner workings of the global political economy and confront urgent global issues, including poverty, hunger, health crises, terrorism, forced migration, and the complex realities of global trade and finance.

  At the same time, you’ll engage with vital social dimensions such as human rights, gender in global politics, and the role of NGOs in driving policy change and promoting social justice worldwide.

  By the end of this course, you’ll have developed a nuanced understanding of the ethical, economic, and political dimensions shaping our world—and be better equipped to think critically about your role in today’s global society.

  Learning materials

  • The Globalization of World Politics 9^th edition by John Baylis, Steve Smith, Patricia Owens

  Learning outcomes

  • Analyze the multifaceted effects of globalization on political, economic, and social systems at the international level.
  • Evaluate the shifting power dynamics and influence of emerging global actors and international organizations in world politics and global governance.
  • Apply theoretical frameworks and critical perspectives to assess and propose solutions for pressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, public health crises, and global security.
  • Communicate complex ideas and arguments effectively through written essays and oral discussions, demonstrating academic rigor and critical engagement with global issues.

  Type of assessment

  Individual Essay 40%
  Leading discussion in pairs 40%
  Team debate 20%

  Module code

  RBSBAS14

• Sustainable Business Innovation (8 ECTS)

  Sustainable Business Innovation (8 ECTS)

  Topics

  In this competitive project you work in teams on an assignment for the Municipality of Rotterdam. Rotterdam faces many urban challenges: climate change, energy transition, urbanization, biodiversity loss, new forms of mobility, circularity. Due to its history, Rotterdam has a unique roof landscape consisting of 18.5 km² of flat roofs ranging from low rise buildings in the harbor to high rise buildings in the city center. In a busy city with a high population density, the roof landscape provides space for multifunctional use - a potential that waits to be further explored and developed in sustainable ways. During this module you will also receive your FREE GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) training and certification. GRI is an international standards organization that helps business, governments and other organizations understand and communicate their impact  on issues such as climate change, human rights and corruption.  

  You are going to learn more about how the municipality of Rotterdam became a front runner on green roofs and what their policy on sustainability and multifunctional roofs is.

  You will be introduced to a variety of district topologies and their various functionalities organised across seven different colors. Finally, you will also learn more about the challenges that the city of Rotterdam has when it comes to developing a business case that attracts stakeholders (e.g. entrepreneurs, private citizens) who invest in sustainable multifunctional roofs.

  Learning materials

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  Learning outcomes

  At the end of this module you are:

  • Able to calculate social, economic and sustainable impact for rooftop owners.
  • Aware of the pains and gains of policy makers and rooftop owners.
  • Able to come up with creative solutions.

  Type of assessment

  Presentation and report

  Module code

  RBSBAS05 

• Business Strategy & Skills (5 ECTS)

  Business Strategy & Skills (5 ECTS)

  Topics

  Under the umbrella of the Rotterdam International Case Academy and the Heckathon event Let's change the face of food waste, we proudly present a programme which will train you in case cracking skills. In a fast moving business environment these skills are extremely valuable should you want to peruse an ambitious career.

  The Rotterdam International Case Academy is part of the international network of business schools who is responsible for the oldest and most famous case competitions among undergraduates in the world. The case competition is“ a test of problem-solving ability, business acumen, cultural insight, communication skills, and teamwork. Teams of undergraduate students compete on behalf of their respective universities. They receive written case studies focused on international business issues, and have a limited time to assess the challenges facing the organization and recommend a specific course of action to panels of senior managers, policymakers and academics.” 

  Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is ranked highly and received already many awards within the case competition tournaments, so you are in the hand of experts.

  You will receive several cases which you try to solve with your team. The competition case is based on a real business challenge. You will receive a unique challenge of a company (your client) which is based in the Rotterdam area.

  Learning materials

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  Learning outcomes

  At the end of this course you are able to:

  • Determine stakeholders
  • Develop a business strategy
  • Convince an audience 

  Type of assessment

  Presentation

  Module code

  RBSBAS02