International Development and Resources

The module is offerend in winter semesters. It is designed for students of the MBA programme IBRE and is accessible as well as students from other study programmes (Advanced Mineral Resources Development, MA (FWM); Advanced Mineral Resources Development, MA (FWM); Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen, MA (WP)). All participants need to have a sound background in micro and macro economics including foreign trade theories and theories of economic development at the level of Bachelor in Business Administration.

Objectives

Students will be able to understand the implications of management of firms in the environment of developing economies. Companies involved in a region that is characterised by lower levels of economic development face particular challenges in the management: they have to consider the implications that development strategies, both national and coordinated by international organisations and NGOs, have on their activities. Of particular relevance in developing economies is the role of natural resources that are often abundant and currently their most precious source of national welfare. Students acquire the understanding that natural resources can easily turn into a curse, if they are not included into a coherent national development policy. Those include most prominently export-oriented policies, state-aid policies and the development of national champions, the attraction of foreign direct investments, and incentive systems for outward investment.

This course offers insights into managing firms within developing economies. Students explore challenges unique to regions with lower economic development, including weak markets, national and international development strategies, and engagement with multilateral organizations and NGOs. The course emphasizes the pivotal role of abundant natural resources in these economies and the potential for them to either boost or hinder national welfare. Students gain an understanding of how coherent national development policies, export-oriented strategies, state-aid policies, foreign direct investments, and incentive systems for outward investments can shape the fate of these resources. By course end, students are equipped to navigate complexities within developing economies.