Gain a practical understanding of foreign exchange markets, international monetary markets, and international capital markets in this course. We discuss the concepts of risk management, cash management, international debt and equity financing, market behavior, and relevant aspects of European monetary policy and its capital markets.
One course each in macro- and microeconomics, and one finance course, all at university level.
Travel on Study Tour
You only take one Core Course per semester, and each Core Course includes two Study Tours: one Short Study Tour to a nearby destination for three days, and one Long Study Tour to another European country for six days.
Led by your faculty, Study Tours take you into real-world settings where you will apply what you’ve learned outside the classroom.
PhD (CBS), MBA (Melbourne Business School), MSc.econ (University of Copenhagen). CFO, Cardlay, 2023 – present. Research & Teaching, 2010 – 2023. With DIS since 2013.
Neil Smith
LLB (Honours), University of Glasgow, 1999; Diploma in Legal Practice, Glasgow Graduate School of Law, 2000. Has co-owned business for the last decade advising small and medium sized companies on structuring, international expansion and M & A. With DIS since Spring 2016.
Kristian Bernt Knudsen
Masters (Finance/Management, University of Aarhus, Denmark). Financial Advisor at Maersk Broker Financial Services, where he is engaged in the start-up of a maritime private investment fund targeted for institutional and professional investors. Prior to this, he has progressed his career through 15+ years into accomplished executive leadership positions combined with financial and strategic advisor roles while working internationally in highly esteemed public and private equity companies in various industries. With DIS since 2016.
Long Study Tour
About this tour
Amsterdam is one of the most evocative cities in the world. From the 17th century “Golden Age” architecture to the canals, bicycles and café culture, it is a magnet for tourists. It offers great sightseeing opportunities, both within Amsterdam itself and down the Dutch Western coast, where beautiful seascapes blend in with historic windmills, and every color of tulip imaginable.
It is less known though that Amsterdam is a major financial center; surprising, given that Amsterdam literally invented modern finance in the early 1600s. It has a historic, and still relevant, stock exchange as well as large banks and insurance companies, both Dutch and international. It is also a major location for European HQs of multinational groups.
The Hague offers a different feel entirely. With fewer tourists and a more cerebral feel, it is the location of the Dutch government, and therefore the home to businesses who want to be close to the key decision makers, both domestic and foreign.
Learning outcomes
Gain a practical understanding of financial markets in Europe (specifically the Netherlands), and how these may differ compared to the U.S.
Learn how different-sized businesses deal with issues of international management (including cash and risk management) and tie in with the issues discussed in class
Understand different business cultures and the impact they may have on strategies, and see first-hand how business strategy may have to react to events in markets
Understand how international businesses approach risk analysis, particularly given the current turbulence in geopolitics and world trade
Possible activities
Visit a global financial player, like the major Dutch banks ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO
Visit players in the fintech arena, where the Netherlands is a major innovator
Visit Rotterdam port, the largest port in Europe, to understand how global businesses think about logistics and the practicalities of trade in turbulent times
Visit an asset manager like NN Investment Partners and Robeco
Visit the Amsterdam stock exchange, the oldest securities market in the world
About this tour
Edinburgh has the second largest financial sector in the UK and is a major European center for asset management, asset servicing, and financial technology. It houses some of the biggest UK names in finance, including banks RBS and HBOS, and some of the most traditional names in pensions like Scottish Widows and Standard Life.
At the same time, it offers a size of town which is easy to visit and, as well as business highlights, offers excellent opportunities to see landmark sights both within the city, like Edinburgh Castle, and outside, like St Andrews and the Scottish Highlands.
Learning outcomes
Gain a practical understanding of financial markets in Europe (specifically the UK), and how these may differ compared to the U.S.
Learn how different-sized businesses deal with issues of international management (including cash and risk management) and tie in with the issues discussed in class
Understand different business cultures and the impact they may have on strategies, and see first-hand how business strategy may have to react to events in markets
Possible activities
Visit the Royal Bank of Scotland, which was the fifth largest bank in the world prior to the financial crisis. The bank was hit massively by the crisis, but remains a large player with around 70,000 employees
Meet Standard Life Aberdeen, Scottish Enterprise, Abbott Risk Consulting, Noble Grossart, Ballie Gifford, Weir Group, and Edrington Group
Learn about fintech issues and what it is like to have a non-Western parent company from Skyscanner, a travel aggregator website used by around 60 million people per month, which was recently bought by the largest online travel agent in China
About this tour
Spain is a prominent financial hub in Europe with a growing influence in asset management, fintech, and related services. Barcelona hosts key players in the Spanish financial sector and provides a rich environment for studying the dynamics of the European financial markets. On tour, we will visit key players in various stages and sectors, from new startups to established leaders in their fields, to learn how they are navigating international markets and keeping up with the latest trends and developments.
Of course, Barcelona sits in a special position to offer a unique blend of business and cultural experiences. We will make use of this while on tour and explore that Catalan capital, visiting iconic landmarks within the city such as Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, amongst others.
Learning outcomes
Gain a practical understanding of financial markets in Europe and explore the potential differences compared to the U.S. market
Learn about how businesses of various sizes manage international operations, including aspects like cash flow and risk management, and relate these practices to the topics covered in class
Explore the impact of different business cultures on strategic decision-making, and observe how business strategies may need to adapt in response to market events within the region
Possible activities
Dive into the world of fintech by visiting Barcelona Tech City, a thriving hub for technology startups and innovation
Meet with leading fintech companies to understand the latest trends and developments shaping the industry
Gain a deeper understanding of international business dynamics by visiting multinational corporations with a presence in Barcelona, such as SEAT (part of the Volkswagen Group) and Mango to explore how these companies navigate global markets and cultural differences to drive their success
Explore the vibrant Barcelona Stock Exchange, delving into the intricacies of financial markets and see firsthand the dynamics of stock trading in Spain
Short Study Tour
About this tour
Core Course Week, including the short Study Tour, is designed to give you a more nuanced understanding of how classroom theories apply to the real world environment.
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and has a thriving international business climate. During the short Study Tour, we explore how different businesses deal with issues of international management and how they adjust their business strategies in shifting market conditions. We explore the history and culture of Hamburg, noted for being one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Social activities may include a cruise around a lake, a city tour, and a visit to the “Miniatur Wunderland”, which has the world’s largest model railway.
Learning outcomes
Gain a practical understanding of financial markets in Europe (specifically Germany), and how these may differ compared to the U.S.
Experience how different businesses deal with issues of international management (including cash and risk management) and tie your knowledge to the issues discussed in class
Understand different business cultures and the impact they may have on strategies, and see first-hand how business strategy may have to react to events in markets
Possible activities
Discuss financial issues with the iconic European aircraft manufacturer Airbus and witness the making of the Airbus 380 during a factory tour
Visit one of the oldest banks in the world as well as the third busiest port in Europe
Talk to Beiersdorf Global – a multinational skin care group with brands like Nivea and la Prairie and a EUR 6 billion annual turnover – about how to manage a diverse portfolio
About this tour
On this short Study Tour, we will leave the capital region on the island of Zealand and journey to Jutland, where the cities of Aarhus and Silkeborg beckon with their unique blend of business innovation and natural beauty. In these locations, we will meet the leaders shaping the economic landscape of Jutland in sectors such as sustainable energy, banking, and retail. Along the way, we will also explore the world of Denmark outside of Copenhagen, getting to better understand the country, it’s cultures, and it’s history.
Learning outcomes
Acquire a practical understanding of the business landscape in Eastern Jutland, and delve into the specific characteristics that define this regions economy
Immerse yourself in the realm of international management as practiced by local businesses in Eastern Jutland. Witness how they navigate challenges like cash flow and risk management, linking these experiences back to classroom discussions for a holistic view
Experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Denmark beyond Copenhagen, as you immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and vibrant heritage of Eastern Jutland, offering a unique perspective on Danish life outside the bustling capital city
Possible activities
Engage in discussions on financial matters with industry leaders at Vestas Wind Systems, a global player in sustainable energy solutions, and gain insights into their innovative approaches to financing renewable energy projects
Explore the historical roots of Danish banking by visiting Jyske Bank, one of the oldest banks in the country, and discover the strategic role of banking institutions in shaping the economic landscape of Eastern Jutland
Meet with representatives from LEGO Group, a renowned Danish toy company known for its creativity and innovation, to understand how they maintain a competitive edge in the global market and manage their product portfolio effectively
