Course content

Course Overview:

This course is designed to equip first-year business students with essential skills needed for success in business environments. The three core areas ("modules") covered are: 1) team dynamics and teamwork strategies, 2) basic modeling and data analysis with MS Excel, and 3) presentation skills using MS PowerPoint. The course is highly practical, with hands-on activities, assessments, and real-world applications.

The course will be delivered in-person with online resources and practice exercises, by various course instructors.

Learning outcome

Module 1: Team Dynamics and Teamwork Strategies

- Understand the psychology of team dynamics and how to apply it to real-world business scenarios.

- Develop skills for organizing and optimizing teamwork, including task delegation, role identification, and goal-setting.

- Use effective communication techniques within teams and handle conflict constructively.

Module 2: Excel Skills for Business Modeling and Data Analysis

- Develop foundational skills in MS Excel for data analysis and modeling.

- Organize, analyze, and visualize business data using Excel tools.

- Understand basic financial modelling, forecasting, and analysis.

Module 3: Presentation Skills in MS PowerPoint

- Develop effective presentation design and delivery skills.

- Master the use of MS PowerPoint for creating professional, engaging, and visually appealing presentations.

- Understand the principles of visual design, effective storytelling, and audience engagement in business contexts.

- Practice delivering business presentations to different audiences.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours per week organized activity, plus 6 hours group and/or individual work:

Self-study reading

Lectures

Guided tutorials

Group work & simulations

Quantitative modelling of basic economic problems in MS Excel or similar

Oral presentations

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Comprehensive list of materials will be supplied at the start of the semester.