Bachelor (Hons) in Business Administration (taught only in Greek)
Course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Course Structure
1st Semester
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Information Technology
The convergence of telecommunication and the endless improvement of computer technology generates new structure in our personal and corporate life as well. Hardware and software are mandatory elements for a company in order to be able to manage the internal and external information flow. Therefore, the course is required to: a) provide students with a strong conceptual framework for understanding the structure and operation of Business Information Systems; b) Allow them to develop a "socio-technical" approach to Information Technology, which connects the business with technology and people; and c) introduce students to the basic concept of computer architecture and various technologies in a network environment for the development and implementation of business applications.
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Accounting I
The module introduces the students to the operations of accounting and intends to present and adopt the modern techniques of registrations of the transactions, and thus present the actual financial situation of the business. This is implemented through the analytical presentation of the diary of the transactions, so that the accounting provides the required financial protection of the business, and is helping to make the right decisions, and thus succeed their corporate goals. The students are presented with real life situations and are required to demonstrate their ability to identify problems and, then select, among alternative theoretical options, which one is more suitable to be applied in the specific situation.
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Management Skills
The essence of Management refers to the role, functions and techniques of management. The module introduces students to the concept of management by exploring the roles and factions of managers and the way they will manage effectively in the business environment. It is also providing a framework to students to understand the interconnections of the different aspects of management, and how they fit together in an organization. Students will study all the relative areas (i.e. programming, types of goals, planning, steps of the process, who plans, why and when, etc.). They will also be introduced to the theoretical frameworks, concepts and principles, as well as, the research evidence that tests the theories.
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Macroeconomics
This module aims to give an introductory course in modern Macroeconomic theory and its applications. The scope of the lectures will be focused on familiarizing the students with basic concepts of economic and monetary analysis, such as a) investment theory, b) the laws of supply and demand, c) monetary and fiscal policy, and d) international trade and economic development, among others. The theoretical framework of the lectures will be accompanied by case studies and workshops, which will focus on the interpretation and analysis of data, presented by a variety of sources of contemporary economic discourse. The module will also examine the effectiveness of economic theoretical framework on the tackling of modern economic issues, such as those of economic development, economic investment (local and foreign direct) and others. Finally, the course of the Hellenic economy throughout recent history will be reviewed, inside the economic and legislation frame of the European Union, with special note on fiscal activities and the engagement on international trade.
2nd Semester
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Microeconomics
This is an introductory module where students are encouraged to develop a general understanding of the scope, nature and content of modern microeconomic theory and its applications. They will study the techniques of model building and analytical reasoning used in microeconomics, using diagrams, statistical charts and other tools. There is an emphasis on evaluating and solving real problems faced in market economies. More specifically, the laws that govern the behaviour of the consumer and the entrepreneur, the mechanisms that influence the change of those behaviors, the importance of reaching the market equilibrium. Finally, an attempt is presented to establish an insight into the ins and outs of the Hellenic micro-economic environment (i.e. the long-term existence of oligopolistic practices, the high inelastic cost of business, and others) and the methodology with which the theory can be applied to them.
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Business Law
The objective of the module is to approach Law in connection with People, Society, Economy and International Community. It will emphasize to the branch of Commercial and Business Law and in particular a) to the various types of trading companies recognized by Greek and E.U. Law, b) to the significance of cheques and bills of exchange and their applications to commercial transactions, and c) to the way that Greek law regulates bankruptcy. Students will be presented with examples of court decisions, which will clarify the way differences between partners and law offences are treated by the law. There will be cases of creating a commercial (profit) company, and a not for profit organization (NGO).
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Accounting II
The module is designed to provide to the students with a further understanding of the total accounting process. They will understand the role of accounting in processing company data and controlling company assets. Further to the emphasis that is placed on understanding the reasons behind the required procedures and the learning of how to interpret financial data, the students will be familiarized with the deeper analysis of the accounting situation in a corporation, and the control of the financial statements. Practical situations will be critically analyzed with case studies, and other paradigms from the real world, so that the students will be more familiarized on how to implement the theory to practical situations.
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Business Management
This module will encourage students to develop an understanding of the main theoretical and conceptual frameworks and models that underpin analysis of all main operations of management. These frameworks will be developed and applied in appreciating the complexities involved in developing and applying policies and techniques to the resources of the organization. The module introduces students to the concepts of management by exploring the roles and functions of managers, and the ways they will be able to manage effectively in business environment. It also provides a framework to them in order to understand the importance of effective communication within an organization.
3rd Semester
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Operations Management
This is an essential module for Business Administration. It will concentrate on operations management which can be applied in general terms to almost all business activities from manufacturing, retailing, service and the public sector. Issues such as the business operations design, capacity management and control, customer service, inventory and distribution management, JIT and MRP philosophies, location and layout, new product and service development; production, operations procurement, quality management, queuing, supply chain management, and globalization which have become areas of concern in all organizations, will be discussed. The Operations Management module aims to introduce a big-picture overview of these essential functions within a company. The module objectives are to enable students understand the key concepts and the scope of operations management and to help them assess different framework of operations management.
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Management Accounting
The module introduces students to the role and purpose of the management accounting within a business. This module cover issues arising from the application of modern management accounting techniques, such as: the application of Balance Scorecard, preparation quality cost report; managing environmental cost; Just in time; international aspects of management accounting, information for short and long term decision making, impact of risk and uncertainty within decision making, cost planning and analysis within competitive situations, modern competitive environment and international aspects of management accounting.
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Business Statistics
Statistics is the scientific field that involves methods of collection, presentation and analysis of quantitative data in order to make better decisions under uncertainty. This module focuses on presenting various statistical techniques and their applications that assist in making business decisions. The theoretical framework of the module aims at encouraging students to identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques and methodologies for a variety of research questions, present and interpret statistical findings. This module will cover the basic tools used to describe data for the purposes of transforming data into information. In addition, the module will present basic probability concepts, rules and distributions in order to answer problems which involve business applications. An introduction to the fundamentals of statistical inference will be provided in order to show how it is possible to examine a sample of data to reach conclusions about population.
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Introduction to Marketing
The aim of marketing module is to introduce students to the basic principles of marketing. Furthermore, is to develop a basic understanding of marketing within a firm. Key contents include Philosophy of Marketing, micro and macro environment, consumer behaviour, marketing research, segmentation and positioning. Emphasis will be given in theoretical analysis in order to develop basic marketing thinking. The objectives of the modules are to explain the importance of a target market and implementation of a marketing mix, to understand the consumer behaviour process and explore the different factors that influence it and articulate the segmentation and positioning techniques for the development of a marketing plan.
4th Semester
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Marketing Practice
The aim of the module Marketing Practice is to introduce key terms and theoretical concepts, for all four components, product/service, price, place and promotion of the marketing mix and help students develop an understanding of the role of marketing within an organization. During the delivery of this module students will become familiar with various topics, including product portfolio, product development, branding, pricing techniques, integrated marketing communications and distribution channels. The module’s objectives are to present all elements of the marketing mix and underline its importance for the company’s viability and profitability. A second objective is to build a thorough understanding of the importance of marketing as a cross functional activity in the organizational context
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Human Resources Management
This module aims to enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the core areas of human resource management (HRM) and to apply these in a range of organisational settings. It provides students with an understanding of the issues involved in the staffing of organisations, including the recruitment and selection of staff, their training and development, the ongoing challenges in motivating different kinds of employees, both in terms of rewards and pay as well as through the ways individuals and groups can be supported in their work. Main objectives are, the understanding of different key HR issues, the critical evaluation of their effectiveness and understanding of the necessity of integration of HR practices with the company’s strategy.
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Business Environment
The main aspect of Business & International Environment module is to provide students with an understanding of the increasingly complex global business environment, the challenges and dilemmas this presents for managers and organisations, and the variety of organisational forms and corporate strategies employed in contemporary international business. The module covers the major trade flows in the world, the politico-economic rationale for international trade, the specific market environments in which companies will operate, the role and importance of multinational enterprises in international business and the various tariff and non-tariff barriers to international trade. Furthermore, there will be an inquisitive analysis of the economic history of the twentieth century and the ever-increasing role of international organisations and their importance in managing the issue of global economic development and the impact on local economies. Finally, an extensive economic outlook on the specific of the Greek economy will be provided for students to comprehend the dynamics and flaws of the local business environment inside the space of international economic activities.
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Business Finance
The module will introduce basic corporate and personal finance concepts, including the time value of money, financial markets, shares and bonds, financial risk and return, and the elements of investment. Student will become familiar with the key topics in financial theory and application as a basis for further studies in finance. The module also will introduce students to fundamental concepts underlying financial management, including how a business is financially structured and how to plan financially for business profitability.
5th Semester
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Business Communications
This interdisciplinary module aims to develop an understanding of the key factors that underpin the development of effective communication within an organizational context. It allows students to consider and better understand the relationships between communication and information technologies. Students will study the underlying theoretical principles of inter-personal, inter-group and organizational communication, and consider the varying needs of different audiences. Students will work to further develop their communication skills and to effectively use computer mediated media to this end. These topics will be explored in a variety of contexts, including large and small organizations and different industry sectors, such as consumer goods, professional services and event management.
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Total Quality Management
In today’s highly competitive and global business environment the management of quality plays a vital role to all organizations. Total Quality Management is a broader concept and it tries to integrate all organizational functions (such as operations, marketing, logistics, procurement, customer service, etc.) to focus on meeting customer needs and organizational objectives. TQM aims to establish an environment of continuous and systematic improvement of business processes. The aim of this module is to explore the tools and techniques needed for improved and continuous quality. The module’s objectives are, to enable students understand the necessity and importance of total quality programs for the continuous improvement of the company and its products/services that lead to increased customer satisfaction. The second objective is to generate knowledge and skills so that students will be able to implement TQM tools and techniques in different business sectors.
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Business Organisation
The essence of this module is to examine the concepts of organizational structure, the principles of “formal” and “informal” organization and the concepts of Authority and Responsibility. Key Contents include also the basic patterns of organizing and structuring with emphasis in small “typical” Greek companies.
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Financial Resources Management
The essence of Financial Resources Management concerns decisions about (a) risk expected return on investment using the CAPM model, (b) making decisions about capital investment – how to evaluate investment projects in a tax or non-tax environment, and (c) making decisions for setting the optimal capital structure of a company, calculating the cost of capital and distributing dividends. Also, will be analyzed and examine, the theoretical frameworks, concepts and principles associated with these types of decisions.
6th Semester
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Financial Statement Analysis
The essence of Financial Statement Analysis concerns decisions about (a) the techniques used for financial statement analysis of companies and (b) the application of appropriate techniques in the analysis and forecast of time series of earnings. The module introduce students to the theoretical frameworks, concepts and principles associated with these types of decisions, as well as the research evidence that tests the theories. Financial statement analysis traces a company’s rise or fall from its inception to the reporting date. Investors and financial analysts can review the firm’s operations over many years, pinpointing specific parts of its business along the way. Accounting report review refers to the way a company or investor analyzes corporate performance and how the analyst compares such performance to rivals’ achievements
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Management Research
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to carry out research in a business discipline. The emphasis is on how the information used to make business decisions is gathered and processed. This module demonstrates the major phases of the research process and the steps within each. Students will explore a variety of research approaches and will develop practical research skills including problem definition, research design, data collection and analysis. The module identifies and proposes different sources of research data and techniques for collecting primary and secondary data, including a broad coverage of sampling techniques. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are covered. Students will develop basic skills in analyzing quantitative data, and in preparing and presenting research reports
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Small Business Management
The management of small and medium size enterprises will allow the students to form a full picture of the business environment, in which most enterprises operate in Greece. By that, they will meet with important concepts such as innovation, organizational and strategic change as well with the various repercussions from the transformations that can result in an enterprise.
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Organisational Behaviour
This module deals with the human aspect of the organisation and tries to highlight areas such as management functions; helping employees in order to balance work and other responsibilities; dealing issues; people skills; communication; power and politics; conflict and negotiation; organisational culture; change; knowledge management; and stress management.
7th Semester
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Global Business
This course aims to introduce students to the strategies and practices of international business in the context of global markets and competition. It covers the complex nature of the international environment, the impact of the different cultures on the formation of a strategy, the alternative market selection techniques, the modes of entry and the management of the international operations. Main objectives of this module are to provide an overview of the effects of international environment on business operations, to equip students with tools that will help them formulate basic strategies and suggest ways on how to handle different business operations abroad.
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Marketing Management
The purpose of the Marketing Management module is to introduce students to advanced concepts for the management of marketing functions. A good foundation in Marketing Management is essential in developing an understanding of the integrated management of modern businesses. Furthermore, it is to develop critical thinking as regards marketing tools within a firm and develop a theoretical knowledge for the basic marketing models. Key contents include marketing planning and implementation, Situation Analysis, Marketing measurements and business analysis, product portfolio management and integrated communication strategy, integrated marketing plans and elements of marketing research. Emphasis will be given in the analysis of case studies in order to develop critical and analytical thinking.
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Strategic Management
The essence of Strategic Management concerns decisions about business models, business competitive position within the operating industry, and their competitive advantage. To come up with decisions upon these issues, it is necessary to analyze a number of factors that influence business at all levels. All these areas will be cover via a number of case studies. Key contents are theoretical frameworks, concepts and principles associated with these types of decisions well as the research evidence that tests the theories.
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Project I & II
During the final year of the Degree the students will be required to complete and submit a project on business applications in the form of an individual extended assignment. This final project is based on a literature review, a framework for the analysis is chosen and a primary research follows. The analysis of research data marks the end of the field work. The final report is based in the analysis and implementation of a focused real business issue. Proposals and conclusions reveal the end of the project.Given the complexity and scope of the above task, this module is designed to span the whole of year 4 (i.e. semesters 1 and 2 of this year) and is considered to represent a double module.
8th Semester
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Leadership & Personal Development
The module introduces students to the concept of leadership by exploring the basic leadership models and theories. Also, the students will be informed about the nature, the traits and the role of leadership within the management context. Students will study all the areas (i.e. leadership theories, role and characteristics of the leader, time management, dealing with difficult people etc.) via a number of case studies. The essence of team work and team building is a comprehensive part of this module. Students will be asked to form a team with a specific purpose, and then try to realize this goal, facing and facilitating any problems and/or difficulties. Conclusions and discussion will follow.
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Money & Banking
This module focuses on the analysis and critical discussion of the following: (1) the structure and role of financial institutions, (2) tools and conduct of monetary policy. Topics include the role of money, debt and equity; financial institutions and markets; regulation; financial crises; interest rates; commercial bank operations; the money supply process; theories of money demand; conduct of monetary policy and its role in different macroeconomic frameworks. The course will then cover the main aspects of banks and other financial institutions before turning to an investigation of the role of money, central banking and monetary policy.
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Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Entrepreneurship is defined using the management approach as a characteristic pattern of management behaviour which has innovation outcomes. Entrepreneurship is a pattern of behaviour capable of application to all types of organisation – public sector, not-for-profit and commercial organisations. Every organisation requires innovation expressed as a need to introduce and “make new things happen” for one reason or another. Given these facts, the essence of this module is to cover issues such as Creativity and Innovation, Entrepreneurial Management and value creation concepts and theories.
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Project I & II
During the final year of the Degree the students will be required to complete and submit a project on business applications in the form of an individual extended assignment. This final project is based on a literature review, a framework for the analysis is chosen and a primary research follows. The analysis of research data marks the end of the field work. The final report is based in the analysis and implementation of a focused real business issue. Proposals and conclusions reveal the end of the project.Given the complexity and scope of the above task, this module is designed to span the whole of year 4 (i.e. semesters 1 and 2 of this year) and is considered to represent a double module.
The profession you have chosen...
Businesses are systems whereby people and resources (i.e. money, knowledge) are turned into products and services. This transformation must be efficient, which means that the company must make more than it spends. The manager is the person who makes sure that the operation of the company is productive, efficient and profitable. The manager makes decisions, identifies problems and selects the best solution, oversees its implementation.
How to succeed...
A manager needs appropriate training, in order to make a business grow. The key to effective leadership and a successful career stems from the ability to utilise a variety of fields of knowledge. Training in traditional sciences is required, to provide skills in areas such as economics, accounting and statistics as well as behavioural sciences such as psychology and sociology that allow insight into the motivation and the actions of people.
Career prospects
The graduates of this program are able to respond to the requirements of the following, among others :
- Executive in business management
- Consultant on organization and management in big companies
- Researcher responsible on business organization, research and operation
- Senior level manager in businesses and organizations
- Manager with enhanced responsibility in businesses and organizations
- Autonomous entrepreneurial action
Undergraduate entry requirements
Students, interested in attending four-year programs must be graduates of a technical or a general Greek Lykeion (High School).All core reading that is required in order to engage with the learning outcomes of the programme are in Greek. In order to enhance your learning opportunities we will also recommend additional reading in English. This reading is not essential to engage with the learning outcomes of the programmes, but will enhance your experience.
Each academic year, registration commences 1st June and ends 30rd October.
The following need to be submitted in order to register for Bachelor courses:
- Two copies of the High School Diploma (certified by the principal or a lawyer)
- 4 colour passport size photos (3x4,5)
- A copy of your identification card.
- A completed application form for a specific course of study (supplied by the secretariat.
To the students are given the possibility of suspended from military duties until they reach their 25th years of age.There is a special process for the enrollment in each of the Faculties in the College. You can visit the ICBS facilities in Thessaloniki and Athens so as to be informed in person.
By registering at ICBS, students simultaneously enrolled in the University of Winchester, which grants the student card.