Global Business Environment
People
Lambertini L.
Course director
Mokhtari M.
Assistant
Description
The course provides analytical models and empirical tools for interpreting the global economic environment. Starting from international accounts, it combines exchange‑rate determination with macro‑equilibrium models to explain how monetary and fiscal policy, as well as external shocks, influence growth, inflation and financial markets. Case studies on recent events and real‑data analyses bridge theory with the global business environment.
Objectives
This course equips students with a rigorous analytical toolkit to interpret global economic developments, make well-informed financial decisions, and assess investment opportunities. It develops a unified framework for exchange-rate and output determination and clarifies how monetary and fiscal policies shape macroeconomic outcomes.
The objectives are:
- Understand the global macro‑economic mechanisms that drive exchange rates, output and prices in an open economy.
- Analyse the effects of monetary, fiscal and real shocks on the international business cycle.
- Evaluate the implications of economic policies and macro‑financial scenarios for firms and investors.
Teaching mode
In presence
Learning methods
• Interactive lectures with discussion of current cases.
• Flipped classroom: guided readings or videos prior to class.
• Numerical exercises on real datasets.
• Analysis of press articles and policy briefs.
• Monthly individual assignments.
Examination information
Individual assignments – 15%
In‑class quizzes (on pre-announced dates) – 5%
Final written exam – 80%
Bibliography
- Krugman, Paul, Obstfeld, Maurice, Melitz, Marc. Theory and Policy. 13th edition. --: --, 0. (from chapter 13 to 22 Slides will be available on iCorsi right before class Readings: Students may be asked to read additional material (papers, articles, case studies, etc.), which will be available on iCorsi Problem Sets: There will be 3 problem sets. Each student is asked to upload her/his own problem set online on iCorsi. The problem set specifies the deadline – day and time - for uploading the problem set. Several formats are accepted. Problem sets will be graded online, and grades will be saved on iCorsi.)
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Lecture, Corso CORE, 2nd year