Bachelor in International Business Program

Be part of the new international business culture.

  • Format

    3 years

  • Languages

    English

  • Location

    Lille or Paris – France

  • Fees

    €11,620 per year

  • Intake

    September

  • Credits

    180 ECTS

Accreditations

CURRICULUM

The Bachelor in International Business is a six-semester program, each one offering courses in the fundamental disciplines of management and personal development, as well as courses focused on current issues: social responsibility, ethics, the environment, entrepreneurship, etc.

Thanks to the right mix of theoretical and applied courses that cover foundational, advanced and specialised management topics, the program provides our students with a solid understanding of the international business environment, which they put to direct first-hand practice via a range of increasingly complex business exposures. In keeping with the School’s vision to develop and nurture inspiring, intercultural, responsible changemakers, a large part of the program is dedicated to the personal and professional development of students through personalized career coaching sessions, in order to prepare them to become competent, mature, fair and ethical leaders.

Course Content

Year 1 – The Foundations
“The foundations: Becoming familiar with the world of business” (60 ECTS)

Semester 1

Business Exploration (5 ECTS)

Through this course, students are exposed to different types of activities, such as readings, presentations, debates, role playing or report writing, that help them get a better insight of what a company is, what it is composed of, how it works, and how it fits within a broader environment. The course also helps students evaluate the quality of information, know where and how to search for information, and how to triangulate the different sources.

Business Law for International Managers (5 ECTS)

This course provides an overview of the basic features of legal rules. Students will be taught to think strategically as to the choice of mechanism ensuring the implementation and enforcement of her/his own rights. The course should enable students to employ basic legal jargon confidently and appropriately while understanding the fundamental legal rules common to every legal system.

Mathematics for Business (5 ECTS)

This course presents fundamental mathematical principles that are useful in business. Typical class sessions of 2h50 consist of the introduction of a new concept or skill, worked out in a number of different examples or case studies, interspersed with similar exercises to give students the chance to practice Mathematics skills on their own (and in small group situations). Active participation in class activities and discussion is necessary for students to master the concepts and skills. During the online tutorials of 1h50, students will ask questions and then form groups with a leader. Each group will solve the exercise and send the group work to the professor.

Ethics and CSR (5 ECTS)

This course introduces the core concepts and methodologies of the field of study of business ethics, and discuss its practical application for decision-makers (e.g. managers, entrepreneurs, public officials) who have to manage the relationships of their organizations with different stakeholders. During the course the main normative ethical theories (deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics) will be discussed, exploring their usefulness to analyze today’s decision-making and negotiation processes within organizations, and their relevance for corporate responsibility towards all organizational stakeholders. Participants will examine the main concepts and practical application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder theory by discussing real case-studies, analyzing their rationale and impacts.

The Art and Science of Marketing (5 ECTS)

This course is intended for beginners to marketing. Despite the likely diversity in their career aspirations, given the comprehensive role of marketing in the functioning of organizations, all students are expected to show interest, curiosity, and motivation to learn about this topic. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical models and frameworks to practice using various tools; including short exercises and assignments, conducting research to identify relevant industry examples, evaluating high-quality case studies that demonstrate key learning points, and engage in active simulations.

Personal and Professional Development (5 ECTS)

This course is composed of five separate modules (Career & Networking, Oral Communication, Research & Writing Skills, Effective Persuasion through Debate and IÉSEG Approach). The main purpose of the course is to facilitate an effective integration of the students within IÉSEG, the BIB program, and the higher education context.

Enhancing English Skills

This course aims to help students improve their basic language skills on speaking, listening, reading and writing. It also prepares students for the TOIEC listening and reading test. The course uses a variety of interactive activities, individual, self-study tests, and presentations.

Semester 2

Introduction to Financial Institutions, Markets and Risk (5 ECTS)

This course aims to introduce students to the functioning and organization of financial institutions, financial markets and financial instruments valuation. The course will introduce the students to different financial tools and concepts.

Applied Economics (5 ECTS)

This course is all about learning to think like an economist. We will develop a toolkit to help you view the world through the economist’s lens, enabling you to better understand the world around you and to improve your analytical and decision-making skills. The course explores the key topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will learn to analyze market behavior of firms and consumers, understand where prices come from and why governments may choose to regulate markets through taxes and other policies. You will also explore aggregate economy-wide phenomena such as growth, business cycles, inequality, inflation, and unemployment.

Management Accounting (5 ECTS)

This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of management accounting: its role in the organization, its main methods, and objectives. The students will learn to distinguish management accounting from financial accounting, calculate costs using different methods, elaborate control tools based on specific situations, and enable them to discuss the appropriate methods and their findings.

Statistics for Business (5 ECTS)

This course introduces the basic tools of statistical analysis. Theory will be combined with extensive data collection and computer-assisted laboratory work. Students will be encouraged to develop an attitude of mind that accepts uncertainty and variability as part of problem analysis and decision making.

Understanding Cross Cultural Management (2.5 ECTS)

This course introduces students to key principles and theories related to intercultural management. Topics include definitions, elements, and images of culture; objective and subjective culture; the stumbling blocks to intercultural communication; recognizing the elements of nonverbal communication; E.T. Hall’s model; space, time, and context; Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s cultural orientations model; Hofstede’s national cultural dimensions model; Trompenaars’ cultural dimensions model and the 4Rs approach; the GLOBE project; culture shock and intensity factors; Rosinski’s COF model and profile; application of different models seen in S1 (6 spheres of inclusion, Diversity Icebreaker).

English for Managers (2.5 ECTS)

This course blends interactive courses and digital learning in developing students’ ability to apply English in business-related contexts. In a semester-long project, the students are given various business-related tasks that hone their oral and written English communication skills. 

Personal and Professional Development (5 ECTS)

This course is composed of two separate modules (Relationship skills discovery and BIB1 Business Game). There is a total of 32 hours of class time spread over the 2 modules. The main purpose of the course is to encourage student reflection in key skills and competencies necessary to lead a successful career, and to enhance their decision-making skills in real-life market scenarios.

Internship

Labor or Social Impact Internship (1 month)

For their first internship, students spend one month in a company in a position that does not entail too much responsibility to give students the opportunity to observe without too much pressure, while gaining useful insights into the day-to-day operation of the firm or establishment.

The missions and functions that students carry out at this stage typically include – although not limited to – the following tasks: production line worker, stacking and labelling, contributing to inventory management, cashier, preparing orders, hotel maid, or humanitarian missions.

Example of internship completed: Salesperson – ETAM

Year 2 – Advanced topics and specializations
“Applying personal and professional competencies into action” (60 ECTS)

Semester 3

Data Analytics and Visualization for Finance (5 ECTS)

This course provides students with an introduction to data analytics and visualization with a particular focus on financial applications as well as managerial practices. Covering topics from both corporate finance and financial markers/services side, the course aims at providing learners with necessary formation and various essential skills on understanding types and structures for financial time series and cross-sectional data, basics of financial modeling and forecasting, and communicating managerial decisions using data visualization. Students will acquire hands on learning experience via Microsoft Excel, Tableau and R.

International Economics (5 ECTS)

This course deals with economic relations and interdependence between states. The course focuses on international trade of goods and services. Students are introduced to critical overview of theoretical, empirical and policy issues relating to international economics. The understanding of international economic processes is of grave importance for those who wish to work and pursue career in the field of economy, business cycle, international relations and public administration.

Financial Accounting and Decision-making (5 ECTS)

This course aims at introducing and mastering the basic commands of financial accounting and developing students’ understanding of firms’ financial reporting. The course is designed so that students will be able to analyze firms’ fundamental and daily transactions and further build and interpret the main financial statements. Topics that are covered are: financial statements from an economic point of view, the financial statement environment, links between balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement, recording of common business operations, inventory, depreciation, among others.

People Management (5 ECTS)

This course integrates two key people management topics: a) human and organizational behavior; and b) human resource management. The course allows students to better understand their own personality, values, perceptions and motivations and their implications for organizational settings. Then, the course applies such concepts in presenting the different practices firms implement in managing their human resources, like the recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and compensation of employees.

Management of Information Systems (2.5 ECTS)

This course helps students understand and address the challenges and opportunities that information technology presents to managers as leaders and strategists. Topics include: business in the digital age, surveillance of remote work and customers, dashboard design and audit, networks as information systems, and systems mapping and thinking, among others.

Operations Management (2.5 ECTS)

This course provides an introduction to Operations Management and covers key topics such as project management, network analysis, use of MS Project Materials Requirements Planning sheets, lot-for-lot, EOQ & Part Period Balancing methods. It also describes how MRP fits into MRPII. The students will learn to identify problems with MRP use, and learn key production concepts like mass production, lean manufacturing and supply chain management. The course combines interactive courses, company visits, and simulated business games.

Selling and Sales Management (2.5 ECTS)

This course aims for students to be operational, efficient and act ethically in any selling situation in an international and intercultural environment. The topics covered in the course will give the students the necessary theoretical knowledge to understand the sales process and its phases, the different sales techniques, the alternative personal selling approaches, trust, and sales ethics, etc. The course will help students understand how to build long-term and trusting relationships with their customers.

Digital Business (2.5 ECTS)

This course focuses on the integration of digital technologies in business processes. It takes the offset in the fact that all sectors are affected by competition from digital mature players. For this reason, organizations need to design their business for digital competition. The course will focus on the components of a digital design and go in depth with these components though theory and case studies.

Semester 4

Core Electives and Specializations

Each elective = 2.5 ECTS; students must choose 10 ECTS total.

List of BIB specializations

Accounting, Fintech and Sustainable Finance

Marketing, Customer Relationship Management and Digital Transformation

Innovation, Start-up and Entrepreneurship

Leadership and People Management

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Sample list of elective courses

FinTech:
This course combines principles of finance, technology management, and innovation management. The course presents how FinTech could create value for businesses, and students will learn about Fintech applications in various categories, like payment, advisory service, financing and compliance. The course also discusses emerging technologies in FinTech and helps students to identify and develop potential FinTech solutions.

Bloomberg Certification:
This course uses a self-paced e-learning course that provides an interactive presentation to financial markets using the Bloomberg platform. Specific topics include economic indicators, currencies, fixed income, equities, terminal and portfolio management, among others.

Advertising Communication:
The course is based on theory but also on the study of cases, advertising analysis, reflection upon the evolution of advertising students will study the challenges related to communication and advertising, learn the strategy, and then create their own advertisement.

Consumer Behavior:
This course requires fundamental knowledge of the marketing discipline and strong notions of research methodology as well as the retail environment. This course requires students to be able to apply concepts and theories learnt in the course of Marketing Management. Students are expected to consider critically new concepts and theories in order to integrate them in practical case studies.

Design Thinking:
This course explores the fundamentals of creativity and problem-solving approaches to innovation and proposes an immersive experience in Design Thinking. From a concrete “problem space,” students will learn to observe, listen to, and empathize with potential users. They’ll be encouraged to think creatively in order to propose and prototype novel solutions. This course involves working in groups in an intercultural setting through a Design Thinking Challenge, participating in classroom discussions and carrying out relevant activities and readings to ensure both a shared learning experience and an individual depth of knowledge.

Entrepreneurship and New Business Development:
This course explains and illustrates the unique qualities of the entrepreneurial process. Students will understand the significance and dangers of business plan writing and appreciate the different purposes and audiences for business plans. Students will also learn to evaluate the attractiveness of product ideas and the feasibility of business models, and practice presenting their business ideas.

Leadership Development:
This course aims to explore, analyze and improve one’s leader behavior with the intention of developing a strong leader identity (posture and identity of a positive leader) and corresponding narrative. Through a strong experiential, reflective, and individualized approach, the students are challenged to develop their leadership compass.

Talent Management:
This course introduces the building blocks organizations use to manage the performance of individuals, teams, and total organizations. Students will learn how to create a work environment that enables employees to thrive. The course explores the major facets of talent management from developing core competencies to the design and implementation of performance management systems to identifying, assessing, and developing talent, to delivering performance coaching for individuals and teams to driving employee engagement and retention. 

Sustainable Supply Chain Management:
This course focuses on the integration of environmentally and financially viable practices into the complete supply chain lifecycle, from product design and development to material selection. In this course, students will learn the proper management of related environmental, social, and economic impacts in constructing and maintaining effective and efficient global supply chains. 

Industrial Realities:
This course uses flipped learning as it provides planning and control tools for management of operations. In this course, students learn about materials requirements planning, rank order clustering, to-from analysis and just in time using actual cases, company observations and business games.

Personal and Professional Development:
This course is composed of two modules: (1) Collective and Relational Intelligence; and (2) Business Game 2. The primary aim of the course is to enhance students’ knowledge and abilities in interactive and professional situations, as well as apply integrative learning to the BIB2 courses.

Internship

Junior Assistant Internship (3 months)

By the time of their second internship, students will be equipped to leverage what they learnt throughout their courses, their personal and professional coaching sessions, community-driven activities and specializations to undertake more complex and serious engagements at companies with higher levels of responsibility.

Missions on the junior assistant level can take place in a variety of fields (e.g. sales, finance, management, marketing, HR, etc.), depending on the student’s professional project and future aspirations.

Example of internship completed: Assistant Manager, Engineering Consulting – CRÉDIT AGRICOLE

Year 3 – Final Preparations and Market Entry
“Preparing for professional roles and job market entry” (60 ECTS)

Semester 5

Strategy in Modern Organizations (5 ECTS)

This course is designed to immerse students into the theory and practice of Strategy, with a strong focus on internationalization. This course addresses the fundamentals of strategy and advanced concepts in international business. Participants will learn by applying theoretical frameworks and through readings, discussions, debates, short lectures, case studies and presentations.

Optimization Methods (5 ECTS)

This course allows students to master all the commons tools that they will meet in companies to solve a practical problem. Emphasis is put on being able to model the problem while a software will solve it. The course covers key topics such as Linear Programming (LP), allocation of resources, Maximization and Minimization problems, Linear Programming, and Sensitivity Analysis .

Capstone Preparation (5 ECTS)

This course primarily aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete their program’s capstone project. In order to do so, the course broadens students’ background on widely studied fields such as economics, business and management, and provides them with key competencies in research methodology and dealing with scientific papers.

Study Tour (5 ECTS)

This tour provides students with experiential learning in a way that integrates their learning throughout the BIB program. During the tour, students will engage in formal and informal learning opportunities, company visits, and activities. Throughout the tour, students will combine their discipline-specific business knowledge with practical experiences to solve case-based problems and utilize contemporary and relevant methods of communication to share information and ideas. Through these experiences, students will develop an understanding of and appreciation for the complex business operations in actual local environments and strengthen the strategies and behaviors required for them to succeed in their professional careers.

Personal and Professional Development (5 ECTS)

This course is composed of two modules: (1) CSR Project; and (2) Business Game 3. The primary aim of the course is to enhance students’ interdisciplinary skills in two projects. For the CSR project, the students will work on practical, real-life cases of companies in different industries and will address these business organizations’ impact on society by analyzing, discussing and suggesting solutions to specific issues and challenges they face in their efforts to integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles in the way they develop their business activities. For the Business Game, students will be managing a simulated international company, and making decisions on day-to-day operations involving issues related to Marketing, Production, Logistics, and Finance. Together, both modules aim for students to apply the knowledge gained from the BIB program in overcoming the various challenges of running a business in a sustainable and ethical manner.

Transformation Toolkit (2.5 ECTS)

This course brings to light the development of more responsible and sustainable, and effective organizations through different approaches to business, revised strategic policies, novel and more inclusive governance practices and systems, and innovative business models. Using a student-oriented, flipped learning approach, students will also be learning about the field of consulting, so that they may be able to apply the necessary strategies and solutions to business challenges.

Essential HR tools for Future Managers (2.5 ECTS)

This course is primarily aims to give students some concrete tips, tools and techniques to carry out daily managerial duties. The course provides a practical overview of HR activities that future managers will face directly or indirectly in their careers. Taking a participative approach, it explores a practical overview of the HR role, including the full process of recruitment, legal requirements and ethics issues, managerial duties from on-boarding to the departure of an employee, and the use of training tools and learning & development strategies.

Semester 6

Final Capstone Project Report & Jury Defense (5 ECTS)

At the end of the program, students complete a Capstone Project where they have the opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts they learned throughout their curriculum to the context of their internships. The objective of this exercise is to develop skills in analysis, research, organization and presentation applied to real-life situations. Students present and defend their Capstone Project in front of a jury.

Internship

Junior Manager Internship (25 ECTS)

For their final internship, students are asked to integrate into a company in order to lead missions with a growing sense of responsibility, facing tasks that require autonomy and initiative.

Such extensive and complex engagement provides students an excellent opportunity to not only become familiar with a firm, but also to showcase their ability to analyze problems, to be part of a team of decision makers, and to propose viable solutions.

In order to ensure optimal student-employer fit and an enriching student experience, this internship must be in line with the specialization chosen by the student and his or her professional project.

Example of internship completed: Marketing project manager – SIGMA CONNECTIVITY

3rd year in apprenticeship

Description

Students who choose the apprenticeship path in their 3rd year will benefit from specially adapted semesters 5 and 6, to maximize the benefits of their teaching at IÉSEG and their activity in the company.

Please note that course titles were established in September 2023 and are subject to change.

French language classes

French language lessons for all levels are included in the program for international students. French is the mandatory choice for all non-French speaking students.

THE COMPANY AT THE HEART OF THE PROGRAM 

Preparing for the world of business, being immersed in it, meeting today’s players to become tomorrow’s managers are all components of an IÉSEG student’s career. 

BUSINESS GAME

Business Game is a course that is based on business simulation games and implemented each year in the BIB program. The objective is to allow students to put into practice the courses and knowledge acquired during the year.

These simulations provide students practical experience in managing various aspects of companies in an evolving economic environment. In teams, students manage the strategic, operational, and financial performance of a business in a competitive market with variations in the economic conditions.

The Business Game is also an opportunity to present students with a holistic view of business operations including financial decisions, investments, marketing, sales, human resource allocations, capacity management, and other relevant endeavors characterising real life markets. Students appreciate the understanding and command of business fundamentals, market-driven decision-making practices in a services environment, and the ability to set up appropriate strategies. For future managers, it is important to be able to use analytical decision-making tools and to assess the market and financial implications and performance of business decisions.

CSR Project – The Corporate Social Responsability Project

During the 3rd year, students of the Bachelor in International Business take part in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project.

Divided into groups, they work on CSR issues that have been identified by partner companies. With the support of coaches and professors at the School, students analyze the topic and come up with concrete recommendations and a detailed action plan that they ultimately present to the company.

APPRENTICESHIP – BETWEEN THEORETICAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

After a common path for the first two years, BIB students can choose to attend an apprenticeship program in the 3rd year. This option allows students to alternate between theoretical training at IÉSEG and real-life professional experience in a company, at an average rate of three weeks in the company and one week at IÉSEG (from the beginning of September to the end of August). Another advantage of this option is that students can complete their work-study program in their field of specialization or in a sector of activity of their choice.

The apprenticeship is a very effective way to enter the professional world quickly and with confidence. This option is currently offered on the Lille campus only, so students from the Paris-La Défense campus will have to move to Lille Campus in the third year.

It is compulsory for students to undertake the entire apprenticeship period at a company located in France. The apprenticeship students receive remuneration and their tuition costs are entirely financed by the employer. This system requires students to sign an employment contract, where the conditions are different depending on whether the student is European or non-European:

> For French citizens and members of the European Union: the student does not need to request a work permit from the French State to be enrolled in the apprenticeship program (in accordance with the ‘free movement’ principle of people within the EU).

> For citizens from outside the European Union: the student must have studied a minimum of one year in France prior to enrolling in an apprenticeship path. A valid residence permit and a work permit is required, and it must be requested from the French State.

INTERNSHIPS AND GAP YEAR

IÉSEG promotes the professional integration of its students by alternating pedagogical knowledge with business know-how. At the end of each academic year, students complete an internship that allows them to gradually discover the business world:

  • 1st year: Labor or social impact internship (1 month)
  • 2nd year: Junior assistant internship (3 months)
  • 3rd year: Junior manager internship (6 months)

Students have also the option of taking a gap year, under certain conditions, to pursue additional internships, to conduct a project, or to develop a business plan. These engagements enable students to further advance their personal and/or professional project or entrepreneurial endeavors.

University Exchange Program and Double Degree

BIB students have a truly international experience on many levels, with more than 100 different nationalities represented among the students on campus, as well as during exchanges at a partner university, or by completing a Double or Triple Degree abroad.

Objectives

> Develop a greater understanding of both one’s own and other cultures.
> Gain a truly “international” education by living and studying abroad, becoming familiar with other educational methods and management approaches.
> Gain self-confidence and independence.
> Improve foreign languages and multicultural competences through immersion.
> Meet new people and form lifelong friendships around the world, as well as a future professional network.

Exchange Program and Double Degree

Students can also opt for a Double Degree with the following partner universities:
> HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences – Helsinki (Finland)
> Universita Carlo Cattaneo LIUC – Castellanza (Italy)
> Kozminski University – Warsaw (Poland)
> University of Hertfordshire – Hatfield (UK)

Several partner universities are available for an academic exchange as part of the program:
> Universidad Argentina de la Empresa – Buenos Aires (Argentina)
> RMIT University – Melbourne (Australia)
> Corvinus University – Budapest (Hungary)
> Reykjavik University (Iceland)
> Institut Teknologi Bandung – School of Business & Management (Indonesia)
> Maynooth University (Ireland)
> The Hebrew University – The Jerusalem School of Business Administration (Israel)
> LUISS Guido Carli University – Roma (Italy)
> Universita Bocconi – Milano (Italy)
> Rikkyo University – Tokyo (Japan)
> Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University – Beppu (Japan)
> Yamanashi Gakuin University – Kofu (Japan)
> Almaty Management University (Kazakhstan)
> American University of Science and Technology – Beirut (Lebanon)
> ISM University of Management and Economics – Vilnius (Lithuania)
> University of Malaya – Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
> ITAM – Mexico City (Mexico)
> Universidad de La Salle Bajio – Leon (Mexico)
> Universidad de las Americas – Puebla (Mexico)
> Université Internationale de Rabat – Rabat Business School (Morocco)
> Maastricht University – School of Business and Economics (Netherlands)
> BI Norwegian Business School – Oslo (Norway)
> Universidad ESAN – Lima (Peru)
> Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines)
> ISCTE Business School – Lisboa (Portugal)
> ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management (Portugal)
> Groupe Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Dakar (Senegal)
> University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
> Konkuk University – Seoul (South Korea)
> Korea University – Seoul (South Korea)
> IE University – Madrid (Spain)
> Universidad de Navarra – ISSA School of Applied Management – Pamplona (Spain)
> Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain)
> Jonkoping University (Sweden)
> ZHAW – School of Management and Law – Winterthur (Switzerland)
> National Chengchi University – Taipei (Taiwan)
> Mediterranean School of Business – Tunis (Tunisia)
> Koç University – Istanbul (Turkey)
> Nottingham Trent University (UK)
> Indiana University – Bloomington IN (USA)
> Northeastern University – Boston MA (USA)
> Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale FL (USA)
> Western New England University – Springfield MA (USA)

Workshops and Corporate Events

Alongside the courses, the program includes various workshops and corporate events to further develop your personal and professional skills. These cover a range of topics, such as conflict management in cross-cultural environments and intercultural communication.

Our Career Program helps participants to establish their professional career plan by working on their skills, personal strengths, and using networking tools to be prepared to meet recruiters’ expectations internationally.

Discover the Career Program

ZOOM ON… THE VISA

The BIB (“Diplôme d’Études Supérieures en Affaires Internationales”) is accredited by the French Higher Education Ministry (VISA BAC+3).

Through this label, the government recognizes the rigor and the requirements of this program, the quality of the faculty and the contents of the curriculum.

Local contact

Find here your dedicated contact in your region.

General contact

Diviya NEDA

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