Presentation

Educational aims

The 2nd cycle Degree Course in "International Relations, Politics & Trade" aims at training professional experts in the internationalization processes of companies. The expert in internationalization processes is responsible for setting up and developing the strategy and activities of the company on the international markets, whether of a commercial nature (export management, import management, e-commerce), production or distribution, regardless of the product sector, expressed also through a stable presence in the target countries. The professional profiles are: - Foreign trade specialist - Specialists in the marketing of goods and services (excluding the ICT sector) (ISTAT category 2.5.1.5.2) - Specialists in the acquisition of goods and services (ISTAT category 2.5.1.5.1) - Experts in the study, management, and control of social phenomena (ISTAT category 2.5.3.2.1) - Specialists in international supply chain management - Specialists in management and control in private companies (ISTAT category 2.5.1.2.0) - Economic systems specialists - international business strategies expert (ISTAT category 2.5.3.1.1) - Specialists in international business public relations (ISTAT category 2.5.1.6.0) Given that full command of the English language is an essential pre-requisite for the role, the professionals operate with decision-making autonomy in the business environment, possessing general knowledge of the dynamics and techniques of international trade, ability to manage in terms of problem solving and planning the activities on foreign markets, as well as the management and control of personnel involved in import, export and production abroad. The Course aims at providing students with advanced knowledge in the analysis of international, multilevel, and global processes and policies, as well as specialized language skills indispensable for communicating in qualified international work contexts, in addition to access requirements, equal to at least B2 of the English language. In this regard, a teaching of "business English" has been envisaged (L-LIN/12). International Relations & Trade online wants to provide learners - by combining a broad theoretical perspective with a decidedly practical and experiential cut - cultural tools suitable for operating in the world of international trade, thus promoting the companies’ internationalization processes. The course will be divided into four main training areas with distinct objectives: a) The juridical one, addressing the issues of international contract law (IUS/02), the world regulation of trade in the WTO and multilateral agreements (IUS/21), transport law and international logistics (IUS/01 ), as well as customs law (IUS/12) and the protection of intellectual property (IUS/04). The aim is to make learners acquire knowledge of the legal instruments related to international trade and foreign direct investments. b). The historical one, addressing: the history of international commercial relations (SPS/6 - SPS/13), of processes and international economy (SECS-P/04), and the dynamics and consequences of decolonization on current markets (M-STO/04). The objective is to make the student acquire the ability to identify and select the relevant sources and data for the analysis of global political, legal, and economic processes, in a diachronic perspective. c) The political science one, dealing with the issue of political risk in international commercial transactions (SPS/04). The objective is to make the student acquire the ability to analyse political and security risks related to investments and international commercial transactions. d) The economic one, addressing issues related to the design and implementation of corporate strategies, entrepreneurial initiatives and investment policies (SECS-P/07) and to the management of the international distribution chain (ING-IND 35), aimed at supporting companies - especially small and medium size ones - in the development processes at local and international level according to a sustainability perspective, as well as in the evaluation of the organizational results - emerging from the adoption of these strategies - through the analysis of business processes and the use of appropriate performance indicators (effectiveness , efficiency, economy). In this respect, the aim of this group of courses is to make students acquire theoretical knowledge and application tools aimed at supporting the governance of corporate development and the exploration of the underlying value creation processes through a sustainability approach, i.e. one that balances the perspective strategic in time (short vs long term) and in space (local, regional, national vs international level). Knowledge of the English language, at least equal to B/2, which is a prerequisite for accessing the course and the vehicular language of all teachings, will be further improved thanks to the inclusion of a specialist English subject, "business English" (L- LIN/12), with the objective of deepening the specialist language and communication techniques in the negotiation field. An annual workshop, included among other useful knowledge for entering the labour market, will be dedicated to digital export and digital marketing, thus implementing the suggestions of stakeholders. The educational programme culminates in the elaboration and discussion of an original written thesis carried out under the guidance of a supervisor among the teachers of the course of study, possibly accompanied by an external co-supervisor coming from the bodies in which the student carried out the training internship.

work perspectives

The Master's Degree Course in "International Relations, Politics & Trade" aims to provide students with advanced knowledge in the analysis of international, multi-level, and global processes and policies; as well as specialized language skills essential for communication in qualified international work environments, beyond those required for a minimum B2 level of English proficiency. In this regard, a "Business English" course (ANGL-01/C) has been included. The online International Relations, Politics & Trade program seeks to offer students – by combining a broad theoretical perspective with a practical approach (facilitated by case-study and role-play methodologies, through discussions, problem-solving, and group projects) – the cultural tools necessary to operate in the world of international trade and, thus, promote the processes of business internationalization. The course will be structured around four main educational areas, each with distinct objectives: a. Legal Area: This will cover international contract law (GIUR-11/A), global trade regulation within the WTO and multilateral agreements (GIUR-11/B-GIUR-09/A), public regulation in the global context (GIUR-06/A), transport and international logistics law (GIUR-11/A), customs law (GIUR-08/A), intellectual property protection (GIUR-02/A), and labor law (GIUR-04/A). The goal is to provide students with knowledge about legal instruments related to international trade and foreign direct investments. b. Historical Area: This will address the history of international trade relations (GSPS-04/B – GSPS-04/C), international economic processes and history (STEC-01/A), and the dynamics and consequences of decolonization on current markets (HIST-03/A). The aim is to equip students with the ability to identify and select relevant sources and data for the analysis of global political, legal, and economic processes from a diachronic perspective. c. Political Science Area: This will focus on political risk in international commercial transactions and foreign direct investments (GSPS-02/A). The objective is to provide students with the analytical skills to assess political and security risks related to international investments and trade transactions. d. Economic and Managerial Area: This will cover topics related to the design and implementation of business strategies, entrepreneurial initiatives, and investment policies (ECON-06/A), as well as managing the international supply chain (IEGE-01/A). These topics aim to support businesses – especially small and medium-sized enterprises – in their development processes both locally and internationally, with a focus on sustainability. Additionally, it will cover the evaluation of organizational outcomes resulting from the adoption of these strategies, through business process analysis and the use of relevant performance indicators (effectiveness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness). In this regard, the goal of this group of courses is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical tools to support business development management and explore the underlying processes of value creation through a sustainability approach, balancing strategic perspectives over time (short vs long term) and space (local, regional, national vs international). An set of activities, called "Workshops" (3 ECTS), is also included, designed to provide students with additional knowledge useful for entering the job market and acquiring transversal skills. The educational program culminates in the development and discussion of an original written thesis, supervised by a faculty member from the course.

Characteristics of the final exam

The final exam has the objective of verifying the level of maturity and the critical capacity of the student with reference to the learning and knowledge acquired after the completion of the activities foreseen by the course The final examination consists of the presentation of a dissertation in English, according to the the specific Regulations, consistent with the timing, ministerial requirements and of the relevant University guidelines.