To help learners understand in more detail the complex real world economy. This module will be divided into two sections: understanding the benefits and limitations of economic analysis as a means of studying business behaviour, and the effects of the real world economy on business decision making.

Section 1: Topic 1; conceptual observations about entrepreneurship from an economic perspective. Topic 2; underlying microeconomic theory small firm behaviour, macro / international economic environment. Topic 3; business formation growth and death. Topic 4; networking innovation and technology policy. Topic 5 and 6; corporate governance, differences between small and large firms, industrial enterprise policy, rationale for government interventions, economic evaluation of small firm public policy interventions. Section 2: Topic 1; credit money and banking, structure of the Irish financial system. Topic 8; European central bank. Topic 9; balance of payments and exchange rates. Topic 10; fixed exchange rate systems. Topic 11; inflation and interest rates in open economies, Irish experience in the EMU. Topic 12; model of the open economy, examination of the Irish economy in the long-run.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Explain key economic concepts and issues that impact international trade and capital flows. Describe the history of the international monetary system and how it operates today. Analyse real world issues through the lens of economic thought to better understand what is happening, why it is happening and propose solutions to global economic issues in a sustainable way. Discuss the application of some basic economic thinking to the current issues of global economy. Debate the main arguments made by those in favour and against the process of globalisation.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Acknowledge the impact of global economic changes upon the individual firm.

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This module is delivered in the form of lectures and requires students to engage in considerable readings some of which is supplied but with an emphasis on independent research. While based on essential academic theories, concepts and techniques there will also be significant focus afforded to individual personal development allied with the practical application of learning within the workplace. Lectures are delivered live online using the University of Limerick's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Also,a series of recorded video and voice over PowerPoints maybe provided if required.The result of this experience should engender an interest and an understanding of issues in the global economy and a confidence of giving and comprehending analysis of today's pressing international issues in a corporate or academic setting. It is recommended that traditional text books are used sparingly and mostly for historical context. Many texts analysing economic developments go out of date rapidly and therefore in today's world it is envisaged that recent and up-to-date analysis provided by scholarly publications and news and economic analysis from today's media may be more useful. Fulfilling UL Graduate Attributes: • Knowledgeable - Demonstrate Critical Thinking; Insight into latest developments and theoretical thinking • Creative - Use of a modern eLearning platform; innovative teaching techniques and methods of assessment. • Responsible - Appreciate the importance of adopting a responsible approach to their learning journey and also in their interactions with their peers especially in the context of group work. • Collaborative - Use of social media, online platforms and eLearning environments. • Articulate - Competency in conveying ideas clearly, effectively and professionally; recognition of the importance of effective written, verbal and digital communication skills