2026/2027
Business and Management in BRICS Countries
Type:
Mago-Lego
Delivered by:
School of International Affairs
When:
3 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Ninel Seniuk
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
36
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This master's-level course examines the distinctive business environments and management practices of the BRICS countries, with particular emphasis on the Asian members of the group—China, India, and Indonesia. The course explores how historical legacies, institutional structures, cultural traditions, and political-economic systems shape corporate governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic decision-making in major emerging economies.
Students will examine the roles of governments, multinational enterprises, and domestic firms in promoting economic development, industrial transformation, and global integration. Particular attention is given to the emergence of multinational enterprises from BRICS countries (EMNEs), patterns of foreign direct investment (FDI) and global investment strategies, and the challenges firms face when operating in complex and evolving institutional environments.
The course integrates theoretical perspectives from international business, strategic management, institutional economics, and international political economy with empirical evidence and case studies from BRICS countries. Key topics include state capitalism, institutional diversity, cross-cultural management, foreign direct investment, global value chains, innovation ecosystems, sustainability, digital transformation, and the internationalization strategies of firms from emerging markets.
By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess business opportunities and risks across BRICS markets, evaluate the influence of institutional and cultural factors on managerial decision-making, and apply contemporary analytical frameworks to the study of firms operating in emerging economies. The course prepares graduates for careers in international business, consulting, investment analysis, public policy, and strategy development in emerging markets.
Learning Objectives
- Understanding the recent literature on Business and Management in BRICS countries and the origins, dynamics, and problems of their development.
- Gaining knowledge about BRICS countries and their business environment, prospects for the cooperation with other countries in depth, both learning the details of their specific relations and perspectives of multilateral business cooperation within the group.
- The course will examine in detail the prospects for the formation of BRICS as a new market.
- Improving critical thinking and writing skills, which will be developed through the essay and annual assignments.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- The students will learn methodology and skills in analysis of business and management problems of the formation and development of the BRICS countries.
- The students will learn and will be able to independently apply gained knowledge to the analysis of modern problems in the development of the BRICS as single market.
- The students will understand foundations of project-oriented thinking and competencies in multi-level analysis of problems of global, regional and national business policies.
Course Contents
- Section I. Introduction to BRICS: Business Environment, Economic Development and Institutional Diversity
- Section II. Business Environment and Institutional Frameworks
- Section III. State Capitalism, Corporate Governance and Government–Business Relations
- Section IV. International Business Strategies and Emerging Market Multinational Enterprises (EMNEs)
- Section V. Foreign Direct Investment and Global/Regional Value Chains
- Section VI. Cross-Cultural Management and Leadership
- Section VII. Innovation, Digital Transformation and Sustainable Business
- Section VIII. Contemporary Challenges and the Future of Business in BRICS Countries
- Section IX. Student Research Conference: Comparative Business Analysis in BRICS Countries
Assessment Elements
- Case Study Assignment
- PresentationStudents are expected to present BRICS paper, part descriptive, part analytical, with PowerPoint and no more than 12 minutes, followed by questions.
- In-class quizzesIn-class quizzes – the form of group discussions, with a focus on (i) analyzing the basic documents, (ii) clarifying the arguments of each author, (iii) critiquing the argument, and (iv) proposing alternatives, either in terms of research design, structure, evidence, logic, etc.
- EssayStudents are expected to write the Essay (around 1000 words including references) related to any aspect of the course regularly (approximately once a week). The Essay will help students to apply some of the material they read into practice. It can be a critical review of the existing literature or analysis of the basic document, critiquing or clarification of each authors arguments or proposing alternatives. The essay should present coherent analysis with a clear argument and represent the author’s expertise and knowledge on the topic and should include at least 3 items in the list of academic references.
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 3rd module0.35 * Case Study Assignment + 0.25 * Essay + 0.2 * In-class quizzes + 0.2 * Presentation
