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Global Trends for Business and Society

In this course, you’ll learn to analyze rapidly changing global trends, their effects on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships among countries all over the world. Professor Mauro Guillen of the Wharton School has designed this course to help you understand the magnitude of influence these trends have on the business world and society. Through real-world case studies, both historical and contemporary, you’ll examine how changes within one society affect others. By the end of this course, you’ll have gained the tools to be able to identify, analyze, and adapt to global changes as they affect your business and society.

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Syllabus

Module 1: People and Markets Around the World

In this module, we’ll begin by examining the relationship between population size and density to the geopolitical balance of power in the world. You’ll learn key aspects of demographics (such as total fertility and life expectancy at birth) and how rapid demographic growth or decline affects global economic and geopolitical dynamics. Then, you’ll evaluate the economic and political impact of urbanization and migration within societies, and the consequences of these changes in population dynamics, both within a society and between countries. By the end of this module, you’ll have a richer understanding of the impact of demographic trends on financial markets, political systems, culture, and society.

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Examines the consequences of population dynamics for businesses and society, offering valuable insights

Explores the intricacies of global monetary trends and their impact, providing critical analytical tools

Investigates the challenges and opportunities of global economic imbalances, equipping learners with problem-solving skills for real-world scenarios

Navigates the complexities of the shifting geopolitical landscape, fostering an understanding of global power dynamics and their implications

Requires students to come in with extensive background knowledge and understanding of global affairs

Taught by Professor Mauro Guillen of the Wharton School, a highly respected institution for business education

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Reviews summary

Understanding key global trends

According to learners, this course provides a positive and highly relevant overview of major global trends shaping the business and societal landscape. Many find the content, including demographics, financial imbalances, and geopolitical shifts, to be timely and essential for understanding the modern world. Students highlight the expert instructor and the use of real-world case studies as particular strengths, making complex topics accessible and practical. While the course offers a solid foundation, some reviewers noted that the breadth of topics covered means that certain areas lack deep dives, suggesting it serves better as an introduction than a comprehensive deep-dive. Overall, it is considered a valuable and insightful course for professionals and anyone interested in global dynamics.

Provides a strong base in global trends analysis.

"Excellent introduction to complex global dynamics and their interconnections."

"Perfect for getting a broad overview of major trends impacting business and society globally."

"Helped me build a framework for analyzing global changes that I didn't have before."

"A good starting point if you're looking to understand the basics of global macro trends."

Professor Guillen is knowledgeable and engaging.

"Professor Guillen is clearly an expert in the field and explains complex things very well."

"I enjoyed the lectures; the professor's insights were particularly valuable."

"His real-world examples and explanations made the concepts click for me."

"The instructor's passion for the subject was evident and made the material engaging."

Content is highly relevant to current global affairs.

"The topics covered are incredibly relevant to understanding today's global landscape and how it affects business."

"Gave me a much clearer picture of how demographic and financial trends impact business decisions today."

"Found the case studies particularly insightful and timely in illustrating the course concepts."

"This course's focus on current global shifts felt very practical and necessary."

Workload can be demanding, especially readings.

"The amount of reading assigned felt quite heavy at times, requiring significant time commitment."

"I managed the workload, but it was demanding and needed careful planning each week."

"Needed to allocate substantial time each week to keep up with the material and assignments."

"Be prepared for a decent amount of reading if you want to follow along fully."

Covers many topics, some may lack depth.

"While the course is broad, I wish some topics went into a bit more depth."

"It felt like it just scratched the surface on certain financial or geopolitical issues."

"Good as an introduction, but you'll likely need to seek more specialized resources for deeper knowledge."

"Given the complexity of some subjects, more detailed explanations would have been helpful."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Trends for Business and Society with these activities:

Review global demographic trends

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Understand the fundamental principles of population dynamics and how they shape global society.

Browse courses on Population Dynamics

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Read articles on global population growth and decline
Explore the World Bank's data on population statistics
Analyze population pyramids for different countries

Review geography and demographics

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Can you draw a map of the world without using a reference? Test your knowledge of the global geographic landscape and familiarize yourself with key demographic trends to better grasp the impact of these factors on global business.

Browse courses on Geography

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Identify major countries, continents, and oceans on a world map.
Research the population density, growth rates, and age distribution of different regions.

Read 'The World is Flat' by Thomas L. Friedman

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Reading 'The World is Flat' will provide valuable insights into the impact of globalization and technological advancements on the global economy.

View Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Discuss the book's ideas with classmates or colleagues
Write a short summary of the book's main arguments

12 other activities

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Attend a workshop on emerging global powers

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Learn about the latest trends and developments in the global power landscape.

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Identify workshops or conferences on emerging global powers
Register and attend the workshop
Take notes and ask questions

Calculate the Gini Coefficient

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Develop proficiency in using the Gini Coefficient to measure income inequality.

Browse courses on Income Inequality

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Learn the formula for the Gini Coefficient
Gather data on income distribution
Calculate the Gini Coefficient using the formula

Analyze historical economic data

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Strengthen your understanding of economic concepts by examining historical economic data. This will enhance your ability to identify patterns, predict trends, and make informed decisions in the context of global business.

Browse courses on Economics

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Gather real-world data on GDP, inflation, unemployment, and other economic indicators.
Plot the data on graphs and charts to identify trends and relationships.
Interpret the data and draw conclusions about economic events and developments.

Follow online tutorials on geopolitical analysis

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Following online tutorials on geopolitical analysis will supplement the course content and provide additional insights.

Browse courses on International Relations

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Identify reputable online platforms and resources
Select tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course
Watch the tutorials and take notes
Apply the concepts learned to real-world events

Read 'The World is Flat' by Thomas Friedman

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Gain insights into the flattening of the world and its impact on globalization by reading Thomas Friedman's thought-provoking book. His perspectives will complement the course content and enhance your understanding of global trends.

View Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide... on Amazon

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Familiarize yourself with Friedman's key concepts, such as the 'flattener' technologies.
Evaluate Friedman's arguments about the impact of globalization on different sectors and countries.
Consider how Friedman's insights can inform your own perspectives on global business and society.

Create a global economic forecasting model

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Building a global economic forecasting model will provide hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Economic Forecasting

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Gather data from various sources and clean it
Select appropriate statistical and econometric techniques for modeling
Develop a forecasting model and validate its performance
Use the model to make predictions and analyze their accuracy

Write an essay on the impact of globalization on geopolitical power

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Deepen understanding of the complex interplay between globalization and geopolitical dynamics.

Browse courses on Globalization

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Research the different perspectives on globalization
Analyze historical examples of globalization's impact
Formulate an argument and write an essay

Develop a case study on a global business

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Put your learning into practice by developing a comprehensive case study on a real-world global business. This hands-on project will allow you to apply course concepts, analyze data, and present your findings.

Browse courses on Case study

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Select a global business operating in multiple countries.
Analyze the company's business strategy, financial performance, and market position.
Identify key challenges and opportunities faced by the business in a global context.
Develop recommendations for the company's future growth and success.
Present your case study findings in a written report or presentation.

Develop a presentation on a specific global trend

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Creating a presentation on a specific global trend will allow you to synthesize your understanding of the course material and communicate your insights effectively.

Browse courses on Presentation Skills

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Choose a specific global trend that interests you
Research the trend thoroughly using academic journals and reputable news sources
Develop a clear and engaging presentation outline
Practice your presentation and seek feedback from peers or instructors

Develop a business plan for a global company

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Creating a business plan for a global company will allow you to apply the concepts of global markets, economic imbalances, and geopolitical landscapes.

Browse courses on Global Business Strategy

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Identify a global market opportunity
Develop a business model and strategy
Analyze potential risks and challenges
Create a financial plan and projections

Mentor a student in a developing country

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Gain practical experience in applying course concepts while making a meaningful contribution to global development.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify a mentoring program that connects students in developed and developing countries
Apply to become a mentor
Meet with your mentee regularly

Attend industry conferences and events

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Attending industry conferences and events will allow you to connect with professionals in the field and learn about current trends and practices.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify relevant conferences and events
Prepare an elevator pitch and materials
Attend sessions and engage in discussions
Follow up with potential contacts

Career center

Learners who complete Global Trends for Business and Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

Consultants analyze global trends to develop strategies for businesses and organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding the impact of global trends on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships. The course's focus on real-world case studies will equip you with the skills to identify and adapt to global changes, making you a valuable asset to any consulting firm.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Global Affairs Analyst

Global affairs analysts research and analyze global events to provide insights to businesses, governments, and other organizations. This course provides a solid understanding of the complex interplay between global trends, consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their impact on the business world and society, making you a valuable asset in the field of global affairs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Affairs Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of businesses and organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding the impact of global trends on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their effects on the environment, which will help you develop and implement effective sustainability strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

International Business Manager

International business managers oversee the global operations of a company. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in a globalized world. You will learn about the impact of global trends on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships, which will help you make informed decisions in your role as an international business manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Manager

Economist

Economists study and analyze global economic trends to forecast economic growth, inflation, and other key indicators. This course provides a comprehensive overview of global economic and financial imbalances, helping you develop the skills to assess the impact of these trends on individual countries and their relationships with one another.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Risk Analyst

Risk analysts identify and assess risks to businesses and organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding the impact of global trends on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their effects on different industries and sectors, which will help you develop and implement effective risk management strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study market trends to identify opportunities for businesses. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding the impact of global trends on consumer and labor markets. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their effects on consumer behavior, which will help you make informed decisions about product development and marketing strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Urban Planner

Urban planners design and develop cities and towns. This course provides a comprehensive overview of global trends and their impact on urbanization and migration. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their effects on population dynamics, which will help you design and implement sustainable and livable urban environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate and interpret financial data to make investment recommendations. This course provides a deep understanding of how monetary trends and the distribution of monetary wealth affect the globe. You will learn critical concepts such as the Gini Coefficient and the Kuznets Curve, which are essential tools for analyzing the global distribution of wealth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

International Development Specialist

International development specialists work to improve the living conditions of people in developing countries. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding the complex challenges facing developing countries, including poverty, inequality, and conflict. You will learn how to analyze global trends and their impact on developing countries, which will help you design and implement effective development programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues to inform decision-making. This course provides a comprehensive overview of global trends and their impact on society. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their effects on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships, which will help you develop and evaluate sound public policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Sociologist

Sociologists study the social behavior and interactions of human beings. This course provides a comprehensive overview of global trends and their impact on society. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their effects on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships, which will help you understand and address the social challenges facing the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Geographer

Geographers study the physical and human characteristics of the Earth's surface. This course provides a comprehensive overview of global geopolitical landscapes and the global powers of the 21st century. You will learn about different political regimes, failed states, and anocracies, and how these factors shape global power dynamics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Journalist

Journalists research and report on current events. This course provides a comprehensive overview of global trends and their impact on the world. You will learn how to analyze rapidly changing global trends and their effects on consumer and labor markets, financial systems, and geopolitical relationships, which will help you produce informed and insightful journalism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Political Scientist

Political scientists study the political systems and processes of different countries. This course provides a comprehensive overview of global geopolitical landscapes and the global powers of the 21st century. You will learn about different political regimes, failed states, and anocracies, and how these factors shape global power dynamics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Global Trends for Business and Society.

Straight Talk on Trade

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Examines the tensions between globalization and democracy, offering a critical perspective on the impact of global economic integration on political systems.

Global Trends for Business and Society

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Understanding key global trends

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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