OVERVIEW

Elements of Business Economics will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to businesses, their nature, their dynamics and their information. In particular, the course will consider the financial and economic aspects of the business dynamic and how we can record and use financial information to appropriately manage and understand a business. Through the course, you will learn the ways in which financial information are prepared and used to improve the quality of business decision-making. This course is specifically designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of accounting. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The unit provides students with a basic understanding of business economics and accounting principles, focusing on the role of firms in competitive and globalized markets, the interpretation of accounting and financial information, and the analysis of economic performance and business sustainability. Particular attention is devoted to managerial decision-making processes, financial reporting, cost and profitability analysis, and the use of accounting information to support strategic and operational decisions within organizations.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the teaching unit, the student will be able to:

• Describe the conditions for the creation and development of businesses in basic business contexts;
• Explain the concepts of operations and business dynamics through practical examples;
• Identify the necessary conditions to achieve and maintain the economic and financial stability of a business in case studies;
• Apply the main accounting operations to assess the impact on capital and profit;
• Calculate and interpret profitability, solvency, and liquidity ratios using provided business data.

Dublin descriptors:

1. Knowledge and understanding: explain the logic of business operations and the nature of businesses as systems that generate value and require financial stability.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: solve simple and complex problems in business management, organisation, and accounting, with particular attention to financial stability.
3. Making judgements: critically evaluate theoretical and practical business situations using the acquired knowledge.
4. Communication skills: communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate terminology and critical argumentation.
5. Learning skills: develop autonomy in learning further topics in business administration, accounting, and management. 

PREREQUISITES

No specific prerequisites are required.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching unit uses the following teaching methods:

• Face-to-face lectures to deepen knowledge and understanding of business and financial concepts and the functioning of the accounting and information system;
• Classroom tutorials to develop the ability to apply knowledge and critical thinking;
• Think-pair-share activities to discuss theoretical and practical problems in business economics, aimed at developing advanced functional alphabetic capability, advanced personal capability, and advanced social capability.

Attendance is not compulsory.

For students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or disabilities, personalised support is provided in accordance with University guidelines. Interested students are invited to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to business economics and accounting. The main purposes and types of organisations and businesses. Nature and role of accounting: users of financial information.

Module 2: Financial accounting: reporting financial information; the annual report;

Module 3: Financial Analysis: financial statement analysis with ratios and assessment of firm performance.

Module 4: Managerial decision making; Business planning, capital budgeting for decision-making

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students will be provided with various learning materials that will be lodged on AulaWeb. Additional readings (that will be shared by the teacher): Atrill, P., McLaney, E. J.(2011), Accounting for Non-specialists. Prentice Hall - Financial Times http://www.mim.ac.mw/books/Peter%20Atrill's%20Accounting%20&%20Finance%20for%20Non%20Specialists.pdf

Deegan, C. (2019), An Introduction to Accounting: Accountability in Organisations and Society. Cengage Learning.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

September 2026

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students' acquired capabilities will be tested via a final written exam during the regular exam periods, consisting of multiple-choice questions, open theory questions, and practical questions. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students' knowledge and skills will be assessed via a final written exam that will verify their understanding and abilities related to the three modules. Each learning outcome will be assessed through specific questions (multiple-choice, open questions, and practical exercises) evaluating: clarity of exposition, correct use of terminology, analytical skills, and application of knowledge.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact the teacher for further information not included in the teaching unit description.