How to become the CEO of an international company: to test the waters in different industries and business processes

21:00, June 5, 2022

Students of the International Economics and Business programme plunged into the digital simulation of international business

Students of the International Economics and Business programme as part of the "International Business" course have a unique opportunity to try themselves as the CEO of a virtual international company. The inclusion of a business simulator in the educational process makes it possible to work out previously acquired theoretical knowledge in the discipline and gain real experience in managing key business processes. In conditions close to real students can open business offices and build a global network in 38 macro-regions, taking into account different financial conditions, tax regimes and business environment.

Yana Lopatkova, assistant lecturer of the International Business discipline, assistant programme director for corporate projects, commented:

“Students can put into practice a wide range of knowledge in the field of international business and a number of other subject areas thanks to the simulator. It is also important to note that today many Russian and foreign companies actively use simulators to select students for internships and when hiring employees. Thus, as part of our course, we adapt students to this type of activity, so they can competently operate with the skills they already have when they will be applying for a future career”

Participants of the business simulation share their impressions and provide feedback of their educational experience:

“The simulator helped to recreate market conditions as close to life as possible and to implement the chosen strategy. In my opinion, this game helps develop strategic thinking and observe how various changes in market conditions affect your company. A detailed analysis of the market and regular monitoring of the company’s performance helped me to take the leading position,” shared Gleb Vakhrushev, CEO of the leading company in European markets Gleb Capital, Inc.

“Studying in the International Economics and Business Programme we have an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice in the frame of the International Business discipline. We managed to build a business prototype in the Simulator. The interface seemed to us very convenient and understandable. It takes into account many factors that are present in real life. We have created business model similar to IKEA company, where we have our own furniture factory and stores in many parts of the world. We acted together via daily communication online or offline. Thanks to this simulation, we are now able to negotiate with suppliers and customers, analyze market conditions, set a pricing policy for the product. In the future, we would like even more such interactive practices :)”, commented Anzhelika Shvetsova and Alena Serebrinnikova, heads of the virtual company Architecture

“Joint management of companies requires the competent solution of various problems. I have mastered the skills of effective office management, communication skills with various departments and entrepreneurial thinking skills,” added Zhang Jingtong, co-owner of K&Z

We wish students successful analytical decision-making based on macro- and microeconomic indicators, interaction with future business partners, building global value chains to implement the intended strategy and achieve maximum profit.