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This course demystifies the core principles of economics and their impact on international business. You’ll gain the knowledge to analyze market forces and make smarter strategic decisions in a global context.

Skills you will learn

• Grasp economic fundamentals: Understand the core principles of macro and microeconomics, from the foundational laws of supply and demand to different economic systems.
• Analyze economic trends: Learn to interpret key economic indicators, understand the business cycle, and see how fiscal and monetary policies shape the business environment.
• Apply knowledge globally: Explore international business strategies and analyze the real-world causes and effects of the 2008 U.S. economic crisis.

About this course

This course builds a strong foundation in economic thinking, starting with the essential principles that govern markets. We break down the key differences between macroeconomics (the big picture) and microeconomics (individual behavior). You’ll master the critical relationship between supply and demand and explore how different economic systems around the world operate, providing a framework for understanding any market.

Next, we move from theory to practical analysis. You will learn how to read and interpret key economic indicators—like GDP and inflation—to gauge the health of an economy. We’ll examine the natural ebb and flow of the business cycle and demystify the tools governments and central banks use, such as fiscal and monetary policy, to manage economic conditions that directly influence the business landscape.

Finally, we connect these economic concepts to global commerce by exploring key international business strategies. To see how these forces interact in the real world, the course culminates in a detailed case study of the 2008 U.S. economic crisis. This analysis provides powerful lessons on market behavior, policy impact, and the interconnectedness of the modern global economy.