The BS Business Economics program at FEU cultivates a comprehensive understanding of economic principles with a focus on their practical applications in the modern business world.
In the first year, students solidify their foundation in mathematics, communication, and critical thinking – essential skills for economic analysis. Introductory courses in accounting, finance, and economics provide a springboard for further exploration. General education courses broaden students’ knowledge base and equip them with well-rounded professional competencies.
The second year deepens students’ economic knowledge. Advanced courses delve into the intricacies of micro and macroeconomics, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of market behaviour and economic forces. Rigorous coursework in advanced calculus and mathematical economics hones students’ quantitative skills, empowering them to tackle complex business problems. Students also gain proficiency in data management, visualization, and econometrics – powerful tools for data-driven decision making. This year introduces electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific areas of business interest.
By year three, students refine their practical skillset. Business communication and presentation courses enhance their ability to confidently communicate economic concepts and insights. They explore the integration of sustainability principles into business strategies, fostering a responsible and forward-thinking approach. Advanced analytics and econometrics courses further equip students to translate data into actionable strategies. Continued opportunities for specialization through electives allow them to focus on areas like business writing or negotiation.
The fourth year culminates in the application of students’ acquired knowledge and expertise. They conduct independent economic research, tackling real-world problems and showcasing their analytical abilities. Electives provide opportunities for deeper exploration in specific economic fields such as public sector economics, international economics, or financial economics. The program concludes with a 600-hour capstone economic practicum, providing invaluable hands-on experience applying economic principles to solve practical business challenges.
Teaching-Learning Approaches
We implement a range of teaching and learning strategies in the BSBE program. By assessing student needs and acknowledging industry demands, we design teaching and learning activities effectively.
Student-Centered Learning
Adhering to the University’s educational philosophy and learning paradigm, the BSBE program uses active and collaborative teaching-learning methods designed to empower students such as project-based activities, oral presentations, business simulation, and consulting activities.
Experiential Learning
The BSBE program provides hands-on opportunities for students to apply theory in real-world settings. Through internships, case studies, and collaborative projects, students develop practical economics skills under mentor guidance, preparing them for successful careers.
Didactic Approach
Students engage in structured learning experiences that blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Through classroom lectures, workshops, and seminars led by industry experts, students gain a solid understanding business economics principles. Students participate in case studies, simulations, and group discussions to analyze real-world scenarios and develop problem-solving skills. The program also includes Economic research course, where students delve into the methodologies and practices of conducting rigorous economic research.
Interdisciplinary Approach
BSBE program integrates insights and methodologies from diverse fields to enhance students’ understanding of economic principles within the context of business operations. Rather than studying economics in isolation, students explore how it intersects with other disciplines such as finance, accounting, marketing, psychology, sociology, and management.
Blended Learning
BSBE implements and employs a variety of learning management systems (LMSs) for delivering lectures, conducting simulations, and managing other tasks. In response to rapid technological advancements, the program has adjusted accordingly, promoting pervasive learning across online resources, traditional classrooms, and modules.
Utilizing LMSs like Canvas, Connect, MindTap, and MyLab, programmed instructions are seamlessly executed through modules containing prerequisite activities and assignments. These programmed instructions feature built-in algorithmic functions designed to assess the amount of reading or study required for students to accurately complete their assessments.
Research-Based Approach
Students in the BSBE program are encouraged to conduct research projects. The program also maintains updated information and content to remain relevant and abreast with current industry practices through case studies and other researches involving economics.
Integration of Digital ALICE
Project Digital ALICE (Adaptive Learning through Immersive and Collaborative Environment) provides FEU students with an exceptional learning experience through an innovative model that combines international-quality content, state-of-the-art delivery methods, and tailored instruction. By integrating both in-person and online classes, ALICE establishes a dynamic and immersive learning environment that addresses many educational gaps, including those caused by pandemic-related challenges.
Assessments
Throughout the program, students and teachers freely negotiate their assessments and assessment-related tasks for each course, especially in their GE courses. As most of the department are field practitioners and industry experts, teachers are encouraged to use their experience to develop relevant formative and capstone summative assessments. These assessments include:
Formative assessments
Formative assessments allow teachers to identify learning gaps and possibly recalibrate the content and flow of instruction throughout the semester. Formative assessments include small projects, case analysis and presentations, simulations, group activities, peer or self-assessments, online and in-class exercises, assignments, and ungraded quizzes.
Formative assessments provide a feedback mechanism which allows teachers to reinforce student learning.
Summative assessments and capstone project
Regular departmental examinations are commonly conducted during the midterm while comprehensive examinations are administered during the final period. In select business economics professional courses, students are also required to submit final outputs in lieu of comprehensive examination.
BSBE students undertake research project as part of their capstone assessment towards the end of the program.
Internship
BSBE students are required to complete a 600-hour mandatory Internship in their final year of study. They are provided opportunities to embark on dynamic internships with various industry partners in the sectors of finance and banking, consulting, consumer goods, information, communications and technology, human capital management, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain, aviation, civic and public service, education, events and hospitality, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, insurance, and real estate.
Beyond the Philippines, students also have the option to take their internship abroad, with the help of the student apprenticeship program. The internship is designed to provide our students a head-start in their careers in economics.