Prof. Svetlana Ikonnikova, PhD

Module description: This course introduces the concepts and models of the classical international trade theory, including absolute and comparative advantage, factor productivity and Richardian specific factor model, Heckscher- Ohlin factor endowment theory, and Standard trade model. The lectures uncover the economic theory that underpins the understanding of international trade fundamentals: why countries trade, what determines trade patterns, and what the implications of trade and various trade barriers could be. Complementary tutorials discuss the implementation of theoretical models and guide the students in their won case studies and empirical research focusing on the real-world questions.

Module description: This course provides an overview, synthesis of concepts, and most fundamental models describing social and economic networks. The introduced theory of networks includes the elements of graph and game theory, focusing on random and strategic networks, underpinned by probabilistic and group/coalition formation and bargaining processes. The lectures are complemented by seminars, discussing the applications of the theory to the real-world examples, e.g. development of infrastructure, network resiliency, and economic value chains. Tutorial sessions include numerical examples, some of which will be demonstrated with Python codes (no prior experience with Python is required).

Module description: Benefiting from the real cases presented by the course partner, Accenture, students learn the problematics and frameworks for the energy transition analysis, considering challenges and solutions for individual firms across various industries, e.g. steel, power, mining. This seminar provide the understanding of the decarbonisation challenges and problems (technical, economic, financial) faced by companies in Germany and internationally; explains the scope 1, 2, 3 emissions, emission calculation, standards, while presenting decarbonization frameworks through examples; and encourages students to think critically about transition and sustainability and allow them to test their skills on the real-world problems.

Module description: The seminar reviews advances in and research on energy technologies supporting the transition to carbon neutrality and sustainability, incl. prosumer (smart-) systems, digitization, sector coupling systems, hydrogen & Ammonia-based solutions, e-mobility, smart and clean materials. Students discuss and analyze case studies investigating the impact of those and other novel technologies on energy costs, reliability, and carbon footprint. Special focus is given to the role of technologic advances and uncertainties in investment decisions and scaling-up.

Module description: This course, built on the concepts and models of the neoclassical international trade theory, explores the rational for the international trade on a firm level, focusing on international organizations, multinational firms, and production supply chains. The lectures and tutorial sessions discuss theoretical models of monopolistic competition, firm heterogeneity, product differentiation, production supply chain, and multinational enterprise boundaries and organization, along with a variety of applied research studies. The course brought to provide the understanding of “global firms” and equips students with analytical instruments required to explain and project international firm’s behavior.

Module description: This course is built on the concepts of economics of network industries and game theory. The models, including price vs. quantity competition, value creation and distribution, and platform business and competition, are introduced and demonstrated with numerous examples. A special attention is given to the recent advances and technologies behind e.g. car-sharing, smart-phones, computers, trading platforms, etc.. Tutorial sessions provide a series of exercises that help students in their own case study analyses, with the special attention given to the real-world observations on market and industry evolution.

Module description: The goal of this course is to help students develop research skills and find interest in the topics of energy transition, decarbonisation, and sustainability. Discussing research and developments in the domestic and international energy systems, supply chains, economic sectors, and individual firm asset portfolio, the students will learn to identify the issues requiring further attention. Seminar meetings help participants to formulate practical research questions and identify the appropriate frameworks for their analysis. Special attention is given to decision-making under uncertainty, externalities, market evolution and issues of competitiveness under the transition.