MIT Sloan School of Management
Economics for Business
Identify the economic forces shaping your business and make informed decisions that drive change.
Start date
05 May 2021
Enroll by 27 April 2021
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
"An understanding of macroeconomics is fundamental to acting responsibly in industry, government, and as an individual."
– Roberto Rigobon, Faculty Director
It takes entrepreneurs this much longer to start a business in the bottom 50 ranked economies as opposed to the top 20.
World Bank Group (2020).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Large-scale economic trends can profoundly affect businesses of all sizes, whether it’s inflation, governmental policy, or changes in market demand. For contemporary organizations to remain competitive, executives must account for the impact in their strategic decision making. The Economics for Business online program from MIT Sloan offers you the opportunity to explore economics from a business perspective, guided by renowned economist Professor Roberto Rigobon. You’ll be exposed to an engaging mix of case studies, narratives, and problem-solving activities designed to build your understanding of macroeconomics. On completion, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to interpret and manage economic change within your organization.
Is this course for you?
The program is geared towards business professionals and leaders looking to understand the influence of economic trends on business, and who are seeking tools, concepts, and models to inform their decision making. Aspiring managers and executives with decision-making responsibilities stand to benefit from an understanding of the broader business environment. The cross-industry applications of macroeconomics is beneficial for business professionals aiming to enhance their knowledge of economic trends and advance within their career.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Large-scale economic trends can profoundly affect businesses of all sizes, whether it’s inflation, governmental policy, or changes in market demand. For contemporary organizations to remain competitive, executives must account for the impact in their strategic decision making. The Economics for Business online program from MIT Sloan offers you the opportunity to explore economics from a business perspective, guided by renowned economist Professor Roberto Rigobon. You’ll be exposed to an engaging mix of case studies, narratives, and problem-solving activities designed to build your understanding of macroeconomics. On completion, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to interpret and manage economic change within your organization.
Is this course for you?
The program is geared towards business professionals and leaders looking to understand the influence of economic trends on business, and who are seeking tools, concepts, and models to inform their decision making. Aspiring managers and executives with decision-making responsibilities stand to benefit from an understanding of the broader business environment. The cross-industry applications of macroeconomics is beneficial for business professionals aiming to enhance their knowledge of economic trends and advance within their career.
What will set you apart
Tools and frameworks to navigate the economic forces affecting your business.
The ability to identify and evaluate macroeconomic variables, policies, and financial indicators, and account for these events in your decision making.
A critical intuition for macroeconomic trends developed through problem-based learning and led by world-renowned economist Professor Roberto Rigobon.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The global economy
Module 2
Consumer confidence and policy effects
Module 3
Currencies, crises, and cryptos
Module 4
Measuring economic health: The current account
Module 5
Measuring economic health: The labor market
Module 6
Economic shocks
Module 7
Social and political factors
Module 8
Creating economic sustainability
Get course brochure
Faculty Director
Roberto Rigobon
Society of Sloan Fellows Professor of Management and Professor of Applied Economics, MIT Sloan
Earn a certificate of completion from MIT Sloan
Learn to recognize and react to the economic forces shaping your business, and earn an official certificate of completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
This program also counts towards an MIT Sloan Executive Certificate, which you can earn upon completion of four programs where at least three of the four come from your chosen certificate track and at least one is completed in person. Find out more.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
