In 2024, Professor Max Nagel started to coordinate the BA in Global Business and Entrepreneurship programme alongside Professor Sven Van Kerckhoven. In addition to his role in the programme, Professor Nagel serves as an assistant professor at both the Centre for Environment, Economy, and Energy and the Centre for Migration, Diversity, and Justice. We reached out to Professor Nagel to learn more about him and the programme he's currently guiding.
Q: Could you tell us a bit more about your background and about what you are bringing to this BA in Global Business and Entrepreneurship programme as its Co-Director?
Having studied during the volatilities of the eurozone crisis of the early 2010s, I was intrigued by the chances and risks that volatilities bring to economies in general and companies in particular. Since then, I have analysed varying contexts and aspects of the economic and financial systems across the globe. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, entailing economics, sociology, and political science, I have gained valuable insights into the multiple dimensions that the economy entails. Moreover, I have accumulated vast international experience through research stays in North and South America, East Asia, and throughout Europe. It is amazing to see how the conduct of business varies across the different national and regional contexts! Next to my interdisciplinary and international background, I am an advocate for supporting the individual skills of students and motivating them to develop their business and academic interests according to their potential.
Q: What do you consider to be the main or even unique assets of this BA in Global Business and Entrepreneurship?
There are three key aspects that make this BA programme one-of-a-kind. The first one is the strong interlocking of academic excellence with the valuable knowledge of practitioners. Secondly, it has a transdisciplinary approach to reflect the multidimensionality of the economy. And thirdly, it is a truly intercultural exchange between students and faculty in the setting of small, interactive classes.
Q: Looking towards the future, could you tell us what are the main trends that you see in the area of global business? Are there any plans to possibly reshape this Bachelor in the near future to prepare its graduates for any changes in the market?
We live in a VUCA world (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity). This BA programme is designed to incorporate the fact that the world we are living in is in a rapidly changing state. It aims at providing the students with a solid theoretical foundation. Equipped with the essential analytical tools, students will be ready to navigate this complex economic and political system we are currently facing.
Based on this fundament, we will focus on three specialisations of this unique programme in particular in the following years: the transition to a green and sustainable economic and financial system; the digital transition of the economy; and the incorporation of the new geopolitical landscape we are facing today. There is no better place to learn about these aspects than in the heart of Europe!
Q: How does the programme support students in developing not just business acumen but also the soft skills essential for entrepreneurship and leadership in the global market?
The BA programme not only equips the students with the analytical instruments to navigate the VOCA world. More than ever, soft skills are key to establishing your own company, engaging in international trade, or promoting sustainable finance. This BA programme seeks to support the development of soft skills among the students. Writing and speaking skills are particularly facilitated. Further key assets are self-responsibility, ethical behaviour, intercultural respectfulness, and thinking beyond narrow disciplinary boundaries. I believe that these are central assets that help the new generation of practitioners and academics equip the VOCA world with their own footprint!
Q: Can you share a success story of a student or project that embodies the essence and goals of the BA in Global Business and Entrepreneurship programme?
After finishing the programme, many students often went on pursuing their graduate degrees all over the world. Some of our alumni started their own successful companies. And others engaged more in academia, even publishing together with professors!
