This course explores the spatial aspects of business decisions. Hence, while much of economic geography is about processes of uneven regional development, this course, while acknowledging that decisions made by business will have an impact on regional development, will focus on the location decisions of businesses. Understanding how economically relevant spatial differences can be exploited and geographic distance, proximity and relations are key aspects to consider in strategic business decisions is essential for successful entrepreneurs and managers. The course will be taught through a combination of interactive lectures, practical computer sessions and student-led discussions and presentations of research projects developed in relation to an interesting spatial business problem.

Combination of interactive lectures, computer practicals, student presentations and group consultations

Tasks: max. achievable points = 100

class contribution (10)

practical assignments (30)

group project (60 in total):

• presentation (10)
• quality of analysis (solution strategy, usage of methods) (30)
• final report (20)

Grading scale:

• Excellent (1): 90% - 100%
• Good (2): 80% - <90%
• Satisfactory (3): 70% - <80%
• Sufficient (4): 60% - <70%
• Fail (5): <60%

The use of any kind of AI-based software (e.g. ChatGPT, Bard etc.) is prohibited for examinations and performance components of this course and is considered to be fraudulent or cheating, since there would be a pretense of scientific achievements.

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.

Petra Staufer-Steinnocher (petra.staufer-steinnocher@wu.ac.at)

Office hours: by appointment

Please notice that the project reports of all groups are due at the end of the semester.