
PhD in Entrepreneurship and Business Economics
In the City of Jerusalem, Al-Quds University stands out as the only Arab university in the area. The university prioritizes high-quality education and scientific research, especially in postgraduate programs, and has built an entrepreneurial ecosystem on its premises. It has become a hub for education, academics, and research in Jerusalem. Al-Quds University’s Ph.D. program in Entrepreneurship and Business Economics (EBE) covers 48 credits and focuses on applying advanced business methods and modern economic analysis. The program recognizes that continuous innovation leads to growth and success, which sets certain companies apart from others. Unfortunately, many leaders and managers lack a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts that shape competitive strategies within their organizations. Al-Quds University aims to collaborate with relevant sectors to enhance entrepreneurship and business economics and achieve sustainable economic and social development in Palestine.
The Ph.D. program of Entrepreneurship and Business Economics, abbreviated as EBE, at Al-Quds University, is designed to meet the current and future needs of the Palestinian public and private sectors. To underscore the significance and value of this new program, a workshop and several meetings will be conducted, inviting highly qualified and promising experts. Policymakers need to recognize the importance of business and entrepreneurial economics concepts. To that end, the proposed Ph.D. program is designed to provide students with the cutting-edge issues in innovation, entrepreneurship, business, and economic development. Classical business and financial policies fail to capture many vital forces in today’s global economy. Entrepreneurship and business economics are currently defined as the only way to create new jobs, achieve sustainable job growth, improve wages, and raise the standard of living and well-being. Clear business strategies for innovation and entrepreneurship that engage all stakeholders, boost innovation, and ultimately improve productivity are especially critical for austerity or economic development. The Ph.D. program will incorporate three main types of incubators: financial, technical, and cultural.
The program will provide Ph.D. students with theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in business economics, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Its objective is to prepare leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers who can formulate competitive economic strategies to support the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Palestine and the surrounding region. Incubators will serve as a nurturing environment for startups to initiate their journey. The program equips students with essential skills and knowledge in business strategy, innovation, and economic analysis, catering to the growing demand for professionals in these areas. Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on empirical analysis of firm-level data to study the drivers of innovation and productivity aligns perfectly with the university’s goal of promoting innovative research and development. This approach will significantly contribute to advancing knowledge in the field and assist in developing sustainable economic strategies in Palestine and the region.
In addition, our Ph.D. candidates are expected to possess the necessary theoretical and practical expertise to address how graduates can effectively prepare Ph.D. theses and research that contribute to the innovation and growth of Palestinian local businesses. Furthermore, two workshops will be conducted in July 2023 by the chambers of commerce in Hebron and Ramallah, further emphasizing the commitment to fostering collaboration between academia and the business community.
Our Ph.D. program aims to offer graduate students a challenging and analytical curriculum in both theoretical and empirical economics of entrepreneurship and business. Yet, our primary focus and foremost objective in the entrepreneurship and business economics program is to establish a reputable and distinguished presence in Palestine and throughout the region.
The Ph.D. program in entrepreneurship and development economics aims to achieve its overall objective by requiring students to complete 48 credits focused on modern economic analysis related to entrepreneurship, development, and economic strategy. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of innovation and growth in the success of companies and aims to provide leaders and managers with a more profound understanding of competitive strategy. Specific objectives of the program include:
- Giving a solid understanding of current economic theories, particularly in entrepreneurship, development, and business economics and strategy, that can help understand the basic ideas for creating competitive strategies for organizations.
- Instilling the capacity for independent thought about business and competitive policies and problems, and providing basic descriptive knowledge about competition in Palestine and the world economy.
- Preparing students for further academic research that can enable them to develop economic strategies or work as professionals in the entrepreneurship of international and domestic agencies, governments, or the private sector.
- Seeking to cultivate the analytical and critical skills relevant to the economics of entrepreneurship and economic development, in particular, those needed to assess alternative approaches to business and economic strategies.
- Providing the rigorous quantitative training of case studies that development work now requires, helping students develop the ability to access, process, and interpret various data, including cross-sectional data, time series data, panel data, and pooled cross-sections.
By the end of this program, students should be able to:
A) Knowledge and Comprehension
- Show reliable background information enhanced by practical case studies in the economics of entrepreneurship, development economics, crafting businesses, and financial and economic strategies.
- Illustrate further study through mandatory advanced courses to meet doctoral study requirements at international universities.
- Present modern economic theory courses, development, entrepreneurship, and business economics, opening up suitable career paths.
- Discuss case studies with theoretical knowledge for academic qualifications suitable for an academic career.
- Describe the essential knowledge and expertise required for working in local and international organizations, as well as in enterprises.
B) Intellectual and Methodological Skills
- Evaluate relevant sources in critical approaches, generate unbiased assessments, and develop proposals and research projects.
- Interpret evidence of different types of data, including qualitative and quantitative data, using statistical/econometric software for cross-sectional, time series, pooled cross-sections, and panel data.
- Explain the critical roles of, and interaction between, questions, theories, evidence, and explanations in entrepreneurship, business, and development economics.
- Evaluate contemporary related case studies, craft entrepreneurial and economic strategies using theoretical perspectives from modern economic theories while considering competitive parameters, and formulate researchable research questions unbiasedly.
- Manage research skills at the graduate level of this program, including the ability to generate innovative research ideas addressing cutting-edge issues in entrepreneurship, business, and development.
C) Professional Skills
- Demonstrate ideas and information in meetings, workshops, and conferences in an instructive manner to both researchers and the policymakers.
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of methodologies related to qualitative and quantitative approaches, entrepreneurship economics, development economics, business strategies, and both public and private institutions.
- Refine the changing demand for skills and the advancements in workforce development through retraining and reskilling.
- Use academic and professional skills to develop business strategies of entrepreneurship for both private and public institutions.
D) Attitude and Values
- Display a specific disciplinary competence through their education in entrepreneurship and business and development economics.
- Adhere to new skill sets to better understand the evolution of work.
- Participate in research projects, which can be published in international refereed journals and pursue their Ph.D. studies in regional and international universities.
- Align skills with the needs of private businesses, the public sector, and voluntary organizations in entrepreneurship.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following:
- A Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from a local or accredited foreign university. Your degree should be equivalent to a Palestinian Bachelor’s degree, as per the standards set by the Palestine Ministry of Higher Education. The major should be in economics, business disciplines, statistics, mathematics, information technology, engineering, or related fields. A solid foundation in Mathematics, Statistics, and Econometrics is highly recommended.
- A minimum grade average of 80% or B or equivalent from the specialization in the degree.
- An adequate level of English language proficiency. The program committee will determine the minimum level of proficiency required in the English language.
- In particular cases, the program committee can admit students with a Master’s degree in other disciplines so it may recommend some students to attend remedial courses where necessary.
As a new pioneer, the promising program provides graduates with many career opportunities in local institutions and worldwide, addressing innovation, entrepreneurship, business economics, and development. The Ph.D. in entrepreneurship and business economics will offer excellent career perspectives in various fields in academia, research centers, and senior positions in public and private institutions, as well as create promising new ventures.
As someone who has completed a Ph.D. in entrepreneurship and business economics, the program offers various career opportunities, such as employment in:
- The EBE provides opportunities for our Ph.D. holders interested in pursuing an academic career to work at universities in Palestine and abroad.
- Upon completing our Ph.D. program, graduates will possess advanced research competencies and skills that equip them to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research. This empowers them to contribute to research centers specializing in innovation, entrepreneurship, economic development, business development strategies, and related fields.
- Our Ph.D. graduates are required to possess extensive experience as senior consultants in the public sector. This includes working with renowned organizations such as the Ministry of Finance, the Palestine Monetary Authority, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the Ministry of Education, the Palestine Investment Fund, the Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics, and other governmental institutions. As well as NGOs, think tanks, multinational companies, and consulting firms that specialize in entrepreneurship and business economics.
- International institutions (e.g., the ILO, World Bank, UNESCO, WTO, CEPAL, IADB (Inter-American Development Bank), and OECD).
List of courses’ names and reference numbers in the program.
The courses of the EBE Ph.D. program meet the national accreditation standards set by the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission (AQAC) and are recognized internationally. The program is taught by the faculty of business and economics, who specialize in entrepreneurship, business strategy, development, and business economics. It is a highly competitive and successful program.
Table 15: Mandatory courses in the “Ph.D. program of entrepreneurship and business economics. ” (18 credit hours).
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Prerequisites |
8808811 |
Entrepreneurship and Economic Development |
3 |
– |
8808821 |
Public Policy and Applied Public Finance |
3 |
– |
8808812 |
Advanced Statistical and Econometric Analysis |
3 |
– |
8808822 |
Advanced Research Methods |
3 |
– |
8808813 |
Business Economics and Decision Making |
3 |
– |
8808823 |
Innovative and Entrepreneurial Marketing |
3 |
– |
All students are obligated to study the courses shown in table 1.
Table 16: Elective courses “Ph.D. program of entrepreneurship and business economics” (12 credit hours).
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
Prerequisites |
8808814 |
Advanced Topics of Economic Regulation |
3 |
– |
8808824 |
Advanced Econometric Modeling |
3 |
– |
8808815 |
Theoretical Perspectives in Strategy and Entrepreneurship |
3 |
– |
8808825 |
Non-Market Strategy. |
3 |
– |
8808816 |
Behavioral Economics |
3 |
– |
8808826 |
Development Economics and Sustainability |
3 |
– |
8808817 |
Economics of Innovation |
3 |
– |
8808827 |
Circular Economy and competitiveness |
3 |
– |
8808818 |
Comparative Corporate Governance |
3 |
– |
8808828 |
Financial Economics |
3 |
– |
8808819 |
Emerging Technologies and Entrepreneurship |
3 |
– |
8808829 |
Econometrics with Machine Learning |
3 |
– |
8808830 |
Data Mining and Big Data Analytics |
3 |
– |
8808831 |
Innovation and Technology Strategy in Business and Entrepreneurial Economics |
3 |
– |
8808832 |
Economics of Technology Transfer |
3 |
– |
8808833 |
Data Analytics in Entrepreneurial Economics |
3 |
– |
8808834 |
Special Topics in entrepreneurship and business economics |
3 |
– |
Mandatory Courses – Total: 18 credit hours |
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8808811 Entrepreneurship and Economic Development |
3 credit hours |
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The course gives economic knowledge of entrepreneurs and their role in the growth of the larger economy. The course also offers a window into the developing discipline of entrepreneurship economics and a base from which to conduct research or execute economic analyses of entrepreneurial operations. This course covers topics like the financing of entrepreneurial ventures, including debt (finance) and venture capital as well as other sources of capital; examination of entrepreneurial inputs, performance, and the broader community—covering performance measures, wealth accumulation, job creation, innovation, returns to human capital, and entrepreneurial survival; and exploration of the entrepreneur and public policy—looking at public policy, taxation, market regulation, and their impact on the entrepreneur. Objectives: This course aims to introduce entrepreneurship as a multidimensional concept that keeps pace with the many forms of entrepreneurship in the real world. This course will also conceptually introduce risk, uncertainty, and return and examine how communities and regions structure and influence risk and return. In addition, this course will Examine the concept of opportunity, where opportunity comes from, and who is responsible for creating it. Why it is essential in a business venture and will explore the importance of human networks and community and regional institutions, cultures, and systems to supporting or inhibiting entrepreneurship development. Ultimately, this course will build an understanding of how institutions and policies influence entrepreneurship development. |
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8808821 Public Policy and Applied Public Finance |
3 credit hours |
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This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of public economics theory, the regulation of private markets by the government, and the government’s role in supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses and promoting innovation. The curriculum will cover a variety of topics, such as normative analysis tools, public goods, externalities, political economics, income redistribution, the impact of taxation on income distribution and efficiency, and principles of efficient and equitable taxation. By the end of this course, students will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze applied public policy in relation to market regulation, income redistribution, and taxation. This understanding will enable them to make informed decisions regarding policy recommendations and evaluate the potential outcomes of those decisions. Through a combination of lectures, readings, and practical assignments, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations of public economics. With this knowledge, they will be better equipped to navigate the complex issues involved in regulating markets and promoting economic growth. Objectives: This course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of public expenditure theories and their application and theories related to applied public policy and rational choice and to identify differences in processes, revenue sources, and budgetary challenges between different levels of government. Also, this course will provide students with the essential information to understand the role of government in the economic and social aspects of its society, recognize and apply the unique features of externalities & public goods and their implications on the efficiencies of markets and government activities, and demonstrate the effects of public expenditure on household and business sectors. |
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8808812 Advanced Statistical and Econometric Analysis |
3 credit hours |
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This course will help students develop the ability to use advanced quantitative methods to describe and analyze real-world situations in social work settings and to use statistical results to make ethical decisions. This course will mainly focus on giving the students the ability to write a correct interpretation of the results obtained by the different applied statistical methods in a responsible way with a minimum focus on mathematics. Students will learn how to choose the appropriate methods of statistical analysis that match their research and how to write in an appropriate language that suits their statistical analyses’ interpretation. The course material is primarily based on SPSS software and other statistical packages such as SMART-PLS, AMOS, STATA, and R. This course will cover topics including descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression models, analysis of variance, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis, factor analysis, time series analysis, and structural equation modeling. Objectives: The course aims to provide an overview of several advanced statistical methods. At the end of the course, students will be able to point out the advantages and limitations of each statistical approach, interpretation, and main application in various disciplines, particularly economics, business, and entrepreneurship. This course will provide students with the basic ideas for modeling continuous and categorical outcomes, also with dependent data. Students in this course will gain a deep understanding of asymmetric modeling and dimension reduction for data science. Also, students will learn to Implement the method using different statistical software and how to Interpret the results in a way that addresses the question of interest in order to be able to Communicate the purposes of the analyses, the findings from the analysis, and the implications of those findings. |
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8808822 Advanced Research Methods |
3 credit hours |
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The advanced research methods course is one of the foundational courses in research methodology and design. It offers a sophisticated introduction to the theory of knowledge, research design, and applied methods in the social sciences and introduces students to various quantitative and qualitative research designs as well as the theoretical underpinnings and premises of each. In addition, this course will include an in-depth explanation of various sampling and data collection strategies and analytical approaches. Students who successfully complete the course are required to produce a state-of-the-art article or paper on a topic of their choosing. Objectives: This course mainly aims to develop students’ research skills and prepare them to conduct their dissertations appropriately. This course will enable students to develop a research proposal, write a literature review on any given topic, document the references in the prescribed manner, write a research report that is tailored to the needs of a specific audience, describe helpful software packages for quantitative data analysis, and create awareness of the role of ethics in business research. In addition, The course aims to equip students with the skills to publish papers in international, peer-reviewed journals. |
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8808813 Business Economics and Decision Making |
3 credit hours |
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This course applies microeconomic instruments and theories to the crucial management decisions made within organizations. It helps in increasing the value creation by providing guidance and a better understanding of the external business environment in which organizations operate. The unique way of thinking provided by economics stresses the importance of incentives as determinants of human behavior and performance and emphasizes the consideration of costs and benefits as an efficient method for reaching economic decisions. It assists managers in each functional area of their organization in thinking about problems, issues, and decisions in a fundamentally different way. Also, this course also covers key areas of decision theory at an advanced level and offers an understanding of management by objectives (MBO) and management reengineering. The course will mature students’ modeling skills, such as decision-making, communications, motivation, centralization, and delegation of authority, by analyzing how preferences can be modeled and how multidimensional evaluation is related to dominance and efficiency. Objectives: This course aims to develop the student’s understanding of the economic role in helping decision-makers make the best available decisions. This course will help students understand the determining factor and faces of consumer-level and market-level demand, firm-level and market-level supply, and the concepts of perfect competition and market equilibrium. At the end of this course, students can use microeconomics tools to understand and predict the short-run and long-run effects of demand and supply shocks on the market equilibrium and adapt managerial strategies to different industry and informational structures and strategic scenarios. |
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8808823 Innovative and Entrepreneurial Marketing |
3 credit hours |
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This course is designed to give the students in-depth knowledge about marketing concepts and methods used by start-ups competing in rapidly developing competitive environments or firms that introduce innovative products into new, unfamiliar, or emerging markets. This course covers topics such as marketing theory, concepts and tools used to market innovative products in an entrepreneurial setting, creating and executing marketing plans and programs in a setting of rapidly changing environment, Strategies for market reach and network engagement with early adopters and the broader market and successful implementation of a marketing strategy in an entrepreneurial setting. Objectives: This course aims to empower students with appropriate knowledge that helps them to Analyze the innovative activities of successful companies in terms of marketing strategy, such as describing the product, marketing strategy of the company, and its consumers. Also, students will be familiar with the basic concepts in the field of hi-tech marketing and innovation marketing as well as with factors influencing the process of consumer acceptance of innovations the relationship of marketing with other activities involved in the process of developing new products, the importance of marketing in the process of innovation management, as well as familiarization with models of innovation management in organizations and marketing research methods for analyzing new markets. At the end of this course, students will learn to be effective members of entrepreneurial teams, comprehend a world characterized by uncertainty and change, and to identify and evaluate opportunities. |
Thesis Track |
|
8808900 Thesis: The Ph.D. degree is a graduate specialization in entrepreneurship and business economics, which involves thesis work. The thesis focuses on topics related to the main subjects of the Ph.D. program of entrepreneurship and business economics. It requires at least three semesters of effort and mandatory supervision. Upon completing the thesis work and meeting all other requirements, the Ph.D. degree in entrepreneurship and business economics is awarded. |
18 credit hours |
1– In order to successfully complete the program, students are required to fulfill certain academic requirements. These requirements include:
2- Students will be eligible to commence their thesis after successfully completing the prerequisites above. It is expected that students will have attained satisfactory proficiency in the required foundational knowledge and skills before initiating their thesis. The successful completion of these prerequisites will enable students to progress to the next stage of their academic journey as follows: The Ph.D.’s thesis is a part of the studies required for the Ph.D.’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Economics (Thesis Track), and it is written under the supervision of a program staff member. The Ph.D. program provides students with a strong foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in entrepreneurship and business economics through thesis work. While the thesis is expected to focus on topics related to the main subjects of the Ph.D. program, students are also allowed to explore topics less directly related to entrepreneurship and business economics. Supervision is mandatory for thesis work, and students are advised to prepare a thesis proposal after completing 24 credit hours successfully and achieving (b). The program’s scientific committee should discuss and approve the thesis proposal according to the university regulations. 3- Objectives: A Ph.D. thesis is a research work that aims to apply the latest methods and concepts of entrepreneurship and business economics to address significant policy implications, solutions, and issues. The primary objective of this research is to produce original and noteworthy contributions to the field independently. The student will develop advanced analytical and research skills by conducting this research, including formulating and solving complex research problems. The student will also acquire the necessary knowledge to evaluate research in their area of study critically. The Ph.D. thesis is a comprehensive research project that enables students to contribute to their field of study and advance their research abilities. |
Elective Courses – Total: 12 credit hours |
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8808814 Advanced Topics of Economic Regulation |
3 credit hours |
This course will examine various issues surrounding concepts of regulation using tools from microeconomic theory and public choice to familiarize students with the basic regulations’ principles, forms and models and understand how economics shapes the various regulatory approaches. This course considers the rationale for, and history of, government intervention in markets; direct government intervention, such as regulating particular industries by specialized government agencies; the deregulation movement; and indirect government intervention, such as laws regarding anticompetitive behavior and advertising. Objectives: This course aims to highlight the issues of when and why governments regulate markets, why some industries are regulated and not others, what happens to consumers, producers, and the governmental agency when governments put regulation in place, and how these outcomes align with the proposed purpose of the regulation. This course will also emphasize the models of regulation and test them against empirical regularities. Therefore, the goals of that course are knowledge of the characteristics of the types of markets that are regulated, the effects of the regulation (or deregulation) in those markets, and models of regulator objectives and behavior, with implications of these models. At the end of this course, students will develop the analytical skills needed to assess the case for economic regulation and critically evaluate alternative regulatory frameworks. |
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8808824 Advanced Econometric Modeling |
3 credit hours |
The advanced econometric modeling course is designed to introduce students to the necessary tools to appraise and conduct empirical research. This course will focus on investigating theoretical econometric problems by using economic data. Topics will include non-linear estimation, multi-variate and simultaneous systems of equations, qualitative and limited dependent variables, panel data, discrete choice, limited dependent variables, and time series models. Objectives: This course aims to give students an overview of advanced econometrics used in research. The course will provide an overview of ways to tackle methodological issues that arise when researching panel data, qualitative and time series models, and the development and application of the methodology. Numerous applications from the literature will be considered. Also, this course will help the students identify possible thesis topics and prepare them to conduct original research using modern econometric techniques. |
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8808815 Theoretical Perspectives in Strategy and Entrepreneurship |
3 credit hours |
In this course, key management issues are examined using economic theories. The fundamental theoretical foundations and key ideas in the subject of strategic management will be taught to the students. The following topics are covered: an overview of strategic management’s theoretical and historical development, fundamental ideas in strategic management, the determinants and consequences of company performance, strategic processes, and the role of environmental and industrial factors in strategic management. Classroom sessions aim to discuss and evaluate literature connected to the mentioned subjects, create and present research proposals, and compose the first versions of research papers on entrepreneurship and strategic management. Objectives: This course aims to make students critically evaluate relevant theories, concepts, and models related to entrepreneurial strategy; strategically assess main factors impacting entrepreneurial ventures; comprehend entrepreneurial planning, decision-making, communication, and behaviors when operating in turbulent environments; and evaluate leadership skills and ethical practices critical for sustainable and responsible entrepreneurial strategic success. |
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8808825 Non-Market Strategy |
3 credit hours |
This course will study the interactions between businesses and their stakeholders, including the government, social movements, NGOs, and activists, to give the students the required knowledge to develop and implement non-market strategies. This course will cover market failure, transaction costs, public politics and non-market strategy, private and non-market strategy, firm performance, International perspectives, and Integrated market and non-market strategy. Objectives: This course introduces students to fundamental theoretical and empirical issues in non-market strategy. This course will help students to understand the healthy non-market environment and its relationship to the market environment, learn how to develop a general non-market strategy for a firm, how to evaluate the efficacy of different non-market tactics, examine the role of non-market factors across different substantive public policy areas of concern to the firm, and explore how non-market factors vary cross-nationally and how international agreements shape them. At the end of this course, students will have identified unresolved questions that are ripe for future research and be ready to generate their research contributions. |
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8808816 Behavioral Economics |
3 credit hours |
The behavioral economics course handles the economic study of human behavior concerning individual choice, social situations, markets, and institutions. This course aims to improve the descriptive accuracy and explanatory power of traditional economic analysis and will cover current issues in behavioral economics, emphasizing applications to other fields of economics. This course will cover topics such as deviations from the standard neoclassical model in terms of (a) preferences (time and risk preferences, reference dependence, and social preferences), (b) beliefs and learning (overconfidence, projection bias, and attribution bias), (c) decision-making (cognition, attention, framing, and persuasion), and (d) market reactions to such deviations.
Objectives: This course aims to give students the ability to understand the world through the lens of behavioral economics and to critically read and use the academic literature in behavioral economics. This course aims to enhance students’ understanding of the development of behavioral economics and how it builds on and then departs from traditional theory. It will consider examples such as how firms can apply to change consumer behavior. |
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8808826 Development Economics and Sustainability |
3 credit hours |
This course investigates the links between economics and natural ecosystems. The course aims to allow students to learn about the role of economics in the design and implementation of sustainable policies for ecosystem management. On completion of this course, students will gain an understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of environmental problems and an appreciation of the interaction between ecology and economics and the means to develop expertise in the design and implementation of sustainable environmental policies, in addition to acknowledging economic theory and quantitative modeling tools of environmental and resource economics. At the end of this course, students can identify and evaluate the economic assumptions embedded in policy analyses and recommendations. Objectives: This course will provide students with a comprehensive environmental and development economics introduction. This course aims to provide an understanding of the application of economic analysis to critical topics in ecological sustainability and economic development and to equip students with the knowledge and tools required to analyze and discuss the trade-offs between economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. At the end of this course, students will Understand the connections between environmental issues and the economic behavior of individuals and groups, analyze the role of market failure and the results of inefficient resource allocation, Critique methods used to evaluate the cost/benefit from political decisions related to the application of environmental policy; interpret data and form educated opinions on economic trade-offs society and individuals face to improve or maintain different levels of environmental quality; and understand the major economic concepts and models that form the basis of knowledge in ecological economics. |
8808817 Economics of Innovation |
3 credit hours |
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The course aims to introduce students to the main issues surrounding the economic analysis of innovation and discuss how innovation emerges in modern economies and interacts with the dynamics and evolution of industries. The course will include topics such as alternative ways of conceptualizing innovation, the sources and procedures of innovation, the relationship between market structure and innovation, and the trade-offs and dilemmas regarding strategy and social welfare that characterize innovative environments. Objectives: This course aims to acquire the basic terminology necessary to discuss innovation issues, understand the role that innovation and technical change play in shaping competitiveness and industrial change, recognize sector-level specificities in the sources of innovation and their consequences for practice and policy, and recognize the innovative process’s systemic nature. |
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8808827 Circular Economy and Competitiveness |
3 credit hours |
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This course gives students the essential concepts, tools, and skills needed to transition to a circular economy in various economic sectors and areas of human activity. The circular economy seeks to maintain the value and preserve the stocks of materials, components, and goods, while eliminating waste and pollution and restoring natural capital. The circular economy allows for a better economic and ecological performance than today’s prevailing economy, which follows a take-make-waste linear model that destroys value, depletes stocks, and degrades living systems. The transition to a circular economy is a tremendous opportunity to unleash global economic growth and create new jobs worldwide while boosting economic resilience. This course challenges not only what but also how students think about sustainability. Circular economy studies how to reuse, share, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, and recycle products and services to create a closed-loop system, minimizing the use of resource inputs and the generation of waste and pollution. This course explores how these various disciplines promote a sustainable economic model. Objectives: This course aims to familiarize students with the conceptual frameworks essential for understanding the foundations of the circular economy and its applications in business sectors. Also, it will give insights into current industrial trends regarding the circular economy and establish an understanding of the business and political landscapes in which a circular economy could operate. Additionally, this course will provide the policy rationale for a circular economy. |
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8808818 Comparative Corporate Governance |
3 credit hours |
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This course familiarizes students with the current debates on corporate governance, blending legal and economic theories and insights from psychology, sociology, and other social and behavioral sciences to assess the firm’s place in a complex society. The course deals with debates on corporate scandals and corporate governance mechanisms, such as board quotas, the financial crisis, and the division of powers between shareholders and the board, but also familiarizes students with various analytical tools to look at the firm in a societal context, including the main components of the ecosystem. Next, we look at the difference between self-regulating, soft law, and challenging law regulation and involve students in the policy debates surrounding this—on a national and international level. The key questions are: who should be the benefactor of the firm’s activities, and how should the firm be governed? To answer this question, we will carefully investigate recent changes in corporate governance instruments and critically assess them against the societal changes that brought them about. Objectives: The overall objective of the course is to enable students to analyze the firm using different analytical tools from economics, psychology, sociology, and other social and behavioral sciences; integrate and debate various theories on the role and nature of the firm and who should be the benefactors of the firm’s activities; have a meaningful discussion on the division of powers within the firm; take note of the recent talks in corporate governance; and take their position. |
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8808828 Financial and Business Economics |
3 credit hours |
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This course is designed to provide a self-contained study of the principles of financial economics and a bridge to higher-level business economics and finance courses. It includes a critical discussion of the efficient markets theory, an overview of quantitative methods in finance, consideration of risk aversion in the context of utility theory, examination of portfolio theory, the Capital Asset Pricing Model, and multi-factor asset pricing models, coverage of bond pricing, duration and convexity, behavioral finance theory, an introduction to the economics of financial crises, and an introductionto a top-down approach to investment decisions. The emphasis is on a thorough coverage of modern finance theory as applied to investment analysis, balanced with considering new developments in the discipline and applying old and new theoretical perspectives to understand the current environment for financial investment decisions. Objectives: The objective of this course is to undertake a rigorous study of the theoretical foundations of modern business and financial economics. The course will cover modern finance’s central themes, including individual investment decisions under uncertainty, stochastic dominance, mean-variance theory, capital market equilibrium, asset valuation, arbitrage pricing theory, option pricing, and incomplete markets, and the potential application of these themes. Upon completing this course, students should understand the primary theoretical results concerning individuals’ consumption and portfolio decisions under uncertainty and their implications for securities valuation. |
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8808819 Emerging Technologies and Entrepreneurship |
3 credit hours |
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The course aims to equip students with knowledge and skills related to the intersection of entrepreneurship and emerging technologies. It covers topics such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things and how these technologies can be applied to drive innovation and economic growth. The course also focuses on the entrepreneurial mindset required to succeed in the tech industry, including identifying opportunities, developing business models, and pitching ideas to investors. Objectives: Understand the impact of emerging technologies on entrepreneurship in Palestine and the surrounding region. Develop a strategic mindset for identifying and implementing innovative technologies in entrepreneurial ventures. Analyze the economic, social, and cultural factors that influence the adoption of emerging technologies in Palestine. Evaluate the potential risks and benefits of using emerging technologies in entrepreneurial ventures. Apply knowledge of emerging technologies to create sustainable and socially responsible entrepreneurial ventures in Palestine. |
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8808829 Econometrics with Machine Learning |
3 credit hours |
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Econometrics with Machine Learning is a course designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge in the application of machine learning techniques in econometrics. The course will cover various topics such as data pre-processing, regression analysis, classification models, unsupervised learning, and deep learning. Students will learn how to build predictive models and perform statistical analysis on data sets, which is critical in understanding economic behavior, forecasting economic trends, and making informed decisions. The course will also cover relevant statistical software, programming languages, and libraries for machine learning, including Python and R. Objectives: The course aims to introduce students to (a) understanding and applying various econometric techniques and machine learning algorithms in economic analysis, (b) analyzing and interpreting data using econometric and machine learning models, (c) building predictive models to forecast economic trends and analyze economic behavior, (d) using relevant software, programming languages, and libraries for machine learning in econometrics, and (e) developing analytical and problem-solving skills in economic analysis through hands-on practice and case studies. |
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8808830 Data Mining and Big Data Analytics with Machine Learning |
3 credit hours |
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The course will focus on applying data mining and big data analytics techniques in the context of the Palestinian economy and business environment. Students will learn about the latest algorithms and tools used in machine learning for solving business problems, such as predicting customer behavior and identifying market trends. Through hands-on projects, students will develop practical skills in programming languages and software tools used in data mining and big data analytics. The course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyze large datasets and extract insights to support decision-making in the Palestinian business and entrepreneurial environment. Objectives: This course aims to provide students with (a) an understanding of the principles of data mining and big data analytics and their application in business and entrepreneurial economics, (b) applying appropriate data mining techniques for different types of data and business problems, (c) using machine learning algorithms to solve real-world problems in business and entrepreneurial economics, (d) developing skills in programming languages and software tools used for data mining and big data analytics, (e) analyzing data from various sources and extract insights to support business and entrepreneurial economics decision-making, and (f) communicating findings and insights to stakeholders clearly and concisely. |
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8808831 Innovation and Technology Strategy in Entrepreneurial Economics |
3 credit hours |
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The Innovation and Technology Strategy course is designed for students in the Business and Entrepreneurial Economics Ph.D. program at Al-Quds University who are interested in learning about the crucial role of innovation and technology in shaping and advancing the global economy. Through this course, students will develop a deep understanding of the relationship between innovation, technology, and business strategy and how they intersect to shape the economic landscape. Objectives: The course aims to introduce students to the main issues: (a) gain a thorough understanding of the core concepts and principles of innovation and technology strategy, (b) understand the importance of innovation and technology in shaping the global economy and the competitive advantage of firms, (c) learn about the various models and frameworks for analyzing innovation and technology in business, (d) develop the ability to identify and evaluate innovative opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, (e) understand the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and how they can be leveraged to create a competitive advantage, (f) analyze case studies of innovative companies and their strategies to inform future decision-making in business, (g) evaluate the impact of innovation and technology on economic development and public policy, and (h) develop skills in effective communication and presentation of innovative ideas and strategies. |
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8808832 Economics of Technology Transfer |
3 credit hours |
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This course is designed to give students a deep understanding of the economic principles underlying technology transfer. It covers various topics related to technology transfer, including the legal framework, intellectual property, licensing, and financing. The course will introduce students to the economic principles that are necessary to understand technology transfer and provide practical examples of how technology transfer works in the real world. Objectives: This course aims to familiarize students with the economic principles that underlie technology transfer. Analyze the legal framework for technology transfer, including intellectual property rights, patents, and licensing agreements. Understand the importance of financing in technology transfer and explore different financing models. Develop an understanding of the technology transfer process and the various stakeholders involved. Evaluate the economic impact of technology transfer on businesses, industries, and economies. Analyze case studies of successful technology transfer and learn from best practices. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through group discussions, assignments, and projects. |
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8808833 Data Analytics in Entrepreneurial Economics |
3 credit hours |
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This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze and interpret data to inform decision-making in entrepreneurial economics. Students will be introduced to various data analytics tools and business and economic analysis techniques. Emphasis will be placed on practical data analysis applications to support entrepreneurship and innovation. The course will cover topics such as data mining, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and visualization of data. Objectives: The course aims to develop a working knowledge of data analytics tools and techniques used in entrepreneurial economics. Understand the role of data analytics in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. Learn how to identify and collect relevant data for economic analysis. Gain proficiency in using statistical software for data analysis and visualization. Learn how to apply data analytics to business problems and identify opportunities for innovation and growth. Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate data analysis results and draw insights for business decisions. |
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8808834 Special Topics in Entrepreneurship and Business Economics |
3 credit hours |
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This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the latest research and advanced entrepreneurship and business economics topics. The course content is updated annually to reflect the current research trends and may vary based on the instructor’s research background. The course delves into theoretical and practical economic issues related to entrepreneurship and business economics. Students will learn extensively about the latest trends, cutting-edge issues, and research findings in these fields. Objectives: Upon completing the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the various theoretical and empirical methods in entrepreneurship and business economics and how they can be applied in public and private sector organizations. Students can research and analyze these sectors’ intricate workings by studying relevant literature. This knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to the growth and success of any business or organization they work for. |
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Remedial Courses – Total: 0 credit hours |
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8808800 Managerial Economics for Business Decisions |
0 credit hours |
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This course is imperative for students who wish to understand how decisions are made in various areas pertinent to their lives and the world. The managerial economics taught in this course apply to both individuals and businesses. Students will learn about business economic analysis and its practical applications in competition, consumer choice, market failures, market forces, international trade and finance, public policy, poverty, and welfare. Additionally, this course addresses contemporary public policy issues like minimum wages, public goods and services provision, rental controls, subsidies, taxes, pollution, and resource depletion. This course is designed to cater to students with diverse academic backgrounds, and its low mathematics requirement ensures that the material is easy to comprehend and apply. Upon completion, students will have honed their ability to analyze economic events at local, national, and international levels with a critical lens. Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will possess the necessary skills and tools in microeconomics to effectively navigate business economic issues that arise in their daily lives and their professional endeavors, political engagements, societal interactions, and environmental concerns. The course aims to achieve specific objectives, including analyzing key microeconomic issues that pertain to global matters, politics, and society. In addition, students will glean how to apply their cutting-edge knowledge of economic concepts in a collaborative learning environment. Furthermore, they will master conceptual and graphical techniques to bolster economic decision-making and policy. Lastly, students will be equipped to scrutinize how business economics can be leveraged to facilitate managerial decision-making. |
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8808801 Statistical Analysis |
0 credit hours |
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This course enriches students’ expertise in applied statistics and provides them with the skills to conduct research papers and theses. The course will delve into statistical concepts and methods and explore the diverse schools of thought regarding statistical methodology. Statistics is crucial in various fields such as science, economics, governance, development, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to equip students with a selection of statistical tools that they can use ethically and responsibly when working with data in their future academic pursuits or professions. Objectives: This course aims to equip students with an understanding of the process of generating data files, conducting statistical analyses, and interpreting results. The software applications utilized in this course, namely STATA, EViews, and SPSS, are user-friendly and share similarities with Microsoft Excel. As such, this course will provide students with the proficiency necessary to use them for research and analysis. Additionally, the curriculum will include lessons on recognizing patterns and relationships between variables and data. Students are expected to master the ability to calculate the necessary statistics to draw valid and reliable conclusions concerning their research hypotheses. |