Global Risks and Analytics (PSA) – Thematic Untis

PSA50: International Politics

Code: PSA50
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 1^st
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”
2. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description: The “International Politics” Module examines how human beings, both as distinct individuals and, more fundamentally, as part of larger social assemblages, act and coexist in the geophysical space of planet Earth. Essentially, it explores and discusses the making of politics in the International by focusing on the relationships between state and non-state actors, and the dynamics of corresponding structures created, in fields of human action that transcend territorial boundaries and geographical areas.

International Politics is a subject that engages with all the relevant subjects in the Discipline of International Relations and whose field of inquiry is shaped by the dialogue between International Relations and the social sciences, in particular history, politics, economics, sociology and law.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

The Module maps out the driving forces of international politics by drawing on the experience of the practice of state and non-state actors that co-exist together in the temporal and spatial boundaries of the International, under the (re)reflective prism of international relations theory. The central aim is to delve into the conceptual and analytical categories of the Discipline of International Relations which, through selective but thorough study of standard case studies, allow us detect and bring out the multiple manifestations of the collective human presence in the international arena.

Skills:

The Module seeks to strengthen the analytical thinking of each trainee in order to

• critically navigate a significant part of the knowledge base of international relations acquired by the academic community to date,
• trace the main theoretical and methodological tools with which international relations scholars and students produce, discuss and communicate their thinking,
• synthesise the theoretical discussion with a systematic survey of events in the making of international politics; and
• to (re)reflect and (re)construct the International, with the ambition of making its own small contribution to the analysis of the theory and practice of international politics, in order to highlight the multi-level and multi-dimensional nature of various global challenges.

Competences:

Upon successful completion of the Module, trainees are expected to acquire

• sufficient familiarity with the basic theoretical and methodological approaches to international politics,
• sufficient ability to apply the concepts and analytical categories of international relations theory to the systematic, scholarly study of international developments,
• sufficient experience in gathering and synthesising factual data from a variety of print and electronic sources of information and data,
• sufficient autonomy in the development of oral arguments and dialogical discussion, as well as in the written recording, evaluation and presentation of (from) or (to) structured knowledge; and, overall,
• sufficient competence in the informed and critical analysis of the events that constitute the international and diverse global challenges.

Subjects covered:

• Introduction to International Politics
• Foundations of International Politics
• Other Theoretical Approaches to International Politics

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA51: Risk Management

Code: PSA51
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 1^st
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”
2. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description: The module focuses on methodological approaches to risk management for organizations and businesses.

Epistemologically, regarding risk management, multiple interpretations of risk (e.g., financial, security, protection, administrative) are examined, as well as their relevance to crisis management and the management of catastrophic events.

Methodologically, in terms of risk management, emphasis is given to learning and familiarization with techniques of risk identification, analysis, and grading.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

Students acquire knowledge about the concepts of risk-taking and the generalized process followed in the management of risk-taking, such as recognition, analysis, handling, and communication of a risk.

Skills:

Through case analysis and practical exercises, students acquire skills in all stages of the risk management process. Particularly for the analysis and classification of risks, students gain skills in using methods such as risk matrix, failure analysis, tree-like error analysis, incident analysis, and decision analysis.

Competences:

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to participate in project teams with a focus on risk management or the administration of risk-taking in an organization, as well as independently carry out the risk management cycle in any organization, using relevant methodological and software tools.

Subjects covered:

• Introduction to Risk Management
• Risk Management Standards
• Risk Analysis Techniques

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA52: Data Analysis

Code: PSA52
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 1^st
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”
2. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The aim is to learn data analysis techniques with extensive use of advanced software tools. The aim is to acquire expertise in the retrieval, processing, synthesis, analysis and presentation of qualitative and quantitative data for the purpose of informed decision making. It focuses on the following pillars: (a) processing of qualitative and quantitative data, (b) categories and techniques of analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, (c) interpretation and representation of findings.

Each module consists of a theoretical part, in which a comprehensive overview of the feasibility, function and uses of the statistical technique is given, and an applied part/application of the technique using worksheets or similar data analysis software.

Learning outcomes:

Specific knowledge:

Students will gain theoretical knowledge of data analysis using statistical methods. They will be able to process and analyse qualitative and quantitative variables from data files and interpret the findings of their analysis.

Skills:

They will gain skills in the independent use of software tools for data processing and statistical analysis. Through these tools they will be able to process data, perform statistical analyses, create graphs to visualise data and produce standard or ad hoc reports using advanced software applications for data processing and analysis.

Competencies:

Students who successfully complete will be able to perform analyses of quantitative or qualitative variables, independently or in collaboration with others, and to work in institutions and workplaces where data analysis using statistical methods is one of the main processes.

Subjects covered:

• Introductory concepts
• Correlation and regression
• Analysis of variance

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA53: Advanced topics in International Politics

Code: PSA53
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 2^nd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”
2. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The “Advanced Topics in International Politics” aims to explore central, independent topics that constitute the learning subject of International Politics. The aim is to make trainees aware of the breadth and plurality of the subject and to familiarise them with some of the issues in international politics.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

This Module presents and analyses critical aspects and practical dimensions of international politics, making use of the conceptual and theoretical knowledge acquired in the previous semester’s International Politics Module. The central aim is to deepen the understanding of issues of international politics by drawing on specific issue examples, which will allow us bring out and analyze additional multifaceted aspects of the collective human presence in the international arena.

Skills:

In this Module the analytical thinking skills of each trainee are further developed, in order to

• critically navigate the knowledge he/she has already acquired about the International,
• consolidate the main theoretical and methodological tools he/she has already learnt
• synthesise the theoretical debate in a more systematic way by systematically reviewing events in international politics; and
• (re)reflect and (re)construct the International with more analytical insight.

Competences:

The successful completion of the module is expected to enable trainees to go into greater depth:

• the basic theoretical and methodological approaches to international politics,
• the central concepts and analytical categories of international relations theory for the systematic, scholarly study of international developments,
• the collection and synthesis of factual data from a variety of printed and electronic information sources,
• in the oral development of arguments and dialogical discussion, as well as in the written recording, evaluation and presentation of structured knowledge, and in general
• in the informed and critical analysis of the facts that make up the International and the various global challenges.

Subjects covered:

• Global Governance and Rising Powers
• Terrorism in International Politics
• Current Issues

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA54LCM: Risk analysis lab in international politics

Code: PSA54LCM
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 2^nd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”
2. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The purpose of this module is to familiarize students with the use of analytical tools in risk management to analyze, on a case-by-case basis, historical and current issues of international politics.

The goal is for students to be able to study international situations in terms of (a) causes, (b) potential impacts, and (c) the likelihood of their development in one direction or another – as is expected of a risk manager.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

In this module, students combine empirical and theoretical approaches by applying analytical techniques to risk in issues of international politics.

Skills:

Students develop skills in planning and conducting empirical studies on international politics issues and in applying risk analysis techniques to these studies.

Competences:

Students who successfully complete the module will be able to design, conduct, and interpret comprehensive issues of international politics using analytical techniques of risk management.

Subjects covered:

• Study of Causes and Consequences
• Strategic Studies – Potential Developments
• Study of Difficulties

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade. Final exam grades or completion of a final written assignment constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA55LCM: Data analysis in International Politics

Code: PSA55LCM
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 2^nd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”
2. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The aim of the module is for students to learn whether they can use the techniques of statistics in practice. That is, with a focus on (a) becoming familiar with applying the techniques to new, unknown data and (b) interpreting the findings from the analyses.

To this end, emphasis is placed on (a) retrieving data from public sources and (b) applying analytical techniques to the retrieved data.

Learning outcomes:

Specific knowledge:

In the module “Data Analysis in International Politics” students focus on the application of quantitative techniques from the field of data analysis for the empirical analysis of current and contemporary international policy issues.

Skills:

The main skills developed involve the collection and statistical processing of qualitative and quantitative data in international policy topics

Competencies:

Students will be able to design, elaborate and interpret in-depth International Policy issues using analytical techniques from the field of data analysis.

Subjects covered:

• Retrieval of statistical/quantitative data from public data sources
• Data analysis
• Design of standardised reports

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade. Final exam grades or completion of a final written assignment constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA60: Case studies and applications in International Politics

Code: PSA60
ECTS: 15
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 3^rd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”
2. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The “Case Studies and Applications in International Politics” pursues to familiarize trainees with case study analysis using the theoretical tools and analytical categories of International Politics. The aim is for the trainees to delve, through the analysis of case studies, into the knowledge of international conflicts and crises, and develop the skills and competences they have acquired during the two previous international politics modules.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

This Module focuses on case studies that are standardly indicative of the dynamics of international politics. The central aim is to use the knowledge acquired in the two previous international politics Modules to discuss in detail, through the analysis of specific cases, the various forms of violence and conflict, as well as the implications of competition and cooperation for international order and security.

Skills:

The Module deepens the analytical-critical thinking of each trainee in order to

• evaluate the ‘explanatory power’ of the knowledge already acquired about the International,
• use the main concepts and theories taught as research tools,
• synthesise the theoretical debates with the systematic case study of events in international politics for the purposes of analysis and problem-solving and,
• (re)reflect and (re)construct the International with more research acumen and reliable empirical evidence.

Competences:

The successful completion of the Module will enable students to acquire sufficient academic familiarity with

• the basic analytical categories and methodological approaches of international politics,
• research and the empirical documentation by using reliable primary and secondary references and data, both print and electronic,
• dialogue and the reflection, de-construction and re-construction of knowledge and, in general,
• the critical study of the facts that make up the International and the various global challenges.

Subjects covered:

• Classic cases
• Updated cases
• Idiomatic cases

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA61LCM: Risk Lab in International Politics

Code: PSA61LCM
ECTS: 15
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 3^rd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

In this module, students learn a sequence of risk analysis techniques that cover all the steps of the ISO 31000 process, selected from the ISO 31010 guide. They are then asked to study a case of international politics in full accordance with the ISO 31000 process.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

Students who complete the module become familiar with the full cycle and additional risk analysis techniques according to the ISO 31000 process.

Skills:

Students acquire skills both in additional risk analysis techniques and in their complementary use in a comprehensive analysis according to ISO 31000.

Competences:

Upon completing this module, students have developed the ability to apply the full cycle of the risk analysis process according to ISO 31000, generally and specifically in matters of International Politics.

Subjects covered:

• Risk Identification Techniques
• Risk Analysis Techniques
• Risk Evaluation and Communication Techniques

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade. Final exam grades or completion of a final written assignment constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSA62LCM: Data analysis lab in International Politics

Code: PSA62LCM
ECTS: 15
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 3^rd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The aim of the module “Data analysis lab in International Politics” is the empirical case study of International Politics issues using analytical techniques of qualitative and quantitative data from public sources.

Learning outcomes:

Specific knowledge:

Students learn to identify qualitative and quantitative data on issues in the international sphere. They apply analytical techniques that enable them to interpret the international ‘scene’ in depth.

Skills:

Students acquire skills in searching for and matching qualitative and quantitative data in the subject of interest from public sources, retrieving them. They then practice using different analytical techniques on the data and interpreting their findings.

Competencies:

Students strengthen their ability to design and conduct comprehensive empirical studies on topics of international interest using quantitative and qualitative data from public sources.

Subjects covered:

• Techniques of automatic data extraction from public data streams
• Quantitative data analysis
• Qualitative data analysis

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade. Final exam grades or completion of a final written assignment constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Teaching Method: Distance using the HOU Distance Learning Platform and conducting Group Counseling Meetings (tele-OSS).

PSADED: Master’s dissertation in risk management in international politics

Code: PSAPED
ECTS: 30
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 3^rd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. a) “Risk management in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The Master’s dissertation is the main and substantial evidence of the student’s ability in their chosen specialization. For this reason, a comprehensive dissertation should include all the elements that compose and constitute the said ability.

There are two fundamental criteria that must be met in every case:

• Substantive Criterion: Is the student’s ability in their chosen specialization adequately demonstrated in the dissertation work?
• Academic Criterion: Does the dissertation sufficiently meet the academic criteria that constitute a comprehensive scientific work?

The Master’s dissertation includes two distinct educational components:

• Mandatory distance learning Seminar – common for all those who are working on their Master’s dissertation simultaneously with its completion.
• Supervised Completion

The seminar includes the following teaching units:

• Research Planning – Research Design
  • Workspace organization
  • Initial search for scientific literature and articles
  • Bibliography management through software
  • Research question and thesis objectives
  • Structure
  • Effective time scheduling
• Focusing on the Substantive Criterion of the Master’s dissertation:
  • Literature depth
  • Empirical approach
  • Methodology selection
  • Findings vs Conclusions
• Focusing on the Academic Criterion of the Master’s dissertation – Writing and Composition of the Work
  • Structure
  • Composition: Economy of words
  • Avoiding plagiarism
• Effective use of a word processor
  • File structure
  • Structured composition – use of styles
  • Numbering
  • Lists
  • Illustrations
  • Tables and indexes
  • Quality checks

Supervised Completion:

In the Master’s dissertation in risk management in international politics (Research methods and dissertation skills) the student must focus on a contemporary or historical issue in International Politics and analyze it using one or more analytical methods from the arsenal of Risk Management.

For the substantive criterion, the student must adequately utilize analytical techniques from risk management.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

The student gains an in-depth understanding of risk management in international politics. This includes learning how to conduct an initial search for scientific literature and articles, managing bibliographies, and distinguishing between findings and conclusions. This knowledge is essential for the substantive criterion of demonstrating the student’s ability in their chosen specialization.

Skills:

The student develops advanced skills in research planning and design, including workspace organization, research question formulation, thesis objective setting, and effective time scheduling. Skills in structuring and composing the dissertation, including economy of words and avoiding plagiarism, are also developed. These skills are vital for meeting the academic criterion of a comprehensive scientific work.

Competences:

The student becomes competent in applying various analytical methods from risk management to a contemporary or historical issue in International Politics. This includes the ability to identify risks, use a risk matrix, and possibly other methods like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Event Tree Analysis (ETA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), Decision Trees, Attack Trees, or CORAS type analysis. This competence reflects the student’s ability to practically apply their knowledge and skills to real-world issues, meeting both the substantive and academic criteria of the Master’s dissertation.

General Regulations for the Preparation of Postgraduate Dissertations in a Master’s Degree Programme with semester-long Thematic Unit

For more information regarding the Specifications – Useful Material for writing Master’s Theses and uploading a Thesis at the H.O.U. Repository, you can go to the Digital Training Area http://courses.eap.gr and especially to the Program of Studies section.

PSADEA: Master’s dissertation in data analysis in international politics

Code: PSADEA
ECTS: 30
Type: Compulsory
Semester offered: 3^rd
Teaching Language: Greek
Module Outline

Specialization:

1. b) “Data analysis in International Politics”

Purpose – Description:

The M.D.E. is the main and essential evidence of the student’s competence in the chosen specialisation.

For this reason, a comprehensive thesis should include all the elements that make up and substantiate this competence.

There are two main criteria that must be met in each case:

• Substantive criterion: Is the student’s competence in his/her chosen specialisation adequately documented in the thesis paper?
• Academic criterion: Does the thesis proposal adequately meet the academic criteria for a comprehensive scientific work?

The M.Sc. includes two distinct educational subjects:

• A compulsory seminar – common for all those who are working on an M.Sc. in parallel with the
• The supervised dissertation

The compulsory seminar includes the following modules:

• Research design – research design
• Workplace organisation – work plan – research design – research plan – study design – project plan – plan of research project
• Initial search of scientific literature – article search
• Bibliography management via software
• Research question and target task
• Structure
• Effective scheduling
• Focusing on the essential criterion of the MDE:
• Deepening the literature
• The empirical approach
• Choice of methodology
• Findings vs Conclusions
• Focusing on the Academic Criterion of the MA – Paper Writing – Composition
• Structure
• Drafting: Economics of Discourse
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Effective use of a word processor
• File Structure
• Structured composition – use of style.
• Numbering
• Lists
• Illustrations
• Tables and indexes
• Quality controls

Supervised development:

In the MA in “Data Analysis in International Politics (through research)” the student should focus on a contemporary or historical issue in International Politics and analyze it using one or more analytical methods from the quiver of Risk Management.

For the substantive criterion the student should make sufficient use of analytical techniques from Data Analysis.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of the necessity of applying specific analytical techniques to qualitative and quantitative data on issues of international interest.
• Develop knowledge in data analysis and interpretation, producing qualitative and quantitative interpretations of international issues.

Skills:

• Searching and matching data from public sources, and with retrieving and processing these data to support research.
• Developing skills in academic writing, structuring and drafting of the paper, and oral presentation.

Competencies:

• Strengthen the ability to design and conduct comprehensive empirical studies on international issues.
• Strengthen the ability to critically evaluate work on the basis of criteria of relevance and academicity.
• Strengthen competencies in effective time management and planning for the completion of projects.
• Develop competence in the effective communication of ideas and findings, both written and oral.

 General Regulations for the Preparation of Postgraduate Dissertations in a Master’s Degree Programme with semester-long Thematic Unit

For more information regarding the Specifications – Useful Material for writing Master’s Theses and uploading a Thesis at the H.O.U. Repository, you can go to the Digital Training Area http://courses.eap.gr and especially to the Program of Studies section.