In an increasingly volatile business environment, how can future business leaders remain rational, recognize cognitive biases, and make sound strategic decisions?
This is exactly the challenge explored in Critical Thinking—one of the signature courses of the FTU Advanced Program in International Business Administration. What makes the course truly distinctive is not only its content, but also the internationally renowned professor who teaches it: Professor Ryan Nichols.
MEET A WORLD-CLASS SCHOLAR IN CRITICAL THINKING
Professor Ryan Nichols is an internationally recognized academic with an outstanding scholarly profile:
- Distinguished academic background: He earned his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University (USA), received a Diploma from Durham University (UK), and previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of British Columbia (Canada) and a Research Fellow at the University of Notre Dame (USA).
- Global academic experience: He is currently a Full Professor at California State University, Fullerton (USA) and served as Chair of the Department of Philosophy from 2023 to 2025. Throughout his career, he has lived, studied, and worked in more than seven countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, China, and Denmark.
- Outstanding research achievements: Professor Nichols has published more than 55 international journal articles and authored five books with leading academic publishers such as Oxford University Press and Routledge.
- Prestigious awards: He received the Outstanding Scholarship & Creativity Award from California State University, Fullerton (2023–2024) and was awarded a Research Fellowship in Germany (2025–2026).
Since joining Foreign Trade University in 2013, Professor Ryan Nichols has inspired and transformed the perspectives of generations of students in the Advanced Program.
CRITICAL THINKING – MORE THAN A COURSE, A COMPASS FOR BUSINESS DECISION-MAKING
The Critical Thinking course equips students with a highly practical framework for analytical reasoning, covering:
- The evolution of human thinking.
- Critical thinking skills.
- Common cognitive biases and reasoning errors.
- Applications in economics and business.
By the end of the course, students are able to identify flawed arguments, think independently, and make more informed and effective business decisions.
WHAT DO ALUMNI SAY ABOUT THIS TRANSFORMATIVE COURSE?
According to a survey of 124 alumni from the FTU Advanced Program in International Business Administration, Critical Thinking is consistently recognized as one of the most valuable and influential competencies they developed during their studies.
“The most memorable courses for me were American Law, Business Law, Marketing, Business Ethics, and most importantly, Critical Thinking.” — Vu Anh Tuan
“If I had to choose one skill that has had the greatest impact on my career, it would be Critical Thinking. In today’s dynamic business environment, it helps me balance risks and opportunities to make the best possible decisions.” — Nguyen Dinh Phuc Muoi
“Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, argumentation, and teamwork are skills I apply every single day at work.” — Bui Thien Huong
The FTU Advanced Program in International Business Administration is where future business leaders are nurtured and inspired by internationally accomplished faculty members.
If you are looking for a globally oriented university program that goes beyond teaching knowledge to cultivate the mindset and decision-making skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing business world, the FTU Advanced Program in International Business Administration is the right place for you.