EIB E201: Introduction to Economic Theory
This course provides the foundation of modern economics with an emphasis on its applications. Topics include demand and supply analysis, consumer theory, theory of the firm, welfare economics, monopoly and antitrust, public goods, externalities and their regulation, unemployment, inflation and economic growth, national income determination, monetary and fiscal policy. This is an introductory course for non-specialists. Fall semester—Carsten Kowalczyk; spring semester—Lawrence Krohn
EIB E210m: Quantitative Methods Module
This module presents the mathematical methods that are used widely in economics, including logarithms, exponential functions, differentiation, optimization, constrained optimization, and an introduction to dynamic analysis. The mathematical material is presented in the context of economic applications and examples that illustrate the bridge between mathematics and economics. One-half credit. Fall semester. Deborah Menegotto
EIB E211m: Microeconomics
This half-semester course develops and applies the analytical tools that economists use to address questions about price determination, individuals’ and firms’ choices, effects of government policies on market outcomes and efficiency. The course’s focus will be on: basic theory of consumer behavior; production and costs; partial equilibrium analysis of competitive markets; general equilibrium; welfare. Open to students who have completed E210m. One-half credit. Fall semester. Deborah Menegotto
EIB E213: Econometrics
This course introduces students to the primary tools of quantitative data analysis employed in the study of economic and social relationships. It equips students for independent econometric research and for critical reading of empirical research papers. The course covers ordinary least squares, probit, fixed effects, two-stage least squares and weighted least squares regression methods, and the problems of omitted variables, measurement error, multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation. Pre-requisites include familiarity with (1) basic probability and statistics (B205 or B206), and (2) basic concepts of functions and derivative (E210m or an introductory calculus course). Fall semester – Jenny C. Aker; Spring semester – Julie Schaffner
EIB E215m: Empirical Topics in Globalization
This six-week modular course examines evidence on the extent of globalization and its consequences. We will look at whether the evidence supports the notion that the last few decades have, in fact, seen an unprecedented rise in the globalization; the effects of expanding trade on economic inequality, and the environment, and the effects of greater capital market liberalization on economic growth. Open to students who have completed E210m and either E201 or E200. E213 is recommended, but not required and may be taken concurrently. One-half credit. Not offered 2011-2012. Michael Klein
EIB E216m: Global Macroeconomics
Combines the standard macroeconomics curriculum with an introduction to the macro side of the international economics curriculum. The assumption dictating the choice of topics is that students, once employed, will have a daily need to understand global macroeconomic events, foresee the evolution of macro variables and apply this knowledge to professional (and perhaps personal) decision-making. Theoretical exposition is rendered more concrete through case studies drawn from around the globe. The “data watch” component of each unit ensures students’ familiarity with the actual global indicators encountered in the international business and economics media. One-half credit. Fall semester. Lawrence Krohn
EIB E220: International Trade and Investment
This course investigates why nations trade, what they trade, and the distribution of the gains from trade. Topics include trade and economic growth, technology, the product cycle, multinationals, international labor integration, tariffs, regional economic integration, dumping and international competitiveness of firms and nations. Special attention is given to analyzing the effects of various policy instruments. Open to students who have taken E211m. Spring semester. Carsten Kowalczyk
EIB E221: Advanced Seminar on International Trade and Investment
This course explores current issues in trade policy reform and institutions. Topics include subsidies, agriculture, market access and reciprocity, the WTO Doha Development Round, preferential integration, dispute settlement, World Bank and IMF trade policy measures, trade and income distribution, and trade and the environment. The course is open to students who have taken E220 or have permission of instructor. Fall semester. Carsten Kowalczyk
EIB E230: International Finance
This course examines the determination of income, the exchange rate, and the trade balance in economies that trade goods and services, as well as assets, with the rest of the world. Theory is developed and employed to study current events as well as historical experience. Issues studied include exchange rate determination, monetary and exchange rate policy, the causes and consequences of external imbalances, international policy coordination, financial crises, and the global capital market. Open to students who have completed E201 or equivalent. 210m is suggested, and may be taken concurrently, but is not required. Fall Semester. Lawrence Krohn
EIB E232m: Economic Growth
Economic growth has been, and continues to be, one of the central concerns of economics. Long-run economic growth is one of the best ways to bring people out of poverty. Some formerly poor countries, like South Korea, have had impressive growth performance and, consequently, a significant increase in its citizen's living standards. Other countries, notably many in sub-Saharan Africa, have had much less success in advancing the material welfare of their citizens. This module presents theory and evidence on economic growth and long-run economic performance. One-half credit. Not offered 2011-2012. Michael Klein
EIB E233m: Finance, Growth and Business Cycles
In this module we consider the potential role played by financial markets and the role of financial intermediation. We also study the actual structure and performance of banks, stock markets, and bond markets across a range of countries, and the extent of worldwide financial integration. The ultimate goal is to give students the theoretical tools, the empirical background, and the familiarity with experience needed to understand the causes and implications of the rapidly changing structure of international capital markets. This module should appeal to students with interests in economic policy, financial and portfolio management, and international business. One-half credit. Not offered 2011-2012. Michael Klein
EIB E240: Development Economics: Macroeconomic Perspectives
This course provides an introduction to several central topics in development economics: poverty, equity, long-run economic growth, and short-run management of economic crises. Underlying themes address several broad questions: How best to include the poor in the benefits of economic growth? What are the characteristics, circumstances, and policy choices of successfully growing economies? What is the appropriate role of government in guiding economic development? By combining economic models and case studies, we draw lessons regarding what approaches have worked to alleviate poverty. Open to students who have completed E201 or equivalent. Fall semester. Spring semester. Steven Block
EIB E241: Development Economics: Policy Analysis
This course equips students for rigorous analysis of development policies and programs. During the first half of the semester we adapt basic tools of micro-economic analysis for study of developing country households, farms, firms, markets and institutions, and construct a coherent and broad framework for analyzing development processes, problems and policies. We then set out a systematic approach to policy analysis and apply it in discussions of targeted transfer programs, agricultural pricing policies, and policies related to infrastructure, education, agricultural technology, microfinance and health. Open to students who have taken or gained equivalency for E201. Fall semester. Julie Schaffner
EIB E242: Development Economics: Micro Perspectives
This course teaches students how to use microeconomic theory and econometric skills to analyze issues in low-income countries, to develop policy interventions to address those issues and to measure the impact of such interventions in a rigorous empirical manner. It then addresses the issues that constrain and support development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa: labor markets, including health and education; rural factor markets, including land and access to credit; access to information and agricultural markets; social networks and risk-sharing schemes; and institutions. Open to students who have completed E211m or an intermediate microeconomic theory course. E213 is strongly recommended. Not offered 2011-2012. Jenny C. Aker
EIB E243: Agriculture and Rural Development in Developing Countries
This course examines a range of issues relating to agriculture and rural development policy in developing countries. Central topics will include: famine and entitlement theory, the role of agriculture in economic growth and poverty alleviation, food price policy analysis (building on producer and consumer theory and marketing policy), the political economy of agricultural policy, biotechnology, the effects of globalization, and the role of the state. Open to students who have completed E201 or its equivalent. Fall semester. Steven Block
EIB E244m: Political Economy of Reform, Growth, and Equity
This course explores the insights and critiques of rational political economy in explaining the determinants of reform, growth, and equity in developing countries. This approach applies tools of economic analysis to understanding political processes. In particular, the course will apply theories of “public choice” and collective action in explaining development policy outcomes in relevant areas including: the relationship between political and economic liberalization, the rational delay of economic reform, the effects of history and institutions, income distribution and growth, democratization and growth, and the political economy of state failure. Students are encouraged to have completed E240. One-half credit. Spring semester. Steven Block
EIB E246: Environmental Economics
This course seeks to introduce fundamental theory in modern environmental economics and its applications. The first part provides a conceptual framework to analyze externalities; public goods and free riding; valuation of environmental goods; and cost-benefit analysis. The second part covers empirical evidence, with an emphasis on methods and research designs. Topics include air pollution; costs and benefits of environmental regulations; global climate change; water pollution; trade, growth, and environment; and toxic substances such as hazardous waste, radiation, and toxic release. Special emphasis will be paid on the linkage between poverty and environment in developing countries. Open to students who have completed E201 or equivalent. Fall semester. Shinsuke Tanaka
EIB E247: Economic Development and Impact Evaluation
The course will cover econometric impact evaluation theory (causal inference, experimental design and basic statistics) as well as methods for measuring the impact of development programs using a variety of econometric techniques, including randomization, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching. The curriculum will combine theory and practice, with problem sets and case studies drawn from the international development literature. The primary objectives of the course are to provide participants with the skills to: 1) understand the value and practice of impact evaluation within development economics; 2) design and implement impact evaluations; and 3) act as critical consumers of impact evaluations. Fall semester. Jenny C. Aker
EIB E248/Empirical Topics in Human Capital
This course will focus on the economic aspects of improvements in human capital. We will investigate the evidence on the relationship between education and the earnings of an individual. We will also look at macroeconomic questions of human capital and ask the question if differences in human capital can explain cross-country differences in standards of living or how, if at all it affects economic growth. Whenever appropriate, the underlying theories about human capital will be presented to build a foundation for the understanding of the material. Open to students who have E201 or equivalent as well as background coursework in statistics (e.g. B205, B206 or E213 which may be taken concurrently). Not offered 2011-2012. Instructor to be announced.
EIB E250: Economic Problems of Latin America
Focuses on the reasons for Latin America’s failure to realize its economic potential in terms of economic growth and stability over the past two decades. Emphasis placed on macroeconomic policies and their responsibility for the region’s crises. Perspective is decidedly economic, but sight is never lost of ways in which political institutions shape economic policy and national well-being. Each problem is illustrated with cases drawn from recent history. Unifying theme is that of inefficiency, i.e., how poorly conceived institutions and policies lead to deadweight economic losses. Prior mastery of basic macroeconomics essential; microeconomics and familiarity with the region helpful, but not required. Spring semester. Lawrence Krohn
EIB E254: The Political Economy of China
This course provides a political economy perspective on China’s economic rise and integration with the world economy, with particular emphasis on the reform period beginning in 1980. Topics covered in the course include the reform process, the role of institutions, corporate governance reform, trade and foreign direct investment, science and technology, regional and income disparities, the environment, and the changing role of China’s political institutions in the country’s emerging capitalist system. Where appropriate the course uses basic tools of economic analysis to analyze the conditions that are shaping China’s economic performance, including the principal sources of sustainable, long-run growth. Students are expected to actively participate in class. Not offered 2011-2012. Instructor to be announced.
EIB E270: History of Financial Turbulence and Crises
This course uses the analytical tools of economic history, the history of economic policy-making and the history of economic thought, to study episodes of financial turbulence and crisis spanning the last three centuries. It explores the principal causes of a variety of different manias, panics and crises, as well as their consequences, and focuses on the reactions of economic actors, theorists and policy-makers in each case. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical framework used by contemporary economists to conceptualize each crisis, as well as the changes in theoretical perspective and/or policy framework that may have been precipitated by the experience of the crises themselves. Fall semester. Michalis Psalidopoulos
EIB B200: Foundations in Financial Accounting and Corporate Finance
An introductory course to corporate finance from the perspective of the chief financial officer (CFO). The first part of the course deals with financial planning & budgeting, financial analysis and short-term financial management. The second part of the course develops a valuation framework for making investment decisions (capital budgeting) for new equipment, the launch of new products, mergers & acquisitions and LBOs... and the funding/financing decisions to be coordinated with those investment decisions. Special attention is given the cost of capital and valuing stocks, bonds, convertible and preferred.
EIB B205: Data Analysis and Statistical Methods
This course provides an overview of classical statistical analysis and inference. The language and methods of statistics are used throughout the Fletcher curriculum, both in the classroom and in assigned readings. In addition, the language and methods of statistical analysis have permeated much of academic and professional writing as well as media reporting. The goal is to present a broad introduction to statistical thinking, concepts, methods, and vocabulary. Fall semester. Spring semester. Robert Nakosteen
EIB B206: Data Analysis and Statistical Methods for Business
This course provides an overview of classical statistical analysis and inference. The goal is to provide you with an introduction to statistical thinking, concepts, methods, and vocabulary. This will give you some tools for dealing with statistical methods you may encounter in your course work or research while at the Fletcher School, especially “regression analysis,” which is covered at the end of the course. In addition this section of the course has a particular emphasis on business applications. Students who plan to or have taken B205 are not permitted to take this course. Spring semester. Robert Nakosteen
EIB B207: Financial Statement Management
Accounting is an economic information system, and can be thought of as the language of business. Accounting information provides individuals with a starting point to understand and evaluate the key drivers of the firm, its financial position and performance. This can then be used to enhance decisions as well as help predict a firm’s future cash flows. The present (or current) value of those cash flows provides an estimate for the value of the firm. This course will cover the basic vocabulary, concepts, procedures and mechanics of financial and managerial accounting and the role of accounting information in society. Fall semester. Lawrence Weiss
EIB B208: Financial Statement Analysis
This course will provide participants with an understanding of the techniques used to alter and evaluate the key competitive value drivers of a firm and assess the nature and likelihood of future cash flows. We begin by reviewing the basics and remembering the limits of accounting information. Next we deepen our examination of ratio analysis and extend our analysis to build pro-forma (as if, or future) financial statements. Then, we look at certain accounting choices and their impact on financial statements and analysis. Finally, we will study the nature of bankruptcy and how creditors assess this possible end game. Spring semester. Lawrence Weiss
EIB B209m: Managerial Accounting
Management accounting goes beyond the traditional accounting model to integrate dispersed information into a form that is relevant to many of the decision-making, planning, and control activities of the organization. This course has two major objectives: (1) to develop an understanding of the traditional methods of collating and preparing this information; and (2) to develop an understanding of its usefulness in facilitating the decision-making process within organizations. We will cover the basic vocabulary, concepts, procedures and mechanics of managerial accounting, the design of management accounting systems for different operations, and the role of management accounting information in firm operations. One-half credit. Fall semester. Lawrence Weiss.
EIB B210: Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting
This course is designed to demystify accounting and its processes for those with no prior experience in accounting or finance. Accounting information provides individuals with a starting point to understand and evaluate the key drivers of an organization, its financial position and performance. We will examine the nature of accounting information and how it is used for external reporting, managerial decision making, and to control and align the actions of the members of an organization. By the end of the course participants will have the ability to interpret accounting information effectively in the government and not for profit sector. Spring semester. Lawrence Weiss
EIB B211: Introduction to Venturing
The mission adopted for the Introduction to Venturing (ITV) course is to prepare students to start and nurture their own businesses. The ITV course seeks to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will support and enhance entrepreneurial activity. The course will review studies conducted on entrepreneurial ventures. This is followed by looking at the process of opportunistic adaption. Finally the course focuses on models of evaluating and developing opportunity; securing resources; growing and sustaining the enterprise; and developing skills and attitudes to sustain the enterprise. Not offered 2011-2012. Amar Bhidé
EIB B212: Starting New Ventures
The course seeks to prepare students to start businesses in which they have a significant equity interest. It focuses on the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes in two areas: how to analyze opportunities quickly and cheaply; and how to secure resources (money, customers and people) in the early stages of an enterprise. The primarily cased based course also has several guest experts and (in lieu of in-class lectures) extensive pre-class readings. Fall Semester. Amar Bhidé
EIB B220: Global Financial Services
The focus is on the determinants of competitive performance of financial institutions including commercial banks, insurance companies, hedge funds, investment banks and private equity firms. Review of bank management principles emphasizes asset liabilities management, interest rate risk management and Value at Risk (V@R). Discussion of international commercial banking will focus on international trade financing, syndicate lending, project finance and international securitization. Open to students who have complete B200 or B221 or equivalent. Spring semester. Laurent Jacque
EIB B221: International Financial Management
This course develops a conceptual framework within which the key financial decisions faced by multinational corporations can be analyzed. The traditional themes of corporate finance, including working capital management, capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and funding strategies, are revisited in the context of volatile exchange rates, different regulatory environments and segmented capital markets. Focus on foreign exchange risk management including the appropriate use of new hedging instruments such as currency options, swaps, and derivatives. Case studies emphasize how international financial management should be integrated with corporate strategy and operating decisions. Open to students who have completed B200 or equivalent. Spring semester. Laurent Jacque
EIB B225: Corporate Finance and Banking: A Comparative Asian Perspective
This course explores major themes in corporate finance and banking in Asia drawing on the diverse experiences of regional actors. Systemic issues dominate the first third of the course, specifically the legacy of bank-centric finance, trends in financial deregulation and internationalization, and crisis. The balance of the course will examine decisions at the firm-level on issues such as corporate ownership, performance, and governance, and capital structure management, across both public and private debt and equity and balance sheet management through the use of derivatives and asset-backed securities. Spring semester. Patrick Schena
EIB B226m: Large Investment and International Project Finance
A case study approach to employing the latest techniques for structuring transactions, including risk mitigation by financial intermediaries. Course stresses decision making and prioritization of tasks, policy formulation, the selection of world-class partners and on-the-ground operational skills necessary to ensure timely completion of construction, budget adherence and efficient start-up. Large investment projects across a variety of geographic regions, industrial sectors, and stages of project execution are examined, including data on default and loss characteristics. Contrasts differences in risk between domestic and export sector projects, including foreign exchange issues and the role of host governments. One-half credit. Fall semester. Phil Uhlmann
EIB B227: Islamic Banking and Finance
The course is a comprehensive introduction to Islamic banking and finance. In addition to providing religious background, the course discusses the political and economic context of the creation and evolution of Islamic institutions. The course also focuses on the underlying principles of Islamic finance and explains how Islamic products (murabaha, mudaraba, musharaka, ijara, sukuk, takaful, Islamic mutual funds and derivatives, etc.) work. The final part of the course will discuss Islamic finance in the context of the “war on terror” and the recent global financial meltdown. Spring semester. Ibrahim Warde
EIB B228m: Risk Management for Financial Institutions
Risk management has become a field of major importance in finance. The major financial risks are: liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. The innovation came originally from the capital markets where risks are traded using “derivatives”. A second impulse was triggered in the banking industry, when the management of financial risks of banking institutions became a major issue because of the strong pressure of regulatory bodies. Today, risk management in the financial industry has become the center of attention by all. It is a core central function for globally reaching financial organizations, banks, funds, insurance companies, because of the stringent rules imposed worldwide. One-half credit. Fall semester. Joel Bessis
EIB B229m: Global Investment Management
The objective of this course is to develop the analytical framework & practical skill sets required for managing global portfolios and risk analysis. Topics covered include asset allocation; security selection; portfolio risk management using derivatives; trade execution; portfolio monitoring & rebalancing; and performance evaluation & attribution. The course examines the investment decisions faced by institutional investors as well as private wealth management. The course takes a global approach with asset class, country/currency selections/allocations decisions spanning instruments traded in global financial markets. Pre- requisites: B200 and B221 or a strong finance background. Fall semester. Patrick Schena
EIB B230: Strategy and Policy for Competitive Advantage
This course introduces fundamental issues in the strategic management of firms. The aim of the course is to provide students with some basic theoretical perspectives and practical tools for understanding firm performance over time. This course considers both business and corporate strategy, and particular emphasis is given to industry analysis, competitive rivalry, organizational structure, company growth, and different types of diversification. The course is open to all students. E201and B200 or their equivalent are strongly recommended (and maybe taken concurrently). Not offered 2011-2012. Jonathan Brookfield
EIB B231: International Business Strategy and Operations
This course surveys issues related to the internationalization of firms and the strategic management of multinational enterprises. The aim of the course is to expose students to a variety of theoretical perspectives and managerial practices related to international business. In particular, this course considers the internationalization process, organizational design, modes of foreign investment, and global strategy. It also explores questions related to globalization and the cross-border flow of people, goods, ideas, and money, and reflects on issues related to political risk, country analysis, comparative economic organization, and emerging markets. Not offered 2011-2012. Jonathan Brookfield
EIB B232m: Technology Strategy and Innovation in Global Markets: Managing Innovation for Securing Global Competitive Advantage
The course will enable students to develop deep understanding of the emerging challenges from the demand/consumption sides for less developed, emerging and developed economies. The module will examine (i) how the emerging technologies (e.g. new materials, bio, opto and info technologies) together could offer more sustainable solutions for future advancement of the global economy and (ii) the role of leaders in business and government as innovators and entrepreneurs have to play, as global issues on energy, ecology, water, health, and materials become more complex and intertwined. One-half credit. Fall semester. Partha Ghosh
EIB B233/Best (or more plausibly, widely used) Practices
When sensible people are faced with tasks that are new to them, they don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Rather they try to draw on approaches others have developed in similar circumstances. The “best practices” course addresses the general issue of how to use and acquire existing knowledge mainly through the inductive process of studying readings on specific “how-to” topics. These range from individual challenges – how to run a meeting, give presentations or look for a job – to broader, organizational tasks – how to outsource, start a school and (drawing on Gene Sharp’s handbook) how to overthrow a dictatorship. Spring semester. Amar Bhidé
EIB B234: Strategic Management in Privatizing and Deregulating Industries
This course surveys the literature related to privatization, considering both theoretical perspectives and practice. It also explores current issues shaping debates about effective enterprise privatization in a comparative and interdisciplinary manner. The course examines key concepts and policy issues related to privatization and deregulation, looks at different national experiences, and explores the impact of privatization from an industry perspective. Students should come away from the course with a deep appreciation of the challenges confronting executives and policymakers dealing with changes to the boundary between public and private sector activity across a variety of different settings. Not offered 2011-2012. Jonathan Brookfield
EIB B235: Managing the Global Corporation
Syllabus Fall 2011
The course will touch on the major elements of directing the global corporation from an overall management perspective. Hence, while the course will touch on financial, human resources, marketing, manufacturing, and other areas, the emphasis will be on the management decisions and issues, rather than on the detailed technical aspects of each area. The course will focus largely on international management issues. It will draw on examples of issues, particularly from the technology, financial services and consumer products industries. Selected guest experts will also participate in the lectures. Fall semester. G. Richard Thoman
EIB B236: Strategy, Innovation and Uncertainty in the Evolving Context of International Business
This course will prepare students with conceptual frameworks and practical approaches to addressing strategy and innovation questions such as: What constitutes, sustains or disrupts competitive advantage for multi-national enterprises? How does the international context create distinctively different sources of competitive advantage? If innovation involves new market spaces, then in what ways does the rise of emerging markets change the opportunities for innovation and its influence on the strategic choice for such enterprises? The course progresses in four phases. The first phase lays the foundations of strategy and then subsequent phases build on it by considering strategy in a global context, how innovation expands the strategic choice space and how emerging markets expand it even further. Spring semester. Bhaskar Chakravorti
EIB B237: Field Studies in Global Consulting
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to consulting as it is practiced worldwide and across sectors. Students will achieve this goal by undertaking a consulting engagement for a real-world client. The first part of the course will include an introduction to and practice in the essential skills that form the core of professional development for consultants at top level firms. Students will then put these skills to the test by completing a team consulting project for a sponsoring company. Open to students who have completed B225 or B230 and/or B200 or with permission of the instructor. Class size will be limited by the number of projects confirmed by external sponsors with a maximum of four projects, or twenty students, being accepted. Note: Students are limited to only one “field study” type of course during their career at the Fletcher School. This also includes courses taken outside of Fletcher that are considered field study courses. Spring Semester. Christopher Tunnard
EIB B238m: Strategic Management
Effective strategists can: size up the dynamics of the external environment of a firm, covering its economic, ,political and social contexts; take a holistic view across all functions and configure all of a firm’s internal choices to give it a competitive advantage; sustain this advantage over time and leverage it into adjacent business and geographic opportunities; use acquisitions and alliances when these are the more effective approaches to support a strategy; create the right organizational context to execute the chosen strategy efficiently; ensure the continuous renewal of the firm in anticipation of and adapting to its changing environment. The objectives of this short course are to master the field’s core concepts and to build the skills needed to be an effective strategist. One-half credit. August Pre-session.
Dominique Heau
EIB B239m: Corporate Governance in International Business and Finance
This module explores business, financial and legal issues affecting corporate governance and management of risk, both in industrialized and developing countries. Students will examine the nature of the corporation, management roles and board responsibility, the role of regulatory authorities, as well as corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and capital market development. The module will focus on policy implications, including wide-spread efforts to effect corporate governance reforms and set standards in the wake of corporate scandals and systemic risk. Also listed as ILO L239m. One-half credit. Spring semester. S. Donald Gonson
EIB B241: Microfinance and Inclusive Commerce
Microfinance once meant small loans delivered through groups to micro entrepreneurs. Today, microfinance has become robust. It includes loans, savings, insurance and the complex and emergent ways of delivering these services. This course explores the development environment that inspired early microfinance interventions and concludes with the breakthroughs in inclusive business approaches such as microfranchising. The course assumes no financial background but requires that students master financial skills during the semester as a prerequisite to understanding the issues discussed. Spring Semester. Kim Wilson
EIB B242: Colloquium: Microfinance And Inclusive Markets
This course examines commercial and development approaches to a range of economic and social issues - finance, fuel, and food among them. We will focus on markets and vulnerable populations surviving at the base of the economic pyramid, end will pay special attention to breakthroughs led by technology. Together, we will explore new thinking in financial behavior and financial fitness and how suppliers (service providers, investors, donors, NGOs) are interpreting, using or ignoring research findings in initiatives to distribute energy, water, household health, or to promote financial well-being. Cases will center on both stable and volatile environments. Spring semester. Kim Wilson
EIB B260: International Marketing
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of marketing in a global environment. It addresses the problems encountered by all organizations—small and large, for profit and non-profit—as they operate in an international environment. The full range of marketing activities is covered: marketing research, product policy, branding, pricing, distribution, advertising and promotion, customer service, planning, organization, and control. While internationally oriented in nature, the aim of the course is also to build a significant understanding of classic marketing management principles. Non-traditional aspects of international marketing (e.g., nation branding) will also be considered for a variety of constituencies. Fall semester. Bernard Simonin
EIB B261: Advanced Topics in Marketing
This course offers comprehensive coverage of both fundamental and emerging issues in the fields of marketing that continue to capture marketers’ time and attention. The first three modules of the course (market orientation; customer orientation; learning orientation) follow a classic marketing paradigm centered on best marketing practices and superior organization performance. Issues will be examined with respect to various contexts (e.g., for-profit vs. non-profit; organizational vs. individual behavior). The fourth module co-designed and moderated by students, will be centered on students’ specific interests. Not offered 2011-2012. Bernard Simonin
EIB B262: Marketing Research and Analysis
This course adopts a comprehensive hands-on approach to designing and conducting research. From classic opinion research to social media analytics, a wide range of contexts, problem areas, and methods are covered that are relevant across disciplines and fields of study. Students will be exposed to the various stages of the research process from recognizing the need for research and defining the problem to analyzing data and interpreting results. Proper design of research methods, fieldwork, questionnaires, and surveys (e.g., online surveys) is covered. Both qualitative (e.g., focus groups, projective techniques) and quantitative approaches (e.g., cluster, discriminant, and factor analysis) are presented. Various analytical techniques are introduced “hands on” via a series of computer exercises and cases (using SPSS and Excel). Fall semester. Bernard Simonin
EIB B263m: Marketing Management
The course addresses the managerial, organizational, ethical, societal, environmental, and global dimensions of marketing decision making. The course offers a structured approach to marketing problems via an integrated framework (“The Big Picture”) that captures how key marketing concepts interrelate to produce (or fail to produce) a cogent marketing plan. The main objectives of the course are to sharpen your skills in marketing decision-making, problem diagnosis, and management skills; to understand and apply some fundamental marketing concepts; to improve your familiarity and understanding with institutional marketing knowledge, terminology, and practice; and to provide you with a forum for formulating, presenting, and defending your own marketing ideas and recommendations. Note: Students having taken or planning to take B260 are not eligible to enroll in this course. One-half credit. Spring semester. Bernard Simonin
EIB B264: Strategic Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations
This course offers a comprehensive coverage of the fundamental issues in marketing and branding in nonprofits. The aim of this course is to arm students with the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to make, evaluate, and critique marketing and branding strategy decisions facing nonprofit organizations in an increasingly global arena. The course addresses how to craft a nonprofit marketing strategy; implement a coherent marketing plan and optimize the use of marketing resources, develop brand identity and positioning statements; leverage brand alliances and partnerships; and perform financial brand valuations. Spring semester. Bernard Simonin and Nathalie Laidler-Kylander
EIB B265: Entrepreneurial Marketing – Building a Winning Business Plan
This course guides students through the development of a new product/ service strategy and detailed business plan. It is an applied, project based course, designed to weave together field research, theory, case studies, class discussions, lectures and workshops into a comprehensive approach. Students actively engage in their own learning as they construct the building blocks of their business plan, working in teams throughout the semester. The objective of this course is to craft a comprehensive business plan which students present to a panel of investors at the end of the course. This course is relevant for business students and social entrepreneurs alike. Fall semester. Natalie Laidler-Kylander
EIB B270m: Business Groups in Asia
While Asian economies are increasingly important to the world, a full understanding of how such economies are organized is difficult to achieve without some consideration of business groups. This course looks at business groups in Japan, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), the Republic of China (Taiwan), Hong Kong, Singapore, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The goal of the course is to put Asian business groups in their historical, political, and economic context, and then examine current conditions in an effort to give some insight into future trends. One-half credit. Not offered 2011-2012. Jonathan Brookfield
EIB B272m: The Political Economy and Business Environments of Greater China
This course will expose students to similarities and differences in the business environments of Greater China. At the end of the course, students should have a better understanding of Chinese business and the context in which business occurs in Hong Kong, Singapore, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The class will be taught in English. For MIB students this course is one of the regional course options. One-half credit. Not offered 2011-2012. Jonathan Brookfield
EIB B280: The Global Food Business
The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the rapidly expanding global food business. The growing, processing, distribution, and marketing of food are major and necessary economic endeavors of the world’s people. Today, the international food industry is increasing at historically high rates of growth paralleled by increasing world trade in agricultural commodities, motivated by new multinational trade agreements. The course focus will be to introduce the student to the management, business strategy, marketing, research, and analytical skills required in the international food business. Spring semester. James Tillotson
EIB B281m: Fast Companies: How the World’s Best Industrial Companies—Both Multinational and Emerging Market-based—Manage, Operate and Compete Today
A management-oriented, case study-based course on how companies develop strategy and compete in global industrial businesses. The core topics are: the creation and exercise of competitive advantage in manufacturing businesses; management of supply chains; globalization of production operations and R & D activities; innovation of new products and processes; identifying and serving needs of different global customer groups; and building modern network-based businesses. Competition between established global multinationals and emerging market-based companies is highlighted, and macro competitive trends between developed and developing economies are examined and projected. One-half credit. Spring semester. Thomas Hout
EIB B284: Petroleum in the Global Economy
This course covers the structure of the international petroleum industry and its role in the international economy. The first half will address the technical, commercial, legal, economic and political basis of the industry and the business models for key segments, including exploration and production, refining, marketing and natural gas. Drawing on this knowledge base, the second half will consider key issues of the petroleum industry, including the resource base, pricing, environmental impacts, alternative energy sources and geopolitics. Open to students who have basic Excel skills and have completed either E201, B200 or equivalent. Fall semester. Bruce Everett
EIB B291m: International Leadership
The requirement for effective leadership is paramount in today’s environment of international challenge and opportunity. Regardless of one’s intended career, informed decision-making, cultural-acumen, talent-development, and effective project/process leadership are closely allied with success. This course seeks to deliver concrete, actionable tools to address the issues facing global leaders in today’s business, political, and NGO realms. Sessions will unfold within a guided workshop format. Lessons will be relevant, focusing on events and phenomena occurring in the world around us. Fenced by group engagement and active participation, we will encounter simulations, discussions, exercises, case work, and short topical briefings. Not offered 2011-2012.
EIB 300-399: Independent Study
Directed reading and research for credit, providing an opportunity for qualified students to pursue the study of particular problems within the discipline of Economics and International Business under the personal guidance of a member of faculty. The course may be assigned to a Field of Study according to the topic selected. By consent of the professor and petition.
EIB 400: Reading and Research
Noncredit directed reading and research in preparation for PhD comprehensive examination or dissertation research and writing on the subjects within this division. By consent of the professor.