Student guide Facoltà di Economia A.A. 2008/09

The course will be based on the lecture and class discussion and, in view of the diversity of the class; it will be a participative seminar in design. Given the opportunity of examining the global economic issues existent on both a macro-micro level, this course uses economic research, which systematically present data evident in the market system.

 

Analysis, research, and presentation of materials, with the aid of theoretical frameworks and tools presented in the lectures and readings, will occupy a substantial amount of time spent in the course.

 

It is expected that each student will have devoted substantial research time outside the class meetings, be prepared to discuss case study findings, and answer related questions in class. Enrollment in this course is a commitment to do a careful, critical reading of suggested reading materials prior to each class.

Discussions and individual contributions are encouraged, expected, and shall count toward the student’s final performance evaluation.

The research project can be described in three basic steps; developing the project, conducting the research, analyzing and presenting the results.

 

Upon completion of the research project, students will have:

 

1.                  Exhibited the ability to recognize and frame (and refine) an interesting and useful research question of contemporary value to industry or government policy and decision makers in finance, marketing and business administration.

2.                  Develop the literary and theoretical framework which provides the context for answering the research question(s), and conduct original research for addressing the research question;

3.                  Analyze the data;

4.                  Communicate the results of the research in an articulate and well constructed (and well cited) research paper;

5.                  Thereby developing and exhibiting a detailed knowledge of a particular (well-defined) issue on some topic related to finance, marketing and business administration, and the ability to do quality academic research.

 

Performance Evaluation:

 

Upon successful completion of the course, the student’s grade will be based on the following performance results:

 

            Class Participation                                                      20%

            Case Study Presentations                                            30%

            Term Project- Written Paper                                       25%

            Final Exam                                                                  25%

 

Notes on Class Participation:

 

Each course participant shall be expected to participate in class discussions. The student will be expected to contribute significantly to “in-class analysis and discussion” of the case studies and reference materials.

 

Ways to effectively contribute include:

            ·   Responding to questions.

            ·   Making observations that link and integrate concepts or discussion.

            ·   Asking perceptive questions or one that lead to revealing discussions.

            ·   Presenting alternative positions, ways of looking at problems (e.g., Devil’s 

     advocate).

·   Providing extensions, e.g. novel application of an economic tool or technique

·   Providing insights, e.g. motivation for the use of a tool or technique

·   Providing illustrations, e.g. examples of “real world” applications.

·   Providing feedback on the readings.

·   Bringing current relevant reading materials to class, e.g. The Economist, The

    articles.

            ·   Recapitulating and summarizing.

 

As regards the quality of the student’s individual participation, criteria include:

 

            ·   Are the points made relevant to the discussion?

            ·   Do the points go beyond a mere recitation of case facts, and are implications

     clearly drawn?

·   Is there evidence of analysis rather than expressions of opinion?

·   Are the comments linked to those of others?

·   Did the contribution further the class understanding of the economic issues?

·   Is the course participant a good listener?

 

The following is a general outline of our class schedule and milestone due dates for the semester. Although not required, you are encouraged to come by the office at any time during the semester to brief me on your progress or to get feedback.

Learning Outcomes:

 

The course participant should gain an understanding of “Doing Business Around The World,” through a comprehensive study and assessment of conceptual and practical approaches, evident from economic issues prevalent in a global business environment.

 

The lectures aim to provide a comprehensive economic overview of “Doing Business Around The World,” underpinned by a discussion of the political and economic framework and an analysis of specific, industrial sectors. Also, ppt. case studies will be an integral part of the course methodology.

 

Unlike other research efforts in your graduate classes, this course 1) involves primary data collection, 2) is conducted under close guidance from your instructor throughout the semester- focusing on meeting various milestones, and 3) is accompanied by one-on-one meetings with the instructor. A significant “take-away” from this course will be the analytical benefits from guided independent research. Overall, this intensive work in one area should complement the more general knowledge acquired in other graduate courses.

 

In order to fulfill the entire course requirements, students must meet specified milestones for project assignments, designed to lead to a well-researched and original paper on a selected topic, approved by the instructor, approximately 30-40 pages in length, which answers a relative research question.

 

The instructional methodology of the course modules through didactic class discussions will strike a balance between economic theory and practice, within the context of both developed and emerging countries experience. Particular attention is given to evolving economic ideas amplified in a country overview; political overview; economic overview; corporate/enterprise sector; environmental trends; and forecast scenarios.

 

 

Module I.                   Country Overview

A.     Economic Highlights

B.     Current Data

C.     Comment and Analysis

 

 

Module II.                 Political Overview

A.      People, History, Government

B.       Political Conditions and Government Organization

C.      Foreign Relations and Defense Resources

 

Module III.                Economic Overview

 

A.      Economic Conditions

B.       Macroeconomic Activity

C.      Key Sectors

 

 

Module IV.                Corporate/Enterprise Sector

 

A.      Investment Overview

B.       Taxation

C.      International Supply Chain

1. The lectures address the increasing complexity in today’s global markets and provide a blueprint, on how management and organizations should conquer these demands.

 

 

Module V.                  Global Environmental Trends

 

A.      Environmental Issues

B.       Globalization Effects

C.      Pollution Trends

 

 

Module VI.                Global Forecast Scenarios

 

A.      Most Likely Five-Year Global Scenario

B.       Second Most Likely Five-Year Global Scenario

C.      Third Most Likely Five-Year Global Scenario

 

Required:         1. Collins, Good to Great and Good to Great Diagnostic Tool

                               2. Kaplan & Norton, The BSC Framework

 

As specified above for each instructional module and selective readings TBA by the professor.