General Information
Instructor(s)
Promotional Video
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Instructor Bios
Dr. Gordon Betcherman is a Professor of International Development at the School of International Development & Policy, University of Ottawa, a Senior Economist at the World Bank during 1998-2009 and currently serves as a consultant to the Bank on social protection and labour market programs. A CV is available upon request.
Professor Anil Verma, on the Rotman faculty since 1989, is a human resource specialist who has consulted with international agencies such as the OECD, the ILO and the World Bank on inclusive and sustainable growth through human development.
Description
The goal of this course is to give students a sound understanding of the processes of globalization and development, both economic and social, such that they can find opportunities in the fast-changing world for business in general but also for their own roles (careers) in it. Course learning is framed by two key paradigms. First, it places equal emphasis on economic growth and social progress as the guiding paradigm for inclusive development. Second, it integrates the theories and frameworks of both business and international development in understanding how economies and societies progress, and how they can do so in an inclusive way. Finally, the course examines these themes through the lens of environmental risks and the need for sustainable models of development.
Class Schedule
8 sessions: May 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22: Thursdays: 6:00-9:15pm;
Double class on May 28, Sunday, 9:00-16:00;
No Final Exam
Course Mission
- Understanding the patterns and outcomes of global growth: slow growth in high wage economies; high growth in some, but not all, parts of emerging economies; modest declines in inequality between nations but increases within most nations; technology developing at a rapid pace but not benefiting everyone equally.
- Identifying the key challenges to global growth today: climate change; xenophobic populism; growing inequality; the pandemic and its likely after-effects.
- Learning some of the key tools available today to take on these challenges: human development and especially skill development as a key tool in ensuring an inclusive future.
Evaluation and Grade Distribution
| Component | Due Date | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | Ongoing | 20% |
| Country Group Project | TBC | 35% |
| Industry/Firm Individual Project | TBC | 35% |
| Personal Career Plan | TBC | 10% |
Required Resources
Texts: No required text; here is a sample of background books and readings:
- Development as Freedom. Amartya Sen. 1999
- The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy. Dani Rodrik. 2011.
- C.K. Prahalad and A. Hammond, “Serving the world’s poor, profitably” Harvard Business Review, September 2002.
- Leal Filho, Azul, A. M., Brandli, L., Lange Salvia, A., & Wall, T. (2020). Decent Work and Economic Growth. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71058-7
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