BUS 390B: Business in a Developing Economy Nicaragua

BUS 390B

4 Credits

4 Weeks in Nicaragua

Professors Sandy Reiter and Stephan Fafatas

Nicaragua is the second poorest nation in the Western hemisphere behind Haiti. The primary purpose of this course is to understand why and how this continues to be so. We will investigate the economic and business development issues and the role business has in hindering and/or promoting development. Areas of investigation may include trade agreements, sustainable development, foreign direct investment, maquiladoras, privatization of utilities, indigenous property rights, micro-financing, fair trade, participation of women in the economy, and local cooperatives

In addition, Nicaragua provides a unique setting to study the process of gathering and analyzing information on transactions. Specifically, we will investigate how local managers and entrepreneurs use this information to measure business growth. Among other activities, the course includes factory visits, meetings with business and economic officials, and a tour of a local coffee farm.

Program Fee (paid to W&L): $2,785. This includes international airfare from Miami, room and board, all transportation within Nicaragua, activity costs, and mandatory supplemental health insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs: Airfare to Miami ($300), some meals not covered in program fee ($75); miscellaneous spending money ($125).

Mandatory Pre-departure Orientation: Monday, March 19, 2012 at 7 p.m. in Northen Auditorium (Leyburn Library).
For further information, please contact Prof. Reiter or Prof. Fafatas.