This course provides a framework for evaluating the business environment of the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This region is rich with a diverse set of ethnic cultures, economic development, and political experiments before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The transition of the CEE economies will also be placed into the larger context of the efforts to create a more integrated European Union. The identification, measurement and mitigation of foreign exchange risk and other country risks will also be addressed. Topics: 1. Economic Development 2. Institutions 3. Transitioning from Socialist Economy to Capitalist Economy 4. Country Risk Analysis including Foreign Exchange Risk 5. E.U. Integration

Course leader
Lou Gattis, Clinical Professor of Finance at Penn State Smeal College of Business

Target group
Students will be prepared for this course with an introductory background in economics (first courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics) and a basic understanding of the modern history of Eastern and Central Europe. No advanced or specific methodologies are required.

Course aim
1. Describe the cultural, political, and economic factors that affect a nation's business environment and select key indicators of country risk and opportunities from the perspective of a U.S. based multinational firm. 2. Explain why some nations are poor and others are rich and how institutions affect economic growth. 3. Describe the causes, policies, and stages of Central and Eastern Europe's transition from socialist economy to capitalist economy. 4. Design strategies to mitigate foreign exchange risk and other country risks. Compute foreign exchange cash flow conversions. 5. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of European integration and participation in the Eurozone.

Fee info
EUR 900: Course fee only.

Scholarships
Not available.

Maastricht University + Maastricht School of Management
Address: Student Service Centre, Bonnefantenstraat 2 P.O. Box 616
Postal code: 6211 KL Maastricht
City: Maastricht
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/summerschool
E-mail: summerschool@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Phone: +31433885295