15.218  Global Economic Challenges and Opportunities

Course Survey & Evaluation

Hi Class,

We would appreciate it if you took 2-minutes to fill out this course survey - http://goo.gl/forms/rq5WqrpwoC

The results from this survey will influence the class lectures, recitations, and assignments (as well as food options!) for next year, so we strongly encourage you to participate with both your positive and constructive feedback. For similar reasons, if you have not yet completed the standardized MIT Course Evaluation, please do so before the 9am deadline tomorrow.

Have a great summer!
Tom & Maria

Announced on 17 May 2015  11:26  p.m. by Thomas P Muscolo

Optional lunch today in E62-346

Hi everyone,

Our optional lunch will take take place in room E62-346. We plan to start at 11:45. I have picked 3 topics to focus on as part of our discussion of current events, but I am sure others will come up!

A question to reflect: Where are the most worrisome vulnerabilities you see in the global economy?

Announced on 14 May 2015  10:09  a.m. by Athanasios Orphanides

Readings for May 12

Hi everyone,

For our last regular class on Tuesday, as decided based on the preferences you indicated, we will discuss the global implications of oil price changes. As always, there are too many readings we could consult, but we try to keep he list small. So just two required readings, and an optional one that can lead those interested to a deeper exploration. Weblinks below and on the stellar site for the class.

For the required readings I selected first a short piece by the IMF on economic issues:

Seven Questions about the Recent Oil Slump, IMF direct (December 2014)
http://blog-imfdirect.imf.org/2014/12/22/seven-questions-about-the-recent-oil-price-slump/

The second piece is a take on geopolitics and strategy:

Saudi Arabia’s Plan to Extend the Age of Oil, Bloomberg Markets (May 2015)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-12/saudi-arabia-s-plan-to-extend-the-age-of-oil

As optional reading, I would suggest a chapter from the latest Economic Report of the President that can be the starting point on earlier analyses:
The Energy Revolution. Chapter 6 of Economic Report of the President, Council of Economic Advisers (2015).
https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2015_erp_chapter_6.pdf

Finally, a reminder for Thursday. Instead of the optional class we will have an optional lunch session. Please let us know if you joining so we can plan better. Thursday's session is optional, we mean it. We know the end of the term is hectic and we had 3 guest lectures so we can afford it. In any event, if you have the time, it would be a chance to discuss the latest on current events and global vulnerabilities. I am already collecting material from market/business analysis/intelligence and will do more by Thursday morning.

Regards

Athanasios

Announced on 08 May 2015  7:36  p.m. by Athanasios Orphanides

Schedule Change - Optional Lecture on 5/14

Hi Class,

We hope the Final Exam today went well.

Schedule Update: Next Thursday, 5/14, the optional Current Events and Global Vulnerabilities lecture at the regularly scheduled class time is cancelled. Instead, we are offering an optional lunch session on the topic. To determine space requirements and how much food to order, If you are interested in attending the lunch session please complete the survey here - http://goo.gl/forms/x0NCnrhgRW

Best,
Tom & Maria

Announced on 07 May 2015  12:51  p.m. by Thomas P Muscolo

Optional final exam review recitation today in E51-335

Hi class,

As per the syllabus, we'll have an optional final exam review recitation this afternoon. We'll run the same recitation twice, first from 4 to 5:30pm and then again from 6 to 7:30pm, with the same content in both sessions. Both recitations will take place in E51-335.

See you there!

Maria & Tom

Announced on 04 May 2015  9:59  a.m. by Maria Elisabeth Troein