Economics & Business

W10 Volunteerism and Volunteer Management: The Invisible Workforce. This course introduces students to volunteerism in the United States and the growing field of volunteer management. Through readings, discussion, case studies and guest speakers, students will examine the tradition of volunteerism, and volunteer program administration, including recruitment, training, retention and risk management. A key aspect of the course will be an examination of how volunteering fits into the student's Christian life and worldview, work and vocation. Evaluation will be based upon class participation, reflection assignments, and a final paper or project. S. Camp . 8:30 a.m. to noon.

W80 Globalization: The New World Economy? Many people believe that globalization, the spread of international trade and investment, is the key to a new economy with low unemployment and inflation and growing productivity and income. But there are important critics who believe that the global economy leads to declining labor standards and wages, increased environmental degradation, and dangerous financial instability. Students in this course will read and report about a variety of economic commentaries on globalization while learning to discuss articulately the arguments for various positions. Evaluation is based on oral book reports, participation in class discussions, and a written essay exam. Prerequisite: Economics 222 or permission of the instructor. J. Tiemstra. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

W81 Globalization and Culture: The Impact on U.S. and European Business Practice. The global aspects of business touch every business person and consumer today. Global events and competition affect almost all companies who do business even at the local level. In Grand Rapids foreign companies are courted to establish operations locally and local firms are encouraged to produce and serve international markets. It is estimated that the number of West Michigan companies with European ties has tripled within the last seven years. Business practices are adapted accordingly. Managers, who operate within international markets, need to understand how external factors influence business operations, policies, and procedures to an ever-greater extent. Culture, politics, legal issues, and economic differences influence the conduct of international business to a great extent. This course teaches students how the European environment influences business strategies and decision making by using West Michigan companies as case studies. The class spends three weeks traveling in Europe , visiting business organizations that operate in the international arena. The class also visits business schools, the European Commission, and other organizations. Students study the history and culture of Europe through tours of well-known sites in England , the Netherlands , Belgium , France , Germany , Austria , and the Czech Republic . Students are assigned readings and write a short paper prior to the trip, keep a reflective journal, and participate in class discussions while in Europe . This course will meet the Cross Cultural Engagement (CCE) core requirement. Prerequisites: Business 160 and Economics 222 or instructor approval. Fee: $3800. R. Medema, E. Van Der Heide. Off campus.

IDIS-W14 Finding Shalom in Uganda . M. Fackler, G. Monsma .

IDIS-W15 Galapagos and Amazonia: Evolution's Diamonds or Ecuador 's Disney Islands ? C. Blankespoor, S. Vander Linde.

IDIS-W32 Management of Not-For-Profit Organizations. A.Mpesha and R. Slager.