IS 596: IT in Emerging Countries - Case of Argentina and Brazil

Trip to Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo

December 5-17, 2004

Iguazu Falls, on the Argentina -Brazil border

Summary of the Course

Download course brochure

Download application form

Credit card authorization form

Text Book and Printed Resources
Prerequisites

Week by Week Schedule
Grading
Teaching Method

Global IT Project
 

Summary of the course:

• COURSE OBJECTIVE: The objective of the IS 596 course is to expose students to the reality of information technology (IT) in both Argentina and Brazil. Technology played a significant role in most of the emerging economies of the late 1990's and 2000's. Revenue from product and IT services to emerging countries is over $100 billion. This course will expose students to IT use, management, development, policy and strategic impact within the both the Argentinean and Brazilian economies and their impact internationally. Students will visit several companies and meet with various IT stakeholders in the organization (users, developers, managers, IT strategic and policy implementers etc.) who will explain their practices and strategies to the students. In addition to learning about information, communication technology, and business related issues, students will also learn about the distinct cultures and histories of both Argentina and Brazil. The course will also examine the necessary success factors for US-based companies planning to setup an IT centers in both countries. Appropriate business attire will be required at corporate and government visits. 

Textbooks and printed resources:

1. There will be some case studies and articles. To be announced later.

Pre-Requisites:

None

Individual assignment 10%
Research paper 20
Attendance and active participation at all meeting 30%

Group project 20

Group presentation 20%

Total 100%

Grading Scale: 92 - 100 A 90 - 91 A- 88 - 89 B+ 82 - 87 B 80 - 81 B- 78 - 79 C+ 72 - 77 C 70 - 71 C- 68 - 69 D+ 62 - 67 D 60 - 61 D- 0 - 59 F

Teaching Method:

A combination of teaching methods will be used (Trip to Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo , lectures, guest speakers, group presentations, company visit etc).

Schedule

Class 2 

Lecture Notes

Class 3 

Lecture Notes

Session 3: Day 1 in Brazil (Sunday evening) The group will meet for dinner at the hotel restaurant to discuss the upcoming meetings for the week.

Class 4

Lecture Notes

Session 4: Day 2 in Brazil (Monday) The group will visit one or two Brazilian IT companies.

Class 5

Lecture Notes

Session 5: Day 3 in Brazil (Tuesday) The group will visit one or two American technology companies and hear from the companies’ IT executives, directors and developers.

Class 6 

Lecture Notes

Session 6: Day 4 in Brazil (Wednesday) The group will visit one or two American companies operating in Brazil that rely heavily on IT for their business and learn of the challenges faced by US firms operating in Brazil and the resulting social responsibility to the local community

Class 7

Lecture Notes

Session 7: Day 5 in Brazil (Thursday) The group will visit a Brazilian oil company and then visit the American Consulate General in Rio and hear from consular officials.

Class 8

Lecture Notes

Session 8: Day 6 in Brazil (Friday)  The group will visit one additional company and then meet to discuss their thoughts and findings on the site visits and lectures.

Class 9

Lecture Notes1

Lecture Notes2

Session 9: (Chicago) Students will present their papers and results of their research projects.

Class 10