1. 1st Virtual Institute Meeting 11-15 July 2005 UNCTAD-Geneva Integrating Microeconomics of Competitiveness Course Presented by: Prof. Talib Awad Department of Economics University of Jordan

2. Course description Graduate-level course that can be taught in business schools, economics departments, government departments; developed by Professor M. Porter (HBS) Explores the determinants of competitiveness and successful economic development from a bottom-up, microeconomic perspective (key terms: firms, clusters, and economic development) Designed as a platform for universities throughout the world

3. Course description Based on case studies, other written materials, audio-visual media Includes an extensive website for professors to assist them in preparing and teaching the course Course website for students can be customized by each participating university

4. Course Requirements Financial resources: fee of $2,500 per semester, case studies ($45-48 per student), additional textbooks, live videoconferences Human resources: Academic background of faculty, annual two-days workshop Language: course material only in English Technical: technical coordinator, connection speed to the Internet of at least 750kbps for downloading files and videos, infrastructure for videoconferences

5. Challenges (1) Administrative process difficult and time- consuming (e.g. approvals at different stages, technical coordinator) At departmental level: –e.g. how to overcome cost/technical requirements? –obligatory/facultative? –Master or PhD? Prerequisites? –Language? Local content?

6. Challenges (2) At faculty level: –Teaching methods (distance learning) might contradict the university philosophy –Sufficient number of students to cover extra-cost? –Why not a locally designed course? At University deanship level: –Concerns at highest level: method, cost, requirements –Lengthy procedure to finalize agreement with HBS –Change in top management (new president) led to restructuring of the department

7. THANK YOU!