Developmental Entrepreneurship, Fall 2003

Abstract:: This class surveys developmental entrepreneurship via case examples of both successful and failed businesses and generally grapples with deploying and diffusing products and services through entrepreneurial action. By drawing on live and historical cases, especially from South Asia, Africa, Latin America as well as Eastern Europe, China, and other developing regions, we seek to cover the broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities facing developmental entrepreneurs. Finally, we explore a range of established and emerging business models as well as new business opportunities enabled by developmental technologies developed in MIT labs and beyond.

No Strings Attached

Farmers' Agribusiness Training Course: Module 1 Supplementary Reading. Rural Financial Services in Kenya: What is Working and Why?

Abstract:: This study examines the evolving structure of the rural financial services in Kenya and the extent to which the current financial institutions have improved access to producers and traders in the rural areas. The study identifies successful cases of functioning financial services in the rural areas. It also identifies constraints that hinder increased access to rural financial services and proposes policy interventions that could make the services more accessible to the rural people.

Read the Fine Print

Abstract:: Kevin Slavin argues that we're living in a world designed for -- and increasingly controlled by -- algorithms. In this riveting talk from TEDGlobal, he shows how these complex computer programs determine: espionage tactics, stock prices, movie scripts, and architecture. And he warns that we are writing code we can't understand, with implications we can't control. A quiz, thought provoking question, and links for further study are provided to create a lesson around the 15-minute video. Educators may use the platform to easily "Flip" or create their own lesson for use with their students of any age or level.

Subject:: Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences
Grade Level:: Secondary, Post-secondary
Collection:: TED-Ed

Abstract:: In The Law of Corporate Finance and Financial Markets, much of the course focuses on M&A and the law-sensitive aspects of financial services and financial markets. The course is designed to be an introduction to business law which covers the fundamentals, including contracts, liability, regulation, employment, and corporations. 15.617 provides an in-depth treatment of the law of finance.