Based on working on exercises on project decision making and planning, the specific context of working abroad in general and in developing countries in particular is illustrated, with regard to socio-cultural aspects, planning and financing of projects, roles of (consulting) engineers and contractors, local materials, techniques and knowledge and environmental issues.

This resource intends to give a general outline of ICT for development (ICT4D). No previous knowledge about ICT4D is needed. The resource focus on major definitions and terms. An overview of the different phases of ICT for development initiatives and an outlook to the future of ICT4D projects is given.

In the Introduction you will find definitions of key terms of the field.

In the unit ICT4D Evolution you'll find a description of the different ICT4D phases and why most ICT4D projects failed.

The unit ICT4D & Openness gives a short explanation why openness is important in the ICT4D field.

The Future of ICT4D unit lists some important points of future ICT4D projects.

In the Resources part you'll find the bibliography, a reading list of key articles and examples for further reading as well as a list of more videos.

The potential of biotechnology to improve the condition of human life in developing countries is gaining credence. Robert Timmer, Ph.D. discusses how biotechnology could impact the economies of developing countries in terms of raising agricultural production while bringing benefits to healthcare, industry and environment. (28 minutes)

This course will provide an intensive introduction to the field of information technology and global development, in its historical, policy, and design dimensions. Part One offers a comprehensive overview of key historical and contemporary debates, problems, and issues in international development. Part Two explores crucial information policy issues in developing country contexts, ranging from technology transfer, research and innovation systems, and intellectual property to telecommunications, wireless, and other critical infrastructure development. Part Three explores the growing ICT4D project literature, with special reference to programs and applications in the health, education, finance, governance, agriculture, and rural development sectors. Through readings, discussions, and course assignments, students will gain critical research and professional skills in the analysis and design of information policies, programs, and projects in a range of developing country settings. Through geographically focused project and discussion groups, students will also develop specific regional or country-level knowledge and experience.

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the principles of macroeconomics. Macroeconomists study how a country's economy works and try to determine the best choices to improve the overall wellbeing of a nation. Typical topics include inflation (the overall level of prices), employment, fiscal policy (government taxing and spending), and money and banking (interest rates and lending policies). By studying macroeconomics and understanding the critical ideas and tools used to measure economic data, the student will have a better perspective on the issues and problems discussed in contemporary economics. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Discuss key macroeconomic concerns, including national income accounting, saving and investment, and market forces; Describe the determinants of total output and the ways to measure nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as real GDP; Compare and contrast definitions of total employment and unemployment, the three forms of unemployment, and inflation; Explain different ways of computing the general movement in prices, and define the relationship between inflation and unemployment; Explain the model of aggregate demand and aggregate supply; Analyze the government's role in the economy and examine how it uses its fiscal policy and monetary policy to influence macroeconomic variables in order to enable macro and micro economic stability; Describe the mechanics of money supply in detail. They will specifically be able to identify different types of money; explain the money creation process, the money multiplier, and the process of interest rate determination; and discuss the role of the Federal Reserve System and its tools of monetary policy; Identify and analyze major theories of economic growth; Analyze various strategies for developing of less-developed nations; Present the concepts behind international trade. (Economics 102; See also: Business Administration 201)

Pumps are used to get drinking water to our houses every day! And in disaster situations, pumps are essential to keep flood water out. In this hands-on activity, student groups design, build, test and improve devices to pump water as if they were engineers helping a rural village meet their drinking water supply. Students keep track of their materials costs, and calculate power and cost efficiencies of the prototype pumps. They also learn about different types of pumps, how they work and useful applications.

TheGlobalEconomy.com is an open educational resource on the world economy. It is used by faculty and students at more than 150 colleges and universities around the world, researchers, journalists, and others. The website offers interactive data tools for over 200 countries. Users can generate and download custom charts that compare countries and track them over time. The data are updated regularly and are supplemented with definitions and sources. Besides providing data tools, we also explain key concepts about economic growth and development, exchange rates, international trade and investment, financial systems, and other topics. The guide offers a glossary of economic terms, suggestions for student research, and a directory of international organizations, blogs, media outlets, teaching tools, and other resources on the world economy.