Dean Glenn Hubbard, entrepreneur Eric Tienou ’03 and professors Bill Duggan and Gita Johar discuss economic development in Africa. Hubbard, the Russell L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics, recently coauthored “The Aid Trap” with Duggan. The book advocates for aid investment directly into the small business sector rather than through NGOs. Johar, the Meyer Feldberg Professor of Business, is an expert on consumer psychology. Tienou grew up in Burkina Faso and is involved with several entrepreneurial efforts in the area. One example of how the development of the small business sector is taking place is emerging through Columbia Business School’s partnership with the University of Dar Es Salaam (UDBS) in Tanzania, Africa. The partnership is made possible through Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women program. Professors Murray Low, Eric Abrahamson and Gita Johar spent last summer working in Tanzania to teach students and UDBS faculty members. The goal of their work was twofold: to prepare local students to earn a cobranded advanced certificate in entrepreneurship and business management, and to facilitate UDBS faculty members in learning interactive case method teaching. The School is also helping to establish a PhD program at the African university. Columbia Business School community forums offer students the opportunity to discuss timely issues with faculty experts and distinguished guests. Recent topics include the impact of behavioral economics on business and policy, and the government’s response to the financial crisis.
Duration : 1:4:24
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