Symposium

Department of Economics

Boiken Abazi

Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor

The Economic and Political Situation of Albania: The Possible Solution to the Energy Crisis

In the past three decades we have seen an incredible number of loans given to developing countries by different IGOs, which have often had negative consequences for the borrowing countries. This paper takes a close look at one specific example where the European Investment Bank is currently financing a $217 million euro project to help put an end to the present energy crisis in Albania. Will this project be another miscalculated judgment, or will it help the prosperity of the emerging Albanian economy?

Session B - Faculty Lounge - 10:00 a.m.~10:15 a.m.

Lesha Bourne

Professor Michael G. Vogt, Sponsor

Eaton Corporation's Expansion Into the Thai Market

Eaton Corporation is looking into exporting their differentials to Thailand because Thailand has been hailed as a growing hub for SUVs. My presentation will involve an analysis of the Thai economy. Topics such as inflation, interest rates, barriers to trade, fiscal and monetary policies, balance of trade, foreign debt, exchange rates, etc. will be covered. I will apply economic principles I learned in the classroom to determine if Thailand is the right market for the corporation.

Session B - Faculty Lounge - 10:30 a.m.~10:45 a.m.

Chris Brown

Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor

The Impact of International Trade on the Andersons Inc.

The Andersons Inc. leases railcars to other companies so that they can ship their products and is considering expanding their leases in Canada. This paper carefully examines the demographics, political system, economy and legal system of Canada in order to determine if leasing more in Canada will be profitable. The results show potential for good profits and increased diversification if Andersons, Inc. decides to lease more in Canada.

Session B - Faculty Lounge - 10:15 a.m.~10:30a.m.

Andrew J. Geers

Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor

Sunflowers and Germany

International Economics plays a vital role in today's global economy. With the European Union changing over to the Euro as their national currency, American businesses wishing to export into the European Zone must be aware of international economic principles. In this paper, the author analyzes both the German economy on the aggregate level and the policies of the European Monetary Union. The analysis will decide whether an American firm should export sunflower seeds to Germany.

Session C - Tower Room - 11:30a.m.~11:45 a.m.

Tiana Hood

Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor

The Potential Market in Brazil for U.S. Exports

Brazil is the second largest economy in Latin America. With a wealth of natural resources and a strong balance of trade, Brazil has the potential to become a major force in the international economy. It is of the utmost importance that U.S. producers and investors be informed about the political and economic factors that affect the well-being of the Brazilian economy. This paper examines past and present political and economic factors with the intent of informing current or potential U.S. exporters to Brazil of the risks and potential returns of investing in the Brazilian economy.

Session C - Tower Room - 11:45 a.m.~12:00 p.m.

Teodor Penov and Pandeli Kondi

Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor

Investment Prospects in Ukraine for Masco Corporation

Masco Corporation is the world's largest producer of a wide variety of housing products to suit the interior of almost anyone's home around the world, and has recently shown interest in expanding its business into the country of Ukraine. The authors of this paper attempt to create an overall view of the economic conditions in Ukraine, and an in-depth look at the building materials market. Complete with conclusions and suggestions, the paper is geared towards providing Masco with the necessary informati on for future investment in Ukraine.

Session C - Tower Room - 12:00 p.m.~12:15 p.m.


			Department of Economics Boiken Abazi Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor The Economic and Political Situation of Albania: The Possible Solution to the Energy Crisis In the past three decades we have seen an incredible number of loans given to developing countries by different IGOs, which have often had negative consequences for the borrowing countries. This paper takes a close look at one specific example where the European Investment Bank is currently financing a $217 million euro project to help put an end to the present energy crisis in Albania. Will this project be another miscalculated judgment, or will it help the prosperity of the emerging Albanian economy? Session B - Faculty Lounge - 10:00 a.m.~10:15 a.m. Lesha Bourne Professor Michael G. Vogt, Sponsor Eaton Corporation's Expansion Into the Thai Market Eaton Corporation is looking into exporting their differentials to Thailand because Thailand has been hailed as a growing hub for SUVs. My presentation will involve an analysis of the Thai economy. Topics such as inflation, interest rates, barriers to trade, fiscal and monetary policies, balance of trade, foreign debt, exchange rates, etc. will be covered. I will apply economic principles I learned in the classroom to determine if Thailand is the right market for the corporation. Session B - Faculty Lounge - 10:30 a.m.~10:45 a.m. Chris Brown Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor The Impact of International Trade on the Andersons Inc. The Andersons Inc. leases railcars to other companies so that they can ship their products and is considering expanding their leases in Canada. This paper carefully examines the demographics, political system, economy and legal system of Canada in order to determine if leasing more in Canada will be profitable. The results show potential for good profits and increased diversification if Andersons, Inc. decides to lease more in Canada. Session B - Faculty Lounge - 10:15 a.m.~10:30a.m. Andrew J. Geers Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor Sunflowers and Germany International Economics plays a vital role in today's global economy. With the European Union changing over to the Euro as their national currency, American businesses wishing to export into the European Zone must be aware of international economic principles. In this paper, the author analyzes both the German economy on the aggregate level and the policies of the European Monetary Union. The analysis will decide whether an American firm should export sunflower seeds to Germany. Session C - Tower Room - 11:30a.m.~11:45 a.m. Tiana Hood Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor The Potential Market in Brazil for U.S. Exports Brazil is the second largest economy in Latin America. With a wealth of natural resources and a strong balance of trade, Brazil has the potential to become a major force in the international economy. It is of the utmost importance that U.S. producers and investors be informed about the political and economic factors that affect the well-being of the Brazilian economy. This paper examines past and present political and economic factors with the intent of informing current or potential U.S. exporters to Brazil of the risks and potential returns of investing in the Brazilian economy. Session C - Tower Room - 11:45 a.m.~12:00 p.m. Teodor Penov and Pandeli Kondi Professor Michael Vogt, Sponsor Investment Prospects in Ukraine for Masco Corporation Masco Corporation is the world's largest producer of a wide variety of housing products to suit the interior of almost anyone's home around the world, and has recently shown interest in expanding its business into the country of Ukraine. The authors of this paper attempt to create an overall view of the economic conditions in Ukraine, and an in-depth look at the building materials market. Complete with conclusions and suggestions, the paper is geared towards providing Masco with the necessary informati on for future investment in Ukraine. Session C - Tower Room - 12:00 p.m.~12:15 p.m.