Global firms and markets

The course aims at providing the students with a clear understanding of the following issues:
· Key features of firms in developing countries
· Role of institutions, markets, infrastructure and finance in determining the performance of firms in developing countries
· How behavioral factors and social norms interact with economic determinants of firm outcomes
. Methods for the evaluation of the impact of policy interventions

Expected learning outcomes (nuovo testo da inserire in W4)

Beside learning about the key institutional, market, infrastructural and social constraints faced by firms in developing countries, students will acquire a set of skills that will be useful for their future, both within and outside academia. The focus of the course on methodological aspects will help students acquire the ability to critically evaluate claims of causality and assess the impact of policy interventions. Moreover, the assignment for the course consists in writing a referee report for a recent working paper in the field of development economics. This exercise will improve students' ability to read critically an academic article, will give them the opportunity to practice their writing skills, and will inform their future thesis work by encouraging to think in depth about a topic of their choosing within the course curriculum.