The course provides an analytical framework for examining the implications of the emerging digital economy on society. The objective of the course is to facilitate the students' development of this framework by evaluating the regulatory environment, organizational interdependence, socio-economic influences and cross-cultural implications of e-commerce and e-business. By approaching these areas from a public policy standpoint at the end of the GeM program, students will gain the cumulative perspective necessary to globally manage increasingly digitally based businesses in a socially aware manner.

This course focuses on business policy decisions at personal, firm, national and international levels. Of particular interest is the accommodations being made to constrain, sustain, and/or enhance e-commerce, e-government and e-business by countries around the world.

Lawyers and policymakers must articulate effective steps and programs to build a legal and policy framework to promote and govern the networked information economy. At the same time, companies should be able to actively participate in current political decision processes that impact their business. Alternatively, how they conduct business can be adversely or positively affected by the policy actions of various regions.

National and international tax policy

Privacy policy

Regulatory structure

Electronic monetary policy

Free enterprise versus e-enterprise

Social and economic incentives