June in Ireland
The Business and Accounting department sponsored "June in Ireland" during the summer of 2005. Students spent 3 weeks in the Irish Republic and one week in Northern Ireland.
When considering the rapid development of the Irish economy over the last couple of decades, some have questioned whether Northern Ireland can accomplish similar development. A major factor affecting theanswer to such a question is the social conflict in Northern Ireland. Other issues studies were:
- Ireland's and Northern Ireland's role in the global business arena
- Impact of information and communications technology (ICT) in the economic development of these countries
- Impact of globalization on specific business functions (e.g. operations, strategic management, human resource management)
- Social issues related to globalization and economic development
- Impact on the workforce, (development and education, different for men and women?)
- Impact of the economic changes in Ireland on the traditionally rural western portion of the country (in comparison to Dublin and the more industrialized eastern portion of the country)
- Impact on the educational systems
- Impact on families and other social groups
The Ireland Study Abroad Program provided students an opportunity to explore issues such as those listed above. Students gained credit for 2 four-hour courses. One course was an Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) course and the other was in CS, BA or SOC depending on the emphasis selected by the student. Course content included assigned readings, written assignments, guest lectures, and on-site visits to appropriate companies, educational institutions, and government agencies. Professors from each discipline led follow-up discussions as appropriate. Planned excursions provided immersion in the cultures of the countries.