CS395T: The Economics of Technology

Instructors: Don Fussell and Bill Mark

Time	Tu/Th 12:30-2:00pm
Place	GEO 2.202

Summary:

Technology does not exist in a vacuum -- most technologies must be
deployed by industry before they can have a broad impact on the world.
In this course, we will study the interaction between technology and
business.  For example: What factors are necessary for a technology to
succeed in the marketplace?  Why do 'better' technologies often lose
to other technologies in the marketplace?  What role do governments,
universities, and corporate research labs play in the development of
technology?  Why is it common for strong companies to fail to adapt
to new technologies?  How can we measure the value of new
technology?  How much of the value of new technology is typically returned
to those who bore the costs of developing it?  What are the most effective
mechanisms for developing new technology?  How does the deployment of
new technology interact with existing social norms?

Class format:

Most classes will have one or two assigned readings.  Students
will be expected to read these before class, and will turn in
a one-page summary/analysis of the readings at the start of class.
These will be graded on a check, check+, check- scale; the goal
is simply to make sure that everyone is doing the reading.
The instructors will lead a class discussion of the readings;
heavy class participation in the discussions is expected.

Once or twice during the semester, each student will also be expected
to make a formal class presentation summarizing a reading and to lead
class discussion that day.

50% of the class grade will be determined by a final "term paper"
on a topic of the student's choice (approved by instructor).
One possible topic would be to analyze why a particular technology or
company succeeded or failed in the marketplace.

15% of the class grade will be determined by a short mid-term paper.

35% of the class grade will be determined by class participation
    and grading of daily reading summaries.

There will not be any tests or any programming assignments.