Professional Linkage Seminar (394-LK-24)
Topic
Business History of the late 20th Century to Today
Instructors
Matthew C Levin
Office Hours: By Appointment
Matthew Levin is CEO of People 2.0, a leader in human capital technology and services. Prior to People 2.0, he was President and CEO of Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT), a leader in benefits administration and health technology solutions for employers and health plans. Earlier in his career, Matthew was Chief Strategy Officer at ADP, a global provider of human capital management solutions. Matt also served as Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy for Aon plc, a global leader in insurance and human capital services and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy for Hewitt Associates, an industry pioneer in employee benefits consulting and outsourcing. Matthew began his career in the First Scholar Program at what is now JP Morgan Chase. Matt holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BA from Northwestern University.
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Thurs 6:00PM - 8:50PM
Overview of class
*INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
The instructor for "Business History of the late 20th Century to Today" is: Matt Levin
This class will explore the history of American business during the past 40 years. Throughout this period, American business has seen a transformation in the way risk is evaluated, capital is raised, and organizations are led. The "rules of the game" during this period have changed radically in terms of corporate control, business management and wealth creation. We will explore the transformations in business and commerce during the past four decades that have led to current trends and problems.
Students interested in the recent history of Wall Street, financial markets, and business culture will enjoy this class. It will also appeal to students intrigued by late 20th and early 21st century American society - specifically how business and American industries have influenced America's identity. Those who may want to explore a career in business should find the seminar helpful in preparing for many types of professions across disciplines.
Students will be exposed to topics such as leveraged buyouts, junk bonds, venture capital investing, the "Internet Bubble", entrepreneurial management, hedge funds, and derivatives. In addition, we will explore public policy trends around issues including corporate takeovers, technology transfers, risk management, government bailouts and business investment. A common theme throughout the quarter will be how capitalism has evolved over the past few decades, and how this has changed the mindset of business professionals and the American workforce. It will be up to you to determine if this evolution has been beneficial or detrimental to American society.
This will not be a seminar grounded in heavy technical economic and financial analysis or market theory. You will not need an academic background in economics to understand the topics of the class. No pre-requisites are necessary.
Because students are not expected to have previous knowledge of these topics, the reading list is significant. Students are expected to complete readings prior to class. Please refer to the reading list for primary texts that will be used for the class. There will also be supplemental readings, including articles and essays, that will be provided by the instructor.
As part of the class, we will have a series of guest visits/lectures by business professionals including investment bankers, CEOs and private equity professionals.
Registration Requirements
This will not be a seminar grounded in heavy technical economic and financial analysis or market theory. You will not need an academic background in economics to understand the topics of the class. No pre-requisites are necessary.
Evaluation Method
Grading will be based 40% on class participation and 60% on written assignments. Written assignments will include two short essays - roughly 3-5 pages in nature (30% of total grade, 15% each) and one final paper - roughly 12 pages in nature (30% of total grade). Class participation will include ownership and mastery of discussion topics.
Class Materials (Required)
The following books are required for the class. Other articles and essays will be distributed in class. Students should bring the assigned texts and copies of all articles to class for discussion.
Den of Thieves by James Brewer Stewart (ISBN: 9780671792275; $20)
Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco by Bryan Burrough, John Helyar (ISBN: 9780061655555; $18)
Dot.con: How America Lost Its Mind and Money in the Internet Era by John Cassidy (ISBN: 9780060008819; $18)
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story by Michael Lewis (ISBN: 9780140296464; $16)
When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management
by Roger Lowenstein (ISBN: 9780375758256; $18)
Maestro: Greenspan's Fed and the American Boom by Bob Woodward (ISBN: 9780743205627; $16)
Too Big To Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin (ISBN: 9780143118244; $20)
Class Notes
Please note: There are no waitlists for BUS_INST courses.
Class Attributes
Attendance at 1st class mandatory