Courses
The INEX Summer University in Costa Rica features two academic courses. One introduces students to important concepts and strategies of sustainability within a Latin American and global context. The second course focuses on companies’ implementation strategies and their roles in societies. Additionally students will meet and discuss with experts in the field, enjoy project work, attend an intensive language program and a culture related session at ULACIT, the country’s leading private, bilingual University with a well respected business school.
There are no Spanish language skills required for ISU Costa Rica programs. Apart from the language classes, all courses, workshops and discussions are held in English.
Workshops and guest lectures are currently planned with the following institutions/individuals:
- Lorena San Roman, Candidate for Vicepresidency of Costa Rica 2010
- Gina Guillen, Director of Sustainable Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism
- Ronald Sanabria, Vice President Sustainable Tourism of the Rainforest Alliance
- Luis Marin Rojas, Instituto Costaricense de Electricidad
- Wilfried Aiello, General Manager of Horizontes
- Agentes de Cambio, Friedrich Ebert Foundation and IUCN
- Earth Charter Initiative and the UN-mandated University for Peace
- UNESCO Cluster Office for Central America
Introduction to Sustainable Development
The term sustainability has become very popular over the past two decades. It is presently used in a variety of ways and with a plethora of meanings. However, in general terms, it refers to the investment by humanity in a system of living that intends to be viable on an ongoing basis while attempting to preserve natural ecosystems. It is meant to describe a characteristic of a state that can be maintained at a certain level for an indefinite time. In recent times, popular use of the term “sustainability” has been in reference to how long human ecological systems can be expected to be usefully productive, since history has taught that as a result of over-use of these support systems, some of them have deteriorated to the point of no longer being contributors to society and many others are considered to be in danger. The idea is that if this tendency is not reversed the sooner the better, life in the modern industrial society as we know it today, will probably collapse. The adoption of sustainable business practices, sustainability policies and ways of life would lead to human ecological systems that continue to support human life at a standard that allows for growth and development.
This course will explore the development of the concept of sustainability in its several meanings and what it is intended to contribute to modern life. Specifically, the implication of sustainability in the fields of economics (including development) and business (and the private sector as a whole) will be explored, focusing on the intersection with ecology, agriculture and natural resources, as well as the impact that it has had on political and public policy issues, and how this is being worked down to the community and individual levels.
Professor Milton Clarke, PhD
Milton Clarke joined the ULACIT-ACE program faculty in 2006. He works as a consultant to business, specifically in the areas of management, organizational behavior and international trade. From 1986 onwards he served as Professor of Management at Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and lecturer in its MBA program (courses on Strategic Management, Development of Human Resources, Organizational Change, International Marketing). As a Professor of Business Administration at University of Costa Rica he specialized in Organizational Change, Organization Theory and Strategic Management. Additionally Dr. Clarke lectured at University of Western Ontario, Canada; Birmingham University, UK; Orebro University, Sweden; Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, México among others and worked as consultant for the United Nations. Today he shares his experience and knowledge with doctoral students at ULACIT and has been a highly valued lecturer for INEX programs for several years.
Credit
Transcript issued by ULACIT. Course eligible for credit transfer to other Universities. Students are recommended to check with their home institutions for conditions.
Range
First Module; Monday through Thursday, four contact hours per day during 6,5 days; 30 contact hours total plus additional workload and field trip.
[Syllabus Introduction to Sustainable Development]
Corporate Social Responsibility
Responsible behavior is not something new in business life. Although the rationale for the very existence of business at law and in other respects is to generate acceptable returns for its shareholders and investors, business and business leaders have, over the centuries, made significant contributions to the societies of which they form part. But the subject has recently gained a new topicality and the objective of this course is to understand CSR issues in a new context. There are no easy answers to the increasing calls for business to assume wider responsibilities in the social and environmental arena. CSR is a management philosophy that integrates economic, environmental and social criteria with a strong focus on long-term shareholder value. This course will give an insight into theory and practices within a Latin American context.
Professor Samuel Viroslav, MBA
Currently Samuel Viroslav acts as founding partner and director at Energia sin Fronteras. In 1988, he obtained a Master´s degree in Business Administration at Santa Clara University (USA). He also has a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington (USA) and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Prof. Viroslav has taught in the following fields: Marketing Management, International Marketing and Strategic Management. He has worked as Project Manager and also in Evaluation and Assessment of Energy Renewable Projects and their Impacts. He has been a working with Central American Bank BCIE as assessor and consultant.
Credit
Transcript issued by ULACIT. Course eligible for credit transfer to other Universities. Students are recommended to check with their home institutions for conditions.
Range
Second Module; Monday through Thursday, four contact hours per day during 6,5 days; 30 contact hours total plus additional workload and field trip.
[Syllabus Corporate Social Responsibility]
Intensive Spanish Language Course
A widespread language training in small groups (average 4-6 students per group) will insure a considerable improvement for all levels within a short period of time. Apart from stressing the acquisition of new vocabulary and grammar skills, the course also features a business Spanish section for more advanced students.
Credit
Transcript issued by ULACIT.
Range
Monday through Thursday, 9-11am, two contact hours per day; 30 contact hours total.
Intercultural Training
Held as a workshop and coordinated by an insider and professional in this field, students receive an insight into the usances of this economic area. Core elements of this session are the explanation and understanding of cultural differences and regional distinctions. After attending this session, the students will be well-informed of how to better deal with Spanish speaking or Latin-American contacts and will have an extended insight into this topic.
Range
Introductory Session; 2 hours total.
Status: 17 February 2010. Subject to change withought prior notice.
