2007-2008 ITIP Capstone Projects

"Impact of regulatory changes on Chinese imports to the retail grocery industry"

Capstone Group: Sarah Barnhart, Joshua Kaplan, Sanghee Park, Sriranjini (Sri) Latha
Sponsor: HEB Global Sourcing
This report provides analysis and recommendations to mitigate the risk posed by proposed changes in China and U.S. product and food safety laws, China's currency valuation and anti-dumping/countervailing duties.

"Trade, Investment and Business Opportunities within the US-GCC Relationship"

Capstone Group: Joshua Abel, Rebecca Puckett, Sara Keefe
Sponsor: U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Middle East/Africa Affairs Department
This capstone project will provide an analysis of the economic and commercial relationship between the US and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar). This report will focus on trade flows between the two regions, the current investment climate and outlying competitiveness issues. Finally, an assessment of the risks entailed in conducting business within the GCC will be discussed.
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"Biofuel Policies of the E.U.: Synthesizing the Issues"

Capstone Group: Justin Fabeny, Dustin Ross, Joanna Romero
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture — Foreign Agriculture Service
This project analyzes the development of regional European Union biofuel legislation and directives. It identifies where such policies overlap those of individual states and where there are inconsistencies. The project additionally looks at the issue of sustainability, which is increasingly gaining much attention with policy makers and environmental groups, and hopes to identify how European legislation must adapt to incorporate sustainability criteria.
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"Case Studies in Retail Sector Liberalization: Insights for India's Future"

Capstone Group: Baiyu Linghu, Aleksandra Pacholek, Dean Gudicello
Sponsor: U.S.-India Business Council
This report will cover the economic effects of liberalizing restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the retail sector. Case studies on the impact of retail sector liberalization in key developing countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, China, Mexico and Brazil, will be prepared. The experiences of other developing countries with regards to retail sector liberalization will provide insights into the potential impact on India's economy.

"The Future of Commercial Nuclear Energy in Belarus, Chile, Turkey and Vietnam"

Capstone Group: Anna Bryndza, Ellis Chaplin, Michael Lowe, Giselle Cubillos
Sponsor: Ux Consulting
This project will assess the viability and potential for the development of commercial nuclear energy generating capacity by the year 2030 for four countries: Belarus, Chile, Turkey and Vietnam.
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