Mini-course 1 Decision Analysis (Dr. Mariya Sodenkamp) / Class 5 / ITB_Project_2015

W2345 (W4345) (Advanced) IT in Business: Decision Analysis

Summer 2015

Project Topics

1. Evaluation of policies towards financial and economic crisis in the PIGS countries.

Project Objectives: Identify initiatives suggested by the European and international organizations directed to stabilization of economic in Greece [Spain/ Portugal/ Ireland], formulate positive and negative features of these initiatives and prioritize them.

Useful links: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/focuson/crisis/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/recommendations_2011/828_eurozone_en.pdf

2. Perspectives of renewable energy sources in Europe [Germany/US/World]

Renewable sources of energy – wind power, solar power (thermal, photovoltaic and concentrated), hydro-electric power, tidal power, geothermal energy and biomass – are essential alternatives to fossil fuels. Their use reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, diversifies our energy supply and reduces our dependence on unreliable and volatile fossil fuel markets (in particular oil and gas). The growth of renewable energy sources also stimulates employment in Europe, the creation of new technologies and improves our trade balance.

Project Objective: Evaluate and compare perspectives of alternative renewable energy sources taking into account their advantages and disadvantages.

Useful links:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/renewables/index_en.htm

3. Estimation of the EU Member States’ progress in meeting the Europe 2020 targets set by the European Commission

To measure progress in meeting the Europe 2020 goals, 5 headline targets have been agreed for the whole EU. This limited set of EU-level targets in translated into national goals in each EU country, reflecting different situations and circumstances. These targets give an overall view of where the EU should be on key parameters by 2020.

The 5 targets for the EU in 2020:

1. Employment

75% of the 20-64 year-olds to be employed 2. R&D / innovation

3% of the EU's GDP (public and private combined) to be invested in R&D/innovation

3. Climate change / energy

greenhouse gas emissions 20% (or even 30%, if the conditions are right) lower than 1990

20% of energy from renewables

20% increase in energy efficiency 4. Education

reducing school drop-out rates below 10% at least 40% of 30-34–year-olds completing third level education

5. Poverty / social exclusion

at least 20 million fewer people in or at risk of poverty and social exclusion

Project Objective: Using statistical data evaluate actual position of the Member States with respect to the targets set.

Useful links:

http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/targets/eu-targets/index_en.htm

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu

4. A Benchmarking System for estimation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) achievement.

The set of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) formulated in 2000 with targets for 2015 crystallized the growing consensus which emerged during the 1990s, namely, that poverty reduction and the provision of basic social services need to be at the centre of development policy.

Useful links:

http://www.unesco.org

http://www.worldbank.org

Project Objective: Screening of progress and estimation of achievements towards the MDGs by selected countries/regions.