Courses at the KDI School are taught with a balance between theory and real-world application. The School uses a combination of lectures, interactive class discussions, team projects, and case studies to achieve their learning objectives. The approach aims to give students tools for analysis, problem-solving, and leadership. In this summer edition, The Globe is pleased to highlight course syllabi from six new summer course offerings.

MSN012 - Understanding FTA Policies: Theory and Practice (New Offer)

This course is an advanced international trade law and policy course designed to introduce relevant legal frameworks, polices, and practices of FTA negotiations. Focus is placed on trade law principles authorizing preferential trade agreements, basic FTA treaty texts, policy analysis behind launching an FTA negotiations, and the actual negotiating practices by major trading nations. Course topics include tariff reduction modality, preferential rules of origin, and services and investment agreements. The course will provide students with an opportunity to learn the theoretical underpinnings of FTA agreements and the basic tools involved in FTA negotiations with the goal of having students negotiate FTA agreements. MSN012 is offered in the 1^st half of the summer term and is taught by Associate Professor Jong Bum KIM.

MSP022 - Human Resource Management in Government

This course will focus on the intricacies of human resources management, examining the challenges associated with HRM in the public sector. It will evaluate methods to achieve public purposes through the effective utilization of diverse human resources. The course has three overall objectives. One is to provide an understanding of current human resource management policies, problems, and practices. The second is to provide some introductory skills in the actual work of human resource managers. The third is to enhance public managers’ leadership skills and knowledge of human resource management in public organizations. MSP022 is offered in the 1^st half of the summer term and is taught by Adjunct Professor Soonhee KIM. She is also an Associate Professor of Public Administration in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University.

MSF026 - Legal Issue in Corporate Finance

This course examines legal issues that arise from different financing choices made by corporations. The main objectives are to understand the relationship between a corporation and its investors, how the courts have viewed and treated such relationships, and what, if any, changes may be necessary in our and the courts’ perspectives. Topics include firm valuation in change-of-control transactions and in bankruptcy, the rights of debt-holders and preferred stockholders, and common stockholders’ claims to dividends. MSF026 is offered in the 1^st half of the summer and is being taught by Adjunct Professor Albert CHOI, who is also an Assistant Professor in the Economics Department at the University of Virginia.

MSR021 - Real Estate Capital Market (RECM)

This course presents some of the major concepts, principles, and analytical tools used for making investment and finance decisions regarding commercial real estate assets. It introduces major public and private market instruments while also completing two main objectives. One is to expose students to different RECM funding instruments, in terms of their evolutions, cash flow profiles, valuation techniques, and governing regulatory regimes. Another is to offer hands-on exercises to students for assessing risk-adjusted returns for some of the products covered in the course. MSR021 will be offered in the 2^nd half of summer and will be taught by Professor Man CHO, who recently joined the KDI School this year.

MSF021 - Investment Management

The objectives of this course are to introduce modern portfolio theories while also developing the requisite skills to apply the theories. Topics covered include mean-variance optimization, the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), factor models, bonds and immunization strategies, options and portfolio insurance, portfolio performance evaluations, simulation, and risk management tools such as Value-at-Risk (VAR). During the course, students will have hands-on experiences on the topics with software (Excel and Crystal Ball) and case studies. MSF021 will be offered in the 2^nd half of summer and will be taught by Assistant Professor Jinsoo LEE, who is also a recent addition to the KDI School.

MCM009 - Hedge Funds and Alternative Investments (New Offer)

This course is designed to be a multi-functional tool that focuses on the practical aspects of hedge fund management. The course aims to help students understand and appreciate the growing field of alternative investments, mainly from a practitioner’s point of view. The course will also provide an in-depth understanding of the hedge fund industry, markets, and strategies. Students will learn how hedge funds are structured, managed, marketed, and regulated. The variety of investment strategy hedge funds and the alternative investments employed will also be explored in detail. MCM009 will be offered in the 2^nd half of summer and will be taught by Adjunct Professor Sam Young CHUNG, an Associate Professor of Finance at Long Island University.

By Sophaseila SAKETT (MBA 2007)