A good starting point might be to ascertain which disputes have arisen in the South China Sea, in particular which disputes have received a lot of attention in recent years. It might also be worth examining whether the intensity of disputes has varied over time and why. Such information could refine the arguments developed to answer this question. The question deliberately invites you to reflect on the current level of intra-regional stability, begging the question as to whether the past--even the recent past--is a good guide to likely current and near term developments. In particular, do current shifts in geopolitical power presage different future developments? And what about the different ways in which disputes can be "managed" at the present time?
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15018 -
It might be useful to start by reflecting on what the phrase "governance challenges" could mean and whether these matters are viewed the same in Beijing and in other national capitals. What tangible, empirical counterparts are there to the notion of governance? The question deliberately invites comparisons between Chinese experience and that of other countries, which in turn begs the question as to which countries make for good comparators? Countries at similar stages of development? Richer countries in earlier times when they had levels of development comparable to China's current level of development? Mention is also made of China's new leadership which surely begs the question how new really is China's new leadership and, if they aren't that new, whether their past indicates their likely future decisions and inclinations.
15017 -
Drawing on your studies of economics, development, and emerging markets, it may be useful to think through the possible linkages between the reform of a specific sector and economy-wide indicators of interest, such as national economic growth, employment, inflation, poverty etc. Such lines of causation would provide structure to your argument and, in this case, ought to be adapted to the circumstances of the Indian economy and reform programme. The question encourages a comparison with the reforms that India began in 1991. You might want to dwell on how comparable the current round of reforms to those seen in 1991. The scale, trigger for, and consequences of reform episodes might or might not be the same and this might influence your assessment of the likely impact of the recently announced wave of Indian reforms.
15016 -
The factors that determine collectively the national business environment are covered in many business and public policy school courses. Furthermore, many of the leading quantitative assessments of the national business environment provide some insight into which factors are changing the most and which factors have the greatest impact. Demonstrating a mastery of such material is one way to excel in answering this question, obviously to the extent that the answer is tailored to the actual circumstances of the ASEAN region. The question also invites you to compare across ASEAN members, which if done well typically sharpens comparisons and arguments made. The question is forward looking so you might want to dwell on the extent to which a country's recent trajectory provides a sensible basis to discuss the likely changes in the next five years.
15015 -
This question provides a good opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the impact of monetary policy changes on asset prices, a matter that often discussed in college courses on macroeconomics and finance. The reference to the crisis-era opens the door to considering different types of monetary policy response, going well beyond the traditional use of open market operations. Knowledge of what central banks have actually done and plan on doing might, therefore, be useful. Plus you may want to reflect on the notion of under-pricing of financial assets and whether that notion makes any sense in the first place.
15014 -
This question can be readily answered by talented analysts with a wide range of backgrounds, reflecting the fact that ethical, historical, economic, political, and even anthropological perspectives might have plenty to offer in formulating an essay on this topic. Don’t forget that the essay question has two related parts—a statement at the beginning to react to plus an inquiry as to whether past practice offers much of a guide to future behaviour. Including the temporal dimension offers a number of intriguing ways to write this essay and you want to consider which line of argument is most compelling, original, and of relevance to the 21st century.
13354 -
Once seen as a means to combine financial instruments in ways that deliver higher returns or better manage risks, structured financial products have had a bad press in recent years. This question encourages you to reflect on the reasons for this adverse commentary and whether those reasons were and remain valid. It might also be worth considering whether it makes sense to lump all structured products together in the same category or whether classes of structured products should be viewed differently. To provide a solid foundation for your answers, you may want to draw upon the concepts and tools developed in university finance and banking courses.
13353 -
Recessions are normally over faster than the most recent experienced by the industrialised economies. This underperformance has coincided with a slowdown in growth in the larger emerging markets, giving rise to the view that the world economy is stagnating. This question asks you to reflect on whether and why the growth dynamics are so different now, compared to before the global financial crisis of 2007-9. The subtitle of the question contains a subtle hint—it refers to the title of Reinhart and Rogoff’s well-known book that draws upon lots of historical data to examine the factors that determine the rate of recovery from financial crises. This essay is a fine opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of macroeconomics and on the factors that determine government reactions to financial crises and recessions.
13352 -
Although the focus here is on the principal positive attributes of a private banker, before writing the essay it may be worth reflecting on the role of private bankers in the 21st century and the contemporary circumstances that face private bankers and are likely to face such bankers in the years ahead. Moreover, it might be worth considering the extent to which being a successful private banker involves attributes brought to the job or that can be learned on the job. Does the answer to this question depend on the approach taken to creating value in private banking in the first place? Where possible, use this essay to demonstrate your understanding of private banking, drawing upon any relevant material covered in the courses taken at university.
13351 -
Numerous interesting economic, business, policy, diplomatic, geo-strategic, and development-related events happen every month. The best analysts keep up with these events and frequently write short pieces to help others interpret recent developments. Should an event arise that you feel you can offer an interesting analysis of, then submit a 800-1500 word piece to Project Firefly. Upon approval of the Academic Review Board, your piece will be published on the Project Firefly website and you will become eligible for winning a 1000 CHF per submission. In any month you can submit as many distinct analyses of contemporary events as you like. Established Thought leaders routinely write several pieces a month--you can join them! For further hints and tips or to discuss a topic click Discuss. To submit an essay click Write.
9901 -
Our Academic Board believes our community will also be a source of good ideas for Project Firefly initiatives. Project Firefly keenly awaits your ideas for challenging, interesting initiatives to promote thought leadership among tomorrow’s leaders. Although the essay has been the vehicle used to demonstrate brilliance in current and previous Project Firefly competitions, other formats (short video presentations, informative slide shows, compelling diagrams, etc) could be used. So feel free to suggest a topic for competition and a desired format for answers.
9898 -
To what extent, if at all, does the rise in social media affect the fundamental business model of financial services?
Use of social media has exploded in recent years. Analysts, managers, and consumers are still thinking through what this latest development in the internet revolution means for corporations and their ability to serve customers. Here is your opportunity to assess the impact of social media's rise on the strategies of financial firms. Project Firefly will publish the most compelling analyses. For further hints and tips or to discuss a topic click Discuss. To submit an essay click Write.
9899 -
What, if any, are the significant consequences of the global economic crisis for national politics? Illustrate your answer with reference to major contemporary political events.
The global economic crisis is now in its fifth year. Most countries electoral or governance cycles are five years long or shorter, raising the possibility that the wrenching economic pain and changes that have been felt in recent years might influence the behaviour of electorates and the strategies of political leaders and parties. This is your opportunity to identify, assess, and draw implications of linkages between the recent major economic setbacks and political dynamics. Subject to the approval of the Academic Board, insightful analyses will be published on the Project Firefly website. For further hints and tips or to discuss a topic click Discuss. To submit an essay click Write.
9900 -
The word "default" was first used 2400 years ago when several towns outside Athens could not repay their debts. This aside reminds us that it is not just central governments that can risk public sector insolvency. In this question you are encouraged to think through contemporary Chinese experience, in particular since the global economic crisis began in 2007, and to relate it to other countries that have had difficulties with local government debts, such as Argentina and Brazil.
8199 -
Every four years the US presidential election cycle receives plenty of worldwide news coverage. But just how important are the changes in the US federal administration for US foreign policy objectives? Whatever their differences, US presidential candidates may share certain values that are reflected in national foreign policy. At the same time, certain US allies may have different expectations on US foreign policy than others. The purpose of this question is to encourage analysts to think through the likely impact of the 2012 election, the timing of which alone may help pin down certain parameters.
7938 -
In the past, substantial shifts in global trade and econonmic power have led to changes in reserve currencies. However, such turning points have not always been so easy to predict. This question encourages you to think through the circumstances under which governments, private companies and individuals may adopt the Renminbi.
7937 -
One of the central principals of central banks is to maintain stable and low inflation. However, in a national or global economic crisis, economic stimulus may become the main priority of governments and electorates. How effective or ineffective are changes of monetary policy by a central bank in the face of a financial crisis?
7936