IPE 361 | Business and the Base of the Pyramid

The base of the pyramid (BOP) refers to the billions of people living on very low incomes ($2-4 per day). Currently, various approaches exist as to how best to align business activity with the needs and potential of this segment of the global population. Those at the BOP can be seen as a large untapped market of demanding consumers, as creative entrepreneurs, as business partners, and as innovators. This course examines the various BOP perspectives to need satisfaction, poverty alleviation, and economic growth through business activity. The focus is on emerging business models that address individual and social needs in an innovative, profitable, sustainable, and socially-responsible manner. This course integrates concepts of development economics, international business, and strategy. Cross-listed as BUS/IPE 361.