This course is oriented to gain a deep insight into ICT business and policies. It will focus on two major areas: the economic analysis of information and telecommunications; and the effects of information technology on economies, society and people's lives. Other topics include the theoretical optimization and empirical aspects of telecommunications charges, network externalities, spread of new services, e-commerce, IT and sustainable information society, etc.

The first step involves preparing a hypothesis for research. Students will carefully examine current and projected conditions in the telecommunications markets, with an eye toward identifying potential problems, then proceed to a survey of previous studies in an effort to develop possible solutions. In addition to the course's economics-related material, students will be expected to learn statistics, multivariate analysis and operations research as needed. Qualitative analysis will be supplemented with theoretical and/or quantitative analysis. The course will employ an interdisciplinary approach, making use of materials from economics, regional and environmental sciences, and socioeconomic planning.

Students involved in the course will come from the social sciences as well as the engineering and natural sciences. Foreign students and working students are also welcome. To aid students developing an efficient research plan, the concept of "management by objective" is introduced. At the beginning of every semester, students are requested to propose a research plan. Each student's work will be evaluated regularly and his or her plans updated to reflect new goals. Internships are available. Students lacking a strong background in economics, statistics, multivariate analysis and operations research may join study groups, which are run voluntarily by students. Students are strongly recommended to present their research results to an academic society or submit a paper to an academic journal.