Business Conditions and Economic Analysis: An Experiential Learning Program for Economics Students

The authors describe the Business Conditions and Economic Analysis (BCEA) program developed at the University of Richmond. The BCEA program is an experiential learning format for economics students built on the success of student- managed investment funds (SMIF) in finance. In its initial implementation, the BCEA group conducts domestic and global macroeconomic analysis and industry studies to support the portfolio decisions of student fund managers. At a more mature stage, the BCEA program includes a Web-based publication for disseminating macroeconomic forecasts and special-topic articles written by BCEA and SMIF students. Generally, the BCEA program is a curricular extension for economics students seeking higher levels of rigor in their course work, academic distinction in economics, and refinement of competencies for careers in financial economics.