The EC-Japan Elements of Consensus: The Aftermath (B)

This case covers the period October 1977 to May 1978. It deals with the launching of the EMS. Why was it launched? Could an outside observer have predicted/gauged the way the policy would take?

This case describes the partial transformation of the French social security system, and provides a basis for discussion of reform processes in complex organisations. The case raises questions about institutional lethargy, the sources of reform (are they demographic, economic, sociological, ideational?), and suggests conditions required to lock in reform.

This case focuses on the re-launch of monetary union within the general context of predicting policy change. It presents a method to assess the probable changes in policy with respect to timing, content and negotiating style.