Associate Professor D T Merrett. Second semester Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial a week. The aim of this subject is to introduce students to the broad outlines of recent Australian business development by an analysis of the historical origins of contemporary economic problems. The emphasis is placed upon Australia's role and function within the international economy and the nature of Australia's economic performance in the marketplace. In particular the course is structured around current debates about Australian industry's failure to become internationally competitive and the circumstances under which it might become so. Topics studied will include: the role of resource abundance in generating a large share of global markets in precious metals and bulk commodities; the role of technological change; the relationships between the degree of competition in domestic markets and export competitiveness; the effects of a small and highly regulated economy on cost structures; the effect of distance on Australia industries; the role of the government in promoting or retarding export capability. An essay and assignment totalling 2,500 words (40 per cent) and a 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60 per cent). Australian Business in the Global Economy: Tutorial Readings (available from the University Bookroom)