326-226/326 Business and Development in South-East Asia

Coordinator:

Prerequisite/s:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

At the end of this course students should: understand the main trends in the economic development and the economic structures of some key countries of South-East Asia, especially since World War Two; appreciate the main characteristics of the business environment, including business institutions, business practices, and the social and political background influencing the business environment; be able to discuss the implications of the business environment for foreigners doing business in South-East Asia, with an emphasis on Australian perspectives; be able to explain the historical background of key features of the business environment, current forces for change and the implications for likely future trends in the business environment; be able to critically examine explanations of the South-East Asian business environment especially the relationships between business cultures, and the social and political systems and cultural traditions.

Content:

Modern trends in the economic, institutional and commercial development of South-East Asia and Australia's growing involvement in the region. The main focus will be upon Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand but comparisons will be made with other South-East Asian countries. Topics will include the legacy of colonialism, Japanese influence and regional integration; industrialisation and trade; labour force, industrial relations and education; financial liberalisation and foreign investment; urbanisation and the emerging middle class; overseas Chinese and indigenous entrepreneurship; the developmental state; culture and business environment; and the Australian relationship with South-East Asia.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

Business and Development in South-East Asia: Tutorial Readings (Details from the Department).