325-310 The Japanese Business System

Note

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

325-228 Business Strategy or 325-231 International Business Strategy or, for 1999 only, any 200-level subject taught in the Department of Management. For students not enrolled in the BCom or a combined BCom degree, 325-103 Asian Economies and a pass in any of the optional 200- level and 300-level subjects listed in the Asian Studies program in the Faculty of Arts.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Japan's post-war economic 'miracle', the 'bubble' of the late-1980s and causes of subsequent prolonged stagnation, with particular attention to the institutions of business and government. Topics include structural change, industrial policy and the role of technology; the organisation of big business, including keiretsu relationships and the role of the trading houses, and of small business, including subcontracting ties; financial markets and labour markets for both large and small firms; consumer markets; government-business relationships and cultural aspects of the business environment.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of- semester examination (50%) and tutorial participation, essay and outline totalling no more than 3000 words (50%).

Prescribed Texts

• The Japanese Business System, Tutorial Readings. (Details from the Department).