325-332 Chinese Business and Economy

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

325-228 Strategy or 325-231 International Business Strategy or 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

The subject surveys the contours of the post-1978 economy, the nature of the new household economy, the re-emergence of markets and private enterprise, and the state-dominated urban industrial sector. The roots of the present business and economic system are explored. Two key questions are asked: What was the nature of the economic system before 1949 which allowed growth sufficient enough to feed a growing population without an industrial revolution? Why was China so slow to adopt modern technology? Analysis will focus on the nature of the peasant household economy and handicraft manufacturing, the development of market and transport systems. Detailed analysis is made of the post-1978 reforms and their implication for domestic growth, foreign investment and international trade and the growth of consumer markets.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (50%) and tutorial participation and preparation (50%).