Government-Business Relations





Lecturer: Michael de Percy

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PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SITE IS NOT TO BE USED FOR 6606 GOVERNMENT-BUSINESS RELATIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA IN SEMESTER 1, 2012.Madepercy 02:10, 6 February 2012 (UTC)

The relationships which link government and business, the two primary institutions in society, are inherently complex. Analysing these relationships is an essential element in understanding how society is organised. This unit considers a number of Australian policy choices and major international issues from a government-business relations perspective, taking into account both domestic and international contexts. Such a combination of insights will provide a strong understanding of complex interactions between government and business at the local, national, and international levels.

Lecture Topics

 * Topic 1: Capitalism: Fundamental Concepts
 * Topic 2: Setting the Standard: Researching and Writing
 * Topic 3: Business, Government and Globalisation
 * Topic 4: Political Ideologies: Ideas and Institutions
 * Topic 5: Power & Policy: Pluralism, Elitism & Corporatism
 * Topic 6: Trade & Industry Policy: From Protectionism to Free Trade
 * Topic 7: Regulation: Monopoly, Public Goods & Externalities
 * Topic 8: Global Governance: Multinational Corporations & International Institutions
 * Topic 9: Political Science: The Comparative Method
 * Topic 10: 'Most Different' Comparison: Sweden, Germany & Japan
 * Topic 11: 'Most Similar' Comparison: Canada & Australia
 * Topic 12: Government, Business & Technology

Please click here to see details of tutorial activities

Assessment Items
This unit is assessed as follows:

To pass this unit, you MUST submit all assessment items AND obtain at least 40% in the final exam AND obtain a mark of at least 50% overall. Failure to submit any assessment item automatically results in a fail grade for the unit. Unless an official extension is granted, assessment items must be submitted no later than one week after the due date to be counted as “submitted”. Assessment items submitted later than one week after the due date will not be regarded as “submitted” and will not be marked.

Assignment 1: 20% Referencing & Researching Activity 500 words, due 5pm Friday Week 5 Assignment 2: 40% Academic Essay 2,000 words, due 9am Friday Week 12 Assignment 3: 40% Final Exam 80 multiple choice questions, 2 hours, Exam Period. Total:       100%

NOTE: To pass this unit, you MUST submit all assessment items AND obtain a minimum of 40% in the final exam AND obtain a mark of at least 50% overall. Failure to submit any assessment item automatically results in a fail grade for the unit. Unless an official extension is granted, assessment items must be submitted no later than one week after the due date to be counted as “submitted”. Assessment items submitted later than one week after the due date will not be regarded as “submitted” and therefore will not be marked.

Do not attend exams if you are ill - obtain a doctor’s certificate or counsellor’s letter and apply for a deferred exam (via Student Central) within 72 hours of the actual exam time.

Purpose of the Unit
This unit provides students with an awareness of the relationship between political, economic, social and policy aspects of interaction between government and business in Australia and a selection of other countries. It investigates the extent of government influence, how power is distributed throughout society, the impact of interest groups on policy, and how government and business are organised in a global context. Students will also be provided with a historical insight into, and a thorough understanding of, the interplay of economics and politics in international capitalism and the changing global environment.

The unit is designed to stimulate critical thinking and informed analysis, but there are no neat and easy answers to key themes and arguments. In many, if not most, cases there is no single 'right' answer, but students should be able to support their positions with reference to generally accepted facts, an understanding of the readings and sound reasoning.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
 * Describe the relationship between government, business and society;
 * Contrast theoretical traditions about the economic role of government;
 * Identify the role played by government in managing the economy and in pursuing social goals;
 * Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the ways that business and government respond to the dynamics of globalisation; and
 * Relate political, social and economic changes to changes in the national and global environments.

Generic Skills
This unit focuses particularly on the generic skills and attributes in the areas of communication, analysis and enquiry, social responsibility and personal attributes. The generic skills and attributes which graduates of the University of Canberra are expected to develop as a result of their study are listed here: https://guard.canberra.edu.au/policy/download.php?file_id=2143.

Delivery Mode

 * Lectures to provide you with an overview of key concepts and issues;
 * Computer lab tutorials to provide you with researching and referencing skills and opportunities for real-time feedback on your work;
 * A referencing assignment designed to develop your researching and referencing skills;
 * An individual academic essay to assess your knowledge and ability to communicate and sustain an argument in writing; and
 * A final exam (held during the normal exam period) to assess your knowledge of the key concepts and issues taught in this unit.