Asian Economies

Subject 316-681 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours of classes per week (Semester 2).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Entry into the Master of International Business.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview: It describes the contours of economic growth amongst nations in the Asian region and analyses the reasons for their outstanding economic performance. The underlying process of structural change and productivity trends in the main sectors and leading industries is explained with reference to foreign trade, the role of savings and investment, the emergence of capital and labour markets and technology transfer. Intrinsic to this process of rapid Asian economic growth is the role of government and the evolution of business organisations and capitalist economic institutions. Also discussed are the benefits and costs of economic growth including welfare and living standards, urbanisation, social and cultural dislocation, political and administrative structures and environmental impacts.
Objectives: On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • Identify the main structural and policy features of Asian economies, their trade and investment links with each other and with the rest of the world, important current issues and broad economic prospects and challenges facing the Asian region;
  • Identify and use important information sources on economic and business conditions in Asia
  • Describe the role and importance of multinationals in Asia and the relationships between foreign multinationals and domestic firms and, how domestic firms cooperate and compete with multinationals;
  • Explain the causes and consequences of the 1997 Asian crisis;
  • Describe key features of the main equity markets in Asia and some of their implications for investment strategies;
  • Explain how changes in the global trade and investment system and WTO agreements, and Chinas recent accession to the WTO, affect economic and business conditions in Asia.
Assessment: One 2-hour examination (50%), case study and project work not exceeding 3000 words (50%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence
  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence
  • Strategic thinking
  • Critical thinking
  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making
  • Accessing economic and other information
  • Summarise and interpretation of information
  • Application of Windows software
  • Using and designing computer programs
  • Problem solving skills
  • Collaborative learning and team work
  • Negotiation and bargaining
  • Written communication
  • Oral communication
Notes: This subject is available to Master of International Business students only.
Related Course(s): Master of International Business
Master of International Business

Download PDF version.