Asian Management Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

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

This subject will examine how the strategy, institutional context and organisation of firms from East and Southeast Asian economies differ from 'typical' western firms. It will explain and conceptualise the nature of Asian management in general and HRM in particular, and business practices from an economic, cultural and institutional perspective. The subject draws on insights from cross-cultural management, entrepreneurship theory, institutional and organisational studies, strategic management and social network analysis to explore management systems in the Asian region. Students will be able to apply the knowledge and skills learnt to evaluate the viability of the transferability of Asian management systems in general and HRM practices in particular.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• explain and conceptualise the nature of Asian management in general and people management in particular from an economic, cultural and institutional perspective
• critically evaluate the usefulness of different research perspectives in understanding the economic organisation and people management that sustain competitive advantage at firm level
• compare and contrast Asian and Western approaches to management and human resources, and analyse the role of social networks in management and governance structures, and human resource and labour-management relations
• evaluate the transferability of Asian management practices, and the ways in which Asian management receive, adapt and change imported managerial know-how.

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

• Synthesis and application of competing managerial theories;
• Problem solving and critical analytical skills, which should be developed via the use of small group discussions, case studies and projects;
• Collaborative learning and teamwork skills, which should be fostered by working in small groups for part of each seminar over the entire semester;
• Oral and written communication skills, which should be developed via group work and group presentations throughout the semester and preparation of the major assignment.