Business and Government

Subject 166-549 (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 has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2-hour Seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 8 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Public Policy and Management, or Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate or Honours in Public Policy and Management or Political Science.
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

Coordinator

Prof Brian Galligan

Contact

Prof. Brian Galligan
galligan@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: The respective roles and interactions between business and government are crucial for the political economy of a country. Because of its productive function, business enjoys a privileged position with government, while a major part of government is concerned with the monitoring and managing of business. The structure and role of both have been changing rapidly in recent times, as have the conceptual tools for understanding them. This subject critically reviews contemporary writing and developments and uses case examples to familiarise students with theoretical, normative and practical issues for both sides of this important relationship. On completion of the subject, students should have an understanding of the character and inter-relationship of business and government in contemporary society including: changing private and public sector boundaries; the re-configuration of the mixed economy; the neo-liberal paradigm and its critics; the impact on business of the socio-political environment; the role of interest groups in public policy; changing expectations of corporate governance; the role of business advocacy; government regulation of business; alternatives of self regulation and co-regulation; the effects of globalisation; the growth of the transnational corporations.
Objectives:
  • have an advanced understanding of the character of inter-relationship of business and government in contemporary society;
  • have developed skills in research and analysis in select topics in the field;
  • facility for applied research in contemporary issues in the field;
  • have detailed knowledge of the way business interacts with government and government manages business relations;
Assessment: A review essay of 750 words, 15% (due early in semester); a research paper of 3000 words, 60% (due in the examination period) and; a group project equivalent to 1250 words, 25% (due in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be provided.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
Notes: Formerly available as 166-549. Students who have completed 166-549 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Political Science
Political Science

Download PDF version.