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European Union: Central and Eastern Transition Countries

Unit code: HBI289N

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
DurationOne Semester or Term
Contact hours36 Hours
CampusHawthorn, Sarawak
PrerequisitesFirst year business unit
CorequisitesNil

Aims and objectives

At the conclusion of this unit students will be able to:
  • Understand the legacy of the former centrally planned economies in Eastern Europe
  • Evaluate the progress achieved so far throughout Eastern Europe
  • Understand the new group of Central/Eastern European countries which have joined the European Union 
  • Acquire and appreciation of the causes of the disintegration and break-up of Eastern Europe
  • Analyse the complex reforms since the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe
  • Develop proposals for future reforms
  • Effectively work in teams and communicate in both written and oral form in a manner appropriate to business

Teaching methods

Lecture (2 hours), Tutorial (1 hour)
Lecture and presentations will be used to introduce the topics and resources, demonstrate concepts, and provide a forum for demonstration, discussion and questions.

Assessment

Class participation 5%-10%, Group presentation 20%-25%, Mid-semester test 20%-25%, Final test 45%-50%.

Generic skills outcomes

The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce graduates who are:
  • Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
  • Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
  • Effective and ethical in work and community situations
  • Adaptable and able to manage change
  • Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (eg socio-cultural, economic, natural)

Content

  • Introduction to Central and Eastern European countries in transition
  • The rise and decline of communism in Central and Eastern Europe
  • The former socialist economies in Central and Eastern Europe
  • Elements of the transition process in Central and Eastern Europe
  • Economic transition in Central and Eastern Europe
  • Government reforms and institution building in Central and Eastern Europe
  • The Disintegration of the Soviet Union
  • The ‘Big Bang’ Reform in Russia
  • Social changes in Central and Eastern Europe
  • The EU enlargement on the East
  • The Balkans and the EU

Reading materials

Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.