This course is available for on-campus & online learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes.
For governments the business sector is a crucial stakeholder when designing and implementing public policies. For business, on the other hand, policies implemented by governments can have a large affect in supporting or undermining profitability. The relationship between government and business also differs in different countries, and within countries over time.
In this course we will focus on the intersection of business and public policy, examining interactions between government and business, how businesses navigate government regulations, and the mechanisms that business uses to influence public policy. We will include an international dimension, examining how the interests of business are affected by globalisation, and the rise and spread of state capitalism. In addition to academic texts we will examine a number of cases that illuminate different aspects of business-government relations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate the major frameworks for analysing business-government relations.
- Critically analyse business strategies for managing public policy.
- Communicate ideas and analysis regarding the way in which business and government interact.
- Critically analyse and apply theoretical governance frameworks used in the management of business-government relations.
Indicative Assessment
- Analysing theoretical frameworks. Approx. 1,000 words (30) [LO 1,2]
- Current event analysis. Approx. 500 words (20) [LO 2,3,4]
- Company analysis project. Approx. 1,500 words (50) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload for a 3 unit course is 65 hours including class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
None
Prescribed Texts
There is no standard textbook. Readings are drawn from a mix of academic research and case studies.
Preliminary Reading
David P. Baron. Business and Its Environment (7th ed.), Pearson Prentice-Hall. 2013.
Charles E. Lindblom. Politics and Markets: The World's Political-Economic Systems. 1977.
Douglass C. North. Institutions, Institutional Change and Economic Performance. 1990.
Robert Reich. Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life. 2007.
David P. Baron. “Integrated Strategy: Market and Nonmarket Components”. In California Management Review. 1995.
Mariana Mazzucato.The Entrepreneurial State: Debunking Public vs. Private Sector Myths. Anthem Press. 2013.
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 3 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $2460 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $3510 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.