GBUS 8330 BUSINESS-GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The purpose of this course is to equip students to be the type of managers who understand government processes, are politically aware, are mindful of the interaction between media, government, and business and appreciate how business can gain strategic advantage by monitoring and working with government at all levels. The course will prepare students to meet these managerial requirements and to participate in complex decisions when changing laws, regulations, and other governmental factors that have major long-term implications. In addition to case situations and readings on current issues, selected speakers from business and government will add their expertise.

Academic course objectives:

· Appreciate how government policies and decision makers can affect strategic choices and the performance of companies

· Understand the interplay between policy, process, and politics in business and government relations

· Understand the modes of participation in the political process and the differences between individual company action and collective action

· Examine various methods of advocacy and the role of the media

· Explore the political and public policy agendas and mechanisms in developed countries and look at the similarities and differences across countries and regions

· Apply analytical tools to selected business and government relations topics

Elements of the course grade:

Class contribution                   50%

Individual paper/project          50%