Doing Business in post-Soviet countries

2024/2025

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

3

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Department of Political Science and International Affairs

Course type:

Elective course

When:

1 year, 3 module

Instructor

Yuzbekova, Karina

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the unique challenges and opportunities of conducting business in post-Soviet countries. Participants will analyze the political, economic, and cultural factors that shape the business environment in this region, with a focus on key industries such as energy, technology, and finance. Through case studies, guest lectures, and interactive simulations, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and business practices that impact operations in post-Soviet countries. Topics covered include legal systems, corruption risks, market entry strategies, and cross-cultural communication, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of doing business in this evolving landscape. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to assess opportunities, manage risks, and make informed decisions when engaging in business activities in post-Soviet countries.

Learning Objectives

• The main objective of this course is to introduce students to real cases of doing business in Russia and other post-Soviet countries and the main issues that arise in the process of doing business due to various factors specific to the post-Soviet economic space

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Able to efficiently communicate based on the goals and communication situations
• Able to solve professional problems based on synthesis and analysis

Course Contents

• Introduction
• How to create an effective business plan
• Post-Soviet mentality and business culture
• Business and Political Structures: Interaction

Assessment Elements

• In-class activity
• Reflection paper
  10 days before the session, students are required to write and submit a 1000 (+/- 10% maximum) word essay in the style of a reflection paper. Reflection paper is the following: students have to choose a topic that interested them during a seminar/group of seminars, find relevant literature and write a short essay with reflections on this topic, which should be based on some academic sources (in addition to academic sources, other sources can also be used - journalistic articles, studies, etc.). The essay should be written individually. The essay should be formatted in accordance with the formatting rules of the educational programme.
• Exam
  The exam is organised in a test format with closed and/or open questions based on the topics studied during the course

Interim Assessment

• 2024/2025 3rd module
  0.3 * Exam + 0.2 * In-class activity + 0.5 * Reflection paper

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Ledeneva, A. V. (2011). Doing business in Russia : informal practices and anti-corruption strategies / Alena Ledeneva; Stanislav Shekshnia. Paris: Institut Français des Relations Internationales. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.389421383

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Osterwalder, A., Clark, T., & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation : A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=335366

Authors

• IUZBEKOVA KARINA SHAMILEVNA