Gorbachev's economic revolution: what's in it for European companies?

Article Abstract:

Greater cooperation with the West and Western companies is a key part of Soviet Communist Party General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev's plan to rebuild the Soviet Union's economy. A law passed in Jan 1987 permits joint ventures between Western and Soviet business entities. Gorbachev has moved beyond attacks on inefficiency and corruption to challenge the basis of Soviet society, and plans to introduce radical concepts such as profit, free prices, competition, and pay linked to productivity. The general consensus among European executives and experts is that changes to the Soviet economic system will require years and that few profitable opportunities for business relationships with the Soviet economic system will exist in the near future. Soviet demands for control, uncertainty over profit distribution, short supplies of raw materials and components, and the Soviet pricing system are all seen as barriers to enhanced trade.

Economic policy, International relations, Soviet foreign relations, Soviet Union, Gorbachev, Mikhail

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AT & T: down but not out in Europe

Article Abstract:

AT&T's experience in the European telecommunications market since 1983 has been a frustrating one. The company's international savvy and ability to maneuver politically were found to be inadequate. Large amounts of money had to be invested to redesign equipment to meet European technical standards. Some analysts say that AT&T needs to adopt a more European image, and that the company's entry into European markets was too late and too overtly American. It is also suggested that the European telecommunications market is so crowded that even AT&T's well-regarded technology and financial backing do not assure market access.

Management, T, Telecommunications equipment industry, American Telephone and Telegraph Co.

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Degrees of confusion

Article Abstract:

Europeans are demonstrating greatly increased interest in master of business administration (MBA) degrees, with new MBA programs being announced almost weekly. Strong and growing international and domestic competition are said to be feeding the MBA 'boom'. Some experts express concern that the value of the degree could be reduced just as confidence in it is expanding. No standards exist for MBA degree requirements, and there is no European accredited body to screen institutions that offer MBA programs. Business education is discussed for specific countries such as France and West Germany.

Forecasts and trends, Education, Master of business administration degree, Business education

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