S/E/79. Post-communist privatisation in Central and Eastern Europe

The paper examines the transition to open market economy in post-communist Central and Eastern European countries addressing the problem of privatisation. Benefits and losses of privatisation are outlined; the methods of privatisation are evaluated focusing on the privatisation process in Albania.

P/E/523. Thatcher’s privatization policy

The paper examines the privatization policy of Margaret Thatcher’s conservative government describing its political and economic background, i.e. the failure of the nationalisation programme, the rising levels of unemployment and inflation, etc. Conservative Party’s 1979 election manifesto is reviewed; justifications for privatisation are discussed arguing that the UK privatisation programme lacked clarity and coherence.

P/E/392. Economic and political environment for reforms in Japan

The paper examines the role of politicians in Japanese politics, the networked nature of political decision making and the need for reforming Japanese system. The policy of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is reviewed focusing on the importance of the privatisation of the Japanese Post Office.

C/E/102. Was the privatisation of the railway industry in the UK worth it?

The essay looks at the difference between the service that the customers were receiving before and after the privatisation. It is found that the complex system of the railway ownership is the main cause of the problems and although the correct infrastructure is being put in place, it is unlikely that the benefits to the consumers will last, unless the fundamentals are changed. The essay is supported by a large number of diagrams with the latest statistics.

P/E/292. British railways privatisation

The paper reports on the effects of the British Railways privatisation relating its history, the procedure of the British Rail privatisation, their structure and performance after privatisation, investment in rail infrastructure, financial profitability, etc. Conclusions are made about the results of the railways privatisation.

P/E/283. Privatization of public utilities

The paper examines the privatization of public utilities discussing the economies of scale and economies of scope, natural monopolies, the problems existing in the UK private utilities regulation, etc.

C/E/56. London Transport Privatisation

The report discusses the need for transport privatisation, assessing main benefits and drawbacks. Examples on the UK rail and air systems privatisations are given to highlight, whether privatisation has proved to be an expensive mistake and whether it needs to implement any radical changes to the structure of the industry. The writer shows different sides of the privatisation, suggesting that privatisation could succeed only if a clear direction in the government policy objectives is created to prevent substantial difficulties in the development of new processes.