Transition Economies of the Post Soviet Era: Ukraine.

Strayer University

Alexandria Campus

Transition Economies of the Post Soviet Era : Ukraine

a Directed Research Project

submitted to

Miles M . Hamby , PhD

in Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Business Administration

by

Olena Napolitano

Summer 2008

Strayer University

Directed Research Project

Certification of Conformity to Standards

Conformity to Standards for Strayer University Graduate Level Directed Research Project

I , ______________________________________ certify that I have in good faith compiled with the format requirements of Strayer University for this Directed Research Project . I also certify

that any work or effort that is not my own has been properly credited to the appropriate source (s . I hereby submit Graduate Level Directed Research Project to the faculty of Strayer University for acceptance

Student 's Signature___________________________________ Date ______________________

II . Acceptance of Directed Research Project

I have received and examined this Directed Research Project and I believe it meets the Graduate Level Standards of Strayer University

Faculty Member 's Signature ___________________________ Date ______________________ ABSTRACT

The transition towards a market oriented economy for communist nations was a difficult task . Ukraine embarked upon a program of economic reforms which was delayed . This caused significant structural difficulties in the economy . This provides a background of the Ukrainian economic and political environment . It compares the successful policies of Estonia , Poland , and Czech Republic which became economic miracles by adopting shock therapy . This recommends that Ukraine also pursue significant economic reforms in to capitalize on its educated workforce , transit point , mineral resources , and hi tech industries ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Entire page is Times Roman , 12 pt , double-space . Title is ALL CAPS centered . Each paragraph is indented ? inch from the margin . Maximum 1 page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

The Problem 4

Research Question . 4

Significance of the Study 5

Design and Methodology 5

Organization of the Study .6

CHAPTER 2 - LITERATURE REVIEW

Chapter Overview .7

Chapter Summary . 7 Ukraine economy .8

Unemployment rate .9

Industrial base .10

Trade .11

Economy during the 1990s .12

Difference of opinion regarding economic performance .13

Diversification of economy .14

Privatization process .15

Rise of oligarchy .16

CHAPTER 3 - RESEARCH QUESTION FINDINGS

Chapter Overview .18

Chapter Summary .18

Economic Prosperity .19

Ukraine economic and political environment .2 4

Economic reforms of Estonia .27

Comparison of Ukraine and Estonia .34

Recommendations for Ukraine .39

Poland economic reforms .44

Czech Republic Economy .48

CHAPTER 4 - SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Problem and Research Question . 51

Chapter Summaries . 52

Conclusions . 53 APPEDNICIES

APPENDIX A - LIST OF REFERENCES . A - 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The Problem

After becoming independent in 1993 and discovering economic freedoms , Ukraine is still lagging behind other former communist countries like Estonia , Poland , and Check Republic

Research Question

This research is attempting to determine if the more aggressive approach in economic reforms , as it was done in Estonia , would benefit Ukraine

To answer this question , this research must explore

Identify key characteristics of the economic prosperity

Explore the unique characteristics of the Ukrainian post-soviet economy and its political environment

Measure and explain an aggressive approach that Estonian...