Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The purpose of the course is to provide Honours and Higher Degree Research Students with the basic quantitative research skills necessary to complete the applied econometric work in their dissertation or thesis. The course will focus on fairly practical considerations, such as:
(1) how to develop testable implications from theoretical models;
(2) a practical understanding of regression analysis and other more advanced econometric methods;
(3) how to use econometric software to conduct empirical research.

Aims

At the completion of the unit, students should:

Have a sound solid practical grounding in econometric analysis;
Be able to use current econometric methods to advance their own learning;
Have a thorough working knowledge of the econometrics computer package, Stata;
Be equipped for critical reflective and creative thinking to be used during the period of the project, dissertation or thesis, and beyond.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Research)

The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have a broad and deep advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge (KNO)
1.1 Discuss advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge

Have advanced analytical research skills necessary to evaluate and conduct research in their areas of specialisation (ARS)
2.1 Display understanding of research design through appropriate methodological critique of published research
2.2 Display competence in research design through the development and critique of a rigorous design for their own research
2.3 Display competence in the appropriate and rigorous analysis of data

Be an effective communicator of theoretical, disciplinary and research information effectively at an advanced academic level (COM)
3.1 Provide an effective presentation and defence of their research in oral contexts
3.2 Provide an effective presentation and defence of research in written contexts
3.3 Disseminate research outcomes through presentations of their academic work within academic and other relevant communities **

Be able to demonstrate independence in research planning and execution (IND)
4.1 Identify independently issues as they arise in the conduct of research and enact solutions in a timely manner **

Have an understanding of the ethical context of research (ETH)
5.1 Reflect on the ethical dimensions of their research and obtain ethical clearance prior to conducting research

Be able to work effectively in a team environment (TW)
6.1 Operate effectively and with flexibility to achieve common goals in research settings, using a range of skills, including leadership, negotiation, reflection, proactivity and support for team members

** AOL goal applies at PhD level only.

Unit Objectives
Please refer to "Aims" section above.

Content

The major topics to be to be covered include linear regression, maximum likelihood and instrumental variables estimation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

In order to understand how econometric techniques are used in research, it is necessary to have both a sound knowledge of econometric method and the practical skills to implement a variety of techniques. This course aims to combine formal lectures with applied work that uses the econometric software package, Stata.

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation


• Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary


• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation


• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Research Project
Description: The project will comprise a piece of applied research on a topical issue related to either economics or finance. It will involve an application of techniques covered in the unit. The greater the capacity to demonstrate high quality research, theoretical understanding and critical enquiry the higher will be the grade.
Length/Duration:TBA
Formative orSummative: Summative
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Assignment
Description: The assignment will comprise questions from the material covered in the theoretical sessions during the first week of the course.
Formative orSummative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Relevant Textbook References
James Stock and Mark Watson Introduction to Econometrics (Pearson, Third Edition)

Jeffery Wooldridge Introductory Econometrics (Cengage, Fifth Edition)
R.Ramanathan, Introductory Econometrics (Introductory)
J.Johnson and L. Dinardo, Econometric Methods (Intermediate)
W. Enders, Applied Econometric Time Series (Advanced)
W. Greene, Econometric Methods (Advanced)

Additional Resources

Additional references can also be found at the unit's Blackboard site:

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 04-Feb-2013