Units
Policy Economics and Evaluation
Unit code: EFN509
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This Economics Honours unit lays emphasis on economic policy and evaluation. The primary purpose of this unit is to focus on the application of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles to informing contemporary commercial, economic and social policy in Australia, and the global economy. This unit has a strong focus and will illustrate in a practical manner how economic tools can be used to assess policy issues and to evaluate potential solutions. The unit will complement theory with appropriate tools of analysis (inclusive of both analytical methods and model-based arguments).
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit will focus on the application of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles in informing contemporary commercial, economic and social policy in Australia, and the global economy. On completion of this unit students will understand the role of economic theory in informing both design and assessment of the performance of policy using appropriate methodological approaches and/or tools of analysis (inclusive of both analytical methods and model-based arguments).
Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide an in-depth knowledge of selected topical microeconomic and macroeconomic policy issues in Australia. It will illustrate in a practical manner how economic tools can be used to assess policy issues and to evaluate potential policy solutions. The unit will complement theory with appropriate tools of analysis in real-world applications. Examples will be provided where it is relevant and appropriate to do so.
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:
The candidate can demonstrate broad and deep advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge (KNO)
1.1 Discuss advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge
The candidate can demonstrate the 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
The candidate can communicate 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 **
The candidate can 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 **
The candidate can understand the ethical context of research (ETH)
5.1 Reflect on the ethical dimensions of their research and obtain ethical clearance prior to conducting research
The candidate can 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
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Relate to identified topical microeconomic and macroeconomic policy issues facing Australia.
2. Analyse policy issues within an economic framework building on microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and econometrics.
3. Model policy issues (identifying barriers) with a view to outlining potential solutions.
4. Apply economic tools of analysis (inclusive of both analytical methods and model-based arguments).
The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.
Content
The unit is divided into two parts: Microeconomic and macroeconomic policy issues. After an introduction to public sector policy economics, Part I explores some topical public policy issues in Australia. In doing so appropriate tools used in modelling solutions to policy issues will be dealt with. Part II deals with pertinent macroeconomic and growth policy issues and how these issues can be analysed using appropriate economic tools.
Note: Policy topics to be considered will change as relevant issues change.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit will be delivered in weekly three-hour blocks. Relevant teaching material will be uploaded on blackboard. Some reading material will be uploaded on Course Materials database (CMD).
Assessment
This unit has 2 compulsory assessment items. Students are asked to refer to the Week 1 Documentation for specific details concerning the format of the assessment items.Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
The students will be required to write an essay addressing policy issues covered in weeks 1-5.
Length/Duration: 2000 word essay
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KNO (1.1), ARS (2.1), (2.3), IND (4.1)
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 8
Assessment name:
Assignment
Description:
The students will be required to write an essay addressing topics covered in week 6-12.
Length/Duration: 2000 word essay
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KNO (1.1), ARS (2.1), (2.3), IND (4.1)
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Central Exam Period
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
Prescribed Text
There is no prescribed text for this unit.
Required References
The lecturers involved in this unit will provide the required references.
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: 31-Oct-2012
