BX3033 - Project Evaluation

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Business

This subject examines the use of cost-benefit analysis in evaluating the efficiency of projects. Examples of such applications are the construction of new mines or new water infrastructure or new railway systems. The technique is also applicable to non-physical projects such as changes in the health system. In line with current realities, particular attention is paid to the role of Indigenous People and communities in projects, and external costs and benefits. Cost-benefit analysis is taught in a practical way with the intention that by the end of the subject, students will be able to conduct a cost-benefit analysis at a professional level. While the subject is available to all JCU students, it is assumed that those who choose to enrol will have a sound understanding of introductory economic principles.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the external costs and benefits that are frequently associated with large projects;
• demonstrate an awareness of methods of attempting to measure different costs and benefits;
• demonstrate an ability to conduct a cost-benefit analysis at a professional level.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to generate, calculate, interpret and communicate numerical information in ways appropriate to a given discipline or discourse;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies.

Prerequisites:	BU1003 OR EC1005
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	EC3406 AND EC5202

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 08-Jul-2010
Face to face teaching 22-Jun-2010 to 03-Jul-2010 (face-to-face teaching dates are (9-1pm) on 22 - 25 June (Tuesday to Friday) and 28 June to 3 July (Monday to Saturday))
Lecturer:	Mr Sizhong Sun.
Contact hours:	39 hours workshops/Seminars
Assessment:	end of semester exam (% - 60%); quizzes or tests (% - 15%); tutorial attendance and participation (% - 5%); assignments (% - 20%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.