EC5214 - Case Studies in Applied Economics and Finance

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Business

This subject is specifically designed for students who plan to do economic research of their own and/or who are interested in case studies in applied economics. During the subject six different topics will be introduced by various different members of staff. Each topic will be discussed for just one week - during two separate three-hour workshops. In most cases, the first workshop will provide some theoretical background to the topic under consideration, while the second workshop will show how these theories are tested, empirically, in 'real life' case studies.

Learning Outcomes

• be able to compare and evaluate the ability of different models, theoretical frameworks, statistical and econometric techniques to generate information that is useful for specific policy/management problems;
• appreciate and understand the data (information) which researchers must have access to, if wishing to operationalise different models (or theoretical frameworks;
• appreciate and understand the statistical and econometric problems likely to confront those seeking to operationalise different models (or theoretical frameworks).

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 reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• 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 work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Assumed Knowledge:

First year undergraduate economics and statistics.

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coordinator:	Professor Natalie Stoeckl
Lecturers:	Professor Natalie Stoeckl, Dr Riccardo Welters, Dr Hong-Bo Liu, Mr Sizhong Sun, Assoc. Professor Chris Hunt, Dr Taha Chaiechi.
Contact hours:	36 hours workshops/Seminars - 6 hours per week for the first 6 weeks. 6 hours - Two 1.5 hour mid semester tests plus one 3 hour seminar
Assessment:	other exams (60%); presentations (15%); assignments (25%).

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.