BX3033 - Cost Benefit Analysis

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
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 (particularly environmental) costs and benefits. The subject 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.

Learning Outcomes

• conduct a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and use other project evaluation techniques at a professional level;
• explain the role of Indigenous people and issues in projects, discussing the difficulties likely to be encountered if attempting to incorporate their views within a western-science CBA framework;
• explain the environmental considerations in the evaluation of projects, discussing the difficulties of attempting to include non-market values such as these in the CBA framework;
• demonstrate an ability to use an Excel spreadsheet to assist the analysis when conducting a cost-benefit analysis.

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 OR EC1001
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	EC3406 EC5202

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 11-Jul-2013
Non-standard start/end 22-Jun-2013 to 02-Aug-2013
Face to face teaching 22-Jun-2013 to 30-Jun-2013 (Face to face teaching dates - 9am - 5pm Sat/Sun 22 & 23 June, Mon 24 June 6-9pm; Fri 28 June 6 - 9pm, Sat/Sun 29 June, 30 June 9am - 5pm.)
Coord/Lect:	Mr Sizhong Sun.
Contact hours:	39 hours workshops/Seminars
Assessment:	end of semester exam (60%); quizzes or tests (20%); 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.