EC5202 - 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 tailored to students who (envision to) work at a position that requires advanced economics skills.

Learning Outcomes

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

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to appraise information critically;
• The ability to use independent judgment to synthesise information to make intellectual and/or creative advances;
• The ability to place their research in a broader (preferably international)theoretical, practical and policy context.;
• The ability to think laterally and be original;
• The ability to conceptualise problems;
• The ability to conceptualise and evaluate a range of potential solutions to relevant problems;
• The ability to encompass and use methods and conceptual advances in areas of knowledge cognate to their central area(s) of expertise;
• The ability to plan, conduct and manage research in their discipline;
• The ability to identify and take serendipitous advantage of research opportunities;
• The potential to lead and contribute to projects effectively and efficiently;
• The ability to make constructive contributions to project teams or collegial activities.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

EC3406 BX3033

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 on Sat 22/6 & Sun 23/6; Mon 24/6, 6pm-9pm; Fri 28/6 6pm-9pm; 9am-5pm Sat 29/6 & Sun 30/6)
Coord/Lect:	Mr Sizhong Sun.
Contact hours:	36 hours workshops/Seminars
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); quizzes or tests (10%); assignments (40%).

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.