EC5202 - Cost Benefit Analysis

Credit points:	03
Year:	2018
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	College of Business, Law & Governance

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.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

EC3406 BX3033

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 05-Jul-2018
Face to face teaching 22-Jun-2018 to 08-Jul-2018 (6-9pm Fri 22 June, 9-5pm Sat 23 and Sun 24 June & 6-9pm Fri 6 July, 9-5pm Sat 7 July and Sun 8 July 2018)
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Sizhong Sun.
Contact hours:	36 hours workshops/Seminars
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (40%); test (10%).

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.