Students
ECON381 – Current Issues in Economics
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Andrea Chareunsy
Paul Crosby
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
39cp including (ECON203 and ECON204)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
3cp from ECON303-ECON394
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides a platform for students to exercise the knowledge and skills they have learned in previous units and requires students to complete a major research project in business that deals with issues of economics, under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will actively engage with industry partners. The group work engages students in the challenges of interpersonal communication, task allocation, co-ordination and control. By the end of the unit, students gain a sound understanding of how to research and analyse a business from an economics perspective as well as contextualise their graduate capabilities into the final industry report.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate and synthesise learning to make recommendations based on theories and techniques in economics.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience and peers.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
General Assessment Information
Due to the nature of a participation unit, the assessment tasks and the involvement of various parties, no extension will be granted.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Reflections | 20% | W2, W4, W6, W8, W10, W11 |
| Individual Case Study | 30% | W5, W9 |
| Major Project | 50% | W11, W12, W13 |
Individual Reflections
Due: W2, W4, W6, W8, W10, W11
Weighting: 20%
There are six individual reflection tasks: four (in weeks 2, 4, 8 and 10) are written communications, and two (in weeks 6 and 11) are oral communications. These tasks give students the opportunity to actively participate in discussions with peers, the teaching staff and the industry partner, and to critically reflect on their learning throughout the session.
The four written reflections are conducted online (each is worth 2.5%), while the two oral reflections take place in the lecture forum in weeks 8 and 11 (each is worth 5%).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience and peers.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Individual Case Study
Due: W5, W9
Weighting: 30%
This case study involves of two components: two individual reports (of 1,000 words and worth 10% each) and an individual peer evaluation and feedback (worth 10%).
The focus of first report is an individual reflection on the industry and economic backdrop of our partner. The essay emphasises critical, analytical and integrative thinking of relevant research and previous learning in economics, and is directed at an academic audience. The second report is an individual reflection on the team's approach and the student's contribution to the team project. This report will be directed at a general audience.
The peer evaluation component provides students the opportunity to review, evaluate and give feedback on the first and second reports to their peers.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate and synthesise learning to make recommendations based on theories and techniques in economics.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience and peers.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Major Project
Due: W11, W12, W13
Weighting: 50%
There are two parts to this project: a written team collaboration in the form of a 3,500 words report (worth 30%) and a series of team presentations (worth 20%).
The written report is a critical evaluation of the issue(s) presented by the industry partner with a recommendation/proposal based on sound economic reasoning. The report is due in week 13.
The series of team presentations provide opportunities for feedback from and discussions with peers, academic staff and the industry partner. Presentations are marked on individual performance. All team members must be present. Presentation slides must be of a professional quality and is due in week 11 to be included as part of the presentation mark. Formal team presentations takes place in the lecture forum in week 12.
More information will be available at the Industry Debriefing in week 6.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate and synthesise learning to make recommendations based on theories and techniques in economics.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience and peers.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Delivery and Resources
Learning and teaching strategy
The learning and teaching strategy in ECON381 recognises that students learn from contact with academic staff and their peers. It also recognises that students must take responsibility for their learning process, which includes independent study and reflection. Moreover, it acknowledges the importance and acts to promote the academic and personal integrity of students and academic staff.
Lecture Forums
Classes for ECON381 are conducted through a series of lecture forums run by a variety of industry speakers and academics in various online and face-to-face formats. The first six of the lecture series will include the industry partner and academia with expertise in the participating industry. The industry partner will prescribe a set of real world business issues, problems and challenges for students to develop their research projects.
In second half of the session, students will have the opportunity to engage with teaching staff, industry experts, the industry partner and their peers whilst working on their research projects. The final report will be presented through a series of in-lecture presentations. The series of presentations offer students the opportunity to engage, discuss and receive feedback and suggestions from the industry partner, experts and their peers. Students will benefit from building their collaborative relationships with their peers and the opportunity for professional mentoring through this forum.
Unit Schedule
|
Week |
Lecture Forum |
Assessments Tasks Due |
|
1 |
Introduction to ECON381 |
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2 |
Industry Partner I |
FOR THIS WEEK ONLY: LECTURE WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY 07/08/15 Online Reflections #1 (2.5%) |
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3 |
Industry Partner II |
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4 |
Industry Partner III |
Online Reflections #2 (2.5%) |
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5 |
Industry/Academic Expert |
Case Study First Report (10%) & Evaluation A (5%) |
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6 |
Industry Debriefing & Reflections |
Individual Class Reflections #1 (5%) |
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7 |
Mentoring and Discussion (Online) |
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8 |
Mentoring and Discussion (Online) |
Online Participation #3 (2.5%) |
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9 |
(Public Holiday - Labour Day) |
Case Study Second Report (10%) & Evaluation B (5%) |
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10 |
Mentoring and Discussion (Online) |
Online Participation #4 (2.5%) |
|
11 |
Team Presentations I |
Individual Class Reflections #2 (5%) Presentation Slides |
|
12 |
Team Presentations II |
Formal Presentations (20%) |
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13 |
Team Presentations III (final) |
Team Project Report (40%) |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate and synthesise learning to make recommendations based on theories and techniques in economics.
Assessment tasks
- Individual Reflections
- Individual Case Study
- Major Project
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience and peers.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Assessment task
- Major Project
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate and synthesise learning to make recommendations based on theories and techniques in economics.
Assessment tasks
- Individual Reflections
- Individual Case Study
- Major Project
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience and peers.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Assessment tasks
- Individual Reflections
- Individual Case Study
- Major Project
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Create solutions that can apply to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate and synthesise learning to make recommendations based on theories and techniques in economics.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audience and peers.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Assessment task
- Major Project