Students
ECON381 – Current Issues in Economics
2018 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor and Lecturer
Paul Crosby
Contact via email
E4A 452
Check ilearn for consultation hours
Lecturer
Tony Bryant
Contact via email
E4A 407
Check ilearn for consultation hours
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above) 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 will have gained a sound understanding of how to research and analyse a business from an economics perspective, as well as be able to 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 be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate learning to make recommendations based on economic theories and techniques.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences and peers.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine sustainability aspects of a professional situation and to recommend appropriate responses.
- Collaborate with a team to contribute to the development of a group economic research project for industry partners.
General Assessment Information
- Due to the nature of a participation unit such as ECON381, and the involvement of an external industry partner, extensions to assessment tasks may not be possible. If you do experience illness or misadventure you must contact the unit convenor as soon as possible and follow the process outlined under the special considerations policy below.
- In order to obtain at least an overall pass in the unit all assessment tasks must be completed satisfactorily.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Project Pitch | 15% | No | Week 5: April 1st 2018 |
| Essay | 25% | No | Week 9: May 13th 2018 |
| Team Research Project | 60% | No | Ongoing |
Research Project Pitch
Due: Week 5: April 1st 2018
Weighting: 15%
Before embarking on their economic research project each student is expected to complete a research project pitch. In order to facilitate this assessment task a research project pitch template will be posted on iLearn in a clearly labelled folder. Completed research project pitches must be uploaded to Turnitin before the due date.
The research project pitch aims to help students develop a clear sense of direction early on in their project and to support teams in organising, planning and monitoring their progress as they move forward during the semester. Each research project pitch will contain information pertaining to both the individual research goals of the student and the overall research goals of each team.
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for special considerations is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Create solutions that can be applied 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 audiences and peers.
- Collaborate with a team to contribute to the development of a group economic research project for industry partners.
Essay
Due: Week 9: May 13th 2018
Weighting: 25%
Students will be given one essay question worth 25% of their final grade. The essay question will focus on issues of economic sustainability in the context of the semester's industry partner.
Completed essays are to be submitted via BESS as well as TurnItIn. Essay submission instructions will be posted on iLearn in a clearly labelled folder.
It is intended that students will work on the essay independently. Students who have plagiarised will be awarded a mark of zero, will not be permitted to resubmit, and may be reported to the University Disciplinary Committee for further action.
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for special considerations is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate learning to make recommendations based on economic theories and techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine sustainability aspects of a professional situation and to recommend appropriate responses.
Team Research Project
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 60%
The team research project consists of four parts:
1. Presentation I - Week 8: during lecture - 10%
During the week 8 lecture each team will be asked to present a summary of the progress made on their research project to the class. Each student will be marked on both their individual presentation and their performance as part the overall team. A soft copy of the entire group presentation is to be uploaded to Turnitin before the day of the presentation and a hard copy provided to the lecturer on the day of the presentation. Full details of the required timing and structure of the presentation will be posted on iLearn in a clearly labelled folder.
This presentation is designed to provide opportunities for constructive feedback from peers and academic staff that can be used to inform the remainder of your research project.
Students failing to present during their allotted time will receive a mark of zero. This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for special considerations is made and approved.
2. Presentation II - Weeks 12 & 13: during lecture - 10%
During the week 12 and 13 lectures each team will be asked to present their final research findings to the industry partner along with their peers, academic staff and a selection of faculty PACE/program coordinators. Each student will be marked on both their individual presentation and their performance as part the overall team. A soft copy of the entire group presentation is to be uploaded to Turnitin before the day of the presentation and a hard copy provided to the lecturer on the day of the presentation. Full details of the required timing and structure of the presentation will be posted on iLearn in a clearly labelled folder.
Students failing to present during their allotted time will receive a mark of zero. This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for special considerations is made and approved.
3. Team research paper - Week 14: June 15th 2018 - 30%
Each team is required to submit to Turnitin a 5000-word economic research paper based on the topics presented by the industry partner at the beginning of the semester. The required structure of the paper will be discussed in detail as we progress through the semester and each teams research will be developed by a series of project consultation seminars with members of academic staff.
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for special considerations is made and approved.
4. Peer review - Week 14: June 15th 2018 - 10%
Each student will undertake a peer review of themselves and their group members in relation to assessing against 10 criteria as outlined in the week 1 lecture. This assessment task highlights the need for students to positively contribute to their team's research project from the first week of semester onwards.
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply to cases in which an application for special considerations is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Create solutions that can be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate learning to make recommendations based on economic theories and techniques.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences and peers.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine sustainability aspects of a professional situation and to recommend appropriate responses.
- Collaborate with a team to contribute to the development of a group economic research project for industry partners.
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.
Lectures and consultation seminars
The timetabled three-hour lectures for ECON381 are in a mixed format, comprising of a variety of formal lectures, industry partner presentations, student presentations and consultation seminars. As ECON381 is a participation and capstone unit, you are required to attend each and every lecture in order to gain vital hands-on experience and exposure to the ideas of peers, academic staff and the industry partner. Failure to attend the lectures and consultation seminars means you will not have satisfied an important learning objective of the unit.
Required and Recommended Texts
There is no set textbook for the course. Recommended reading material will be posted to the unit iLearn during the semester.
Unit Schedule
| Lecture Topic | Assessment Task Due | |
| Week 1 | Introduction to ECON381 | |
| Week 2 | Industry Partner Lecture | |
| Week 3 | Writing an Economics Research Paper I - Embarking on a Research Project | |
| Week 4 | Writing an Economics Research Paper II - Existing Literature | |
| Week 5 | Writing an Economics Research Paper III - Data Collection and Identification | Research Project Pitch (15%) - April 1st 2018 |
| Week 6 | Writing an Economics Research Paper IV - Empirical Strategies | |
| Week 7 | Project Consultation Seminar | |
| Week 8 | Research Presentation I | Presentation I (10%) - During lecture |
| Week 9 | Project Consultation Seminar | Essay (25%) - May 13th 2018 |
| Week 10 | Project Consultation Seminar | |
| Week 11 | Project Consultation Seminar | |
| Week 12 | Research Presentation II | Presentation II (10%) - During lecture |
| Week 13 | Presentations to Industry Partner | |
| Week 14 | Team research paper (30%) & Peer review (10%) - June 15th 2018 |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
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 be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate learning to make recommendations based on economic theories and techniques.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences and peers.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine sustainability aspects of a professional situation and to recommend appropriate responses.
- Collaborate with a team to contribute to the development of a group economic research project for industry partners.
Assessment tasks
- Research Project Pitch
- Essay
- Team Research Project
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Create solutions that can be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate learning to make recommendations based on economic theories and techniques.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences and peers.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine sustainability aspects of a professional situation and to recommend appropriate responses.
- Collaborate with a team to contribute to the development of a group economic research project for industry partners.
Assessment tasks
- Research Project Pitch
- Essay
- Team Research 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 be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate learning to make recommendations based on economic theories and techniques.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences and peers.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine sustainability aspects of a professional situation and to recommend appropriate responses.
- Collaborate with a team to contribute to the development of a group economic research project for industry partners.
Assessment tasks
- Research Project Pitch
- Essay
- Team Research Project
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Create solutions that can be applied to problems faced by key economic decision makers using knowledge of economic theories.
- Critically analyse economic issues and integrate learning to make recommendations based on economic theories and techniques.
- Develop effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences and peers.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine sustainability aspects of a professional situation and to recommend appropriate responses.
- Collaborate with a team to contribute to the development of a group economic research project for industry partners.
Assessment tasks
- Research Project Pitch
- Essay
- Team Research Project