Students
ECON8030 – Applied Economics Project
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Andrea Chareunsy
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(ECON840 or ECON8040) and (ECON912 or ECON8012) and (ECON913 or ECON8013)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is a Capstone for the Master of Applied Economics. It is designed to create a bridge between the knowledge and skills acquired in the course, and the broader society, including business and government. The unit attempts to provide students with a practical understanding of how theories, methods and knowledge of economics can be relied upon to understand and solve issues in the real world. The unit is primarily based on a specific economic project chosen from the students' own business or social environment. Students work in teams to nominate a problem, and to undertake appropriate research and analysis so as to ultimately propose solutions. The scope of the economic project can be microeconomics or macroeconomics; this will depend on the nature of the chosen problem, and the theories and techniques selected in response. |
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:
- ULO1: Apply advanced knowledge of key economic ideas to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
- ULO2: Synthesise and creatively adapt learning to complex economic issues in preparation for professional practice.
- ULO3: Effectively communicate complex economic ideas and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- ULO4: Interpret and apply ethical dimension of business practice to economic and policy decision choices.
- ULO5: Collaborate with peers to prepare and present research findings on current real-world issues.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research project proposal | 40% | No | Week 6 |
| Presentation | 20% | No | Week 12 & 13 |
| Research project | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Research project proposal
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 21 hours
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 40%
The research project proposal, due in week 6, consists of two parts. Part A, worth 25%, is an essay-style proposal of a chosen topic which will include background, relevance and impact. Part B, worth 15%, is a 3 minute pitch followed by a Q&A defence of the proposal.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge of key economic ideas to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
- Synthesise and creatively adapt learning to complex economic issues in preparation for professional practice.
- Effectively communicate complex economic ideas and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Interpret and apply ethical dimension of business practice to economic and policy decision choices.
Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 12 & 13
Weighting: 20%
Formal presentations will take place in weeks 12 and 13. Students present the findings of their group project. However, students will be assessed based on their individual presentation of their assigned section.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge of key economic ideas to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
- Synthesise and creatively adapt learning to complex economic issues in preparation for professional practice.
- Effectively communicate complex economic ideas and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Research project
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
The 3,500-word report will provide an analysis of the chosen topic based on existing literature. Students are expected to work in groups to offer a critique of the theories and methods employed for these analyses and propose solutions to problems and issues encountered in their chosen area. The group report will be due in Week 13.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge of key economic ideas to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
- Synthesise and creatively adapt learning to complex economic issues in preparation for professional practice.
- Effectively communicate complex economic ideas and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Interpret and apply ethical dimension of business practice to economic and policy decision choices.
- Collaborate with peers to prepare and present research findings on current real-world issues.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Blended classroom for group Learning:
There will be weekly seminars alternating between different delivery modes (synchronous Zoom, face-to-face and online chat). Details will be provided on the unit website at the beginning of session. This course is project-based, with little reliance on a common textbook or set of readings. As such, class attendance (and other synchronous interaction) is paramount to the successful completion of this Unit. For instance, each weekly seminar will require compulsory participation in a break-out Zoom or face-to-face team meeting. Projects will be based on a chosen theme relevant to the industry participant(s). The Unit is organised into three blocks of seminars covering: 1. Discovery and research; 2. Application of appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches; and, 3. Preparation and presentation of the research project.
Individual Experiential Learning:
You are expected to 'get your hands dirty' in research (by reading, sifting and sorting academic and policy papers) relevant to your project. With mentoring from academic staff, you are required to collaborate and actively participate in discussions with peers to critically analyse and solve real economic problems, and present the solutions to industry.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook