1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

dissertation of approximately 15 000 words in length.
Students intending to complete their degree with honours
must apply for entry into the honours year by the end of
their three year degree.
Note that entry into the honours year is competitive and the
number of places is subject to a quota.
BE401 Economics for Business
2.25 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequistite: nil
Assessment: assignment/exam
A subject in the Graduate Certificate in Business
Administration.
Objectives
To enable students to better interpret, analyse and evaluate
economic news items. To actively involve students in the
understanding and appreciation of economic issues and
~olicies. To give students a better knowledge of the
Australian and international economic environment for
business. To provide students with a systematic framework
for understanding and appreciating current economic
issues.
Content
The subject consists of twelve two and a quarter hour
sessions. These sessions will be divided roughly into a one
and a half hour general content based, lecture led, informal
discussion session pertaining to a specific course topic and a
forty-five minute tutorial. Candidates will be introduced to
principles and practices applying to the Australian
economy. Students are welcome to bring relevant articles for
discussion during the tutorial sesseion. Time will also be
allocated for syndicates to work on solving specific
problems.
Recommended reading
Freebairn, M.L. et al. Introduction to Australian Macroeconomics.
3rd edn, Hawthorn, Vic., Swinburne Press, 1995
Jackson, J., McIver, P. and McConnell, J., Economics, Sydney,
McGraw-Hill, 4th edn, 1994
This text covers the lecture content for the course. Students
should read each topic prior to the relevant session.
A comprehensive list of important references will be provided.
BE501 Economics
2 hours per week Hawthorn Assessment:
A subject in the Graduate Diploma course in Business
Administration
Content
No prior knowledge of economics is assumed. Applicants
who have recently majored in economics at a tertiary level
are advised to enrol for another postgraduate diploma subject.
The first half of the course is concerned with industry
economics, covering in articular market structure, conduct
and performance issues.
The second half of the course introduces students to key
macroeconomic concepts, current issues and policies. It is
applied in nature and frequent reference is made to current
economic events as publicised in the mass media.
Topics covered by the course are drawn from markets,
resource allocation and efficiency; production and costs;
pricing and profit; industry economics including public
policy aspects; economic indicators and economic cycles;
aggregate demand and supply analysis; unemployment;
inflation; international economic constraints; financial
markets and government macroeconomics policies.
Recommended reading
Freebairn, et al. Introduction to Australian Macroeconomics,
Hawthorn, Vic., Citadel Press, 1994
Caves, R. et al. Australian Industry Structure, Conduct,
Performance. 2nd edn, Sydney, Prentice Hall, 1987
Indecs. State of Play 8 The Australian Economic Policy Debate.
Sydney, Allen & Unwin, 1992
Waud, R.N., Hocking, A., Maxwell, P. and Bonnici, I.
Economics. 2nd Aust. edn, Sydney, Harper Educational, 1992
A detailed reading guide will be issued at the start of the semester.
BE504 The Nature and Characteristics of
Markets
2 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisites: nil Credit will
be given for a comparable sutject successfully completed at the
graduate level Assessment: assignments 50%, final
examination 50%
0 b jectives
This subject will provide an introduction to aspects of
microeconomics which will promote an understanding of
the nature and characteristics of markets. Students will
become familiar with analytical methods which enable them
to evaluate critically the policies and behaviour of
households, firms Ad th; government. An understanding of
the dominant market factors affectine an oreanisation is
essential to the development of apprlpriate Yorecasting
techniques.
Content
introduction to the market system, basic market theory;
demand analysis;
production and costs;
market structures;
public policy;
trade and protection.
Recommended Reading
Students are expected to have access to at least one of the
following texts
Terry, C., and ode, K. Microeconomics: An Introduction for
Australian Students. 3rd edn, Sydney, Prentice Hall, 1992
Waud, R. and Hocking, A. Microeconomics. 2nd Aust. edn,
Sydney, Harper Educational, 1992