Please note - Swinburne University of Technology

BE~OO
Economics Honours
Students should seek advice from the appropriate Economics
staff when formulating their discipline-specific course of
study and their research project proposal.
To encourage a multi-disciplinary approach, students may,
subject to approval, undertake selected honours-level
coursework subjects from other schools, divisions, or
institutions pro;ided that they show the relevance of these
coursework subiects to their ~ro~osed area of research. Such
arrangements a;e subject to iheitudent having any
necessary prerequisite studies and may be subject to any
quotas imposed on these subjects by the offering school.
Students must submit their proposal to the Economics
Honours Convener for approval prior to the commencement
of their honours program. Approval for a student's disciplinespecific
course of study and research project proposal shall be
subject to the availability of any necessary resources and the
availability of appropriate staff supervision.
Advanced Economics
Students will engage in a program of advanced study
designed to enhance their ability to apply economic
reasoning and economic techniques to issues of importance
to business, aovernment and society. The readinq and
seminar program will broaden and add depth tothe student's
understanding of significant policy issues and will support the
student in carrying out their economics research project.
Applied Economics Honours Research Project
Students will be required to undertake a substantial research
project in an area of applied economics. No specific topic is
prescribed, rather, students will be encouraged to formulate
their own problems and hypothesis. Potential areas for
research will reflect expertise within the department which
could include international trade and finance, industrial
relations, financial institutions and monetary policy and public
finance, including the economics of the environment and
social issues. Students will be required to make class
presentations at progressive stages in their research. The
research project will be presented in the form of a written
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.
BE~OI
Economics for Business
No. of hours per week: two and a quarter hours
Prerequisites: nil
Instruction: class
Assessment: assignmentJexam
A major subject in the Graduate Certificate in Business
Administration
Subject aims
To assist students to better interpret, analyse and evaluate
economic news items. To actively involve students in the
understanding and appreciation of economic issues and
policies. To give students a better knowledge of the
Australian and international economic environment for
business. To provide students with a systematic framework to
understand and appreciate current economic issues.
Subject description
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
basic economic concepts applied to the Australian economy,
illustrated with items by applying the course content and are
welcome to bring relevant articles for discussion. In the
tutorial section, time will be allocated for syndicates to work
on solving specific problems.
Textbooks
Freebairn, M .L. et al. Introduction to Australian Macroeconomics.
2nd edn, Hawthorn, Vic.. Swinburne Press, 1993
This text covers the lecture content for the course. Students should
read each topic prior to the relevant session. Available Swinburne
Bookshop: $26
References
A comprehensive list of important references will be provided
~~501 Economics
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 particular 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 publ~cised 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.
Textbook
Freebairn, et al. Introduction to Australian Macroeconomics,
Hawthorn, Vic., Citadel Press, 1994
References
Caves, R, et al. Australian Industry: Structure, Conduct, Performance.
2nd edn, Sydney, Prentice Hall, 1987
Indecs. State of Play 7: The Australian Economic Policy Debate.
Sydney, Allen and Unwin, 1992
Waud, R.N., Hocking, A,, Maxwell, P. and Bonnici, I. Economics. 2nd
Australian edn, Sydney, Harper Educational, 1992
A detailed reading guide will be issued at the start of the semester.
BE SO^
Financial Instruments and
Markets (Graduate Diploma in
Corporate Finance)
No. of hours per week: two hours
Prerequisite: nil
Instruction: lecture/discussions
Assessment: assignments/essays/examination/
multiple choice tests