Evaluating Alternatives unit (BEA206)

Introduction

This unit builds on an understanding of microeconomic concepts in order to provide you with an introduction to several widely-applied economic evaluation and impact-assessment methods. Informing decision-makers about how best to allocate scarce resources is a key role for economists in both the private and public sectors. This unit equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to this process, and provides a comprehensive foundation for advanced study in the area. The first module of the unit emphasises development of the practical skills required to conduct and critique a simple benefit-cost analysis of a project or program, including the ability to organise and present a benefit-cost analysis report effectively. The second module introduces you to approaches for assessing the impact of particular projects on the economy. The aim is to give you a working knowledge of how multi-sector models are constructed and estimated, and of how predicted impacts should be interpreted. The unit also provides you with the theoretical knowledge required to understand the implications, and limitations, of benefit-cost analysis and impact assessment.

Summary

Unit name	Evaluating Alternatives
Unit code	BEA206
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline	Economics
Coordinator	Doctor Maria Yanotti
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Reflect upon and demonstrate broad theoretical and working knowledge of the assumptions and limitations of cost-benefit analysis.
• Apply economic theory, analyse and evaluate economic issues.
• Reflect upon the social and ethical implications of the of social cost-benefit analysis.
• Communicate economic concepts in oral and written formats.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

BEA332

Teaching

Assessment	Executive Summary of Cost-Benefit Report (25%)|Proposal Presentation (25%)|Cost-Benefit Report (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Boardman, A.E., Greenberg, D.H., Vining, A.R., Weimer, D.L (2018). Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice. 5th Edition. Cambridge University Press. ISBN10: 1108401295 / ISBN 13: 9781108401296   Campbell, H.F., Brown, R.P.C. (2022). Cost-Benefit Analysis: Financial and Economic Appraisal Using Spreadsheets. 3rd Edition. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN 9781032320755
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.