Courses & Units
Evaluating Alternatives BEA206
Hobart, Online
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 |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 2 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 21/7/2025 | 19/8/2025 | 8/9/2025 | 26/10/2025 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
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
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 091901 | $2,124.00 | $1,663.00 | not applicable | $2,726.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
BEA332Teaching
| 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.
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