EFB222 Introduction to Applied Econometrics


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:EFB222
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:24 credit points of completed study
Equivalent:EFX222
Coordinator:Jason Hay | jm.hay@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit provides a thorough and practical treatment of regression analysis, including the foundations of statistical and mathematical concepts and skills. The statistical and mathematical knowledge and skills taught in this unit are essential in contemporary economic and financial practice with regression analysis the most widely used econometric modelling technique in the fields of economics, finance, accounting and many others. The unit aims to develop students' knowledge of econometric techniques and to apply these to the analysis of business data. Students will develop regression modelling techniques and also the ability to interpret statistical output. This unit serves as a developmental unit to prepare you for further units in Econometrics.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply technical knowledge of statistics and statistical software to summarise data, run regressions, and carry out statistical analysis.
  2. Interpret statistics and analyse regression output, and carry out appropriate hypothesis tests.
  3. Develop and evaluate econometric model specification and frame appropriate hypotheses to investigate real world problems.
  4. Communicate the stages of problem solving with technical and non-technical audiences.
  5. Critically evaluate your performance as an individual in a group environment, and your responsibilities to self and to the group members.

Content

The unit will cover the theoretical and practical aspects of regression analysis including the following key content areas:

  • Method of Ordinary Least Squares
  • Estimation and Interpretation
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Model Assessment
  • Use of Stata

QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.

Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.

Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.

Professional Communication (PC)
3
.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.

Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.

Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.

Learning Approaches

This unit applies a theory-to-practice approach to support learning.

In-class lectures will explore and discuss the theoretical foundation for the econometric tools used in the unit. The required background reading and/or tasks are expected to be completed prior to these sessions.  Active participation during all sessions is strongly encouraged.

Students will develop and practise the relevant skills in this unit through self-study tasks and supervised computer laboratory sessions. In the laboratory sessions students will be working with software widely used in academia and in industry.

The software used in this unit is Stata. No prior command of the software or its language is assumed.

The learning and teaching approaches and the assessment regime in this unit are designed so students can assess their progress in the unit, foster their skill development and broaden their skill application over time.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal
  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
  • Indirect:to whole class

Assessment

Overview

The assessment in this unit aims to support achievement of the learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities. Assessment has been designed in order to allow students to:

  • receive feedback on learning during progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
  • demonstrate learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).

Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Online Quiz

Weekly online quizzes on core skills and concepts. This assessment is designed to develop progressive learning. Best 3 of 4 count towards the grade.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2)

Weight: 15
Length: Assuming all learning activities have been completed, the quiz takes approximately 30min to complete.
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Weeks 1-5
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Portfolio

Computer-based statistics tasks, technical analysis, and reporting sequenced over time, compiled into a portfolio, and coupled with self and/or peer reflections. Feedback on effective teamwork behaviour will be provided formatively.

This piece of assessment is eligible for the 48 hour late submission period and extension.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1)

Weight: 35
Length: 3,000 words plus solutions
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Week 10
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5

Assessment: Exam

Practical examination where students complete problem solving tasks. 

Formative or Summative: Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1)

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 3:10 - No perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Regression Analysis: A Practical Introduction, 2nd Edition (by Jeremy Arkes), Routledge.

Recommended text(s)

Introductory Econometrics, 7th Edition (by J. M. Wooldridge) or 2nd Asia-Pacific Edition (by J. M. Wooldrdige, M. Wadud, J. Lye, R. Joyeux), Cengage.

Other

Software: Stata available in QUT labs (or via remote connection to QUT)

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO3, Exam

KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Online Quiz, Portfolio

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio

TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability

Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BS05 Bachelor of Business

  1. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Online Quiz, Portfolio
  2. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Exam
  3. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio
  4. Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
    Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio

BS06 Bachelor of Business

  1. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Online Quiz, Portfolio
  2. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Exam
  3. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio
  4. Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
    Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio

BS08 Bachelor of Business - International

  1. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Online Quiz, Portfolio
  2. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Exam
  3. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Portfolio
  4. Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
    Relates to: ULO5, Portfolio