EFB349 Macroeconomic Policy
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EFB349 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | EFB346 and (EFB229 or EFB223) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFB349 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EFB346 and EFB229 or EFB223 |
| Coordinator: | Jayanta Sarkar | jayanta.sarkar@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit, you will explore macroeconomic policies and understand their significance in shaping the health of an economy. You will examine how these policies influence short-run economic fluctuations, economic growth, income distribution, employment, inflation, and exchange rates. Through a blend of theory and practical application, you will gain an in-depth understanding of macroeconomic policies in both national and global contexts. You will also engage with recent issues and debates in macroeconomic policymaking, including the limitations of conventional fiscal and monetary policies and the policy dilemmas related to growth and development.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the design, impacts, and limitations of various macroeconomic policies (e.g., fiscal, monetary, and labour market policies) by applying core macroeconomic theories and empirical data, and formulate suitable policy recommendations. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Critically analyse the challenges of growth and development policy-making in a rapidly changing world and reflect on various policy issues. [HO 2.1, SE 5.1]
- Apply written communication skills to present policy recommendations. [PC 3.1]
Content
This unit builds on the theories in EFB229 Macroeconomics and the ideas from throughout the Economics major. It investigates macroeconomic policies that impact on national and global economies, including but not limited to monetary, fiscal, trade, exchange rate, and technology-driven growth policies.
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 judgment 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
In this unit, you will learn by engaging with various macroeconomic policy issues and their limitations through the use of theory and data. You will develop a critical understanding of the nuances of different policies.
The content of this unit is delivered via a lecture, a tutorial program, and the prescribed textbook. You will also have access to resources such as additional study material, weekly formative assignments and their solutions on the unit's Canvas site. You will need your student number and password to access the Canvas site, and you are required to check it regularly for new announcements and materials.
You are expected to study the relevant material (textbook and other supplementary materials) and complete the assignment provided before attending the lecture, workshop, or tutorial. This preparation will allow you to make effective use of the time allocated to solve difficulties and discuss further issues. The purpose of the tutorial is not to work through each question from scratch, but rather to resolve any problems or difficulties that arise from the week's work.
Assignments form an important part of your work in this unit and are a good indicator of possible examination questions. Historically, students who do not keep up with weekly lecture and tutorial work have a low pass rate.
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 consultation
- 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 your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Policy Report
Taking on the role of a policy adviser, you will propose policy solutions to a real-world macroeconomic problem, apply theory and gather empirical evidence to analyse relevant issues and the proposed policy solutions. You will also undertake economic evaluation of the proposed policies to make recommendations to policy makers.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: End of Semester Exam
The examination will assess how you apply your problem-solving skills based on the material covered in the unit.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No additional requirements.
Costs
No additional costs.
Resources
The resources for this unit include prescribed texts and additional resources added to the Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
The Economy (open access digital text), CORE
Other
Other resources will be provided on Canvas
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.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Policy Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Policy Report
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Policy Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Policy Report - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: Policy Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Policy Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Policy Report
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Online
| Unit code: | EFB349 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EFB346 and EFB229 or EFB223 |
Overview
In this unit, you will explore macroeconomic policies and understand their significance in shaping the health of an economy. You will examine how these policies influence short-run economic fluctuations, economic growth, income distribution, employment, inflation, and exchange rates. Through a blend of theory and practical application, you will gain an in-depth understanding of macroeconomic policies in both national and global contexts. You will also engage with recent issues and debates in macroeconomic policymaking, including the limitations of conventional fiscal and monetary policies and the policy dilemmas related to growth and development.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the design, impacts, and limitations of various macroeconomic policies (e.g., fiscal, monetary, and labour market policies) by applying core macroeconomic theories and empirical data, and formulate suitable policy recommendations. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Critically analyse the challenges of growth and development policy-making in a rapidly changing world and reflect on various policy issues. [HO 2.1, SE 5.1]
- Apply written communication skills to present policy recommendations. [PC 3.1]
Content
This unit builds on the theories in EFB229 Macroeconomics and the ideas from throughout the Economics major. It investigates macroeconomic policies that impact on national and global economies, including but not limited to monetary, fiscal, trade, exchange rate, and technology-driven growth policies.
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 judgment 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
In this unit, you will learn by engaging with various macroeconomic policy issues and their limitations through the use of theory and data. You will develop a critical understanding of the nuances of different policies.
The content of this unit is delivered via a lecture, a tutorial program, and the prescribed textbook. You will also have access to resources such as additional study material, weekly formative assignments and their solutions on the unit's Canvas site. You will need your student number and password to access the Canvas site, and you are required to check it regularly for new announcements and materials.
You are expected to study the relevant material (textbook and other supplementary materials) and complete the assignment provided before attending the lecture, workshop, or tutorial. This preparation will allow you to make effective use of the time allocated to solve difficulties and discuss further issues. The purpose of the tutorial is not to work through each question from scratch, but rather to resolve any problems or difficulties that arise from the week's work.
Assignments form an important part of your work in this unit and are a good indicator of possible examination questions. Historically, students who do not keep up with weekly lecture and tutorial work have a low pass rate.
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 consultation
- 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 your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Policy Report
Taking on the role of a policy adviser, you will propose policy solutions to a real-world macroeconomic problem, apply theory and gather empirical evidence to analyse relevant issues and the proposed policy solutions. You will also undertake economic evaluation of the proposed policies to make recommendations to policy makers.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: End of Semester Exam
The examination will assess how you apply your problem-solving skills based on the material covered in the unit.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
No additional requirements.
Costs
No additional costs.
Resources
The resources for this unit include prescribed texts and additional resources added to the Canvas site.
Resource Materials
Reference book(s)
The Economy (open access digital text), CORE
Other
Other resources will be provided on Canvas
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.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Policy Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Policy Report
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Policy Report - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Policy Report - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: Policy Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Policy Report, End of Semester Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Policy Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO2, Policy Report