23731 Industry Project in Behavioural Economics
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Credit points: 12 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): ((36 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04440 Master of Behavioural Economics OR 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04465 Master of Behavioural Economics (Extension)) AND 23788c Behavioural Economics Research)
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
Description
Students apply skills acquired through the Master of Behavioural Economics program to a practical problem in business, government, or the not-for-profit sector.
Students are provided with a list of potential partner organisations and problems from which they may agree a project with the partner organisation. Students may also source their own partner organisation and problem, subject to approval by the subject coordinator.
Students work with the organisation to define the problem, critically analyse evidence to develop hypotheses as to what is causing the problem, and develop potential interventions to address the problem. Students may progress to experimental design if time permits. The project demonstrates students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills and make a practical contribution in an applied context.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | Collaborate and coordinate with industry stakeholders to scope the business problem and desired outcomes |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically analyse an organisational problem with sufficient precision to identify the behavioural underpinnings |
| 3. | Critically analyse evidence to generate hypotheses as to behavioural factors underlying the problem |
| 4. | Develop and justify practical and evidence-based solutions to a behavioural problem using behavioural economics concepts and methodologies |
| 5. | Communicate findings clearly in a manner suitable for business, government, or not-for-profit audiences |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives:
- Develop novel solutions to address behavioural economic factors in business problems, including the methods to evaluate them (1.1)
- Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver effectively negotiated outcomes (2.2)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The subject will provide students with the skills needed to work on applied behavioural economic problems and communicate their results in an industry setting.
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):
- Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
- Communication and collaboration
- Professional and technical competence
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will learn through experience in the practical project environment, independent learning activities, peer review, and coaching.
Independent learning activities
Through the subject, we will provide materials online relevant to the practical application of behavioural economics and the stages of an applied project. The online material is designed to equip students with a structure through which they can approach the project. We will also provide students with case studies from which they can learn approaches and challenges that may be relevant to their project and future applied practice.
Peer review, feedback and coaching
Weekly online sessions and weekend workshops will provide opportunities for group discussion of independent learning activities and progress of the students’ projects. Students will provide peer review and the subject coordinator will provide formative feedback.
Project experience
Students will learn through their practical experience on the project. Feedback will be frequent and includes self-assessment, peer review and coaching through online sessions. Feedback will be provided by the partner organisation. The students will also write a critical reflection to enable them to consider what they learnt and the challenges in applied practice.
Content (topics)
- Applied behavioural economics methodologies
- How to define a problem
- Effectively reviewing the literature
- Case studies in applied behavioural economics
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Problem diagnosis and literature review (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 5 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 2.2 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | Report is no more than 4,000 words (excluding bibliography) |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 2: Oral presentation of findings (Individual)*
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | Presentation of up 20 minutes |
| Criteria: |
*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero. |
Assessment task 3: Written report (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 5 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 1.1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | Report is no more than 10,000 words |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 4: Critical reflection (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 4 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | Report is no more than 1,500 words |
| Criteria: |
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Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.
Required texts
There is no required textbook. Resources will be made available through the learning management system as required.
References
Students will read literature relevant to their problem.