Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON526
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Benefit-cost analysis is used by governments to assess whether the benefits of policies and projects exceed the costs. This sounds simple, but when you are attempting to measure benefits and costs across the whole of society the exercise quickly becomes complex. For example, if we analyse a policy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, how would we evaluate the benefits of that policy?
In studying this unit, you will begin by examining the economic theory that defines benefits and costs. You will then apply this theory to practical case studies so that by the end of the unit you will have a good understanding of how the process works and a strong awareness of the problems inherent in any analysis.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of the roles, welfare basis and application of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to the evaluation of public projects and policies;
- demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of the conceptual basis of BCA in welfare economics; and
- demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of, and develop the skills necessary for, the practical preparation of a BCA through identification and valuation of benefits and costs and investment analysis.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Quiz - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Multiple choice quiz. Word length not specified due to the quantitative and analytical nature of this assignment. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Assessment 2: Practical Analysis | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Problem solving. Word length not specified due to the quantitative and analytical nature of this assignment. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice
ISBN: 9781108401296
Boardman, A.E., Greenberg, D.H., Vining, A.R. and Weimer, D.L., CUP 5th ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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