Page 1 of 8 ECON1010, 2019S2, Policy Brief Instructions Page 1 of 8 ECON 1010 – Macroeconomics 1 Policy Brief Project (40 marks) 1. Overview We have developed the analytical tools that economists use when discussing policy options and have discussed its likely impacts on the economy in theory. In this assignment you take the role of the policy advisors, employed by government departments or big corporations (your clients are therefore the government and its ministers and big corporate organisations) to apply those skills and expertise knowledge accumulated in this course so far. As an expert’s role in the government /corporation decision making process, your task has the following two objectives: Analysis: Experts are responsible for analysing the economic scenario (depicting the likely impact of the policy on the economy), using the specialised knowledge and the technical expertise in the discipline. Communication skills: Experts must communicate their finding and recommendations effectively to the decision-makers in government – ministers, senior public servants – and executives of corporations as an independent/third party observer. This assignment is designed to help you develop the skills of critically interpreting and analysing macroeconomic data and effectively communicating your findings to the targeted audience. Page 2 of 8 ECON1010, 2019S2, Policy Brief Instructions Page 2 of 8 There will be three parts to this assignment: Part A: Diagnostics (macroeconomics data collection and interpretations) Task: You apply knowledge to the macroeconomics data and present a diagnostic analysis of the economy. Make important observations and assess the current situation of the economy; finally, identify if economy is ‘stable’ or showing any signs of ‘economic downturn’ or any other problem. Part B: Policy brief report Task: Based on your ‘Diagnostics’ in Part A, you suggest the ‘Policy Recommendations’. These recommendations must be backed by proper justification and rationale. As the last step, communicate everything (diagnostics, policy recommendations, justification/rationale) effectively to your client in the form of a policy brief. Policy briefs aim to be practical and well-researched to make it useful and worthwhile for your clientele. Part C: Micro-credential (Information Literacy) Task: You are required to complete the micro-credential (Information Literacy) which will help enhance your skills in searching for, organising and interpreting information. 1. Submission In principle, you need to form a group with a size of TWO(2) students. All group members must be enrolled in the same tutorials (a strict requirement). In the case that you would like to form a group with a student from a different tutorial or you like to submit as the individual work, you will need to seek approval from the course co.