Economics Comparative Analysis

Order Description

The Objective of the assignment is to research the economic characteristics of two economies (India and UAE) and to compare both using qualitative and quantitative research.

Assessment
Major Assignment – report.
Objective of the assignment
The objective of the assignment is to contribute to the learning outcomes for this subject by providing practice in
(a) researching the economic characteristics of two economies, and selecting a number of variables (indicators) which best describe their similarities and differences
(b) obtaining 10 years of WDI data describing those characteristics, interpreting and presenting them clearly and simply as a ‘picture’ of a real economy
(c) researching critical background, you can use Zawya and Eurostat, CIA, etc., on the two economies in order to explain their current economic situation and suggest their likely future states and
(d) using this material to illustrate the factors at work in the two economies, focusing on the differences and similarities between them, and what this may suggest in terms of their respective business and investment environments.
Coverage of Learning Outcomes
1, 2, 4 and 5
Spring 2015 TBS905_2015_1_ Main Assignment Criteria
Marking criteria
The assignment will be broadly marked against its content (55%), analysis and explanation (30%) and presentation (15%). The components contributing to each of these are as follows:
A. Content:
1. Briefly describe the two economies in broad terms – this serves as part of the introduction to the assignment and as a basis for motivating your choice of variables. Hint: remember that the UAE is part of the GCC.
2. Variables: identify and justify relevant variables – i.e. use relevant theory to justify your choice of variables. Hint: you might start from the macroeconomic identity: Y=C+I+G+(X-M); other models will become apparent as the course progresses.
3. Data: researching and collating appropriate and comparable ten year data (The WDI databank should be used as the primary database for your assignment, this should be supported by data from other sites (e.g. Eurostat, Zawya, National Bureau of Statistics) to address any gaps in the data. Up-to-date data is necessary to gain a good grade )
4. Explanation: researching qualitative/analytical explanatory material (e.g. EIU country analyses, IMF reports, etc.) to explain the data presented in section A2.
B. Analysis
1. Explaining: giving reasons why economic variables have values you found.
2. Linking: relating variables to broader indicators such as the standard of living, economic growth prospects, etc. (data analysis).
3. Difference: comparing data and explanations for two economies, and drawing conclusions as to any reasons for observed differences (comparative analysis).
4. Future: using data and explanations to suggest likely future development paths (trend analysis).
C. Presentation
1. Data: presenting data in simple, clear, comparable and relevant terms using appropriate graphical means where possible.
2. Comparison: combining data and commentary into single, clear and coherent comparison. Note: only include key graphs and tables in the report itself – delegate related supporting material to an appendix
3. Writing: quality of written expression.
4. Citation: adequacy and correctness of citation of sources. Note: this assumes that all citations are appropriately provided, and relates to the quality of the citations. N.B. Failure to appropriately cite quantitative or qualitative material may lead to a separate penalty mark.
Indicators
As an indication of the nature of grading, general criteria for the factors listed above are given in the table below:
Spring 2015 TBS905_2015_1_ Main Assignment Criteria
Factor
Marginal/average
Good
Very good/excellent
A1. Introduction
Minimalist – does not provide an adequate introduction to the countries or the remainder of the assignment.
Reasonably comprehensive, some gaps in terms of wider environment – could be better linked to the remainder of the report.
Comprehensive and cohesive, draws on relevant demographic, geographic, political environment to give clear introduction to the economies.
A2. Variables
Chosen for ease or convenience. Not strongly relevant.
Reasonably relevant variables, considered individually.
Very relevant variables, linked in analysis.
A3. Data
‘Second-hand’ data, not 10 year coverage.
Quality data, not completely parallel.
Quality data, fully comparable.
A4. Explanation
Descriptive only, no in-depth explanation.
Critical comment, few or one source.
Variety of quality/ critical sources.
B1. Explaining
Descriptive, no critical comment, doesn’t fully explain data.
Some critical comment, not much analysis.
Logical analysis of causes for data outcomes.
B2. Linking
Variables treated in isolation.
Some variables linked to each other.
Variables related together and to broad macro indicators.
B3. Differences
Differences noted but not explained.
Some critical comparison of outcomes.
Differences used to generate further insights on variables.
B4. Future
Projections based on current situation.
Projections based on present, some use of underlying factors.
Projections based on country’s trajectory and underlying factors.
C1. Data
Correct data but using copied presentation from others. Numerical data used where should be graph.
Appropriate presentation means but not fully consistent between variables, countries.
Data presented consistently and fully comparably using graphical means to best advantage.
C2. Comparison
Data and commentary separate, reader must compile ‘picture’.
Data and commentary largely linked but not completely.
Integrating data and commentary into seamless comparison.
C3. Writing
Generally conveys some information but sometimes obscures or blocks its meaning.
Straightforward language conveys relevant information, relatively few errors.
‘An interesting read’ – writing conveys relevant information in manner as to engage reader.
C4. Citations
Minimal or incomplete.
Adequate and generally correct.
Complete and correct.