Public sector economics
Associate Professor Bill Battersby
6 points * One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week * Distance approximately 12 hours per week * First semester * Gippsland * Prerequisite: GBU2104
Objectives This subject aims to broaden knowledge of the economy by a study of the rationale for, and evaluation of, public sector economic activities. Students will develop techniques of analysis and evaluation appropriate to non-market based decisions, and critical thinking and analytical skills through a focus on the continuing debate about the role of the public sector in a market economy. Exposure to normative aspects of public sector activities will encourage students to consider the ethical issues which underlie economic decision making.
Synopsis This subject considers the role of government in market economy, provision of collective and public goods, market failure, public choice theory, public expenditure, cost-benefit analysis, the economics of taxation and government borrowing and the public debt. The problems of public finance in a federal system of government are also examined.
Assessment Assignment (1500 words): 20% * Essay (2000 words): 30% * Examination (3 hours): 50%
Prescribed texts
Groenewegen, P D Public finance in Australia 3rd edn, Prentice-Hall, 1990