6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
Department of Civil Engineering
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Professor Geoff Rose
Mrs Margaret Arblaster
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit provides an introduction to contemporary analytical methods and issues in transport economics, with particular relevance to transport operations, infrastructure investment and policy decision-making. Fundamental concepts and methods relevant to demand, cost, pricing and investment analysis and decision-making are covered. The important role of regulations in the operations of markets and transport operations are considered as are the forms and impacts of different types of government intervention, deregulation and privatisation in transport markets and operations. The unit emphasises the application of transport economics principles to contemporary policy issues in transport.
Outcomes
The objectives of the unit are to develop knowledge/understanding of:
- factors influencing transport and travel demand, empirical demand estimation and analysis, and application to travel demand modelling;
- cost concepts and their measurement, and application to decision-making for transport operations and investment;
- market structure, conduct and performance analysis of transport markets, including supply and demand analysis of competitive markets, and social welfare comparisons of competition and monopoly;
- pricing transport services, including profit maximisation and social welfare maximisation strategies;
- role of governments in influencing the institutional environment within which transport operations take place, and the impact of different types of government intervention and deregulation on transport markets and operations; and
- cost benefit analysis basic principles (including consumers' surplus) and their application to transport decision-making
Assessment
Continuous assessment: 50%
Examination (2 hours): 50%
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.
Workload requirements
150 hours study
See also Unit timetable information
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Civil Engineering