9 PAGE NEED HELP

The objectives of the assignment are to compare and contrast two national economies in an economic sense. That is, they are to be compared not in a general descriptive sense, but in largely intensive variables which are reflective of (or indicative of) economic conditions within the countries. This would include for example GDP/capita, average hours worked per year, productivity growth, average levels of educational attainment. The task requires students to

· briefly describe the two economies in broad terms

· select descriptive economic variables which are relevant to a comparison of the particular economies. Having regard to the length of the assignment, the main comparison needs to be made on the basis of a maximum three to five economic variables – with fewer variables being used where ‘high-level’ variables are used, as these require greater explanation.

· for each economy, research appropriate data to describe these variables, presenting five-year data to provide a meaningful comparison

· for each economy, having numerically described these variables, research commentary material to discuss how/why the variables were of the nature shown

· compare the results from the two economies to draw out similarities and differences, and the reasons for these.

Marking criteria

The assignment will be broadly marked against its content (35%), analysis and explanation (45%) and presentation (20%). The components contributing to each of these are as follows:

A. Content:

1. Variables: identifying relevant variables

2. Data: researching and collating appropriate and comparable five year data

3. Explanation: researching qualitative/analytical explanatory comment to explain the data in 1.

B. Analysis

1. Explaining: giving reasons why economic variables have values they show.

2. Linking: relating variables to broader indicators such as standard of living, economic growth prospects etc.

3. Difference: comparing data and explanations for two economies, and drawing conclusions as to reasons for difference.

4. Future: using data and explanations to suggest likely future development paths.

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.

3. Writing: quality of written expression.

4. Citation: adequacy and correctness of citation of sources. (Note: this assumes that citation is appropriately provided, and relates to the quality of citation. Failure to appropriately cite quantitative or qualitative material may lead to a separate penalty mark.)

4/4/2010 [Title] TBS905 Main Assignment Criteria