Describe and compare the economies of the UAE and the USA
Objective of the assignment (a) researching the economic characteristics of two economies by using the components of GDP (and other economic indicators) to describe similarities and differences between the two countries
(b) obtaining 10 years of data for the variables examined, interpreting and presenting them clearly and simply as a ‘picture’ of a real economy
(c) researching critical background 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. Discussing the growth potential in each country given the individual characteristics of GDP components and more specifically consumption and investments, and what this may suggest in terms of their respective business and investment environments
Coverage of Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5
Part 2. Detailed Instructions
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 primarily in terms of macroeconomic variables which are reflective of (or indicative of) economic conditions within the countries. This may include for example GDP/capita, Consumption, Investment, Government Spending, Exports, Imports, Inflation Rates, Productivity Growth, average levels of educational attainment, the Trade Balance etc..
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 relevant economic theory – this should guide your choice of variables – with fewer variables being used where ‘high-level’ variables are used, as these require greater explanation (Hint. you could use the macroeconomic identity as the basis of comparison).
• for each economy, research appropriate data to describe these variables, presenting ten-year data to provide a meaningful comparison.
• for each economy, having numerically described these variables, research relevant material (e.g. EIU country analyses, IMF reports, etc.) to discuss how/why the variables followed the patterns or measures reported.
• compare the results from the two economies to draw out similarities and differences, and the reasons for these. Do not provide an isolated discussion on each economy and each variable. Rather compare and contrast the data (this is what you would be doing if you needed to examine the economic environment perspectives for your business in two countries).
o Discuss these difference in light of the growth potential in each country given the individual characteristics of GDP components and more specifically consumption and investments, and what this may suggest in terms of their respective business and investment environments.
The overall length of the assignment is 2,000 words. Its presentation needs to be of a mixed format, with numerical material presented in a report form, (generally graphical rather than data tables – only include the key graphs and tables in the report itself – delegate related supporting material to an appendix) while discussion should follow standard essay style. The assignment is intended to test students’ ability to:
• identify the major variables describing relevant elements of similarity or difference between national economies.
• find, interpret and concisely present broad-brush national economic data
• research and interpret explanatory material on how the economies came to be in the position in which they are
• draw broad economic lessons from the comparison which emerges.
• write clearly, logically and concisely on national economic issues.
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
2. Variables: identify and justify relevant variables – i.e. use relevant theory to justify your choice of variables. Hint: you should 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 to address any gaps in the data)
4. Explanation: researching qualitative/analytical explanatory material (e.g. EIU country analyses, IMF reports, etc.) to explain the data presented in section A2.
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, not completely parallel Quality data, not completely parallel Quality data, fully comparable
A4. Explanation Descriptive only, no in-depth explanation Some critical comment, few or one source. Variety of quality/ critical sources
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).
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.
C. Presentation (15%)
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 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.
Factor Marginal/average Good Very good/excellent
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 info but sometimes obscures or blocks its meaning. Straightforward language, conveys info, relatively few errors. ‘An interesting read’ – writing conveys info in manner as to engage reader.
C4. Citations Minimal or incomplete Adequate and generally correct Complete and correct
Part 4. Essay Feedback Sheet
Presented as a separate file and uploaded on the website. Please note that weights are assigned from each one of the criteria so that an “objective” grade range is provided before final grading of your project.
Part 1. TBS905 Main Assignment: Assignment Criteria
Assessment Task: 1 Major Assignment: Comparative Analysis
Type: Individual
Topic Describe and compare the economies of the UAE and the USA
Marking criteria Critical analysis 55%; research depth 30%; written presentation/creativity 15%
Length 2000 words
Weighting 20%
Due date Must be submitted in Week 6 and no later than 6:00 pm, Wednesday 17th July. Late penalties will apply from that time (10% per day)
Submission A hard copy must be submitted to the lecturer in week 6 and an electronic copy must be submitted via turn-it-in prior to the due date.
Other information Additional information including information on content, style and format will be provided in week 1 and made available on the UOWD subject web-page, as will detailed marking criteria as a guide to requirements.
Assessment Major Assignment – report.
Objective of the assignment (a) researching the economic characteristics of two economies by using the components of GDP (and other economic indicators) to describe similarities and differences between the two countries
(b) obtaining 10 years of data for the variables examined, interpreting and presenting them clearly and simply as a ‘picture’ of a real economy
(c) researching critical background 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. Discussing the growth potential in each country given the individual characteristics of GDP components and more specifically consumption and investments, and what this may suggest in terms of their respective business and investment environments
Coverage of Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5
Part 2. Detailed Instructions
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 primarily in terms of macroeconomic variables which are reflective of (or indicative of) economic conditions within the countries. This may include for example GDP/capita, Consumption, Investment, Government Spending, Exports, Imports, Inflation Rates, Productivity Growth, average levels of educational attainment, the Trade Balance etc..
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 relevant economic theory – this should guide your choice of variables – with fewer variables being used where ‘high-level’ variables are used, as these require greater explanation (Hint. you could use the macroeconomic identity as the basis of comparison).
• for each economy, research appropriate data to describe these variables, presenting ten-year data to provide a meaningful comparison.
• for each economy, having numerically described these variables, research relevant material (e.g. EIU country analyses, IMF reports, etc.) to discuss how/why the variables followed the patterns or measures reported.
• compare the results from the two economies to draw out similarities and differences, and the reasons for these. Do not provide an isolated discussion on each economy and each variable. Rather compare and contrast the data (this is what you would be doing if you needed to examine the economic environment perspectives for your business in two countries).
o Discuss these difference in light of the growth potential in each country given the individual characteristics of GDP components and more specifically consumption and investments, and what this may suggest in terms of their respective business and investment environments.
The overall length of the assignment is 2,000 words. Its presentation needs to be of a mixed format, with numerical material presented in a report form, (generally graphical rather than data tables – only include the key graphs and tables in the report itself – delegate related supporting material to an appendix) while discussion should follow standard essay style. The assignment is intended to test students’ ability to:
• identify the major variables describing relevant elements of similarity or difference between national economies.
• find, interpret and concisely present broad-brush national economic data
• research and interpret explanatory material on how the economies came to be in the position in which they are
• draw broad economic lessons from the comparison which emerges.
• write clearly, logically and concisely on national economic issues.
Part 3. Marking criteria
The assignment will be broadly marked against its content (30%), analysis and explanation (55%) and presentation (15%). The components contributing to each of these are as follows:
A. Content (30%):
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
2. Variables: identify and justify relevant variables – i.e. use relevant theory to justify your choice of variables. Hint: you should 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 to address any gaps in the data)
4. Explanation: researching qualitative/analytical explanatory material (e.g. EIU country analyses, IMF reports, etc.) to explain the data presented in section A2.
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, not completely parallel Quality data, not completely parallel Quality data, fully comparable
A4. Explanation Descriptive only, no in-depth explanation Some critical comment, few or one source. Variety of quality/ critical sources
B. Analysis (55%)
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).
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.
C. Presentation (15%)
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 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.
Factor Marginal/average Good Very good/excellent
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 info but sometimes obscures or blocks its meaning. Straightforward language, conveys info, relatively few errors. ‘An interesting read’ – writing conveys info in manner as to engage reader.
C4. Citations Minimal or incomplete Adequate and generally correct Complete and correct
Part 4. Essay Feedback Sheet
Presented as a separate file and uploaded on the website. Please note that weights are assigned from each one of the criteria so that an “objective” grade range is provided before final grading of your project.
[Example of a diagram and table in your project. You can create a diagram either by copy paste through excel, or using paintbrush or scanning your document – erase my diagram it is just an example. Provide a title on the top of the diagram and a name so that you can refer to the diagram in the text. The diagram is placed in the text after the end of the paragraph where you first mention what we see in Figure 1. Consecutively number your Figures throughout the text]