Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This is an advanced unit focusing on the economics of producer behaviour and the analysis of efficiency and productivity change, with emphasis on empirical applications to agriculture, environmental management, manufacturing and service sectors. The topics include models of production; cost, revenue and profit optimisation; input demand and product supply responses; and the effect of technological progress and the production environment on performance. Production frontier estimation techniques covered include data envelopment analysis (DEA), stochastic frontier analysis (SFA), and distance (radial and directional) function models of multi-input multi-output production processes.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the economic theory that underpins production decisions and efficiency analysis, and develop the capacity to think about related research problems in logical and systematic ways; (2) develop a thorough understanding of data and statistical issues related to production efficiency and productive analysis; and (3) implement modern techniques to analyse empirical data and generate information to guide management and policy.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) assignments; and (3) final test. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Atakelty Hailu
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one Unit(s) ECON4002 Core Concepts in Agricultural and Applied Economics
or Unit(s) ECON5003 Microeconomic Theory for Agricultural and Environmental Economics
or Unit(s) ECON5002 Agriculture and Economic Development
Contact hours
The total workload contact hours for the unit is 36 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.