Upcoming GEN Training

GEN’s plans for 2022 include our usual introductory courses to cost benefit analysis, macroeconomic principles for policy, microeconomic principles for policy, labour economics for public policy, and behavioural economics. We also plan to run courses on tax and public finance and urban economics.

We are also developing more advanced level courses for more experienced policy analysts and those with existing economic training.

Introduction to Macroeconomic Principles for Policy

The objective of this course is to provide participants with an appreciation of the principal concepts of macroeconomics with emphasis on their application to public policy analysis. Please note that there is a short essay component to this course. Please consider the time required to complete this work before registering for this course.
Lecturer: Dr Grant Scobie
Date/Time: 8.30am – 12.30pm, Tuesday 2, Thursday 4, Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 August – BOOK HERE
Date/Time: 8.30am – 12.30pm, Monday 31 October, Tuesday 1, Monday 7, Friday 11 November – BOOK HERE
Location: St Andrews on The Terrace

Introduction to Cost Benefit Analysis

Many public policy decisions involve balancing costs and benefits. Cost-benefit analysis provides a structured framework for comparing costs to benefits and analysing which are greater overall. The objectives of this course are to give participants an appreciation of that framework; a broad understanding of the economic theory that underlies cost-benefit analysis; and an understanding of the specific quantitative steps necessary to execute a cost-benefit analysis.
Lecturers: Joanne Leung and Kirsten Jensen
Date/Time: 9am – 5pm, Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 October (note date change)
Location: Treasury 3.31
BOOK HERE

Introductory Microeconomics for Policy Analysis (Sept)

The principles of microeconomics are fundamental to any policy analysis, essential for all analytical work in the public sector, and are the foundations for building further skills and knowledge in economics. The objective of this course is to provide participants with an appreciation of the principles of microeconomics used in public policy analysis. A group essay activity is a requirement for passing this course.  Please consider the time required to complete this work before registering for this course.
Lecturer: Dr Veronica Jacobsen
Date/Time: 8.30am until 1pm, Tuesday 13, Thursday 15, Tuesday 20, Thursday 22 September 2022
Location: St Andrews on The Terrace
Registrations close: 6 September 2022
BOOK HERE

Introductory Labour Economics for Public Policy

Labour economics is extremely relatable to most people since it touches on some aspect of their own life experiences – even for those who have never formally been in the labour market. For similar reasons, almost any social or economic policy will have either a direct or indirect effect on workers, potential workers, employers, or all of the above. Those involved in policy should understand how labour markets function, including those factors that influence decision-making by individuals or organisations. Without this understanding, it may be difficult for policy makers to fully assess the ramifications that their policies are likely to have on the economy or on society. There is no essay component to this course.
Lecturer: Dr Lynn Riggs
Date/Time: 8.30am until 1pm, Tuesday 4, Thursday 6, Tuesday 11, Thursday 13 October 2022
Location: St Andrews on The Terrace
Registrations close: 27 September 2022
BOOK HERE