123. An old Student letter on their Assignments

STUDENT LETTER: Some notes on the Economics assignment.

This note needs to be read in conjunction with the ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK sheet as well as notes made on the script (if any). Pay particular note to the outline structure given for each question on the assignment feedback form as it relates to the content of each question. Here are some additional points to consider:

1. When answering a question such as “Explain the effectiveness of the exchange rate regime being used in terms of achieving macroeconomic objectives”, it is imperative that you define the key terms. So one has to define what is meant by an exchange rate, an exchange rate regime and then deal with the various regimes.

2. When the different regimes are dealt with, it is important not only to mention the features of each type but to clearly state the advantages and disadvantages of each so that one can come to a conclusion as to the impact of each in relation to the economic objectives.

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3. Often learners just dive into answering a question without giving the reader some indication structure of the answer in advance – the introduction. It is important to set out the argument that you will be following in your answer in an introduction. Clearly this paragraph cannot be written until you have written your whole piece. Similarly then – your conclusion should the summarise what you have said and NOT include any new information or argument.

4. Many students copy too large sections from internet resources. Then also attempt to hide the fact by not referencing adequately. This practice is not tolerated.

5. When referencing do refer to the resource found here: https://sites.google.com/site/wealthcreationclub/economics/referencing Many learners do not use the Harvard referencing system correctly – both for in-         line referencing and in the References section at the end of the assignment.

6. The Tables of Content was generally found to be adequate.

7. Often graphs are copied (for example the “cost push” and “demand pull”) without adequate reference to the mechanics involved – one has to show and understanding of how things work.

8. In any discussion on inflation some reference must be made to “money supply” even if it is to criticize the Monetarist based theory.

9. In answering a question at MBA level learners must take up some stance and attempt to defend their position based on the literature that they have reviewed. Own conclusions motivated by research is the aim.

10. A too large reliance on one source to compile an answer which lead to one sided views of the situation.

11. Examples of “creative editing” (just editing large copied sections) was found - this too is not acceptable.

12. Learners include into their reference list works that they have NOT consulted but have only been included in the reference list of works that they have consulted!

13. Arguments tend to be taken directly from sources rather than an attempt to independent thinking.

14. The quantity of resources consulted seem to meet the minimum requirements in most cases.

Charl Heydenrych

November 2012