TRADE 7003 - Research Methods in International Trade
North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2022
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code TRADE 7003 Course Research Methods in International Trade Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade Term Trimester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 36 hours Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assessment Research exercise & assignments Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Naoise McDonagh
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1 Identify, critically analyse and develop the evidence necessary for making effective and durable trade policies. 2 Develop broad knowledge of international trade resources and research techniques for application in further trade courses and professionally upon course completion. 3 Distinguish between different kinds of resources associated with law, political context and the economics of international trade. 4 Gain skills required to design and undertake trade policy research projects, including associated capacities for effective electronic database and online searches in the international trade analysis and trade policy environments. 5 Find and present international trade information in ways that are effective in policy and analytical contexts and which are meaningful to the targetted audience. University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,2,4 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1,3,4 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
1,5 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
4,5 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
3,5 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
1,2,3,4,5 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
*** NOTE WELL***: In order to cover a wide range of research methods related topics, students are asked to undertake individual preliminary readings and research before class.
It is expected that students spend at least two to three hours of preliminary reading before each face to face session. The below suggested list of readings should be considered by each student.
Recommended Resources
This course is an introduction to the concepts and methods relevant to trade research. The supplementary texts mentioned here will help you to better understand the material we will discuss in class and will help you, after the course, to continue to improve your understanding of trade analysis
1. Familiare yourself with the basic principles of social science research by reading the following (available online from the library):
* Chaps 1-4 in Guthrie, Gerard (2010) "Basic Research Methods: an entry to social science research", Dehli, London: Sage.
* Bhattacherjee, Anol (2012) "Social Science Research: Methods, Principles and Practices", Tampa: Textbooks Collection.
2. Students with no background in international economics or trade may wish to to read an introductory text before starting the classes.
* “International Trade: Free, Fair and Open?”, is an OECD publication that contains an easy introduction to the concepts and the data. It is FREELY AVAILABLE in different formats here
* Alternately (or as well) students should consult the introductory chapters of a standard textbook (available in the Library or frequently at second-hand bookstores) such as Chapter 1 of “International Econmics” by Krugman and Obstfeld (Addison-Wesley – several editions)
3. Students not familiar with the structure and content of the WTO Agreements, could read at least the second chapter of ‘Understanding the WTO’ that can be found on-line here:
* Students should also acquaint themselves with the content of at least Articles I - III of the GATT (1947) that can be found at
4. Any elementary statistics text will provide the basic descriptive statistics needed as a preliminary for this course. Students with no previous background in statistics or probability will improve their understanding of the concepts introduced by consulting a good introductory text such as “Statistics Essentials for Dummies”, by Deborah Rumsey, available in many bookshops and on line (e.g. Amazon.com) for about $20 or less.
* A good, introductory, on-line (free) text covering this same material is “Concepts and Applications of Inferential Statistics” at
5. Students may find these Excel spread-sheet models of static equilibrium analysis of trade interventions helpful:
6. Students should be familiar with, and to practice, good English grammar and expression. A suitable modern grammar such as Patricia T. O’Conner’s “Woe is I” (the latest edition, 2009, published by Penguin Putnam is available from many large bookstores e.g. Dymocks. The on-line price is $19.95 plus shipping).Online Learning
Laptops/Tablets
This course relies heavily on the use of on-line research materials. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a wifi-enabled device (preferably a laptop or tablet) to class to follow along with the demonstrations.
Online Resources
For more information about the organizations whose publications we will use, the best sources are their websites:
World Trade Organization World Bank Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development International Trade Centre Food and Agriculture Organization United Nations Conference on Trade and Development -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The Learning & Teaching modes of this course will comprise of a mix of online and face-to face modules. These will include group work and presentations, discussions and debate.
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
This is an intensive course that will introduce (or re-introduce) economic, statistical, political-economy concepts and research techniques that students may have not acquired in their undergraduate learning but that are essential for professional trade and public policy analysis and development.
Overall, students will be expected to devote more than 40 hours to reading, research and assignments in preparation for classes, during and following the classes.The Institute expects students undertaking this elective to devote an additional 15 -20 hours to preparatory reading. Students are expected to set aside time before and after the classes to complete the preliminary reading and assignments.
The reading materials provided are intended to help students with no background in these areas to acquire the basic level of competence needed to support other studies that are part of the Masters of International Trade and Development course.
Learning Activities Summary
This course is divided in three modules. The main goal of Modules 1 and 2 is to help you to get skills at doing research in international trade. Additionally, discussion of research topics will be held during the lessons. In Module 3, we will give a practical view on how to write your own research project.
Assignments will be detailed in Canvas (TBA).Specific Course Requirements
The Institute expects students undertaking this course to attend all classes. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
# Assessment Task Due date Task Type Weight Learning Outcomes 1 Active participation Throughout trimester Formative 10% 1-5 2 Assignments and tasks Check MyUni course page Formative 40% 1-5 3 Presentation TBC Formative 15% 5 4 Peer assessment TBC Formative 5% 5 5 Final report End of Trimester Summative 30% 1-5 Total 100% Assessment Detail
1) Students are assessed on their active participation during class and on the discussion board of the MyUni course page throughout the trimester.
2) Students are assessed based on assignments and tasks provided by the lecturer – details and deadlines are to be provided on the MyUni course page.
3) Students are assessed based on the presentation of their research output.
4) Students are assessed by their peers based on the presentation of their research output.
5) Students are assessed on their final research project.Submission
Assignments must be presented professionally with clear headings, appropriate referencing and using one and a half spacing.
Extensions will only be granted if requests are received in writing to the course coordinator at least 24 hours before the final due date unless they are requested on medical or compassionate grounds and are supported by appropriate documents.
Your assignment must include your student ID and name.
Please contact the course coordinator, preferably by email, at any time to make an appointment for assistance or guidance in relation to course work, assignments or any concerns that may arise.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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