Beginner’s guide to macroeconomics for the public sector

This course revisits the fundamentals of macroeconomics and provides a framework for understanding how the economy works, including financial systems, labor markets, product markets, and the role of government in stabilizing the economy.

There is no math or equations. The course is taught through practical case studies, focusing on real-world challenges to build understanding.

Key topics include:

The role of Australia in the global economy and the importance of trade.
Macroeconomic statistics such as GDP and inflation.
The role of institutions like the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The relationship between economic growth, environmental sustainability, productivity, and innovation.
Government’s role in stabilizing the economy.

Format: Online

Duration: 1 week (excluding orientation)

Commitment: 5-6 hours per week

Cost: $1,495 (or $1,195 for early bird registrations)

Technology Requirements: Computer, laptop, or smart device with good internet connection and a headset.

Session schedule

23 May – 7 June 2022

3-4pm Monday 9 May 2022 – meet and greet session
2-3:30pm Thursday 26 May 2022 – Live session 1
2-3:30pm Thursday 2 June 2022 – Live session 2
2-3pm Tuesday 7 June 2022 – Live session 3

Register by 23 April for early bird rates

Group discount available

Register now via email

1–13 June 2023

3-4pm Wednesday 10 May 2023 – meet and greet session
2-3:30pm Thursday 1 June 2023 – Live session 1
2-3:30pm Thursday 8 June 2023 – Live session 2
2-3pm Tuesday 13 June 2023 – Live session 3

Register by 23 April for Early bird rates

Group discount available

Register now via email

Real-world Application

By examining challenges like stagnant living standards, rising inequality, and the impact of Covid-19, participants will gain insight into how macroeconomic policies affect the economy and society.

Course curriculum

Module 1 The whole story: Macroeconomics and the Australian economy
Module 2 The labour market and the market for loanable funds
Module 3 The government and the economy: Monetary policy, fiscal policy, and structural reform
Module 4 The economy in the long-term
Module 5 The future of macroeconomics, the Australian economy and the world (expert panel discussion)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course you will:

Understanding of macroeconomic concepts such as economic output, productivity, inflation, foreign investment, and trade.
Application of macroeconomic statistics used by governments and media, including GDP and inflation.
Analyzing the role of government in economic stabilization and setting conditions for long-term growth in living standards.
Developing a framework for thinking about economic challenges through practical case studies.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for individuals at any level of their career who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of basic economics and its usefulness and application to policy issues.

The course is designed for those with no economics background.

Presenter

Dr Adam Triggs

Dr Adam Triggs is the senior manager in the Canberra office of the economics consulting firm, Alphabeta, and is a non-resident fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC. He holds bachelors degrees in law and economics, a masters degree in international economics and a PhD in economics from the Australian National University.

Testimonials from past participants

A greater understanding of economic cycles, inflation, GDP and counter-cyclical government policies stands me in good stead to better understand and analyse market forces and economics surrounding industry sectors.

- 2021 participant