Module: Economic Challenge Project

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Economic Challenge Project
Module Code	ECO1031
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30

Description

This module aims to provide students with a capstone experience in applying economic theory and quantitative methods to solve a complex, real-world, economic challenge. By adopting the CBL framework, this module fosters deep disciplinary understanding, develops collaborative problem-solving skills, and culminates in the proposal and evaluation of an actionable, evidence-based policy solution.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically define, scope and articulate a complex, open-ended, economic challenge rooted in a relevant societal issue.
2. Synthesize and critically evaluate diverse economic literature, policy reports, and primary/secondary data sources relevant to the defined challenge.
3. Select, justify, and execute appropriate quantitative (e.g. econometric modelling, forecasting) or qualitative resesarch methodologies to address guiding questions.
4. Design a novel, economically sound, feasible, policy intervention or solution, clearly articulating its theoretical mechanism and anticipated impact.
5. Communicate the entire research process, findings and policy recommendations effectively, through written reports, policy briefs, and oral presentations, to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
6. Develop the professional collaboration skills necessary to reconcile competing economic models, peer-review technical code, and unify individual data analyses into a single, cohesive policy recommendation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Group work	150	Phase One (Engage): Weeks One to Six, Semester Two Students are presented with the Big Idea by the external stakeholder. During this period, students will work in groups on the following: 1. Essential Question Formulation - narrowing the Big Idea into a deeper research question 2. Defining the Challenge - creating an actionable feasible and measurable challenge statement 3. Ethics and Stakeholder Analysis - identifying key actors, potential biases, and the ethical implications of the Challenge.
Group work	350	Phase Two (Investigate): Weeks Seven to Fifteen (Semester two) (exclusive of examinations period). During this period, student groups will work on the following: 1. Guiding Questions: breaking the challenge into specific research questions 2. Literature Review: comprehensive review of foundational and contemporary literature 3. Methodology Development: Developing a detailed plan for data collection 4. Execution of Research: conducting the research, data analysis and model estimation/simulation
Group work	250	Phase Three (Act): Weeks Fifteen to Twenty-Eight (Mid April to third week in July) During this period, students groups will work on the following: 1. Developing and Refining Solutions: Based on the evidence from phase two, students formulate 2/3 alternative policy solutions. 2. Implementation Plan: students select the optimal solution and detail a realistic implementation pathway 3. Evaluation and Critique: Students design a framework for policy evaluation 4. Public Presentation
Total Workload: 750

Section Breakdown
CRN	12309	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	2000 word proposal outlining the Big Idea, Essential Questions, the specific Challenge, and a preliminary literature review	10%	n/a
Group assignment	4000 word report detailing data sources, analytical methodology and preliminary empirical findings.	20%	n/a
Group assignment	10,000 word comprehensive academic report (or equivalent policy document) presenting the full investigation, policy solution, and implementation plan.	35%	n/a
Oral Examination	10 minute individual interactive oral examination	30%	n/a
Performance evaluation	Peer assessment report - individual	5%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Self Directed Resources
Sources depend on the nature of the challenge, but students are expected to read deeply and widely across relevant scholarly and policy sources.

Opening Plenary
In week one, semester two, the external stakeholder presents the big idea to students.

Phase One Engage One workshop per week facilitated by the module coordinator
Weeks One to Six, Semester Two, one workshop per week, facilitated by the module coordinator 1. Essential Question Formulation - narrowing the Big Idea into a deeper research question 2. Defining the Challenge - creating an actionable feasible and measurable challenge statement 3. Ethics and Stakeholder Analysis - identifying key actors, potential biases, and the ethical implications of the Challenge.

Ask me Anything Session At End of Week Six
This session is a strategic checkpoint where each group has the opportunity to step away from their independent research to consult with the external stakeholder

Phase Two Investigate One workshop per week until and inclusive of week 12 semester two
Phase Two (Investigate): Weeks Seven to Fifteen (Semester two) During this period, student groups will work on the following: 1. Guiding Questions: breaking the challenge into specific research questions 2. Literature Review: comprehensive review of foundational and contemporary literature 3. Methodology Development: Developing a detailed plan for data collection 4. Execution of Research: conducting the research, data analysis and model estimation/simulation

Phase Three Act Module coordinator will hold three drop in sessions two in April and one in early May
Phase Three (Act): Weeks Fifteen to Twenty-Eight (Mid April to third week in July) During this period, students groups will work in self directed meetings on the following: 1. Developing and Refining Solutions: Based on the evidence from phase two, students formulate 2/3 alternative policy solutions. 2. Implementation Plan: students select the optimal solution and detail a realistic implementation pathway 3. Evaluation and Critique: Students design a framework for policy evaluation 4. Public Presentation

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Joshua D. Angrist,Jörn-Steffen Pischke: 2014, Mastering Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect., 1st, 6, Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, 304, 978-0691152844
Anthony E. Boardman,David H. Greenberg,Aidan R. Vining,David L. Weimer: 2018, Cost-Benefit Analysis, 5th, Cambridge University Press, 520, 9781108401296
David Biggs: 2010, Management Consulting, 1st, Cengage Learning, 409, 1408007916

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None