Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The course "National Accounts and Economic Data" is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the system of national accounts (SNA), the data it generates, and its significance for macroeconomic modeling. The course progresses from a foundational introduction to the structure of national accounts, helping students understand the assumptions and criteria that underpin the compilation of these data and how these factors influence their use in economic models. Students will explore the relationships between key national economic variables and those at the sectoral and industry levels, gaining insights into how national accounts bridge the real and financial sides of the economy, particularly in the context of a monetary economy. Through hands-on data exercises, students will develop proficiency in using national accounts data for economic analysis and policy evaluation. Additionally, the course emphasizes practical skills in manipulating raw economic data, preparing it for use in economic modeling to ensure its accuracy and relevance for various analytical purposes. The pedagogy combines theoretical instruction with practical data analysis, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world economic issues.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

The objective is that the student after the module possesses the necessary knowledge on:

• The structure of the System of National Accounts and its relationship with key macroeconomic concepts.
• The assumptions underlying the National Accounts.
• The connection between the System of National Accounts and Economic Models describing a monetary economy.

Skills

The objective is that the student after the module possesses the necessary skills in:

• Economic data manipulation and analysis.
• Using different data sources and combining them in a coherent manner.
• Interpreting the National Accounts to make economic analyses.

Competences

The objective is that the student after the module possesses the necessary competences in:

• Understanding of National Accounting frameworks.
• Linking the real and the financial spheres of an economy.
• Critical thinking in economic modelling, implying competence in assessing the assumptions behind national accounts data and understanding their implications for different economic models and scenarios.
• Decision making based on data.

Type of instruction

For information see §17.

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• Delivery of assignments.

Exams