Economics

Website reviews for Economics

AI Australian Industry Group: the pre-eminent representative organisation for Australian industry
ANZ.com economic commentary
The Australia Institute Ltd
Commanding heights: the battle for the world economy
Dollars and sense: making sense of your money
EconEdLink: a premier source of classroom tested, internet-based economic lesson materials for K–12 teachers and their students
GlobalEDGE: the battle for the world economy
Global voices
Monthly economic and social indicators
National Competition Council
Nobelprize.org
Population flows: immigration aspects 2006–07 edition
Productivity Commission
Time Pacific
The Treasury: Commonwealth Department of the Treasury, Australia

AI Australian Industry Group: the pre-eminent representative organisation for Australian industry
A very large and interesting site, this provides a range of information on Australian industry. Aimed at advocating Australian industry to policy makers and the world market, a number of these research papers would be useful for students of Economics and Business Studies. Detailed information on Trade and export, the Environment and energy, and other policies and strategies is available. The resources on environmental sustainability; and occupational health and safety would provide relevant information for students. The site is quickly downloaded and relatively easy to navigate. A comprehensive list of contact details and links to other sites may prove useful. External links would need to be verified for curriculum relevance. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia – Industries; Australian Industry Group
PUBLISHER: Australian Industry Group
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [338.0994] SCIS 1074841

ANZ.com economic commentary
Part of a larger site, this section contains an economic commentary that will facilitate understanding of current and expected changes in economic conditions. The changing structure and outlook of the Australian economy, the labour market, the role of government, Globalisation, and the Federal budget are some of the topics that are discussed in detail by following the links from Speeches, Articles & Presentations. This highly readable resource would encourage students to examine economic theory and practice. The site is an invaluable resource when examining economic issues in Australia in the Economics Stage 6 syllabus , and external factors that influence business in the Business management and change topic of the Business Studies Stage 6 syllabus. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia – Economic conditions – 21st century
PUBLISHER: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [330.994] SCIS 1074884

The Australia Institute Ltd
An outstanding cross curricula resource, this site contains a plethora of essays, discussion papers, newsletters and media releases. Topics, located in Newsletter, include over consumption, human rights, greenhouse gasses, environmental protection, and the ageing population. These quarterly publications are free to members, but copies, from 1998 to 2003, are freely available online in PDF format.Find offers key word searches, allowing easy location of relevant material. This is an excellent and essential source of information when studying and teaching the Geography Stage 6 syllabus modules 8.2.1 Biophysical interactions and 8.2.2 Global challenges. The site is easy to navigate, with language suitable for senior students. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE; Science
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6; Geography 7-10; Geography Stage 6; Science 7-10; Science Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Ageing – Social aspects; Air pollution; Consumption (Economics); Environmental protection; Human rights
PUBLISHER: Australia Institute
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [320] SCIS 1165017

Commanding heights: the battle for the world economy
Providing a detailed discussion of the information presented in the American television series Commanding heights, this outstanding site is essential for the study of globalisation, world trade, and economic development. It has best application for the Economics Stage 6 syllabus topics Consumers and business, and The global economy. A Time map from 1914 to the present outlines the evolution of the global economy, and the site explores the theories, facts, and trends underlining economic forces and events. The impact of war and depression, deregulation, Keynesian theory, Reaganomics, privatisation, Thatcher’s legacy, Russia’s reform, Chile’s restructuring, and capitalism are discussed. Episode transcripts and interviews are available, plus profiles of twenty Economic architects. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Developing areas – Economic conditions; Economic development; Globalisation – History
PUBLISHER: WGBH Interactive, USA
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [303.48] SCIS 1171108

Dollars and sense: making sense of your money
Straightforward information to support students in developing sound financial skills is provided here in a user friendly format. A host of money management topics are outlined on this site, including saving, budgeting, borrowing, credit, employment, taxation, contracts, entitlements, superannuation, HECS, mobile phone bills, bank accounts, investment, insurance, and consumer rights. Running your own business will help students develop a business plan as part of their Business Studies activities. The Ask an expert link is invaluable and provides questions and answers from young and successful experts. Dream generator provides clear strategies to help students plan their financial goals. A Glossary facilitates understanding of key financial terminology. Teachers can register for free classroom resources. This excellent resource will generate interest for those studying Personal finance in Commerce 7–10, and Financial mathematics in General Mathematics Stage 6. A. Frost
USER LEVEL:           Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA:   HSIE; Mathematics
SYLLABUS:   Business Studies Stage 6; Commerce 7–10; Economics Stage 6; General Mathematics Stage 6; Work Education 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS:     Finance, Personal
PUBLISHER:            Commonwealth Bank of Australia
REVIEW DATE:       3/08/11 [332.024]      SCIS 1101543

EconEdLink: a premier source of classroom tested, internet-based economic lesson materials for K–12 teachers and their students
Loaded with useful material, the site has some excellent articles and activities which are particularly suitable for Commerce, Business Studies and Economics students. Teachers will find the site worth investigation for materials that can be easily adapted to student needs. A huge number of case studies and online lessons include work on GDP, inflation, Henry Ford, China, and the eternally interesting Online mayhem 1: Metallica versus Napster. American statistics and examples are a limiting factor with some material, but not all. CyberTeach and the site’s internet and data links have a large number of interesting resources worth further research by teachers. P. Sheppard
USER LEVEL:           Stage 6 Professional
KLA:   HSIE
SYLLABUS:   Business Studies Stage 6; Commerce 7–10; Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:     Economics – Study and teaching
PUBLISHER:            National Council on Economic Education, USA
REVIEW DATE:       3/08/11 [330.07]        SCIS 1316649

GlobalEDGE: the battle for the world economy
Containing current information on business in nearly 200 countries, this interesting site covers business climate, history, news, statistical data, political structure, and economic landscape. Statistic indicators can be used to compare countries. Information on trade, Government resources, Social responsibility/sustainabilty, the Globalization debate, Stock exchanges, and Finance are included. Culture references enhance understanding of countries and their business climate. The site is quick to download and could be a useful resource for when studying the role of business in the economy in the Economics topic Consumers and business; and the topic Global business in Business Studies. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Business; Economic development; Globalisation
PUBLISHER: Centre for International Business Education and Research, Michigan State University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 3/8/11 [338] SCIS 1171112

Global voices
This site distils some of the more credible output of 100 million webloggers into an alternative global newscast. Hosted by the Harvard law school, a team facilitates collecting, synthesising, translating and republishing blogs in 16 languages for the site. It aims to promote freedom of expression and counterbalance dominant English speaking corporate media. North America and western Europe are not included. Navigation features selection by area, country or themes. Maps indicate the numbers of articles from each country and related items appear as sidebars. Having more credibility than most blogs, this site effectively utilises the internet’s potential to give voice to the voiceless. G. Spindler
USER LEVEL:         Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6; Legal Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:    Current events; Journalism; Social problems; Weblogs
PUBLISHER:           Global Voices, USA
REVIEW DATE:     3/08/11 [361.1]          SCIS 1382430

Monthly economic and social indicators
An outstanding site, this provides the Monthly economic and social indicators distributed to Senators and Members of Parliament. Major economic and social indicator data is provided including: the Labour market; Wages and prices; National accounts (including GDP); Business conditions; Finance; External transactions with Terms of trade, Exchange rates, and Foreign debt and many more applicable links. It is invaluable for students studying The global economy and Australia ’s place in the global economy of the Economics Stage 6 syllabus , as it provides comprehensive coverage of current statistics and information. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia – Economic conditions – Statistics; Australia – Population – Statistics; Australia – Social conditions – Statistics
PUBLISHER: Parliamentary Library, Parliament of Australia
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [319.4] SCIS 1074854

National Competition Council
Established to protect consumer welfare, this site provides a number of case studies into competition including: Local government; Transport; workers compensation; reform of the legal profession; the international context of Australia’s competition reform; infrastructure reform; and securing the future of Australia’s agricultural industry. It would be essential for students and teachers examining the nature and variation of competition within specific industries, government intervention in the economy, and international competitiveness in the topics Markets; Government and the economy; and Australia’s place in the global economy of the Economics: Stage 6 syllabus. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Competition (Business and commerce); National Competition Council ( Australia )
PUBLISHER: National Competition Council
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11[338.6] SCIS 1060720

Nobelprize.org
Visually appealing and very informative, this dynamic site is a well-constructed resource, especially for History and Science students. Simulation activities in Educational games have excellent learning materials on lasers, polymers, the ear, international trade, and the novel Lord of the flies. Each activity is based on a Nobel prize winning achievement and each has distinct syllabus connections. The site has a wealth of biographical primary source material in Nobel prizes, including Nobel laureate images, interviews, articles and speeches such as Max Planck’s 1918 Nobel lecture. Women Nobel laureates is a solid resource for junior students investigating female scientists, and Modern History students can imbibe the acceptance transcripts of syllabus personalities Gorbachev, Mandela, and Woodrow Wilson. The Nobel museum has some fine material for schools, and Alfred Nobel contains biographical data and a slide show of Nobel’s will and the major events leading to the first awards in 1901. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL:           Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA:   English; HSIE; Science
SYLLABUS:   Chemistry Stage 6; Economics Stage 6; English 7–10; Modern History Stage 6; Physics Stage 6; Science 7–10; Senior Science Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:     Nobel prizes – Biography; Nobel prizes – History
PUBLISHER:            Nobel Foundation, Sweden
REVIEW DATE:       3/08/11 [001.4]          SCIS 1073437

Population flows: immigration aspects 2006–07 edition
ABSTRACT
The online version of Population flows: immigration aspects, contains information on Australia’s population growth through immigration. The site is laid out in PDF chapters. Chapters are: Population growth and international movement; Migration program; Temporary entry; Humanitarian program; New Zealand movement; Economics of immigration; Settlement and cultural diversity and Migration flows to the states. Chapters can be downloaded in their entirety or the sections listed can be opened as separate PDF files. Written, statistical and graphical information is presented. Where migrants come from, the places they settle, their skills, cultural background, and the economic benefits of migration are some of the areas of focus.
USER LEVEL:         Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6; Geography Stage 6; Legal Studies Stage 6; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS:    Australia – Immigration and emigration – Statistics; Australia – Population – Statistics
PUBLISHER:           Dept. of Immigration and Citizenship, Australia
REVIEW DATE:     3/08/11 [304.8]          SCIS 1393172

Productivity Commission
Focussing on microeconomic reform and regulation, the Productivity Commission provides information that would assist students when examining economic and social issues affecting Australians in the topics Economic issues; Economic policies and management within the Economics Stage 6 syllabus. Issues such as productivity trends, determinants and the implication for living standards, are discussed. Competition policy, the environment, economic infrastructure, trade, the labour markets, structural adjustment; and microeconomic reform are explained. As the Government’s principal reviewer and advisory body, research, case studies and policy suggestions, for a numbers of topics, are also provided including: price regulation; superannuation; tariff arrangements; industry reforms; and subsidies. This interesting site would provide a useful resource for teachers and students. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Economics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia – Economic conditions; Australia - Economic policy; Australia - Productivity commission
PUBLISHER: Productivity Commission, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [338.50994] SCIS 1074574

Time Pacific
Dedicated to current and recent articles from Time Pacific magazine, this resource includes a range of social, economic and health issues from Australia and the Pacific region. Time archive allows minimal access, without subscribing, to the major articles in Time Pacific over the past six months. Links to other Time web sites that focus on other major regions of the world are provided. Currently, Photo essays – unseen Australia, Time tunnel and Haunt of heroes offer interesting insights into the Australian identity and would be particularly suitable when studying Stage 5 History Topic 8: Australia’s social and cultural history in the post-war period. Current information and data is relevant for other KLAs. This web site is a useful tool for gaining current perspectives on a range of issues in the Pacific region. F. Campbell
USER LEVEL: Stage 4Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Economics Stage 6; Geography 7–10; History 7–10; Society & Culture Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Current events – Periodicals
PUBLISHER: Time, USA
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [079.9] SCIS 1181798

The Treasury: Commonwealth Department of the Treasury, Australia
In addition to providing economic information on Australia , an outline of the structure, roles and functions of the Department of the Treasury is provided. This is useful when examining Government in the Commerce syllabus. Economic and legal information pertaining to the financial management of Australia is the focus of the site. Links to the Commonwealth of Australia budget would be imperative in the Economics Stage 6 syllabus. Other economic data includes: GDP; CPI; labour costs; business taxation; foreign investment; and other quarterly statistics. An outstanding site that is easy to navigate, this is worthwhile resource. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Commerce 7-10; Economics Stage 6; Legal Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Australia – Economic policy; Budget – Australia; Finance – Australia; Monetary policy – Australia; Treasury
PUBLISHER: Commonwealth Department of The Treasury, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 3/08/11 [352.40994] SCIS 1013382

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Note
The views expressed by reviewers are not necessarily those of the NSW Department of Education and Communities. Copyright for reviews is held by the NSW Department of Education and Communities. Permission for reproduction of reviews in part or full for any purpose must be sought in writing. For further information contact colleen.foley@det.nsw.edu.au