BBM117 International Economic Environment Assessment Task Details/Description: Write two briefing notes on both of the following TWO economic topic areas. You should discuss each with reference to their real-world significance, using relevant evidence, e.g. data and empirical literature. Your briefing is expected to include at least one data chart drawing on data from reputable sources. Historical and international comparisons are strongly encouraged.
a) A critical evaluation of the causes, transmission, and policy responses to the international inflation shock of 2021–2024. Your briefing should analyse the relative importance of demand-pull and cost-push factors, examine the role of inflationary expectations, and evaluate the appropriateness of central bank responses. You should draw on international comparisons (e.g. UK, US, eurozone) to support your analysis and consider the implications for businesses, households, and the wider economy.
b) A critical evaluation of the drivers and consequences of shifting global trade patterns, with particular reference to the rise of strategic trade policy and the reorganisation of global supply chains. Your briefing should analyse the extent to which deglobalisation or trade fragmentation is occurring, examine the economic effects of recent trade policy interventions (e.g. tariffs, carbon border adjustments, reshoring/friendshoring initiatives), and consider their implications for businesses, consumers, and the international economic environment.
The briefings should be addressed to a fellow professional economist. Each briefing note should be around 750 words, with the maximum word limit across the two briefings being 1,500 words — but with exemptions (see below).
Module Learning Outcomes Assessed: Apply economic analysis and models to real-world issues affecting businesses and other sectors of economies around the world; Discuss the potential impact of domestic and international macroeconomic environments on business decisions, outcomes and vice versa; Analyse the role of institutions, trade policy, and government intervention in shaping the international business environment. Communicate economic ideas, principles and arguments in a clear, precise and applied manner to engage diverse stakeholders in various contexts. Assessment Requirements: The individual coursework is to test your ability to explain fundamental economic concepts in a clear, concise, and applied way. This recognises the importance of application and communication in evidencing subject knowledge.
You are required to produce two briefing notes of around 750 words each and up to 1,500 words across the two briefings. This is a maximum word limit, but excludes: citations, including data sources; titles to figures, tables and charts; headings; quotations; and the reference section.
All sources should be cited appropriately, and you should include a reference section at the end of your set of two briefings. You are recommended to use Harvard-style referencing (Cite Them Right style).
Your audience comprises professional economists who are looking to understand each of the two topic areas and their real-world importance. It is expected that the briefings will include relevant evidence, with at least one data chart per briefing, in support of your analysis. The work should be presented in ONE document.