VCE Economics case studies
VCE Economics · Put your knowledge to work in context.
VCE Economics is a Victorian Certificate of Education study accredited by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) for an accreditation period from 2023. The study design covers Units 1 to 4, spanning the behaviour of consumers and businesses, economic issues and living standards, Australia's economic prosperity, and managing the economy. It suits Victorian senior secondary students who want to understand how markets, governments and institutions allocate scarce resources, and who may progress to commerce, finance, public policy or economics at tertiary level. The official study design sets out areas of study, outcomes and assessment, and VCAA publishes support materials that incorporate the previously known Advice for teachers, including planning guidance, implementation videos, sample learning activities for Units 1 to 4, general assessment advice, and examination specifications with past examinations and reports. The VCE Economics case studies are 5 cases and about 3,118 words.
1The Café That Raised Its Price and Lost More Than It Gained
A suburban café sells 4,000 coffees a month at 4.50. The owner raises the price to 5.00 to cover higher wages.
559 words, about 3 min2The Mine, the Multiplier and the Missing Workers
A regional town of 40,000 people depends on one iron ore mine employing 1,200 workers. The mine announces a $600 million expansion, expected to raise output by 20% over three years.
648 words, about 3 min3The Budget That Looks Expansionary but Isn't
A government announces a budget with spending of 700 billion and revenue of 660 billion, a deficit of 40 billion (1.5% of GDP). Last year the deficit was 25 billion (1.0% of GDP).
594 words, about 3 min4Two Countries, One Living Standard
Country A has GDP per capita of 50,000 and a Gini coefficient of 0.45. Country B has GDP per capita of 38,000 and a Gini coefficient of 0.28.
655 words, about 3 min5The Productivity Slump and the Wage Puzzle
An economy has had labour productivity growth of 0.4% a year for five years, down from 1.8% previously. Real wages have grown 0.6% a year over the same period, while nominal wages grew 3.5% and consumer prices rose 3.0%.
662 words, about 3 min