Boston UniversityUndergraduate

Economics Association

MacroAnalysis Group

Why MAG?

Bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world

Boston UniversityUndergraduate Economics Association

Apply economic theory and real world analysis through researching economic area of choice.

Enhance your understanding of economic indicators, current events, class material, topics of interest, and economic dynamics.

Collaborate to compose an aggregate report of macro economic conditions to be published in the UEA Journal.

Develop key professional and technical skills and real world knowledge outside of the classroom.

Fall Semester Timeline

Boston UniversityUndergraduate Economics Association

Oct 5 – Finalize economic indicator selection

Oct 26 – Checkpoint 1

Nov 2 – Midterm Report

Nov 16 – Checkpoint 2

Dec 8 – Final Report

*Additional workshops/brainstorm sessions held on Sundays during MAG meetings (STATA, SAS, SQL, R, Excel)

Project Introduction

Boston UniversityUndergraduate Economics Association

1• Pick a specific aspect of the economy

(housing, inflation, etc)

2• Select relevant economic indicators and

conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis that address the topic.

3• Relate analysis back to macroeconomic

importance.

Example

Aspect of the Economy: Economic Growth

Key statistics: GNE, GDP, GNP, GNI, per capita…

Long term growth trends + Short term growth cycles

Suppose we want to better understand economic growth. Particularly we want to know what statistics and indicators to look for when we are asked about economic growth, in Mexico for example. Furthermore, how do we interpret these indicators? Why are they important, and what do they predict.

Why write articles?

� Your opportunity to express you thoughts and ideas on theoretical and empirical economics, current events and developments.

� Apply and merge what you learn in classes to you interests and enhance your academic experience.

� Improve written communication and research skills.

� Gain publicity and let your vice be heard by the BU community.

� Win the semesterly article competition to receive a diploma and a prize as a sign of recognition.

The UEA journal

� Published annually

� Includes article competition winners and selected articles

� This year we are adding the MAG reports

� And maybe the coverage of the UEA events and activities.

� Published online on our web-page and distributed to the BU community and beyond.