ECON7040
Project/ Research Assignment marking rubrics
Total marks: 100
1. Introduction and conclusion: 15 marks
• Are the introduction and conclusion well-written?
• Introduction should be short and sweet – set the scene and inspire reader that the topic is
interesting and important. (9 marks)
• Conclusion: needs to be concise, summarize the key determinants of growth. Also, limitation
of the research should be acknowledged (6 marks).
2. Literature review: 40 marks
• Has the section covered the key fundamental drivers and determinants in the growth
empirics literature?
External references and evidence
• Are they appropriately sourced? Or could there have been better citations used to make a
stronger argument? References should be from academic sources such as journal articles and
there should be a number of references that published in the last 3 years
• Are they referenced correctly/consistently throughout?
• Do they add to the persuasiveness of the argument or are they simply “placed in”?
3. Empirical section: 35 marks
• Specify the regression equation: have the choices of variables explained persuasively? The
choices of variable should be supported by empirical evidence in the growth empirics
literature.
• Have the regression tables well presented?
• The regression results need to be appropriately interpreted
• Empirical section should cover the 7 bullet points in the question in a logical flow.
• If students collect additional data/ variables, it’s a plus.
Overall text structure (succinct and persuasive) (10 marks)
• Have they used headings/partitions to structure and provided a strong justification within
the text?
• Have they created a logical flow within the text?
• Is the text encompassing, i.e., has the text captured the full argument, problem, and solution
or do we need to read elsewhere to fully understand?
• Is it persuasive and insightful?
• Is the word count within the suggested range (2000 words +/-10%)? Are there typos/
grammar mistakes?