BUS400-Independent Country Comparison Assignment-Highlights-Summer 2021
[1] Objective
The purpose of this assignment is to encourage you to become more familiar with the economic (and social) situation of other countries of the world compared to Canada, and to use statistical information as a basis for such a comparative endeavour.
[2] Sources of Information
Although students are free to use whatever sources are available including the internet to obtain the necessary information, you are encouraged to use the CIA World Factbook. This website will provide you with virtually all the statistical data you need for this assignment. However, students are also encouraged to locate additional material online pertaining to your assigned country.
[3] Value and length
The assignment is worth 25% of final grade. The written report should not exceed five to six pages (maximum), including the cover page, which shows your name, student ID number, and name of the country you are assigned to research, one to two pages for the County’s Comparative Chart (i.e., statistical data/indicators which includes 25 economic and social indicators), 2 pages highlighting basic information and issues pertaining to the assigned country, including some selected four or five most interesting or distinguishing characteristics of your assigned country compared to Canada, and one page for the references/information resources used.
[4] Submission Deadline
The deadline for the electronic/online submission of the assignment is Friday, June 11, 2021. You are expected to use your Seneca email to send me your completed assignment.
[5] Insights and Conclusion (Written Components)
Based on the statistical and otherwise information you have obtained, you will have acquired an insightful look at all of the information and draw conclusions about the country under consideration, compared to Canada. Examples of those most distinctive characteristics might include:
- An exceptionally high external debt (e.g. Greece)
- Extremely high and persistent inflation that makes daily life a struggle (e.g. Iran and the US sanction)
- An aging population (e.g., Japan and most west European countries)
- A very low GDP per capita that translates into a poor standard of living
- A highly skilled or unskilled labour force
- Major issues facing the country (e.g., conflict, political instability, poverty, environment, etc.)
Countries Comparison Chart
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Name of Indicator Name of Assigned Country Canada
Land mass
Population
Life expectancy
Population growth rate
Literacy rate
Languages
Natural resources
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
GDP per capita
Major exports
Major imports
Main trading partners
Balance of Trade (surplus or Deficit)
External Debt
Major Industries
Military expenditures as % of GDP
Ethnic groups
Environmental issues
Unemployment rate
Inflation rate
Expenditures on health as a % of GDP
Expenditures on education as a % of GDP
Investment expenditure as a% of GDP
Consumption expenditure as a % of GDP
Exports as a % of GDP
Sources of information:
