Master of Science Degree in Fiscal Studies [mscfs]

Master of ScienceDegree in Fiscal Studies (MScFS)

NUST code:

MScFS

DURATION:

 

TYPE OF DEGREE:

HONOURS

CREDIT LOAD:

340

LEVEL 
 

SADC-QF - Level 9

ACCREDITATION ORGANISATION(S):

Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)

 
Master of ScienceDegree in Fiscal Studies (MScFS) is a multidisciplinary field which will encompass three areas of study – public finance/revenue management, customs management and taxes management. Revenue mobilisation and management in the 21st century is becoming complex and challenging.  This calls forth the need for governments to adopt a more professional approach in managing fiscal issues.  The MScFS programme provides a comprehensive understanding of issues relating to fiscal activities of the government and quasi-governments on a comparative basis.The programme takes a strategic focus to the management of public finances and revenues and addresses challenges posed by regional integration and globalisation.


Purpose of the Programme
To provide a distinct set of knowledge, skills and behaviours that are needed to serve the diverse stakeholders in the field of public finance/revenue/economics.
To provide internationally recognised standards for the professional development of managers in the areas of public finance/revenue/economics.
To provide a global resource for the government and the private sector, as well as regional governments.
To provide a knowledge-base for those students who wish to pursue further studies and research in the field of public finance/revenue/economics, particularly, trade, customs and taxes.

Programme Characteristics

Areas of Study    Public finance and economics, policy development and implementation, fiscal decentralization and local government financial management, ethics, governance and development, revenue forecasting, mobilization and modelling, international and comparative intellectual property, trade facilitation, advanced budgeting, programme planning and risk management, advanced topics in customs and taxes e.g. strategic export controls, non-tariff trade rules, comparative tax policy and reform, environmental taxation etc., as well as quantitative and qualitative research on current economic, fiscal, customs and tax issues. Problems or opportunities.
Specialist Focus:     Advanced models to computation of optimal taxation and tariffs, forecasting and mobilization of revenue for the state, local government and regional and international organisations.  contribute to the debate, research and experimentation on contemporary issues in the area of fiscal studies, particularly customs, taxes and public Finance/economics.  The programme takes a holistic, case-based approach aimed at creating a national strategist as opposed to institutional-focused practitioner.  It also has both a national focus and global perspective
Orientation:     Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on practical aspects.
Distinctive Features:    The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach
Careers as revenue specialists in government and quasi-government institutions as well as regional and international organisations.  Consultancy opportunities are also available especially as risk management advisors, customs and tax economist and related fields.  Most often graduates are also engaged as lecturers at universities and colleges.  In addition, it provides the students with appropriate background to attend appropriate PhD Programs in the fields of customs, taxes, public revenue and finance and related fields
PhD Programs in the fields of customs, taxes, public revenue and finance, banking, logistics, freight forwarding and related fields.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Fiscal Studies programme, a candidate should normally hold:

A good Honours degree in any of the following: Fiscal Studies; Public Finance; Public Economics; Customs; Taxation; Economics; Finance; Accounting; Business Studies; Commerce; or their equivalents; or
A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus an acceptable postgraduate diploma or professional qualifications from an accredited university/institution with a Fiscal, Public Finance, Public Economics, Customs, Taxation, Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Commerce-related content. In addition, the candidate should possess relevant experience; or
An Honours degree in any discipline, plus extensive experience in the areas of Fiscal, Public Finance, Public Economics, Economics, Finance, or equivalents.

 

Programme Delivery

Teaching and Learning Methods:    
An eclectic mixture of teaching methods which include but are not limited to lectures, tutorials, case studies, worked examples, problem based learning, computer laboratory activities, simulations, field practicals, group work, research projects as well as their dissertations, mini-projects, term papers, end of semester professional examinations, continuous assessment tests, written assignments, oral presentations and industrial visits will be used in the programme. Students benefit from the access to financial and business databases and other hands-on learning tools to develop valuable practical skills in analysing the finance industry so as to stand out in the job market.
Assessment Methods:    Written examinations, tests, assignments, practical and oral presentations and tests, seminar presentations, industrial attachment report, research project report, continuous assessments

Programme Competences

Generic:
Multidisciplinary: Ability to draw appropriately from multiple academic disciplines to define and solve problems based on understanding of complex phenomena
Quantitative and innovative reasoning: Capability to draw on big data and use analytics for informed decision making and strive to seek new ways of doing things
Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively and to present information orally and in writing and using ICTs to both expert and non-expert audiences
Analysis and synthesis: Capacity for analysis and synthesis using logical arguments and proven facts.
Ethical commitment: Professional integrity and awareness of impact of science and technology on society and the environment
Entrepreneurial skills: Capability to identify and create new business ventures based on knowledge and new thinking paradigms
Discipline specific:
Technology development skills: Ability to develop new themes, models, advanced problem-solving techniques in finance and investment, including corporate finance, risk management
Problem-solving skills: Ability to solve a wide range of problems in related finance by identifying their fundamental aspects.
Exit Level Outcomes
Problem solving
Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex economic, financial and investment problems creatively and innovatively.
Application of scientific knowledge
Apply knowledge of mathematics, quantitative techniques in economics, finance, financial models and software to solve economic and economic, financial and investment problems.
Investigations and data analysis
Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and contribute to the debate, research on contemporary issues in the area of Finance
Information technology knowledge
Demonstrate competence to use appropriate information technology skills and competences. Professional and technical communication
Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with audiences in all sectors of the economy and at various levels, and the community at large.
Sustainability and financing and investing activity
Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of application of modern techniques in public finance and economics, customs and taxes management, on the social, economic, financial sectors and business environment in general.
Individual, team and multidisciplinary working
Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
Independent learning ability
Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills. Parameterize and use commonly used models in economics and econometrics, public finance, finance, risk management and other related fields for research to solve financial and societal problems.
Fiscal studies, public economics/finance, customs and taxes professionalism
Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
Fiscal studies, public economics/finance, customs and taxes management
Display sufficient practical skills and knowledge in revenue generation and management to be sought-after practitioners in research institutes, government and quasi government institutes, regional and international organisations such as COMESA, SADC, and WCO.   Parameterize and use commonly used models in economics and finance and other related fields for research to solve challenges and risks in revenue generating organisations.

Stage

Module Code

Module Name

Credits

1

CFS5101

CFS5102

CFS5103

 

CFS5104

Public Finance and Debt Management

Policy Development and Implementation

Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Government Financial

Management

Ethics, Governance and Development

20

20

20

 

20

 

 

Total Credits Part I

80

2

CFS 5201

CFS 5202

CFS 5203

CFS 5205

Financial Econometrics and Data Analysis

Revenue Forecasting, Mobilisation and Modelling

International and Comparative Intellectual Property

Trade Facilitation

20

20

20

20

 

 

Total Credits Part II

80

3

 

 

 

CFS5301

CFS5303

CFS5304

CFS5305

CFS5319

CFS5204

 

CFS5306

CFS5307

CFS5308

CFS5309

CFS5310

CFS5311

CFS5312

 

CFS5313

CFS5314

CFS5315

CFS5316

CFS5317

CFS5318

To select 4 courses from the following electives

General Fiscal Studies/Public Finance/Revenue Electives*

Advanced Budgeting in the Public Project and Programme Planning and Management

Public Sector Risk Management

Valuation, Pricing and Revenue Management

Service Operations Management

Applied Strategic Management

Customs Electives

International Commercial Transactions Law

Multilateral System of Trade and Relations

Customs Management and Reform

International Supply Chain Management 

Strategic Export Controls

International Aviation and Space Law

Non-Tariff Trade Rules

Taxes Electives

Comparative Tax Policy and Reform

Taxation of International Trade

Environmental Taxation

Toxic and Narcotic Substances

International Tax Planning

Taxation in a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model

 

 

 

20

20

20

20

20

20

 

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

 

20

20

20

20

20

20

 

 

 

Total Credits Part III

80

4

CFS5105

CFS5400

Research Methodology(Practical)

Dissertation

20

80

 

 

Part I Total

100

 

 

Total Credits for the Programme

340

Stage I Core Modules

CFS 5101   Public Finance and Debt Management [20 Credits]

The thrust of the module is to develop among students an understanding and appreciation of Public Finance and Debt Management from the theoretical and practical point of view. It also enables the students to analyse the financial systems of Zimbabwe and other countries. The major aspects of the module will include sources of public revenue, public expenditure, financial administration, and budgeting principles.  For Debt Management, the major aspects will comprise corporate debt management, public debt management, origins of debt crisis, the oil price shocks, the external debt difficulties of low-income Africa, debt reduction and reconstructing.

CFS 5102   Policy Development and Implementation [20 Credits]

The module exposes students to the public policy making process, institutions and actors involved in the public policy making, the political economy of public policy making and role of private sector and non-state actors in public policy making, as well as implementation, monitoring and evaluation of public policies. It includes generic policy processes as well as ways in which such processes are undertaken in different countries; managing politics and the internal and external challenges and opportunities of managing public and non-profit organizations, including organizational mission, values, communication, culture, organizational environment and the policy process, legislative-executive relations, interest group advocacy and media relations; the gap between policy and implementation and how to bridge them. Focus will also be made on different policy environments, focusing on strategies, tactics, and frameworks needed to initiate and sustain policy in authoritarian, democratic, liberal, and one-party states. Pressures from the international system and issues such as globalisation will also be addressed.

CFS 5103Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Government Financial Management [20 Credits]

The module contextual framework for transfer of power from central to subnational governments, the scope and nature of fiscal decentralization, and the varied issues involved in affecting it.  Specific topics include: trends in fiscal decentralization; alternative models for structuring a multilevel public sector; expenditure assignment, revenue assignment and mobilization; local government budgeting; intergovernmental transfers, borrowing and debt, creditworthiness and the financial risks of local authorities; capacity building arrangements; “sequencing” of intergovernmental reforms, determination of “fiscal space” for local revenue mobilization; decentralization reform as a strategy for nation building; design of budget policies that support a stable macroeconomic manner; mechanisms for mobilizing revenues in an accountable, transparent manner, mechanisms to support public infrastructure development and its appropriate financing; global lessons of intergovernmental systems and fiscal decentralization.

CFS 5104 Ethics, Governance and Development [20 Credits]

The module addresses ethical and governance issues in development and in the public sector, at the same time providing an opportunity for building sustained ethical leadership as well as strategies to build strong institutional cultures that support ethical practices in public and development institutions. International perspectives are merged with considerations relating to Sub-Sahara Africa.


Stage II Core Modules

CFS 5201   Financial Econometrics and Data Analysis [20 Credits]

The module examines statistical and econometric techniques for empirical finance and applied economics.  It examines the theory and approach of multivariate regression model, ARCH, GMM, Regime Switching Models, test of the CAPM, term structure models and volatility models (implied, stochastic volatility).  Students will also learn aspects of the time series econometrics for both stationary and non-stationary variables at different time frequencies, with emphasis on financial/economic variables.  The module also focuses on the use of statistical techniques to understand market behaviour, including methods for organizing, accessing, and ensuring the quality of data.

CFS 5202   Revenue Forecasting, Mobilisation and Modelling [20 Credits]

The module covers current practices in revenue forecasting and mobilization in different countries and regional blocs; pricing and revenue optimization and legal issues associated with different pricing strategies; influence of economic forecast errors and political institutional factors on the general fund revenue forecast errors; challenges from globalization, corporate tax competition and trade liberalization and revenue replacement principles; distinction between resource-related and other revenues.  Further, the course equips students with techniques of building models on excel, specifically: financial analysis models; sensitivity and scenario analysis; capital budgeting; bond analysis; VAR and simulation models.

CSFS 5203   International and Comparative Intellectual Property [20 Credits]

The module enables students to be able to identify the sources of international intellectual property (IP) law and apply them to their own country’s environment. Topics include: principles and concepts of IP law, including copyright, trademark, and patent law; role of IP as a tool of world trade; role and impact of global industry and non-governmental organizations in shaping IP policy, including regulation of biotechnology, electronic commerce and impact of IP on the environment and human rights; IP rights in the international trading environment and application thereof across a range of jurisdictions and in relation to specific issues; international agreements and dispute procedures on IP; and comparative evaluative studies on implementation of particular treaties in various countries.

CFS 5204   Applied Strategic Management [20 Credits]

The module aims at identifying and evaluating options for strengthening the performance of public organizations and managing changes in the public sector.  Topics include: concepts and thesis of strategic management in public sector; vision, mission and objectives; development of strategy process; strategic planning; implementation; monitoring; evaluation and taking corrective steps; management of change in organization. It also requires students to distinguish between strategy process, strategy content and strategy context and merging the three dimensions into a comprehensive view of strategic management. It also covers advanced topics in the strategy field and challenges in strategy implementation faced when operating in the global environment.

CFS 5205 Trade Facilitation [20 Credits]

The module aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the concept of trade facilitation, its impacts on trade flows and trade costs, with particular focus on the impact of TFA on developing countries, businesses and custom authorities. The module examines the importance of trade facilitation measures to improve a country’s trading performance. In particular it is intended to provide guidance in creating the institutional structure for processing trade facilitation measures. It focuses on one platform — the trade facilitation body — in the form of an interdisciplinary committee where private sector managers, public sector administrators and policymakers can work together towards the effective implementation of trade facilitation measures. Approaches to the setting up of a trade facilitation body by different developing countries are reviewed on the basis of case studies carried out by UNCTAD and relevant work by other institutions. From the review, key lessons are drawn for developing countries intent on establishing and operating trade facilitation committees. 


Stage III Elective Modules

CFS 5204   Applied Strategic Management [20 Credits]

The module aims at identifying and evaluating options for strengthening the performance of public organizations and managing changes in the public sector.  Topics include: concepts and thesis of strategic management in public sector; vision, mission and objectives; development of strategy process; strategic planning; implementation; monitoring; evaluation and taking corrective steps; management of change in organization. It also requires students to distinguish between strategy process, strategy content and strategy context and merging the three dimensions into a comprehensive view of strategic management. It also covers advanced topics in the strategy field and challenges in strategy implementation faced when operating in the global environment.

CFS 5301   Advanced Budgeting in the Public Sector [20 Credits]

The module covers more advanced topics in governmental budgeting and financial management. It gives an overview of public and non-profit budgeting systems and covers tools and techniques for budget analysis.  Further, it provides an overview of the functions, expenditures, and revenues of state and local governments. Topics include: budget structures, classification and reform, revenue forecasting, revenue estimating and tax expenditure budgets, revenue and expenditure analysis (determining the supply and demand for public fiscal resources); intergovernmental fiscal relations, debt administration, managing funds (including working capital); budgeting as a mechanism for financial planning and management; budget cycle; budget adoption and execution; analytical techniques for budgeting and financial planning; fiscal impact analysis; management information and performance evaluation systems.

CFS 5303   Public Sector Risk Management [20 Credits]

The module provides the opportunity to view risk management strategically than more conservatively as compliance to regulations, providing effective risk management systems and tools and incorporating effective use of information and technology in managing risk.  It examines a variety of frameworks and models of risk with respect to regulation, policy, and decision-making. The aim is to enable management to effectively deal with uncertainty and its associated risk and opportunities, enhancing the capacity to build value, to deliver more effective services more efficiently and economically.  Topics include: risk assessment and analysis methodology (quantitative and qualitative); sources of risk; risk management process; identifying events; appropriate risk management strategies; control activities; information and communication tools; public sector risk structures and processes.

CFS 5304   Service Operations Management [20 Credits]

The module examines how services can be delivered in a way that is responsive to the needs of those being served and maximised the effective utilization of resources.  It addresses questions of organisational design, personnel, and operations management, inter-organisational networks, process analysis, sustaining the service organisation, services integration, improving production flows, measuring and managing for performance. 

CFS 5305 Valuation, Pricing and Revenue Management [20 Credits]

The module equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to determine the value of goods and services in the public sector.  It also covers valuation for taxes and customs purposes.  It also covers appreciation determining the impact of issues such as royalties and discounts on the value of goods. Specifically, it enables students to determine the customs value of imported goods under their national legislation, drawing extensively from international practice and domestic case law.  In addition, it provides the principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Valuation Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Valuation Agreement), analyse adjustments required to arrive at a correct valuation for their customs administration, determine when to use a valuation method other than the transaction valuation, using acceptable WTO Valuation

CFS 5306   International Commercial Transactions Law [20 Credits]

The objective of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the legal environment in which international trade and commerce are conducted by business entities in both civil and common law countries. Both private and public law aspects of international trade and commerce will be examined.  Private law covers transactions relating to sale of goods, forms of payments, customs, shipping law, insurance law, securities over international transactions in traditional and electronic forms, and private international aspects with particular reference to dispute resolution.  Public law covers the impact of international obligations, both multilateral and bilateral, on the conduct of trade and commerce, as well as principles of international law relating to contracts and dispute settlement and arbitration.

CFS 5307   Multilateral System of Trade and Relations [20 Credits]

The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of GATT/WTO law in the regulation of international commerce, with particular emphasis on trade in goods, trade in services, dispute resolution, and trade facilitation.  This includes identification of GATT/WTO issues and their implications for practice; GATT/WTO law reform and implications thereof for customs law and practice; and other areas of trade law with suggestions for reform. Other topics include: economics of trade; investment issues; the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures; bilateral investment treaties; GATT/WTO rules on regional trade agreements (RTAs).

CFS 5308   Customs Management and Reform [20 Credits]

The module enables students to apply contemporary administration methods and the newest management practices in practical everyday activities, analyse practical situations, evaluate arising problems and make proper decisions; use national and international networks and customs computer databases; apply special international trade customs policy, international carriage and logistics knowledge; implement contemporary customs tasks and functions and form customs strategy.  Specific topics include: comparative analysis of public administration; administrative legal relations in customs activities administration of customs; strategic development of the state; customs policy of different regional blocs; international trade; protection of intellectual property in international trade; customs strategies of different regional blocs. Further, the course addresses issues relating to customs reform and modernization, mainly, the requirements for reform and modernization of customs structures, policies and procedures; the significance of international conventions, such as the Kyoto Convention and the role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in supporting customs reform and modernization; the design and implementation of strategic planning for customs administration; challenges to the change process; strategic planning and change management techniques and strategies to support a reform and modernization process.

CFS 5309   International Supply Chain Management [20 Credits]

The module provides an understanding of the effective operation of the international supply chain and the role of customs (both for imports and exports) inside it, the needs of its component parts and the opportunities it presents for effective control and trade facilitation.  It provides a detailed study of: the WTO instruments for trade facilitation and safeguard measures; the Revised Kyoto Convention; the SAFE Framework of Standards; supply chain management; opportunities and barriers; stakeholder requirements (banking and insurance sector, importers and exporters, logistics and transportation companies, clearance agents, public, international associations and organisations, national bilateral and multilateral agencies, and the final clients); capacity to integrate customs inside the supply chain.

5310   Strategic Export Controls    [20 Credits]

The module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of export controls of defence and strategic goods and how these controls fit into global non-proliferation efforts of weapons of mass destruction (WMI). It covers international treaties, regimes and UN sanctions; export control administration and process; Export control legislation in various countries and their global impact; risk assessment/risk of diversion and the role of intelligence.

5311   International Aviation and Space Law [20 Credits]

The module examines the environment and multilateral legal principles and institutional framework within which international aviation operates. It provides an analysis and interpretation of the nature of bilateral air services agreements. Further, it examines international conventions and state practices in relation to offences against aircraft; rules relating to liability regime established by the Warsaw Convention and subsequent agreements; international standards relating to establishment and operation of airports, clearance of passengers and cargo through international airports and norms applying to customs quarantine and immigration. The course then examines the multilateral regulation governing the use of outer space for peaceful (and non-peaceful) purposes.

CFS 5312   Non-Tariff Trade Rules [20 Credits]

The module focuses on current and emerging issues concerning security of the supply chain and authorized trader programs that have been legislated for in many countries.  It provides a comprehensive introduction to international supply chain concepts, benchmarking and best practice approaches to the management of supply chain issues including regulatory compliance and security. To achieve this the course requires that students be able to articulate and apply the principles contained in the World Customs Organization’s Framework of Standards, explain issues relevant to international regulation of the supply chain, and be capable of developing and implementing a variety of compliance approaches to the regulatory requirements.

CFS 5313   Comparative Tax Policy and Reform [20 Credits]

The module provides an overview to the principles and policies that underlie and shape tax systems and reforms.  Principles of good tax policy are explained and applied to various tax rules and tax system features.  Policy issues of key types of taxes are examined.  Students will gain a broader appreciation of the tax law beyond its technical application, as well as how tax, economic, social and environmental policies interact.  In addition, the course examines key tax policy issues that arise in different countries, with a particular focus on the design and structure of the income tax.  It will consider comparative analysis of tax systems, and tax policy principles including equity, efficiency, and ability to pay, progressivity and tax expenditures.  Specific topics include: tax rates, definition of income, personal deductions, that tax unit, taxing corporate and capital income, and tax administration and management on a comparative basis.   An understanding of fundamental tax reform will be gained through study of why major reform is often proposed, the key types of proposals and the issues that arise.

CFS 5314   Taxation of International Trade [20 Credits]

The module covers: taxation regulations and practices faced by international firms (corporate tax, income tax, value added tax, tariffs); tax refunds; tariffs in free zones; taxation in Customs Union Operations; provisional importation; taxation in cross border leasing; and double taxation.

CFS 5315   Environmental Taxation [20 Credits]

The module provides an introduction to the areas of excise law and administration which relates to the taxation of certain products or processes that impact upon the environment.  There is particular focus on the differing types of approaches to the taxation of such products and processes through the excise system, including levies, off-sets, rebates and incentives.  The module also addresses contemporary issues relating to application of environmentally based taxes, such as impact on local industry and consumers, development of environmental protection technology, and cross border issues. Specifics include: carbon taxation principles; other pollution-based taxes; Kyoto Convention and taxation; motor vehicle excises; and the use of taxation incentives to achieve environmental outcomes.

CFS 5316   Toxic and Narcotic Substances [20 Credits]

The module covers issues relating to the importation and export of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, and the excise and taxation infrastructure thereof.  It provides the framework for understanding the different types of alcohol and their origins, the taxation and administrative issues around the manufacture of alcohol such as blending and repackaging; the main means of taxing alcohol; the factors in setting alcohol policy; impact of alcohol tax on government, consumers and the industry; contemporary issues in alcohol policy and compliance issues.  The module also covers understanding of different types of tobacco products and their origins; excise law and administration which impact upon the manufacture and distribution of tobacco and tobacco products; the main means of taxing tobacco; impact of tobacco tax on government, consumers and industry; factors in setting tobacco tax policy; tobacco tax fraud and global compliance issues.

CFS 5317 International Tax Planning [20 Credits]

The module covers the theories, doctrines and principles of international taxation; international trade and taxation principles (including internet trade and its tax liabilities); offshore activities and their tax implications; tax burden minimization; tax avoidance schemes in international trade, licensing, leasing and franchising operations as well as international double taxation avoidance treaties, and international collaborations in the field of taxes; international anti treaty-shopping provisions; comparison of different model conventions (e.g. UN and OECD); comparison of major tax jurisdiction; tax harmonization; tax havens/tax-privileged nations; and off-shore jurisdictions.

CFS 5318    Taxation in a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model [20 Credits]

The module enables students to capture many of the complex interactions between different types of taxes, and their effects upon different sectors, agents, or regions in an economy.  It enables students to understand the basic concepts and theories used in the construction of a computable general equilibrium model (or applied general equilibrium (AGE) model, then use this framework to analyse the impacts of some important taxes, such as environmental tax or goods and services tax, in an economy.  Initially, the issue of interactions (or trade-off) between different types of taxes given a particular level of taxation, will be addressed, followed by the issue of optimal level of taxation which gives rise to the concept of marginal cost of public funds. Topics include: taxation in a first best and second-best economy; computable general equilibrium modelling of taxation issues (basic structure of CGE model and how taxes fit into this structure, use of CGE to analyse taxation issues relating to environmental, goods and services, and labour income tax, excess tax burden and marginal cost of public fund); empirical examples (analysis of the results from a practical CGE model of taxation).


Stage IV

CFS 5105 Research Methodology [20 Credits]

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: • understand some basic concepts of research and its methodologies • identify appropriate research topics • select and define appropriate research problem and parameters • prepare a project proposal (to undertake a project) • organize and conduct research (advanced project) in a more appropriate manner • write a research report and thesis • write a research proposal (grants) focusing on the field of public finance/revenue/economics, customs and taxes.

CFS 5400 Dissertation [20 Credits]

The dissertation, which is compulsory, helps students to consolidate theoretical and practical knowledge gained in the Taught Section of the programme by completing a research project under the supervision of the Department staff and or professionals in sectors relevant to the topic being pursued.

BULAWAYO  
Stage 1

$1 170

Stage 2 & 3

$940

Stage 4

$595


HARARE  
Stage 1

$1 520

Stage 2 & 3

$1 290

Stage 4

$595

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