Bachelor's of Traffic and Transportation Engineering

THEORY OF SYSTEMS & TRANSPORT ECONOMICS

General Data

Code: 58M302
Type of credits: ECTS
Number of credits: 6.00
Engagement hours: 180.00
ISCED-F: Transport services
Status: Mandatory
Academic Year: 1º
Term: 1º
Modality: Presential
Languages: English
Available for Mobility Students: Yes
Restricted to alliance: No

Coordination

Description

The objective of this course is that the student gets insight into, understands, applies and evaluates the basic principles of system theory, cybernetics and economics for problem solving in the field of traffic and transportation. Based on theoretical and practical knowledge, students will be able to analyse, synthesise, augment and evaluate projects and processes in traffic and transportation.

Subject area

Transport Economics – System Theory, Cybernetics, Transport Policy, Investment Planning, Market Regulation

Requirements

No prerequisites required.

Instructors

izr. prof. dr. TOMISLAV LETNIK

Contents

  • Fundamentals of system theory: basic concepts, law of requisite holism, system thinking, scientific approach to transport problems
  • Cybernetics as basis for governance of traffic and transport processes
  • Transport from the system theory point of view: key elements, problems, management actions
  • Economic aspect of transport: macro/micro-economics, transport market, pricing, supply and demand, elasticity, marketing, sustainable transport
  • Technological innovations in transport and their impact on economic efficiency
  • Transport policy theory and practice: macroeconomic parameters, liberal vs. regulated models, strategic policy goals
  • Financing of investment projects: public-private partnership, crediting, budget sources
  • Market-based instruments: tax, tolls, vignettes, user charges, excise duty, subsidies, tradeable permits
  • External transport costs: externalities, internalisation
  • Practical example: preparation and appraisal of a transport infrastructure investment

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

  • Understand and apply basics of system theory, cybernetics and economics in transport and traffic
  • Analyse, synthesise, argue and evaluate micro and macro-economic processes and investment projects in transport

Transferable/key skills:

Knowledge and application of macroeconomic categories, marketing and planning methods across related courses.

Recommended Readings and Tools

Readings:

  • Božičnik, S. (2020). Transportna ekonomija. Univerza v Mariboru.
  • Button, K.J. Transport Economics (2nd ed.). Edward Elgar, 2002.
  • Cole, S. Applied Transport Economics (3rd ed.). Kogan Page, 2005.
  • Quinet, E., Vickerman, R. Principles of Transport Economics. Edward Elgar, 2004.
  • von Bertalanffy, L. General System Theory, 1950.

Planned Activities

Lectures and tutorials using state-of-the-art technical equipment and up-to-date information sources.

Course structure:

  • Lectures: 30 hours
  • Seminars: 15 hours
  • Tutorial: 30 hours
  • Individual work: 105 hours
  • Total: 180 hours

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Assessment weights:

  • Written examination: 40%
  • Oral examination: 30%
  • Coursework: 30%