×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog

TRADE 7009 - International Aid and Trade

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 2 - 2023

This course examines issues related to the effectiveness of foreign aid on poverty reduction and the role of 'aid for trade' in achieving sustainable development. It begins by examining the underlying causes for, and solutions to, extreme poverty. We then move on to the debate over the motivations for aid - comparing and contrasting poverty reduction objectives with the role of economic and commercial objectives, political diplomacy and strategic objectives. Students have the opportunity to evaluate the success of aid in promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries in recent decades using a range of monitoring and evaluation tools. This includes discussion of the factors that shape aid effectiveness, including contextual political economy issues, social factors including gender and disability issues and factors related to the ways in which donors deliver and administer aid. This knowledge forms the basis for deeper analysis of the role and effectiveness of 'aid for trade'. As a relatively recent phenomenon, we analyse the contribution it can make to the development of trade agreements and achievement of sustainable trade related development goals. We also evaluate the role of the private sector in the design and delivery of effective 'aid for trade' programs. Practical case-studies, simulated trade negotiations, guest speakers from the aid and trade sector and interactive small group activities feature throughout. The course is delivered through a blended learning approach with teaching materials and online learning provided through the MyUni course page. Students are expected to complete online learning activities prior to the face-to-face sessions.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TRADE 7009
    Course International Aid and Trade
    Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade
    Term Trimester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 36 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge TRADE 5000
    Assessment Participation/group work/online quiz at conclusion of Modules I and II; final assignment.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Jim Redden

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Analyse key determinants of global poverty and the role of aid in addressing the challenges of poverty reduction
    2 Research and evaluate the variety of objectives, motivations, forms and modes of delivery of aid including mechanisms for determining aid effectiveness
    3 Evaluate the effectiveness of aid in advancing economic development in developing countries amidst the complexity of trade and investment flows, debt relief and governance issues.
    4 Analyse of the role of Aid for Trade, how it can underpin trade agreements and its capacity to contribute to sustainable development including the role of the private sector in its design and delivery
    5 Research, critically analyse and develop recommendations on the future of aid and ‘aid for trade’ in reducing global poverty
    ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2,4,5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    2,3,5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    3,5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Most required readings will be provided online via . The list will comprise of readings on:
    - Aid - Handout of References
    - Aid and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030
    - The WTO and Aid for Trade
    - The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)
    - Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness
    - ACCRA agenda for Action
    - References to Aid for Trade at a Glance 2019
    Recommended Resources
    • Aid for Trade at a Glance,(September, 2019) produced by the WTO and OECD.
    • Asia Development Bank, (July 2015) Aid for Trade in Asia and the Pacific: Thinking Forward About Trade Costs and the Digital Economy,
    • Lowy Institute, (2015), The State of ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlogn Foreign Aid, Sydney, ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlogn, available at www.lowyinstitute.orgLowy Institute, (2015), The State of ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlogn Foreign Aid, Sydney, ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlogn, available at
    • Dan Ben-David, Hakan Nordstrom, Alan Winters (1999): “Trade, Income Disparity & Poverty”, WTO Special Studies, WTO Publications, Geneva, available at
    • Columbia ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog (2009) articles by Sachs J & George A., 'Can Foreign Aid Reduce Poverty?", Cases for and against, Earth Columbia, CQ press. 
    • Chossudovsky, M. (1999): “The Globalisation of Poverty: Impacts of IMF and World Bank Reforms”, Zed Books. 
    • Cameron, H. & Njinkeu, D. (ed.) 2009: “Aid for Trade and Development”, Cambridge ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Press.
    • Browne, S. (2006): “Aid and Influence: Do Donors Help or Hinder?”, Earthscan Publications
    • Brown, O. (2006): “Trade, Aid and the Millennium Development Goals: Reaching the Goals in an Insecure World”, IISD Commentary, March 2006, available at
    • Bergeron S. (2003): “The Post-Washington Consensus and Economic Representations of Women in Development at the World Bank”, International Feminist Journal of Politics, Volume 5, Issue 3, November 2003, pp. 397- 419.
    • AusAID/DFAT policy on trade and development            
    • AusAID (2007): “Annual Review of Development Effectiveness 2007”, Office of Development Effectiveness, Canberra. Available at
    • AusAID/DFAT (2014) “×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s New Aid Paradigm”, see video featuring the Foreign Minister and then three central policy documents on  “×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog's new development policy and performance framework” Canberra 2014.  Available at: 
    • Accenture (2012), “Business in Development Study 2012”, Business for Millennium Development publication, see the executive summary pp 7 - 15
    • A WTO joint publication,(2013) “Aid for Trade at a Glance: Connecting to Value Chains”
    • Global Development Problems, Solutions, Strategy: A Proposal for Socially Just, Ecologically Sustainable Growth”, International Books.
    • Easterly, W. (2006): “The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good”, Penguin Books, New York.
    • Edwards, M. (1999): “Future Positive: International Co-operation in the 21st Century”, Earthscan Publications,
    • George, S. (1986): “How the Other Half Dies: The Real Reasons for World Hunger”, Penguin Books Ltd.
    • George, S. (1988): “A Fate Worse Than Debt”, Grove Press, New York.
    • Groves L. and Hinton R. (eds.) (2006): “Inclusive Aid: Changing Power and Relationships in International Development”, Earthscan Publications, London and Sterling.
    • Higgins, K. & Prowse, S. (2011): “Trade, Growth and Poverty: Making Aid for Trade Work for Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction”, Working Paper 313, Overseas Development Institute, London, available at
    • Hoekman, B.,(2010)  “Doha and Development: Market Access, Trade Costs and Aid for Trade”, published by Vox EU June 2010
    • Hoekman, B., Mattoo, A. & English, P. (ed.) (2002): “Development, Trade and the WTO”, The World Bank, Washington D.C.
    • International Trade Centre (2014), “ITC and Aid for Trade: Trade Impact for Good”     
    • Kamal, M. (2004): “Trade, Growth, Poverty Reduction and Human Development: Some Linkages and Policy Implications”, paper prepared for the XVIII G-24 Technical Group Meeting, Palais de Nations, Geneva, available at .
    • Lancaster C. (2007): “Foreign Aid: Diplomacy, Development, Domestic Politics”, ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Chicago Press, Chicago and London.
    • Manor J. (2007) (ed.): “Aid That Works: Successful Development in Fragile States”, World Bank, Washington DC.
    • OECD (2005): “The Paris Declaration and Accra Agenda for Action”, available at
    • OECD/WTO (2015): “Aid for Trade at a Glance 2015”, available at 
    • Paris, B. (1999): “Trade for Development: Making the WTO Work for the Poor”, World Vision Discussion Paper, Victoria.
    • Puri, L.  (2005): “Towards a new trade “Marshall Plan” for Least Developed Countries, How to Deliver on the Doha Development Promise and Help Realize the UN Millennium Development Goals?”, UNCTAD Study Series NËš1 on Trade, Poverty and Cross-cutting Development Issues, New York and Geneva.
    • Radelet S. (2006): “A Primer on Foreign Aid”, Center for Global Development, Working Paper No. 92, July 2006, available at .
    • Reeve R. (2007) “Hot-Spotting: An ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlogn delivering foreign aid”, Wakefield Press, South ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog.
    • Sachs J. (2005): “The End of Poverty”, Time, 14 March, pp 42-54.
    • Sachs J. (2015): "The Age of Sustainable Development", Columbia Uni Press, NY
    • San Sebastian, M., Hurtig, A. & Rasanathan, K. (2006): “Is Trade Liberalisation of Services the Best Strategy to Achieve Health-related Millennium Development Goals in Latin America? A call for caution”, available at
    • Sogge, D. (2002): “Give and Take: What’s the Matter with Foreign Aid”, New York along with a range of other publishers around the world.
    • Soros, G. (2002): “George Soros on Globalization”, Public Affairs, New York.
    • Stiglitz, J. (2002): “Globalization and its Discontents”, W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., New York.
    • The Economist (2009): “Special Report on Telecoms in Emerging Markets”, 24 September 2009.
    • The World Bank (2005): “Pro-Poor Growth in the 1990s: Lessons and Insights from 14 Countries”, Washington D.C.
    • UN (2009a): “Millennium Development Goal 8, Strengthening the Global Partnership for Development in a Time of Crisis”, MDG Gap Task Force, Report 2009. New York.
    • UN (2009b): “The Millennium Development Goals”, Report 2009, New York.
    • UN Millennium Project (2005): “Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals”, New York: UNDP, WWW document, available at .
    • UNCTAD (2004): “The Least Developed Countries Report 2004: Linking International Trade with Poverty Reduction”, UNCTAD/LDC/2004, Geneva.
    • UNCTAD (2006): “The Least Developed Countries Report 2006: Developing Productive Capacities”, UNCTAD/LDC/2006”, Geneva.
    • UNCTAD (2008): “Delivering on the Global Partnership for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals”, MDG Gap Task Force Report 2008, New York.
    • UNCTAD (2009): “Strengthening the Global Partnership for Development in a Time of Crisis”, MDG Gap Task Force Report 2009, New York.
    • Van de Walle, N. (2005): “Overcoming Stagnation in Aid-dependent Countries”, Center for Global Development, Washington DC, available at
    • Vandemoortele, J., Malhotra, K. & Lim, J. (2003): “Is MDG8 on Track as a Global Deal for Human Development?”, United Nations Development Programme and Bureau for Development Policy, NY
    • Wach H. and Reeves H. (2000): “Gender and Development: Facts and Figures”, BRIDGE, Institute of Development Studies, available at
    • World Bank & IMF (2011): “The MDGs after the Crisis”, Global Monitoring Report 2011, Washington D.C.
    • WTO, (2015), "Implementing the Trade Faciliation Agreement",
    • WTO (2008): “World Trade Report 2008”, pp 147-161, available at
    • WTO (2011a): “Market Access for Products and Services of Export Interest to Least-Developed Countries”, WT/COMTD/LDC/W/46/Rev.1, 26 February 2011.
    • WTO (2013) “9th WTO Ministerial Conference Bali, Briefing note: Development and Technical Assistance”
    • WTO (2013), Fourth Global Review of Aid for Trade: Connecting to Value Chains
    Online Learning
    In addition to the above, students will find it useful to explore the websites of the World Bank and regional banks, UN Millennium Development Challenge, UNDP, UNCTAD, the International Trade Centre (ITC), IMF, OECD (in general on aid but in particular look at Aid for Trade at a Glance), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog, International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development, World Vision and Oxfam websites. Other references and websites will be discussed during the course.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course involves students working on critical analysis and applying practial solutions or strategies that address the role of aid and trade in dealing with global poverty and sustainabiliity issues. Sessions will usually start with powerpoint presentations which provide informaton about concepts, issues or challenges facing corporations and then lead into interactive debate using case-studies, quizzes, debates, simulations and group work. We will also deepen our understanding through the critical analysis of related research-based scholarly articles. Emphasis will be placed on the application of your readings (textbook and articles) and critical reflections of your applied research activities during classes.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog expects full-time students (i.e., those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This means that you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours for a three-unit course of private study outside of your regular classes.

    Students in this course are expected to attend all sessions.

    Please see our ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog policy for details: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/669
    Learning Activities Summary
    The following learning activities should be seen as a guide to the topics and activities to be covered during the course over three modules, but these may vary year by year and are confirmed at the first seminar of each course by the Course Coordinator.

    MODULE ONE

    COURSE OVERVIEW, ASSESSMENT, INTRODUCTIONS

    THE STATE OF GLOBAL POVERTY AND INEQUALITY

    UNDERLYING CAUSES OF GLOBAL POVERTY

    POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL POVERTY

    THE ROLE OF AID AS A SOLUTION TO GLOBAL POVERTY - DEFINITIONS AND RATIONALE FOR AID, HISTORY AND POLITICS OF AID

    CASE-STUDIES

    ASSIGNMENT ONE

    MODULE TWO

    AID ORGANISATIONS, BILATERAL-REGIONAL-MULTILATERAL, DONOR AND PARTNERS

    TYPES OF AID AND MEASURING AID EFFECTIVENESS: THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

    CASE-STUDIES IN AID AND DEVELOPMENT

    RECENT TRENDS AND ISSUES IN AID PRACTICE AND THE FUTURE OF FOREIGN AID AND DEVELOPMENT

    STUDENT PRESENTATIONS

    GUEST SPEAKER: THE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN AID, TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT

    TRADE, DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION

    ASSIGNMENT TWO PREPARATION

    MODULE THREE

    WHAT IS AID FOR TRADE AND ITS ROLE: SIMULATION BASED ON A TRADE AGREEMENT

    CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN AID FOR TRADE – GUEST SPEAKER AND DISCUSSION

    CASE-STUDIES IN AID FOR TRADE (INCLUDING ITS ROLE IN TRADE IN SERVICES, GENDER ISSUES, ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR)

    CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND DEBATES ON THE FUTURE ROLE OF AID FOR TRADE IN POVERTY REDUCTION/GROWTH

    AID VS TRADE ?

    COURSE SUMMARY – PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

    FINAL PLANNING OF MAJOR RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT TWO

    EVALUATION
  • Assessment

    The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    A. Class Participation and Exercises: 15%

    Students will be assessed on their in-class contribution to topic discussions, student presentations on issues, case-studies, quizzes and simulation exercises.

    B. Assignment 1 – Case Study and Report on Development Aid: 35%

    Requires students in evaluation teams, to prepare a report on an aspect of development aid and its effectiveness or an analysis of the underlying causes to global poverty

    C. Assignment 2 – Major Research Repor: 50%

    Requires students to undertake a major investigative, research assignment of 4,000 words to cover a range of topics discussed in the course with a focus on critically evaluating the current and future role of aid and ‘aid for trade’ in assisting global poverty reduction and sustainable development in a specific developing country. Details to be discussed with you later. Alternative related topics may also be available
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Assessement detail and explicit guidance on readings, research, report structure and critical as well as comparative analysis will be provided throughout the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessement detail and explicit guidance on readings, research, report structure and critical as well as comparative analysis will be provided throughout the course.
    Submission
    Requirements for submission will be advised in class and/or via MyUni.

    Students should retain a copy of all assignments submitted
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through .

  • Student Feedback

    The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.