Frequently Asked Questions

Economic research projects are undertaken to evaluate economic effects of policies/strategies pursued or contemplated by business, industry and government, resource requirements, changing trends and to provide forecasts. This assists with more effective decision making in business companies, banks, industry associations, state owned enterprises and government departments.

An economic research report typically includes:

• Theoretical component
• An empirical component
• Methods and procedures for obtaining data required
• Tables and charts depicting analysis and findings
• Narrative write-up of the results in clear and concise language
• Explanations, forecasts and predictions
• Findings and recommendations.

An economic impact study is undertaken when a client requests economic research and modelling linked to a specific industry, business venture or target area. It is a bespoke study and report to provide specific empirical metrics and analysis, showing the quantified economic effects of a policy, strategy, programme or industry.

Depending on the requirements and specifications, typical economic research projects can take between one and six months to undertake. The project timeline is proposed based on the scope of the services required and the complexity of the economic research and analysis work.

The process typically includes the following steps:

• Ensure detailed understanding of the requirements
• Develop effective research questions and issues to be addressed
• Determine relevant literature and draw implications for the research project
• Analyse the issues using economic theory, assessment and quantitative analysis
• Test and evaluate the analysis
• Interpret the results and draw conclusions
• Communicate the findings in a comprehensive, readable and logical report

Members are selected based on their skills and knowledge, which include macroeconomics, econometric modelling, forecasting, monetary economics and financial analysis. They have experience in both private and public sectors and in academia. The panel members provide objective and practical economic research, analysis and recommendations to address the issues and challenges facing client organisations.

• Analysing and solving business economic questions with appropriate techniques
• Economic analysis for planning and decision making
• Econometric analysis and modelling
• Economic principles to promote growth in the South African economy.

Courses provide interactive discussions, bringing the subject matter to applicability in the context of the client. Courses are facilitated by qualified and experienced economists in the field covered.

Econoquest can provide tailor-made training courses and workshops to meet the requirements of clients. Courses are focused on the practical application of economic knowledge and are typically designed to address current issues facing South Africa, including:

Econoquest and its economists are based in South Africa and most have focused their research and consulting on the South African economy, and to some extent economies of surrounding countries . Econoquest is, therefore, best placed to undertake assignments relating to South African or to the southern Africa region.

Econoquest is able to provide services cost effectively as it brings together independent economic consultants, researchers and academics to best meet the needs of each project, without having a significant fixed overhead base.

The economists on the panel are known to the Directors of Econoquest and have been included based on their track record in research and consulting.

Econoquest can serve as the primary contractor for a project and enter into a contract with the client for delivery of the project. Econoquest will then take on the role of co-ordination and integration, and changes in personnel working on the project if necessary, in order to ensure full delivery of the project.