Course 2011-2012 a.y.

Go to class group/s: 31 - 32

CLMG (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - M (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - IM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - MM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - AFC (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - CLAPI (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - CLEFIN-FINANCE (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - CLELI (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - ACME (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - DES-ESS (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - EMIT (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01)

Course Director:
ELIANA LA FERRARA

Course Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide students with analytical and empirical tools that enable them to understand the functioning of markets and institutions in Less Developed Countries (LDCs). The methodological approach emphasizes the role of information and incentives in examining from a microeconomic point of view how LDCs cope with market imperfections. We analyze in depth the informal sector and the emergence of social norms that can be interpreted as a rational response to the economic environment.
Particular emphasis is placed on the evaluation of the effectiveness of education, health, agriculture and microcredit policies. In this context we introduce the empirical approach of program evaluation and we illustrate how this approach can be applied using micro level data. For each topic, recent theoretical contributions are proposed and compared to existing empirical evidence, in order to train the student to develop a research process that goes from the formulation to the test of hypotheses.
We also encourage students to work directly on the data through econometric applications.

Course Content Summary

• Impact evaluation methodology
• Economics of the family
• Education and health policies
• Land markets
• Risk sharing and insurance
• Credit markets and microfinance
• Firms and micro-enterprises in LDCs
  

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

There will be a written final exam, consisting of analytical exercises and discussion of empirical results, plus a takehome assignment where students will use data and apply the evaluation methodology learnt in the course.

Textbooks

The reading list and lecture notes will be posted on the Agenda You@B

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Last change 04/05/2011 10:50