ECON 4170: Fundamentals of Cost-Benefit Analysis

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide a systemic and rigorous way of thinking about the measurement of benefits and costs when evaluating public projects, programs or regulations. Cost-benefit analysis has wide application, including: environmental resource use, highway construction projects, safety regulations, taxation of cigarettes, and investment in higher education. Given the prevalence of cost-benefit analysis in government budgetary processes,this course will develop critical appraisal skills to evaluate the appropriateness of these analyses.