Policy Evaluation Methods - ECON6202

The aim of this course is to learn the tools used in practice to determine whether programs and policies are achieving their objectives. The course will critically discuss the various techniques and indicate their strengths and weaknesses. Several modern methods of cost benefit analysis will be reviewed such as natural experiments, social experiments, choice experiments and discrete choice experiments. The course will examine policies and programs in a broad range of areas including labour markets, health care, social welfare and poverty. Other areas may be discussed as well such as criminal justice, the environment, education, and development.