DEC-31306 Cost-Benefit Analysis and Environmental Valuation

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

OnderwijstypeContacturen
Lectures24
Practical extensively supervised24
Project learning4
Tutorial8
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. RA Schipper
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. RA Schipper
dr. ir. RA Jongeneel
dr. ir. RA Groeneveld
Examiner(s)dr. ir. RA Schipper

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

Microeconomics

Continuation courses:

Thesis Development Economics and/or Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Contents:

This advanced course covers on the one hand the economic analysis of investments and policy changes (Cost-Benefit Analysis), on the other hand it treats the valuation of environmental effects of such projects or policies (Environmental Valuation). Investments are often in productive sectors, such as in land consolidation, polders, irrigation and drainage projects, or in infrastructure, for example roads and railways, or, less often, in nature conservation projects. Policy changes that can be appraised are, for example, taxes, price-support measures and market regulations. CBA is a decision-making tool for policy makers, using financial and economic criteria. Emphasis is put on the theory of cost-benefit analysis: welfare economic foundations, financial versus economic analysis, valuation of commodities, capital, labour and foreign exchange, discount rate, shadow pricing, effects on income distribution, and environmental effects. The last element is extensively treated under the headings travel cost methods, contingent valuation, hedonic pricing, existence value, and irreversibility, risks and uncertainty.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
- demonstrate a thorough understanding of the theory of cost-benefit analysis as founded on micro-economic theory;
- show a good ability in the application of project, programme and policy appraisal;
- pass an informed judgement on such economic interventions;
- demonstrate a thorough understanding of environmental valuation methods and to apply such methods.

Activities:

Attending lectures, participating in practicals, preparation for lectures and practical, prepare a case study related to project appraisal and valuation of the environment; the student should submit a short report on this case study (group work), studying general literature and contents of lectures for examination.

Examination:

Written examination.

Literature:

- Boardman, A.E., D.H. Greenberg, A.R. Vining, D.L. Weimer (2011). Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice. Fourth Edition. Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, USA.
- Perkins, F. (1994). Discounted project assessment criteria. Practical cost benefit analysis: Basic concepts and applications. MacMillan Education Australia PTY, LTD, Sydney.
- Markandya, A., P. Harou, L.G. Bellù and V. Cistulli (2002). Environmental economics for sustainable growth: A handbook for practicioners. Edgar Elgar, Cheltenham.
- Kuyvenhoven A., & L.B.M. Mennes (1985). Guidelines for project appraisal: An introduction to the principles of financial, economic and social cost-benefit analysis for developing countries. DGIS, The Hague.

OpleidingFaseSpecialisatiePeriode
Keuze voor: MESEnvironmental SciencesMSc6WD
MIDInternational Development StudiesMScA: Sociology of Development6WD
MIDInternational Development StudiesMScC: Communication, Technology and Policy6WD
MIDInternational Development StudiesMScB: Economics of Development6WD