ECON 152: COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS Winter 2022
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Department ofEconomics
Winter 2022
ECON 152: COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Course Description: Cost Benefit Analysis involves the use of economic theory for conducting public policy assessment. It formally quantifies the costs and benefits of different programs and projects. The purpose ofthis course is to provide the economic foundations and practical tools to conduct cost benefit analysis. The core material discusses predicting and monetizing impacts of economic policies, as well as discounting future impacts and handling inflation.
The objectives ofthis course are:
• Define important cost-benefit analysis tools such as discounting, compounding, present value, shadow prices, value of annuity, social and private costs.
• Understand the difference between a financial and total economic value cost benefit analysis
• Provide you with an understanding on the quantification of different costs and benefits.
• Apply economic theory to real world policy problems and conduct your own cost- benefit analysis
Course Prerequisite: ECON-104A (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory)
Required Text Book: Cost-Benefit Analysis Concepts and Practice by Antony E. Boardman, David H. Greenberg, Aidan R. Vining andDavid L. Weimer (Cambridge University Press, 5th Edition)
Grading and Course Requirements: Grades are based on two exams and several problem sets given throughout the quarter. Each exam is 40% ofthe course grade. These exams will be taken on iLEARN with the first one taking place during your regular class day and time. The second exam will take place during your normal final exam day and time (please see below). The remaining 20% ofthe course grade is based on problem sets. Problem sets and the answer keys will be posted on iLEARN. You need to turn in (upload) all exams and assignments through iLEARN.
No late homework is accepted. No make-up exams will be given unless you have the
following excuses: sickness supported by an official note from the physician, religious holiday (you must see me at the beginning of the semester), participation of university activities at the request of university authorities or some extreme cases (e.g. accident, death in the family). Grades are tentatively assigned on the following scale:
Scale |
Letter Grade |
100-90 |
A, A- |
89-80 |
B+, B, B- |
79-70 |
C+, C, C- |
69-60 |
D+, D, D- |
Below 60 |
F |
Schedule: Wednesday, February 9, 2022- Exam-I
Friday, March 11, 2022-Classes End
Thursday, March 17, 2022, 3.00-6.00 pm-Exam-II (Final)
Class Conduct: Each student is expected to contribute and help to maintain a positive classroom environment conducive to learning. Do not socialize or read newspapers during class, and be sure your cell phones are turned into silent mode. Ifyou must arrive late or leave early, inform me in advance and do so quietly.
Academic Misconduct: You are expected to fully comply with the Student Academic Misconduct Policy. Please make sure to read policies and procedures at
Course Outline
1) Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis (CH1)
2) Conceptual Foundations of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CH2)
3) Microeconomic Foundations of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CH 3)
4) Valuing Impacts in Output Markets (CH 5)
5) Valuing Impacts in Input Markets (CH 6)
(Wednesday, February 9, 2022- Exam-I)
6) Valuing Impacts in Secondary Markets (CH 7)
7) Predicting and Monetizing Impacts (CH 8)
8) Discounting Future Impacts and Handling Inflation (CH 9)
9) The Social Discount Rate (Ch 10)
(Thursday, March 17, 2022, 3.00-6.00 pm-Exam-II-Final)
2022-03-05