1st Edition

Development Economics: A Policy Analysis Approach

By Eckhard Siggel Copyright 2005

    This innovative textbook focuses upon economic policy in the context of developing countries. The aim is to show how economic theory can be applied to the real and urgent challenges facing the developing world. To achieve its unique policy focus the text includes seventeen country case studies (in the form of assigned questions) as well as comprehensive theoretical coverage. The topics covered by the book are those most relevant to the developing world such as how to accelerate economic growth, ways in which foreign savings can be used to promote development, and the choice of policies to successfully stabilize inflationary and debt-burdened economies. The country case studies featured are those most closely illustrative of the theory. Solutions for nine of the cases are provided in the text; solutions for the other eight are made available to instructors. Development Economics: A Policy Analysis Approach is ideal for undergraduate and introductory graduate courses. It provides a hands-on guide to making and assessing economic policy decisions in the developing world.

    Contents: Economic development: concept and measurement; Economic growth and its determinants; Financing economic growth from domestic sources; Financing economic growth from external sources; International trade and development; External balance and the exchange rate; Regional economic integration and monetary union; Stabilization, structural adjustment and the role of the IMF; Cost-benefit analysis and competitiveness; Privatization and public sector reform; Index.

    Biography

    Eckhard Siggel is Associate Professor of Economics at Concordia University in Canada.

    'This is a book that succeeds in striking a good balance between general theory and specific applications. It reads well and is perfectly accessible to students. The book represents a marked improvement on several recent textbooks on the same subject, and is unique in that it strikes a careful balance between different geographical regions of the world.' Professor David E. Hojman, University of Liverpool, UK 'In fewer than 300 pages Dr Siggel offers us a comprehensive and superbly written treatment of development micro and open macroeconomics from a policy perspective. Carefully built numerical examples and problems, mostly drawn from the author's first-hand field experience, show the reader the relevance of sound theory as well as both the potential and limitations of the analytical tools used by practitioners.' Professor André Martens, University of Montreal, Canada 'This seeks to address the perennial problem of any economics course, namely, how to integrate theory with policymaking in a practical way...The approach is novel, and lecturers will find plenty of useful exercises for their students...Lecturers will want to find room for [this] on their reading lists in the next academic year' The Times Higher Education Supplement