The techniques and methods of project appraisal in developing countries have been considerably expanded and refined since they were first introduced in the late 1960s. This up-to-date and authoritative survey volume demonstrates the ways in which cost-benefit analysis has developed in response to changes in economic circumstances and conditions over the past three decades. An international group of academic and professional economists covers areas including problems in the practical application of cost-benefit techniques by international agencies, the treatment of income distribution, discounting, the effects method, the logical framework as a complement to project appraisal, aid tying, risk criteria in decision making, benefit valuation in the water sector, the appraisal of technical assistance projects, privatization in transition economies and shadow pricing in transition economies. Professor Kirkpatrick and Professor Weiss have prepared an insightful overview essay introducing the broad selection of work presented in this volume.

This up-to-date survey demonstrates the ways in which cost benefit analysis has developed in response to changes in economic circumstances and conditions over the past three decades. It covers areas including discounting, the effects method and aid trying.

The book presents the theory of cost-benefit analysis and applies this theory to contemporary problems of development economics. It is distinctive in that it combines an introduction to welfare economics and project appraisal with a discussion of current issues in development economics such as structural adjustment policies, commodity stabilization programs and environmental issues. The book assumes a basic economic understanding and should be a useful text and also of interest to public policy administrators.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been continuously undertaking measures to enhance the effectiveness of its operations. To improve projects both at the preparation and implementation stages, ADB issued the Guidelines for Economic Analysis of Projects in 1997 as a means to enhancing project quality at entry. The conduct of proper economic analysis helps ensure the efficient use of development funds and public resources and thereby increase aid effectiveness. This practical guide is a supplement to the Guidelines for the Economic Analysis of Projects. It provides an overview of recent methodological developments in cost-benefit analysis as well as suggested improvements in the economic analysis of projects in selected sectors through case studies. These case studies illustrate the application of suggested methodologies, taking into account sector-specific needs, as well as difficulties faced by practitioners in terms of data and time constraints during project processing. It also aims to contribute to ADB’s capacity building initiatives as this will be the main reference material for conduct of economic analysis.

Investment projects are an important mechanism for economic development. However, their costs and benefits must be assessed to ensure that the resources committed are being used as productively as possible. This book explains the techniques available to assess the economic impact of projects in developing countries. It draws on the authors experience in teaching and applying these techniques and combines relevant economic theory with a clear understanding of what can be done in practice. The book aims to make existing techniques readily accessible to both students and practitioners.

'. . . this is a book one would expect to find in all libraries and on all development studies reading lists.' – John Hailey, Journal of International Development '. . . the Handbook is a unique reference tool on international development policy and management. Its format, both comprehensive in coverage and concise in content, will make it essential reading for the growing number of postgraduates studying development policy and management, as well as for public administration, foreign consultants and aid workers in low- and middle-income countries.' – Andrew Nickson, Public Administration 'This Handbook will surely prove to be an essential to the students, practitioners and others concerned with improvement of human condition in developing countries.' – Pundarik Mukhopadhaya, The Singapore Economic Review '. . . this Handbook offers a significant remedy to the scarcity of material in this important area. . . It is certainly very near the top of this reviewer's list of recommended reading for students, researchers and practitioners concerned with development policy.' – Michael Tribe, Development Policy Review '. . . the Handbook offers an excellent one volume survey of modern development policy and practice in poor countries.' – Tony Jackson, The Journal of the Institution of Economic Development 'This comprehensive collection contains an excellent introduction to all the major issues of development policy.' – Frances Stewart, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, UK This important Handbook on international development policy and management covers a broad spectrum of contemporary topics across all the major areas of interest. With over 40 chapters, the book comprehensively explores the many themes and issues of significance for both policy and implementation, and provides easily accessible reference material on current practice and research. The 42 contributors come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and enjoy international reputations in their chosen fields. The Handbook is organised in two parts, one dealing with policy issues and the other with implementation and management issues. The first part, on policy, covers a wide range of economic, social and environmental topics. The second part explores the political context of implementation and development practice and goes on to cover a range of issues relating to management in the public and non-state sectors and the management of development projects. Each individual chapter provides background information on theory and practice, describes the current 'state of play', examines prospects for the future and includes an annotated guide to further reading. This extensive handbook will become an essential reference on international development policy and management. Although primarily designed for postgraduate students and scholars of development studies, it will also be welcomed by development practitioners, NGOs and aid agencies.

A discussion of the impact of government revenues and expenditures on economic activity, with special reference to developing countries. Michael Howard raises theoretical and empirical issues relating to the role of the public sector in economic development.

This updated new edition explores the techniques used to assess the economic impact of projects in developing countries. Blending an academic understanding of economics and development with an accessible style and practical advice, the costs and benefits of investment projects, an important mechanism for economic development, are assessed to ensure that resource allocation is as productive as possible. New material has been added, particularly on the environmental impact of projects, the role of the discount rate in decision-taking, the application of techniques to estimate willingness to pay for benefit estimation and the quantification of health impacts. Although the basic techniques of project analysis were developed many decades ago, they remain highly relevant to address current concerns, such as population growth, urbanisation, pressure on physical infrastructure, inequality, and the climate crisis. This book aims to provide an accessible overview, drawn from extensive practical experience, of project analysis in developing countries. It will be relevant to students, researchers, and practitioners interested in development economics.

The author introduces "the foundation of relevant economic theory," outlines "the steps involved in a typical cost-benefit analysis," and addresses "topics such as consumer surplus, compensating variation, equivalent variation, shadow pricing, income distribution, and much more."--Cover.