Cases in Economic Development: Projects, Policies and Strategies presents cases on project analysis, sectoral planning, and macroeconomic policies. The cases are set in an imaginary country called Beracia in order to simulate actual planning experience. Beracia has been designed with a greater than normal range of problems, so that it can encompass the features of mineral-rich countries such as Zambia and Peru; agrarian economies such as the Philippines and Ivory Coast; and aspiring exporters of manufactures such as Colombia and Pakistan. This text has 11 cases divided into five sections. After providing an overview of development planning, development goals and strategies, and planning theory and practice, the book introduces the fictional country in the next section, which presents four reports similar to World Bank economic reports on developing countries (economic and political developments; income and employment; trade and payments; and fiscal and financial developments). Sufficient data are elaborated to explain the economy’s salient features. The third section focuses on assumptions and controversies surrounding project analysis, while the section on sectorial planning introduces the reader to input-output analysis, efficiency indicators, education planning, and industrial strategy. The section on macroeconomic planning covers macroeconomic forecasts; balance-of-payments crisis; fiscal planning and reform; and income inequality and poverty. The cases span many sectors, from mining and agriculture to manufacturing, transport, education, and health. This book is written primarily for students, professional economists, and experienced policy analysts.

The main theme of this study is chosen in response to the general consensus on the importance of conducting a comprehensive study that may shape the economic policies and promote the business sector as well as the government and other organizations. However, the key question posed by this study is whether the theory that political stability fosters economic development is simply the wishful thinking of people who value both stability and growth or whether it is a delusion of those who believe that most developing countries may enjoy rapid growth if they are stable. The importance of this study is clear: South Sudan is confronted with enormous challenges of administrative, ethnic, political, and economic development. In light of this, the current study addresses the following issues: What is the impact of the political system in South Sudan on economic development? What is the impact of oil resources on sustainable development? What is the impact of the oil shutdown on political and economic stability, and what is the possibility of deficit financing? Is there any possibility for cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan? In this context, the major objective of this study is to analyze the political development of the country to verify that political stability fosters the achievement of economic and social development. It also seeks to analyze the political history of Sudan in general and South Sudan in particular, emphasizing the importance of political stability, among other considerations, as a precondition for socioeconomic development. Furthermore, other objectives of the study include suggestions on how political stability could be ensured in South Sudan and how good governance may promote political and economic stability. However, the key question posed by this study is whether the theory that political stability fosters economic development is simply the wishful thinking of people who value both stability and growth or whether it is a delusion of those who believe that most developing countries may enjoy rapid growth if they are stable. The importance of this study is clear: South Sudan is confronted with enormous challenges of administrative, ethnic, political, and economic development. In light of this, the current study addresses the following issues: What is the impact of the political system in South Sudan on economic development? What is the impact of oil resources on sustainable development? What is the impact of the oil shutdown on political and economic stability, and what is the possibility of deficit financing? Is there any possibility for cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan? In this context, the major objective of this study is to analyze the political development of the country to verify that political stability fosters the achieve-ment of economic and social development. It also seeks to analyse the political history of Sudan in general and South Sudan in particular, emphasising the importance of political stability, among other considerations, as a precondition for socio-economic development. Furthermore, other objectives of the study include suggestions on how political stability could be ensured in South Sudan and how good governance may promote political and economic stability.

Ch. 1. Is MENA exceptional? ch. 2. State formation, consolidation, and development, 1960s-1980s -- ch. 3. Toward greater use of markets and the global economy? -- ch. 4. Oil, OPEC, and the challenges of surplus management -- ch. 5. Water scarcity and agricultural policy in the MENA region -- ch. 6. Building a new future : development in the post-conflict context and post-disaster recovery -- ch. 7. Is the MENA region "open" for business? -- ch. 8. Making global integration work for MENA countries -- ch. 9. Are market disciplines sufficient? Industrial policy and technology transfer -- ch. 10. The keys to the future : human capital development in the MENA region -- ch. 11. Are MENA's labor markets the key to growth? -- ch. 12. Closing the poverty gap in MENA -- ch. 13. Development assistance and its effectiveness in MENA countries -- ch. 14. Pathways to future prosperity.

This book provides a general overview of the challenges of economic development for the five billion people living in developing countries. While they constitute over 80 percent of the world's population, they account for only 40% of the world's output, and are home to 2.6 billion people living on less than $2.00 per day. Thinking on economic development has shifted over time. Early theories that stressed capital formation and a heavy reliance on the public sector proved inadequate. Gradually, economists began to see that development was a complex, multifaceted problem that combined economic issues with problems of poverty and income distribution, insititution building and governance. While there have been many failures, there have also been many successes. Countries such as China, Chile, Ghana, and Korea demonstrate that good policies and strong institutions can result in remarkable progress. However, many poor countries, particularly those in Africa continue to lag behind. Closing this gap remains a major challenge for the world, particularly as the growing population and output of developing countries accelerate tensions in such areas as trade, immigration and financial flows.

Despite the abundant literature about development policies and solutions, many developing countries continue to struggle with basic development issues. The author of this book argues that such a situation is due to the absence of an unlearning process that would aid in adjusting negative mindsets and outdated mental models that hinder economic development. This book addresses development issues from the behavioral perspective, linking negative mindsets and behaviors to growth and development strategies and policies. It identifies six mindsets and actions that impede the economic development of underdeveloped nations. Then, it suggests solutions to upgrade the mindsets according to the plans and policies. Moreover, the book highlights the different concepts and phenomena in a straightforward way with simple figures to facilitate their understanding for people who do not necessarily have a background in business or economics. At the same time, it fully respects scientific standards in addressing the topics and themes under discussion. Each chapter identifies the state of mind needed to ‘unlearn’ with real examples and experiences and offers suggestions to undertake and accomplish the unlearning process. Based on real and clear-cut examples, the book presents the main beliefs and psychological mechanisms that lead to underperforming behaviors of customers, investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers. Thus, the main audience for the book is scholars, students and researchers in economics and development, as well as policymakers, wishing to attempt new approaches to counteract the boomerang effect.

Corporate governance challenges in Asian markets have led to high-profile scandals and negative consequences for stakeholders, driven by weak governance structures, transparency deficiencies, and insufficient accountability. These issues are compounded by cultural and societal influences, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors at play. Cases on Uncovering Corporate Governance Challenges in Asian Markets, offers a compelling solution to address these pressing issues. Through a thorough analysis of prominent corporate scandals in Asia, the book investigates their origins, effects, and cultural influences that have contributed to their escalation. By scrutinizing these cases, the book provides actionable recommendations to enhance corporate governance practices, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within companies. It serves as an indispensable resource for academic scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students seeking insights into corporate governance in Asia. With its comprehensive understanding of governance failures and practical recommendations, Cases on Uncovering Corporate Governance Challenges in Asian Markets catalyzes positive change in the business landscape of Asian markets.

Featuring survey articles by leading economists working on growth theory, this two-volume set covers theories of economic growth, the empirics of economic growth, and growth policies and mechanisms. It also covers technology, trade and geography, and growth and socio-economic development.