Course # 58102 Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is the primary tool used to provide quantitative evidence to inform public policy decisions. Ideally, CBA will improve the efficiency of public policy by identifying public policies/projects that create the most “value” for society. The concept of CBA is easily understood. For any project/policy under consideration (versus current state of the world), do the following: add up all of the current and future monetary costs of the project/policy; add up all of the current and future monetary benefits of the project/policy; and then compare the benefits to costs. If benefits are greater than costs, then the project/policy is candidate to be implemented. Seems straightforward, right? Conceptually it is pretty straightforward, although there are some thorny theoretical and philosophical issues that arise. The conceptual difficulties, while important, are few in comparison, however, to the practical difficulties associated with conducting a CBA. I can think of few other issues that merit the characterization “the devil is in the details” more than CBA. In this course, we will review the theoretical/conceptual foundations of CBA as applied in the public sector. We will also review some of the philosophical issues central to the validity of CBA and practical difficulties in conducting CBA. Ideally, the course will provide a foundation to be an astute consumer of CBA and a beginner producer of CBAs. This course is part of the Evening Master's Program (EMP). Quarter Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus Winter 2024 Economic Analysis II: Introduction to Cost Benefit Analysis Robert Kaestner Tuesday 6:00pm-8:50pm Syllabus Spring 2024 Economic Analysis II: Introduction to Cost Benefit Analysis Robert Kaestner Tuesday 6:00pm-8:50pm Syllabus Recent News More news Student Profile: Carrie Collins, MPP Class of 2024 Tue., April 30, 2024 Alumni Profile: Eloísa Ávila-Uribe, MACRM’23 Fri., April 26, 2024 Ariel Kalil: Multigenerational households are key to better support for kids of single mothers Thu., April 25, 2024 Upcoming Events More events Harris Reunion Weekend 2024 Fri., May 03, 2024 | 12:00 PM 1307 E. 60th Street Chicago, IL 60613 United States Data and Policy Summer Scholars Program (DPSS): Deep-Dive Conversation with Jose Macias and Alexandra Sobczynski Mon., May 06, 2024 | 7:30 PM International Policy Action Lab Mini Class with Austin Wright Tue., May 07, 2024 | 6:00 AM