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DES413Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Informal Economy and Development

This course introduces the informal economy and its relationship to development. It explores the nature, structure, and functions of the informal economy, examining its contributions to national development beyond conventional economic spheres. The course covers the articulation of informal and formal sectors, aiming to enhance understanding and improve policies for productivity and formalization, particularly in the Nigerian context. It also addresses the problems and prospects of the informal economy in Nigeria.

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26h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Informal EconomyDevelopmentNigeriaGlobalizationFormalization

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Historical Development of Informal Economy

2

Definitions and Scope of Informal Economy

3

Theories of Informal Economy

4

Characteristics of Informal Economy

5

Contributions of Informal Economy to National Economy

6

Globalization and Informal Economy

7

Informal Economy in Nigeria

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Economist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Business Development Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental OrganizationsInternational Development AgenciesResearch InstitutionsFinancial Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE 1: THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF INFORMAL EONOMY

2h

Unit 1: Historical development of the Concept of Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to understand the historical context of the informal economy.
  • •Explain the European expansion and its impact on non-European territories.
  • •Discuss the pivotal role of the informal sector in pre-industrial capitalist societies.
Week
2

MODULE 1: THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF INFORMAL EONOMY

2h

Unit 2: Definition and Scope of Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Develop a robust understanding of the informal economy.
  • •Delineate the major activities within the informal economy.
  • •Discuss the lack of a universal definition and the reasons for it.
Week
3

MODULE 1: THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF INFORMAL EONOMY

2h

Unit 3: Theories of Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Explain the main theories of the informal economy.
  • •Evaluate the major strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
  • •Discuss the Modernization, Neo-Marxist, Neo-Liberal, and Informalization Theories.
Week
4

MODULE 1: THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF INFORMAL EONOMY

2h

Unit 4: Characteristics of Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Itemize the main characteristics of the informal economy as an independent segment.
  • •Compare and contrast the earliest and latest characterizations.
  • •Discuss Hart's characterization and the GDRC's characterization.
Week
5

MODULE TWO: INFORMAL ECONOMY AND THE NATIONAL ECONOMY.

2h

Unit 1: Contributions of Informal Economy to National Economy

2 study hours
  • •Understand the contribution of the informal economy to economic growth.
  • •Delineate the key sectors in the contribution to economic growth.
  • •Discuss the informal economy's role in developing and developed countries.
Week
6

MODULE TWO: INFORMAL ECONOMY AND THE NATIONAL ECONOMY.

2h

Unit 2: The State and Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Explain the issues and problems in informal economy taxation and regulations.
  • •Suggest measures to make the informal economy tax and regulations compliant.
  • •Discuss the state's role in taxation and regulations.
Week
7

MODULE TWO: INFORMAL ECONOMY AND THE NATIONAL ECONOMY.

2h

Unit 3: Revenue Generating Capacity in Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Discover the revenue potentials in the informal economy.
  • •Suggest the best measures to realize the potentials.
  • •Discuss policies that could facilitate the transition from potential to actual revenue generation.
Week
8

MODULE THREE: INFORMAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

2h

Unit 1: Dynamics of the Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Explain the factors behind the growth of the informal economy.
  • •Discuss the views of Cling, Razafindrakoto, and Roubaud.
  • •Analyze the dynamics of the informal economy.
Week
9

MODULE THREE: INFORMAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

2h

Unit 2: Globalization and the informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Explain how globalization has impacted the informal economy.
  • •Explain how the informal economy has sustained globalization.
  • •Discuss global outsourcing, subcontracting, and migration.
Week
10

MODULE THREE: INFORMAL ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

2h

Unit 3: Advantages and Disadvantages of Informal Economy

2 study hours
  • •Explain the positive and negative sides of the informal economy in developing countries.
  • •Decide whether the informal economy contributes to development as it is or needs transformation.
  • •Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the informal economy.
Week
11

MODULE FOUR: THE INFORMAL ECONOMY IN NIGERIA

2h

Unit 1: The Determinants and Structure of Informal Economy in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Explain the factors behind the growth of the informal economy in Nigeria.
  • •Describe the structure of informal economic activities in Nigeria, including gender orientation.
  • •Discuss the determinants of the informal economy in Nigeria.
Week
12

MODULE FOUR: THE INFORMAL ECONOMY IN NIGERIA

2h

Unit 2: Informal Economy in Nigeria's Development process

2 study hours
  • •Distinguish between economic growth and socio-economic development.
  • •Explain whether the informal economy in Nigeria contributes to economic growth or development or both.
  • •Discuss the informal economy's role in Nigeria's development process.
Week
13

MODULE FOUR: THE INFORMAL ECONOMY IN NIGERIA

2h

Unit 3: Problems and Prospects of the Informal Economy in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Acquaint yourself with the problems bedeviling the informal economy in Nigeria.
  • •Explain the prospects of informal economic activities in Nigeria.
  • •Discuss the problems and prospects of the informal economy in Nigeria.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives to ensure comprehension of key concepts.

2

Create summaries of the main theories and their critiques.

3

Focus on the characteristics and dynamics of the informal economy in Nigeria.

4

Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios in Nigeria.

5

Prepare detailed notes on the contributions, problems, and prospects of the informal economy.

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