Public Sector Economics
- Social Sciences
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 196 pages
- 12 units
This course on Public Sector Economics introduces postgraduate Economics students to taxation, public expenditure, and empirical studies. It explores public goods, fiscal federalism, and fiscal policy, building on basic public sector analysis. The course guide outlines materials and time allocation for each unit to achieve course aims and objectives. It aims to develop critical thinking skills, evaluate economic phenomena in public finance, and understand public sector activities in Nigeria and other nations.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 78 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ECO727, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 THE CHANGING FUNCTION OF FISCAL POLICY IN SELECTED COUNTRIESPage 143
- UNIT 2 THE CHANGING FUNCTION OF NON-FISCAL POLICY IN SELECTED COUNTRIESPage 158
- UNIT 3 ECONOMIC REVENUE STRUCTURES IN SELECTED COUNTRIESPage 165
- UNIT 4: FEDERALISM AND FISCAL ADJUSTMENT THEORY AND PRACTICE IN SELECTED COUNTRIESPage 182
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ECO727 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION AND MEANING OF FISCAL POLICY,
You should use these objectives to guide your study. When you have finished the unit you must go back and check whether you have achieved the objectives. If you make a habit of doing this, you will significantly improve your chances of passing the course and getting the best grade.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the basic concepts of taxation and public expenditure.
- Analyze the functions of fiscal policy and its impact on economic stability.
- Evaluate the role of fiscal institutions and independent fiscal institutions.
- Discuss the theory and empirical evidence on expenditure development and tax structure.
- Understand the concept of federalism and fiscal federalism.
- Analyze the changing function of fiscal and non-fiscal policy.
What it prepares you for
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Public Sector Planner
- Budget Analyst
- Government
- Financial Institutions
- Research Organizations
- International Development Agencies
- Consulting Firms
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE TWO: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE ONEXPENDITURE DEVELOPMENT AND TAX STRUCTURE; (OBJECTIVES OF FISCAL POLICY), DEFICIT FINANCING BUDGET AND PUBLIC DEBT; DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Unit 2: Empirical Evidence on Public Expenditure
Understanding the nuances of empirical research methodologies and interpreting statistical results requires a solid foundation in econometrics.
- MODULE TWO: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE ONEXPENDITURE DEVELOPMENT AND TAX STRUCTURE; (OBJECTIVES OF FISCAL POLICY), DEFICIT FINANCING BUDGET AND PUBLIC DEBT; DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Unit 3: Tax Structure and Importance
Comprehending the complexities of tax incidence, tax shifting, and the effects of various tax structures on different economic actors requires advanced analytical skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE ONE: FISCAL FUNCTIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND POLICIES; SOCIAL GOODS,
Unit 1: Meaning of Fiscal Policy · 2 hours
Define fiscal policy and its objectives.. Explain the concept of public expenditure.. Discuss the concept of fiscal institutions.. List the limitations of fiscal policy..
- Week 2MODULE ONE: FISCAL FUNCTIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND POLICIES; SOCIAL GOODS,
Unit 2: Functions/Role/Purpose of Fiscal Policy · 2 hours
Discuss the concept fiscal policy and its objectives.. List the critical functions of fiscal.. Explain the stabilization and growth functions of fiscal policy.. List the limitations of fiscal policy..
- Week 3MODULE ONE: FISCAL FUNCTIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND POLICIES; SOCIAL GOODS,
Unit 3: Fiscal Federalism vs Fiscal Institutions · 2 hours
Discuss the meaning of federalism and fiscal federalism. List the critical functions of fiscal institutions. Highlight the deference between government fiscal institutions and independent fiscal institutions.. State the features of a feasible fiscal council..
- Week 4MODULE ONE: FISCAL FUNCTIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND POLICIES; SOCIAL GOODS,
Unit 4: Social Goods and Optimal Distribution · 2 hours
Discuss the meaning of social goods. List the main characteristics of social goods.. Explain how social goods can be distributed optimally.. Discuss factors that may lead to inadequate provision of social goods.
- Week 5MODULE TWO: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE ONEXPENDITURE DEVELOPMENT AND TAX STRUCTURE; (OBJECTIVES OF FISCAL POLICY), DEFICIT FINANCING BUDGET AND PUBLIC DEBT; DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Unit 1: Public Expenditure: Role and Function (Objectives of fiscal policy), Deficit Financing, Budget and Public Debt; Development Planning · 2 hours
Explain the concept and meaning of public expenditure. Discuss the importance and objects of public expenditure.. List the role of public expenditure. State the reasons for the growth of public expenditure.
- Week 6MODULE TWO: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE ONEXPENDITURE DEVELOPMENT AND TAX STRUCTURE; (OBJECTIVES OF FISCAL POLICY), DEFICIT FINANCING BUDGET AND PUBLIC DEBT; DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Unit 2: Empirical Evidence on Public Expenditure · 2 hours
List the limitations of expenditure under federalism with written constitution.. Discuss the empirical Evidence of public expenditure using two country as example..
- Week 7MODULE TWO: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE ONEXPENDITURE DEVELOPMENT AND TAX STRUCTURE; (OBJECTIVES OF FISCAL POLICY), DEFICIT FINANCING BUDGET AND PUBLIC DEBT; DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Unit 3: Tax Structure and Importance · 2 hours
State the sources of government revenue. Discuss tax as a critical government revenue.. Highlight features/characteristics of tax. Explain the theoretical facts about tax structure.
- Week 8MODULE TWO: THEORY AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE ONEXPENDITURE DEVELOPMENT AND TAX STRUCTURE; (OBJECTIVES OF FISCAL POLICY), DEFICIT FINANCING BUDGET AND PUBLIC DEBT; DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Unit 4: Empirical Evidence on Tax Structure · 2 hours
Discuss the empirical evidence of tax effects on economies of selected countries.. Discuss the empirical evidence of tax structure in Africa and Nigeria.
- Week 9MODULE THREE: THE CHANGING FUNCTION OF FISCAL AND NON-FISCAL POLICY AND ECONOMIC REVENUE STRUCTURES; FEDERALISM AND FISCAL ADJUSTMENT THEORY AND PRACTICE IN SELECTED COUNTRIES.
Unit 1: The Changing Function of Fiscal Policy in Selected Countries · 2 hours
Explain the content of fiscal rules relative to the changing function of fiscal policy.. Discuss factors necessitating the changing function of fiscal policies.. Discuss the empirical evidence of fiscal function in EU and SSA in not more than one page.. State the fiscal policy actions that are being embarked upon by the Nigerian government..
- Week 10MODULE THREE: THE CHANGING FUNCTION OF FISCAL AND NON-FISCAL POLICY AND ECONOMIC REVENUE STRUCTURES; FEDERALISM AND FISCAL ADJUSTMENT THEORY AND PRACTICE IN SELECTED COUNTRIES.
Unit 2: The Changing Function of Non-Fiscal Policy in Selected Countries · 2 hours
Discuss the meaning of non-fiscal policy.. Explain the evidence of non-fiscal policy in some US states.. List the non-fiscal policy actions in Nigeria.
- Week 11MODULE THREE: THE CHANGING FUNCTION OF FISCAL AND NON-FISCAL POLICY AND ECONOMIC REVENUE STRUCTURES; FEDERALISM AND FISCAL ADJUSTMENT THEORY AND PRACTICE IN SELECTED COUNTRIES.
Unit 3: Economic Revenue Structures in Selected Countries · 2 hours
Explain the sources of government revenue.. Discuss the structure of government revenue.. Explain the structure of revenue in selected countries.
- Week 12MODULE THREE: THE CHANGING FUNCTION OF FISCAL AND NON-FISCAL POLICY AND ECONOMIC REVENUE STRUCTURES; FEDERALISM AND FISCAL ADJUSTMENT THEORY AND PRACTICE IN SELECTED COUNTRIES.
Unit 4: Federalism and Fiscal Adjustment Theory and Practice in Selected Countries · 2 hours
Discuss the concept of federalism.. Explain fiscal adjustment process in federalism.. Discuss the practice of federalism and fiscal adjustment in selected countries..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules. Work on assignments. Prepare for final examination.
Preparing for the exam
- Review all unit objectives and ensure you can confidently address each one.
- Create summaries of key concepts and theories from each module.
- Practice applying fiscal policy concepts to real-world scenarios and case studies.
- Focus on understanding the differences between fiscal and non-fiscal policies.
- Pay close attention to the empirical evidence presented in the course materials.
- Practice answering past exam questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts
- Allocate specific time slots for revision each day leading up to the exam
- Prioritize studying areas where you feel less confident
Questions students ask about this course
What is ECO727 about?
This course on Public Sector Economics introduces postgraduate Economics students to taxation, public expenditure, and empirical studies. It explores public goods, fiscal federalism, and fiscal policy, building on basic public sector analysis. The course guide outlines materials and time allocation for each unit to achieve course aims and objectives. It aims to develop critical thinking skills, evaluate economic phenomena in public finance, and understand public sector activities in Nigeria and other nations.
How many units does ECO727 have?
ECO727, Public Sector Economics, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 196 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ECO727?
ECO727 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Social Sciences.
Is ECO727 hard?
ECO727 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ECO727 take to study?
About 78 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is ECO727 assessed?
ECO727 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ECO727?
Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Analyst, Public Sector Planner and Budget Analyst.