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MGS207Management Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Development Economics

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of development economics. It explores the nature of development and underdevelopment, examining various manifestations in developing nations. The course covers historical growth experiences, major development problems, and policies at both domestic and international levels. Topics include poverty, income inequality, population growth, education, health, agricultural and industrial development, trade, and development planning. The course aims to provide a holistic view of sustainable development in a global context.

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Development EconomicsPovertyGlobalizationEconomic GrowthSustainable Development

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

Development Economics

2

Poverty and Inequality

3

Population Growth

4

Human Capital

5

Globalization

6

Development Planning

Total Topics6 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

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Development Economist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Economic Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government AgenciesInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsConsulting FirmsResearch Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

4h

Unit 1: General Scope of Development Economics

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the scope of development economics and its various dimensions.
  • Define development and underdevelopment.
  • Identify the goals of economic development and how they are measured.

Unit 2: Classic Theories of Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Examine Rostow's stages of growth and the Harrod-Domar model.
  • Analyze the limitations of linear-stages of growth theories.
  • Understand the role of savings and capital in economic growth.
Week
2

Module 1:

4h

Unit 3: Poverty, Income Inequality and Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Define poverty and income inequality.
  • Understand the vicious circle of poverty and its implications.
  • Analyze the relationship between growth and poverty.

Unit 4: Population Growth and Economic Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Analyze the history of world population growth.
  • Understand the structure of world population and demographic transition.
  • Examine the causes and consequences of high fertility in developing countries.
Week
3

Module 1:

4h

Unit 5: Human Capital: Education in Economic Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 5: Understand the central role of education in economic development.
  • Analyze the human capital approach to investing in education.
  • Examine the gender gap in education and its implications.

Unit 6: Human Capital: Health in Economic Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 6: Understand the central role of health in economic development.
  • Analyze the relationship between health and population age structure.
  • Examine the burden of infectious diseases and health system policies.
Week
4

Module 2:

4h

Unit 1: Urbanization and Rural-Urban Migration

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the migration and urbanization dilemma.
  • Analyze the role of the urban informal sector.
  • Examine the causes and consequences of urban unemployment and air pollution.

Unit 2: Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Understand the role of agricultural progress and rural development.
  • Analyze the structure of agrarian systems in developing countries.
  • Examine the role of women in agricultural production.
Week
5

Module 2:

4h

Unit 3: The Employment Problem in Less Developed Countries

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Understand the concept of unemployment.
  • Analyze the characteristics of the employment problem in LDCs.
  • Examine the reasons for employment problems and suggested policy approaches.

Unit 4: Industrialization Strategies for Economic Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Understand the major structural shifts in economic development.
  • Analyze the economic rationale for industrialization and post-industrialization.
  • Examine the implications of the knowledge revolution for development sustainability.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Public and Private Enterprises

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 5: Understand the dilemma of public-private ownership.
  • Analyze the reasons for government intervention in economic activities.
  • Examine the trend towards privatization.
Week
7

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Globalization: International Trade and Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the waves of modern globalization.
  • Analyze the trade strategies of development.
  • Examine the costs and benefits of free trade.
Week
8

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Globalization: Foreign Investment and Foreign Aid

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Understand the role of private capital flows.
  • Analyze the ways to attract more foreign investment.
  • Examine the role of official development assistance.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Composite Indicators of Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Understand the development diamond.
  • Analyze the human development index.
  • Examine the relationship between economic growth and human development.
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 4: Indicators of Sustainable Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Understand the concept of sustainable development.
  • Analyze the composition of national wealth.
  • Examine the accumulation of national wealth.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 5: Development Goals and Strategies

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 5: Understand the millennium development goals.
  • Analyze the role of national development policies.
  • Examine the need for a national sustainable development strategy.
Week
12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 6: Development Planning

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 6: Understand the nature of development planning.
  • Analyze the objectives of development planning.
  • Examine the rationale for development planning.
Week
13

Final Revision

4h

All Units: Review and Exam Preparation

4 study hours
  • Review all units and prepare for final examination.
  • Focus on key concepts and theories.
  • Practice with tutor-marked assignments.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.

2

Create summaries of each module to consolidate your understanding.

3

Practice with past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

4

Pay close attention to the tutor-marked assignments and their feedback.

5

Allocate sufficient time to each section of the exam based on its weightage.

6

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 poverty and inequality concepts

7

Practice applying development theories from Units 7-9 to real-world case studies

8

Review the millennium development goals from Unit 15 weekly

9

Focus on understanding the core issues in development problems and policies at both domestic and international levels.

10

Ensure you can explain and apply the key economic models and theories discussed in the course.

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