ECG3146

Regional development and policy

Dr Gennadi Kazakevitch

6 points · 3 class hours per week · Distance, approximately 12 hours per week · First semester · Gippsland · Prerequisites: ECG1102, ECG2120

Objectives This subject together with its companion subject ECG3150 (Natural resources and environment) forms one of specialisations within major in economics focusing regional development. Building on previous studies in economics students will further cultivate the ability to apply macro- and microeconomic principles to contemporary regional policy issues. The skill to critically evaluate regional policy debates and to judge the usefulness and limitations of existing regional development theory will be emphasised.

Synopsis The subject involves the study of processes shaping the economic growth and development of regions with a special emphasis on policy issues from the Australian perspective and international perspective. A variety of questions is considered including what factors are determine structure of a regional economy; what are the reasons for regional disparities in growth and development; what are the factors explaining regional employment and wage differentials; how those differentials affect the propensity of population to move from one region to another; what are the aims and instruments of regional policy; what are the limitations of governments' involvement in regional development; how a specific of regional development affects business strategies; and international experience in regional development and policies.

Assessment Essay work of approximately (4000 words): 60% · Written examination (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

Armstrong H and Jim Taylor J Regional economics and policy 2nd edn, Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1993 (main text)
Bendavid-Val A Regional and local economic analysis for pratitioners 4th edn, Praeger, 1991
Up-to-date references and reading material to be provided by the subject coordinator

Back to the 1999 Business and Economics Handbook