Economic Tools for Evaluation of Infrastructure Projects - 1.5 day Training
Course Description
The proposed session will include the following modules:
- Basic Economic Concepts
An overview of economic theory and concepts as related to the environment, including market theory, supply and demand for environmental goods and services, environmental externalities, and impacts of public policies.
- Environmental Values and Valuation
An overview of environmental values and how economists place monetary values on the environment. This module will include characteristics of public and private goods, discounting rates, and a broad overview of environmental valuation techniques as inputs into project analyses.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
An introduction to the concepts and practical applications of cost-benefit analysis (CBA), the major decision criteria used by policymakers and developers. This module will review the theory underlying cost-benefit analysis, financial versus economic analysis, how to incorporate environmental costs and benefits that are often left out of CBA, and the steps to implement CBA. A hands-on case study evaluating the economic feasibility of a hydroelectric dam project will be included.
- Communication Skills
Groups will practice communicating the economic results of their case studies to various audiences, and will receive feedback and advice for strategic communication of economic information.
- Online HydroCalculator Tool
Participants will be introduced to CSF’s new online tool that evaluates the economic, social and environmental feasibility of hydroelectric dam projects. Participants will have the opportunity to practice using the tool and input data from actual projects in their regions.
Proposed Program
Day 1:
Morning: 9:00am – 10:30am
Supply and Demand curves
Consumer and Producer surplus
Externalities
Public Policies
Coffee Break: 10:30 – 11:00am
Morning: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Environmental Values
Public and Private Goods
Discounting
Valuation Techniques
Lunch: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Afternoon: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Financial versus Economic
Externalities
Analysis Steps
Example
Coffee Break: 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Afternoon: 3:30 – 5:00pm
Case Study Introduction
Group Work
Evening:
Group Work on Case Studies
Day 2:
Morning: 9:00am – 10:30am
Prepare Presentations
Presentations of Case Study Results
Strategic Communication Feedback
Coffee Break: 10:30 – 11:00am
Morning: 11:00am – 12:30pm
HydroCalculator Tool Demonstration
Practice Using Tool
Course Closing
Lunch: 12:30pm – 1:30pm