Lecture: Methods of Economic Policy Evaluation

This course covers a wide range of policy impact evaluation tools: From experimental and quasi-experimental microeconometric methods to macroeconomic simulation models. The methods will be illustrated using case studies. The focus of the lecture will be on applications in the developing country context. The methods, however, are universal and can be applied as well in the context of OECD-countries. Please note that this lecture is held in English. Details and lecture materials can be found in StudIP.

Some illustrative questions that can be answered using the methods that will be discussed in the lecture:


  • Do poor people really benefit from microcredtit programs?
  • What is the poverty impact of trade liberalisation?
  • Which are the distributional consequences of tax reforms?


In the winter term 2013/14 (March 17/18, 2014), there will also be a seminar where the acquired knowledge can be applied for the detailed examination of specific cases, programs, and policies.