Last Assignment (due: December 11) Select 2 of the following
tasks:
1) We have learned that localities and regions may experience economic
growth on the basis of their exports and the resulting multiplier effects.
Yet, we have also learned that (ceteris paribus -- all other things equal)
as the region under consideration increases in size, exports decrease in
relative importance and the size of multipliers tends to increase. (For
the world as a whole, there are no exports anymore which we could
multiply by a multiplier). Would your conclusion be that we should scrap
the economic base model? Explain your arguments in detail.
2) Another objective of our class was to gain an appreciation for the need
to trace linkages and interdependencies and therefore to connect models
(which deal only with a limited subset of such linkages) to each other and
thereby create larger models. In this spirit, you are asked to suggest a
connection between an input-output model and a land use model. Using our
Holukuluku model (tables are available online and were distributed as
handouts), and assuming that you want to trace the impact of an expected
doubling in output of sector 5 (from 5 to 10 million) on the residential
real estate market, suggest how you would go about establishing and
calculating such impacts, what kind of additional data you would need and
what assumptions you would have to make in order to make good use of our
(which?) Holukuluku tables? In your argument, make use of some
calculations of coefficients which demonstrate that you have understood
the basics of input-output analysis (similar to the calculations which we
suggested in class).
3) Develop a richly annotated outline for an economic impact analysis of
some project associated with your class-related area of interest. In your
introduction, identify (among other things you might want to say) the
purpose of such an analysis. Then develop a rather detailed categorization
of different kinds of economic impacts you feel you could address in such
a study and (wherever possible) suggest analytical tools which you would
expect to assist you in the analysis and explain their application. Make
as much use of existing impact studies you may find (possibly, but not
necessarily, including the university-impact study which I urged you to
consult).
Please note:
- Please indicate if you wish this assignment to count as part of
your "W" (Writing) effort in this class (which would imply that you want
to be informed of any needed corrections [to be submitted on your
Webpage]).
- Suggested length: 2-3 (typed) pages per question (approx. 500-900
words)
- You are expected to use sources (which need to be referenced)
- Due: December 11 (in class)