Project Appraisal in Developing Countries
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this graduate-level urban studies and planning course on evaluating investment projects in developing countries. It covers techniques of financial analysis of investment expenditures alongside economic and distributive appraisal methods, with attention to alternative planning strategies under uncertainty, project cycle management, and the organizations involved. Students examine the political environment surrounding project appraisal and the interactions among clients, advisers, engineers, planners, and policy analysts. The course also pushes students toward critical analysis of these appraisal tools and their role within the broader political economy of international development. Materials include MIT's standard course readings, assignments, and syllabus, free to access through OCW. Introductory microeconomics is listed as a prerequisite, reflecting the course's advanced level and quantitative expectations.