The idea that some policy “works well” is grounded on three assumptions. First, it assumes that the evidence is rigorous in the sense that causality can be established and policy implementation leads to the expected outcome. Second, that if “it” works, it is the most cost effective proposition. The third assumption is that effectiveness is not weakened by the delivery … [Read more...] about 12 recommendations on government reform
The 2013 Development Effectiveness top 5 blog posts
In 2013, we published 48 blog posts and had over approximately 36,000 visitors to our parallel sites in English and Español (Thanks!!). These are the top 5 posts by readership in English: The Costs of Crime and Violence in Latin America and the Caribbean Shelter from the storm Five steps you need in education evaluation Go to school, but only if it is a good … [Read more...] about The 2013 Development Effectiveness top 5 blog posts
When you are 64
Right after you sing this to the tune of the Beatles song “When I’m 64” Sent you a pension, wrote you a check Stating full amount Indicate precisely how much is your min And please tell us your next of kin This is to help you avoid the fall Who could ask for more We will support you, staying alive When you’re sixty-five Tu ru ru tutu tu ru ru tuuu turuuu tu … [Read more...] about When you are 64
How (not) to lie with Cost Benefit Analysis
“Lies, damned lies, and statistics” is what Benjamin Disraeli reportedly once said, according to Mark Twain and if one is to believe Wikipedia. A few months ago I wrote on some of the dirty little secrets in Cost Benefit Analysis: mixing nominal and real flows, counting employment as a benefit, ignoring externalities etc. So it’s refreshing (or is it?) that … [Read more...] about How (not) to lie with Cost Benefit Analysis
The dirty laundry of benefit estimation
The application of Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) in public policy is widespread in developed countries. For more than 50 years major public policy decisions in the US have been subject to CBA rules. The current framework was established by Presidential Executive Order 12866 which on September 30 1993 established CBA as a pivotal element in the American regulatory … [Read more...] about The dirty laundry of benefit estimation