Why does the government spend too much money? Why don't we get rid of government agencies that are no longer needed? Why do medical boards take too long to release life-saving medications? Why is there so much corruption (and rent-seeking) in the world? Why is Transparency International so important? What are the losses incurred by rent-seeking? Why can interest groups be so harmful?This course will attempt to answer these questions by examining the underlying mechanisms instead of listing empirical facts. To do so, we will study several analytical models to help us explain the outcomes and develop more substantiated policy recommendations.We will focus on government failures caused by the strategic decisions taken by firms, voters, policymakers or civil servants. In particular, we will examine wasteful rent-seeking behaviour and the bureaucrat's influence on an excessive budget provision. Time permitting, we will also discuss the distortions created by interest groups. We will also study measures to protect ourselves as a society against inefficiencies created by individuals, firms and the government. How can we prevent (and regulate) any form of manipulation and exploitation? Theoretical approaches will be combined with case studies, empirical applications and policy recommendations.

Period
11-08-2014 - 15-08-2014 (1 weeks)

Target group
1. Undergraduate students entering their final year who need to make a choice regarding their future (Masters) studies 2. Beginning PhD and Master students (with an interest in public choice and/or political economy) will find this course equally suitable.

Course aim
Upon successful completion of this course you will:- gain an appreciation of the role of inefficiencies in non-market situations (based on case studies, empirical application and policy recommendation);- be familiar with a range of models in which rational behaviour leads to non-optimality;- possess some tools for critically evaluating institutions and government decisions;- know how to approach research articles



Credits
2.0 ECTS credits

Course fee
EUR 600[Convert to USD]The course fee includes the registration fee, course materials, access to library and IT facilities, coffee/tea, lunch, and a number of social activities. The fee does not include accommodation, travel costs, dinner, insurance and other costs. Discounts 10% discount for early bird applicants. The early bird deadline is 1 April 2014.15% discount for students and PhD candidates from Radboud University and partner universities

Course leader
Dr. F. (Frank) Bohn, Assistant Professor Department of Economics and Bussiness EconomicsRadboud University

Radboud University
Address: P.O Box 9102 Nijmegen
Postal code: 6500 HC
City: Nijmegen
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.ru.nl/radboudsummerschool/
E-mail: radboudsummerschool@ru.nl
Phone: +31 (0)24 8187706