Applied Econometrics for Public-Sector Decisions: From Survey Design to Predictive Policy

Abstract

Applied Econometrics for Public-Sector Decisions: From Survey Design to Predictive Policy

Objectives:
1. To explain the fundamental concepts of applied econometrics and their role in evidence-based
public-sector decision-making.
2. To develop an understanding of survey design, data collection, and data preparation methods
used in policy research.
3. To apply econometric models for analyzing public programs, social outcomes, and
government interventions.
4. To evaluate policy effectiveness using statistical techniques such as regression analysis,
causal inference, and impact assessment.
5. To explore predictive policy tools that support data-driven planning, resource allocation, and
governance improvement.

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 The Role of Data in Public Policy
CHAPTER 2 The Workhorse of Econometrics: Linear Regression
CHAPTER 3 Designing Effective Surveys for Policy Questions
CHAPTER 4 Leveraging Administrative and Big Data
CHAPTER 5 The Gold Standard: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
CHAPTER 6 Causal Inference with Observational Data: Difference-in-
Differences

CHAPTER 7 Exploiting Thresholds: Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD)
CHAPTER 8 Finding a Good Comparison: Matching and Instrumental
Variables

CHAPTER 9 Forecasting Policy Outcomes: Time Series Analysis
CHAPTER 10 Modeling Choices and Counts: Limited Dependent Variable
Models

CHAPTER 11 Predictive Policy and Machine Learning
CHAPTER 12 From Analysis to Action: Communication and Future Trends