This is a study of the way individuals organise the use of resources in order to maximise the value of their economic rights over these resources.

What guidance does academic research really provide to economic policy development? The critical and analytical surveys in this volume investigate links between policies and outcomes by surveying work from broad macroeconomic policies to interventions in microfinance. Asserting that there are no universal correspondences between policies and outcomes, contributors demonstrate instead that only an intense familiarity with the development context and the universe of applicable economic models can generate successful policies. Getting cause-and-effect right is essential for policy design and implementation. With the goal of drawing researchers and policy makers closer, this volume highlights our increasing understanding of ways to combine economic theorizing with careful, thoughtful empirical work. - Presents an accurate, self-contained survey of the current state of the field - Summarizes the most recent discussions, and elucidates new developments - Although original material is also included, the main aim is the provision of comprehensive and accessible surveys

In the end, the book provides a fresh, comprehensive overview of an intriguing subject, accessible to anyone with a minimal background in economics. (An introductory chapter introduces the handful of assumptions embedded in the text's economics and law).

This book introduces the interlocking disciplines of property and planning to economic theory and practice. Unlike any other available textbook, The Economics of Property and Planning skilfully introduces the reader to the interplay between property and planning using an economic lens. As resources become scarce, there is a growing need for students to understand the principles of economics in property and planning, especially given the rapid social, environmental, technological, and political changes that are shaping places. The book begins with an outline of key economists and economic problems, then resources and scarcity, before examining macro- and microeconomic factors at play in property and planning. Furthermore, this book covers a variety of topics, including spatial and locational modelling, fiscal approaches to redistribution, regeneration and renewal, and transport and infrastructure financing. There is also a particular focus on contemporary issues such as climate change, environmental limits to economic growth, sustainability and resilience, and affordable housing. This book also introduces practical evaluation tools and appraisal, plus a look at property and planning with respect to macroeconomic objectives, policy, and new directions. With property and planning essential factors in economic thinking and doing, this book provides insight into what future places will look like in real terms and how they will be shaped by policy. Targeted disciplines for this book include Economics, Planning, Property, Construction, Geography, Environmental Management, Sustainability, Housing, Built Environment, Land Economy, Urban Studies, Regional Studies, and Public Policy.

How can property rights be protected and contracts be enforced in countries where the rule of law is ineffective or absent? How can firms from advanced market economies do business in such circumstances? In Lawlessness and Economics, Avinash Dixit examines the theory of private institutions that transcend or supplement weak economic governance from the state. In much of the world and through much of history, private mechanisms--such as long-term relationships, arbitration, social networks to disseminate information and norms to impose sanctions, and for-profit enforcement services--have grown up in place of formal, state-governed institutions. Even in countries with strong legal systems, many of these mechanisms continue under the shadow of the law. Numerous case studies and empirical investigations have demonstrated the variety, importance, and merits, and drawbacks of such institutions. This book builds on these studies and constructs a toolkit of theoretical models to analyze them. The models shed new conceptual light on the different modes of governance, and deepen our understanding of the interaction of the alternative institutions with each other and with the government's law. For example, one model explains the limit on the size of social networks and illuminates problems in the transition to more formal legal systems as economies grow beyond this limit. Other models explain why for-profit enforcement is inefficient. The models also help us understand why state law dovetails with some non-state institutions and collides with others. This can help less-developed countries and transition economies devise better processes for the introduction or reform of their formal legal systems.

Christine Greenhalgh explains the complex process of innovation & how it sustains the growth of firms, industries & economies, combining microeconomic & macroeconomic analysis.