Teacher(s)
Language
English
Prerequisites
Good background in microeconomics and in econometrics
Main themes
The course addresses four major issues. First, how does economic theory a priori conceive labour productivity and its determinants? Second, what are the conceptual and econometric challenges to measure labour productivity and identify its determinants? Third, how and to which extent can wage data inform about labour productivity? Fourth, how can firm-level data be use to gauge and understand labour productivity?
It also exposes topical questions that can be addressed with the above-mentioned theories, models and methods
It also exposes topical questions that can be addressed with the above-mentioned theories, models and methods
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | The aim of the course is to ensure that students can use economic theory and state-of-the art econometrics to assess the determinants and the consequences of labour productivity for individuals, firms and labour markets. |
Content
Despite technological disruptions, labour continues to play a crucial role in the functioning of economies and society. Labour productivity determines individual wages, working time, living standards, firms’ performance, and a country's long-term prosperity. Correctly understanding the role of labour productivity, measuring its level and growth rate, and identifying its determinants is thus key for anyone interested in productivity from a labour market, industrial organisation (IO), growth, or perspective. The course addresses four major questions.
- First, how does economic theory a priori conceive labour productivity and its determinants (e.g., the division of labour, the role of human capital, capital intensity and scientific/technological progress…)? Also, what is the link between labour productivity and wages, and why may the two not align (wage discrimination)?
- Second, what are the conceptual, methodological and econometric challenges in measuring labour productivity and identifying its determinants?
- Third, how and to what extent can wage data inform us about labour productivity?
- Fourth, how can firm-level data be used to gauge and apprehend labour productivity and several topical issues wherein it plays a key role?
This course strongly focuses on linking economic theory and empirical findings to policy issues (e.g., human capital investment, the dissemination of robots or AI, ageing, gender wage discrimination, or the energy transition).
- First, how does economic theory a priori conceive labour productivity and its determinants (e.g., the division of labour, the role of human capital, capital intensity and scientific/technological progress…)? Also, what is the link between labour productivity and wages, and why may the two not align (wage discrimination)?
- Second, what are the conceptual, methodological and econometric challenges in measuring labour productivity and identifying its determinants?
- Third, how and to what extent can wage data inform us about labour productivity?
- Fourth, how can firm-level data be used to gauge and apprehend labour productivity and several topical issues wherein it plays a key role?
This course strongly focuses on linking economic theory and empirical findings to policy issues (e.g., human capital investment, the dissemination of robots or AI, ageing, gender wage discrimination, or the energy transition).
Teaching methods
The course emphasizes linking basic theoretical insights with empirical patterns in the labour market using a combination of methodologies.
Most of the course consists of lectures, but there will be several problem sets/exercises throughout the semester, which all students must hand in individually.
Most of the course consists of lectures, but there will be several problem sets/exercises throughout the semester, which all students must hand in individually.
Evaluation methods
End-of-term written exam (100% of final grade), during which students are requested to answer a questionnaire covering the whole set of issues covered by the course
Other information
Prerequisites: a good background in labour economics, microeconomics and applied econometrics. Students should be familiar with (basic) data handling and programming using Stata, SAS, R.... They are strongly advised to attend the ESL's Bootcamp
Online resources
TEAMS account
Faculty or entity
