e-Learning course on Appraising the wider Economic Benefits of Transport Corridor Investments from edX

The course reviews case studies of past and recent corridor initiatives, provides rigorous analysis of the literature on the spatial impact of corridors, and offers assessments of corridor investment projects supported by international development organizations. A series of spotlights examines such issues as private sector co-investment; the impacts of corridors on small enterprises and women; and issues with implementing cross-border corridors.

The course aims to introduce its participants to a sound empirical methodology that could ensure that the social and economic benefits of transport corridor investments are more widely and equitably spread, and possible negative impacts such as congestion, environmental degradation, and other risks or unintended consequences are minimized or avoided.

The appraisal perspective and methodology introduced in this course shows how the web of interconnected elements around corridors can be disentangled and the most promising corridor proposals—the ones with the greatest wider economic benefits (WEB)—can be selected.

What you'll learn

Learn how to appraise transport corridors programs to ensure their socio-economic benefits are widely spread and any negative impacts minimized. The objective of this e-course is to enable participants to:

Learn about the successes and challenges of historical, recent, and planed transport corridors around the world and in South Asia.
Gain a solid understanding of how to assess the wider economic impacts of large transport infrastructure.
Distinguish between various transmission mechanisms and intermediate outcomes through which wider economic benefits are achieved.
Learn about complementary policies to enhance the positive socioeconomic impact of transport corridor.
Gain awareness of potential negative impacts of transport corridors, especially those to environmental degradation, traffic congestion, regressive redistribution and social exclusion.
Familiarize with rigorous methodologies that provide a holistic appraisal of large transport infrastructure projects.
Obtain insights into the financing and implementation of corridors.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn about the successes and challenges of historical, recent, and planed transport corridors around the world and in south asia.
Gain a solid understanding of how to assess the wider economic impacts of large transport infrastructure.
Distinguish between various transmission mechanisms and intermediate outcomes through which wider economic benefits are achieved.
Learn about complementary policies to enhance the positive socioeconomic impact of transport corridor.

Gain awareness of potential negative impacts of transport corridors, especially those to environmental degradation, traffic congestion, regressive redistribution and social exclusion.
Familiarize with rigorous methodologies that provide a holistic appraisal of large transport infrastructure projects.
Obtain insights into the financing and implementation of corridors.

Learn about the successes and challenges of historical, recent, and planed transport corridors around the world and in south asia.
Gain a solid understanding of how to assess the wider economic impacts of large transport infrastructure.
Distinguish between various transmission mechanisms and intermediate outcomes through which wider economic benefits are achieved.
Learn about complementary policies to enhance the positive socioeconomic impact of transport corridor.
Gain awareness of potential negative impacts of transport corridors, especially those to environmental degradation, traffic congestion, regressive redistribution and social exclusion.
Familiarize with rigorous methodologies that provide a holistic appraisal of large transport infrastructure projects.
Obtain insights into the financing and implementation of corridors.

Syllabus

Week 1: Why are Transport Corridors Important for Development?* __ *

In this module we will discuss the importance of transport corridors for development, and why it is critical to focus from the beginning on the ultimate goals of generating wider economic benefits when designing large transport infrastructure. We will also discuss a conceptual framework to appraise holistically project proposals for transport corridors.

Week 2: How to Design a Successful Corridor in Practice?* __ *

In this module we will learn from the experience of five large transport corridors around the world. We will use these projects as case studies to illustrate the proposed conceptual framework that we described in the Week 1 .

We are going to focus on the following corridors: Japan’s Pacific Belt Zone Initiative; Vietnam’s National Highway No. 5; Malaysia’s Northern Corridor Economic Region; Europe’s high speed train projects; and Thailand’s transport infrastructure.

Week 3: What do We Learn from the Hard Evidence on Corridors?* __ *

In this module we will gain insight from two large analyses into country characteristics, design and implementation characteristics as well as complementary policies and institutions associated with wider economic benefits of transport corridors investments.

This will Improve policy makers’ understanding of the multiple impacts of transport corridor investments, including the trade-offs that the investments may give rise to.

This module will also present anecdotal evidence about the impact of highways on women and on micro, small, and medium enterprises in South Asia based on focus group discussions held by the World Bank in Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka.

Week 4: An Illustrative Appraisal of Corridor Projects* __ *

This module presents a framework to appraise large transport infrastructure projects in South Asia and beyond. As an illustration, it focuses on India’s Golden Quadrilateral and North-South-East-West highway systems.

Policy makers are increasingly interested in appraising large transport infrastructure proposals using rigorous methods beyond a simple cost-benefit analysis. They want these appraisals to be comprehensive and cover the “wider economic benefits” of these investments

Week 5: Financing Corridor Projects/Programs* __ *

In this module we will discuss various financing modalities for transport corridors, the need for commercial financing and how the state can support it, and challenges of financing cross-border and trans-regional transport corridors.

We will also discuss private investment in corridor infrastructure and the role of the business environment to support a solid engagement of the private sector.

We will continue by learning from the challenges of public-private partnership for transport infrastructure in South Asia and potential areas for improvement.

Week 6: Implementation Challenges of Transport Corridors* __ *

In this module we will learn about some practical challenges that could arise during the preparation and implementation of transport corridor programs.

First, we will highlight some challenges related to preparing regional projects, based on the experience of Sava Waterways Rehabilitation Program, in Southeast Europe.

Second, we will highlight some potential risks associated with the influx of foreign labor and service providers when transport corridors are built and the lessons learned from a road project in Uganda.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides comprehensive guidance on assessing the wider economic impacts of large transport infrastructure, including complementary policies and potential negative impacts

Examines real-world case studies of successful and challenging transport corridors, offering insights into effective design and implementation

Introduces rigorous methodologies for appraising transport corridor projects, ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits and the minimization of risks

Explores the financing and implementation challenges of transport corridors, providing practical advice and lessons learned from past projects

Taught by experts from the World Bank, known for their extensive experience in transport infrastructure development

Participants require a background in economics and infrastructure planning to fully benefit from the course materials

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in e-Learning course on Appraising the wider Economic Benefits of Transport Corridor Investments with these activities:

Review Project Management

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Review procedures and practices.
Practice techniques.

Connect with industry professionals

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Build your network by reaching out to professionals in the modeling marketplace industry.

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Identify potential mentors who have experience in modeling marketplaces
Reach out to these individuals via LinkedIn or email
Request informational interviews to learn about their insights and advice
Follow up with mentors on a regular basis to maintain the relationship

Review modeling marketplaces

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Familiarize yourself with the concepts of modeling marketplaces to prepare for this course.

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Define modeling marketplaces and their key components
Research different modeling marketplace platforms
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each platform

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Participate in code-along webinars

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Join live or recorded webinars to learn how to apply modeling marketplace concepts in practice.

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Identify webinars that align with this course's topics
Attend the webinars and actively follow the instructions
Practice the concepts demonstrated in the webinars

Attend modeling marketplace conferences

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Stay up-to-date with industry trends and network with professionals at modeling marketplace conferences.

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Research upcoming modeling marketplace conferences
Register for and attend the conferences
Attend sessions, workshops, and presentations
Network with speakers, attendees, and vendors

Calculate Return on Investment

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Return on investment calculations are used in this course and practicing these will help build fluency.

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Identify key metrics.
Collect data related to the chosen key metrics.
Calculate the return on investment using a formula.

Design a sample modeling marketplace

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Apply your knowledge by designing a mock-up of a modeling marketplace.

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Decide on the purpose and target audience of your marketplace
Select a suitable modeling marketplace platform
Create a wireframe or prototype of your marketplace
Populate your marketplace with sample data
Test and iterate on your design

Model and simulate business scenarios

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Test your understanding by practicing modeling and simulating various business scenarios.

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Identify different business scenarios relevant to modeling marketplaces
Build models to represent these scenarios
Simulate the models to analyze potential outcomes
Adjust and refine your models based on the results

Career center

Learners who complete e-Learning course on Appraising the wider Economic Benefits of Transport Corridor Investments will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Transport Economist

Transport Economists analyze the economic effects of transport policies and projects, and advise on the most efficient use of transport resources. This course provides a solid foundation in the economic principles that underpin transport policy and project appraisal, and will help you develop the skills needed to analyze and evaluate the wider economic impacts of transport investments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transport Economist

Infrastructure Planner

Infrastructure Planners develop and manage plans for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the planning process for transport corridors, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement successful corridor projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infrastructure Planner

Transport Engineer

Transport Engineers design, build, and maintain transportation systems, including roads, bridges, railroads, and airports. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the engineering principles that underpin transport corridor development, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement sustainable and efficient transport systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transport Engineer

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop and manage plans for the growth and development of urban areas. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the planning process for transport corridors, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement successful corridor projects that promote sustainable and livable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop and manage plans to protect and enhance the environment. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the environmental principles that underpin transport corridor development, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement sustainable and environmentally friendly transport systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts analyze and evaluate public policies, and advise on the most effective ways to achieve policy goals. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the public policy analysis process, and will help you develop the skills needed to analyze and evaluate the wider economic impacts of transport investments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners develop and manage plans for the movement of people and goods. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the planning process for transport corridors, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement successful corridor projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers plan and manage the movement of goods and services. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of logistics and supply chain management, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement efficient and effective transport corridors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Manager

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the economic and social conditions of developing countries. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of transport corridor development in developing countries, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement successful corridor projects that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and manage projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the project management process, and will help you develop the skills needed to successfully manage transport corridor projects.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the engineering principles that underpin transport corridor development, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement sustainable and efficient transport systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants advise organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainability, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement sustainable transport corridor projects.

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Regional Planner

Regional Planners develop and manage plans for the growth and development of regions. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the planning process for transport corridors, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement successful corridor projects that promote sustainable and livable regions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regional Planner

Economic Development Specialist

Economic Development Specialists work to improve the economic conditions of communities and regions. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of economic development, and will help you develop the skills needed to design and implement successful transport corridor projects that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

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Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors advise policymakers on the development and implementation of public policies. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the public policy process, and will help you develop the skills needed to analyze and evaluate the wider economic impacts of transport investments, and to advise policymakers on the design and implementation of effective transport corridor projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor