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Decent work and economic growth

Achieving SDG 8

Kunal Sen, Martha Chen, Andy Summer, Gary S. Fielda, and Michael Rogan

The achievement of the SDGs—and SDG 8 in particular—requires economic activity to increase and often requires structural transformation. The process of structural transformation can take several forms—this affects the structure of the economy and the jobs available; it impacts who benefits from development and who gets left behind. This brings forth the developer’s dilemma, the concern that economic development inevitably leads to increased inequality. Where workers are situated on the job ladder, whether they are formal or informal workers, and whether there is opportunity to transition from informal to formal employment will also impact how much they will be able to benefit from the process of structural transformation. However, there are policy pathways that could support more equal and sustainable economic development.

This 6-week course provides an in-depth look at the latest UNU-WIDER research and shares insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation.

This course is for:

Policy professionals who want to understand the policy interventions that can support sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.
Development practitioners interested in the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8.
Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in economics, development, and other key concepts related to the SDGs.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

What new pathways of structural transformation are available
Why it’s time to rethink the informal economy

How to deal with the developer’s dilemma and avoid rising inequality
Where workers are on the job ladder, and how to transition workers to better jobs

What new pathways of structural transformation are available
Why it’s time to rethink the informal economy
How to deal with the developer’s dilemma and avoid rising inequality
Where workers are on the job ladder, and how to transition workers to better jobs

Syllabus

**Module 1: Understanding structural transformation - Kunal Sen**

Chapter 1: An introduction to structural transformation: what it is, the features of structural transformation and new findings.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the developer's dilemma, which is central to the study of development

Examines the informal economy, which is a significant aspect of developing economies

Taught by experts in the field, including Kunal Sen, Andy Summer, Gary S. Fielda, and Michael Rogan

Provides insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation

Covers key concepts related to the SDGs, including decent work and sustainable economic development

Suitable for a range of learners, including policy professionals, development practitioners, and students

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into sdg 8 & decent work

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured exploration of SDG 8, focusing on decent work and economic growth. Learners highlight the course's ability to provide in-depth insights from UNU-WIDER research, making complex topics like structural transformation and the developer's dilemma accessible. Many appreciate the focus on policy interventions and the practical application of concepts, noting how the course challenges traditional views on the informal economy. The inclusion of real-world case studies and discussions on how COVID-19 impacted informal workers are frequently cited as valuable for understanding contemporary challenges. The expert instructors deliver content that is both informative and thought-provoking.

Challenges traditional views and highlights the importance of informal work.

"The emphasis on why policymakers should focus on informal workers was a crucial takeaway for me."

"I gained a new perspective on the formalization debate, going beyond simple definitions."

"The course powerfully demonstrated the critical role of understanding informal work for sustainable development."

Includes compelling real-world examples and addresses contemporary challenges.

"The case studies, like waste pickers in Bogotá, made the theoretical concepts much more tangible."

"The module on COVID-19's impact on informal workers was highly relevant and timely."

"I appreciated how the course connected global economic theories to specific country experiences."

Benefits from the deep expertise of its instructors and UNU-WIDER research.

"The instructors, like Kunal Sen and Marty Chen, presented complex ideas with clarity and authority."

"Learning about the latest UNU-WIDER research directly from the sources was a significant advantage."

"Their insights, especially on the job ladder framework, added immense credibility to the content."

Offers actionable policy recommendations for sustainable development.

"The policy takeaways in each module were incredibly useful for understanding real-world application."

"I particularly valued the discussions on how to navigate the 'developer’s dilemma' through policy."

"The course provided concrete strategies for transitioning workers from informal to formal employment."

Delivers a broad and deep understanding of SDG 8 and related economic concepts.

"I found the course covered all aspects of SDG 8 thoroughly, linking economic growth with social equity."

"The modules provided a clear, step-by-step understanding of structural transformation and its implications."

"It really opened my eyes to the nuances of achieving decent work globally, covering diverse perspectives."

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 Decent work and economic growth: Achieving SDG 8 with these activities:

Review key economic concepts

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Reviewing core economic principles will strengthen your understanding of the concepts covered in this course.

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Read introductory textbooks or online resources on microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Take practice quizzes or solve problems related to basic economic concepts.
Discuss economic principles with peers or a tutor.

Mentor junior students or professionals interested in economic development

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Mentoring others not only reinforces your knowledge but also develops your communication and leadership skills.

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Reach out to organizations or individuals looking for mentors.
Prepare to share your knowledge, experience, and insights.
Meet regularly with your mentee to provide guidance and support.
Encourage your mentee to ask questions and engage in discussions.
Provide feedback and constructive criticism to help them grow.

Review Economic Development Concepts

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Strengthen your foundation by revisiting key economic development concepts that provide a context for understanding structural transformation and its implications.

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Review textbooks or online resources on economic development.
Summarize and discuss major theories and models.
Relate the concepts to real-world examples of economic development initiatives.

Eight other activities

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Explore Visualizations of Economic Data

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Gain hands-on experience with visual representations of economic data, enhancing your understanding of key concepts and trends.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify interactive data visualization platforms such as Tableau or Google Data Studio.
Select datasets related to economic indicators, such as GDP, inflation, or employment.
Create visualizations that illustrate the data and uncover patterns.

Participate in online discussions on current economic issues

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Engaging in discussions will broaden your perspectives and foster critical thinking skills.

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Join online forums or discussion groups related to economics.
Read and analyze articles or research papers on current economic issues.
Participate in discussions, share your insights, and respond to others' perspectives.

Create an infographic or visualization to explain a complex economic concept

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Creating visual representations can enhance your understanding and help you communicate complex ideas effectively.

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Identify a complex economic concept to explain.
Gather relevant data and research.
Choose an appropriate infographic or visualization format.
Design and create the infographic, ensuring clarity and visual impact.
Share your infographic with others to educate and inform.

Solve Structural Transformation Practice Problems

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Challenge yourself with real-world examples of structural transformation, analyzing data and applying concepts to understand the complexities of economic development.

Browse courses on Development Economics

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Access online platforms or textbooks with practice problems on structural transformation.
Attempt to solve problems independently.
Review solutions to understand the underlying principles.

Solve practice exercises on inequality and economic development

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Applying concepts to real-world scenarios will enhance your ability to analyze and address economic inequalities.

Browse courses on Income Inequality

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Find practice exercises or case studies on inequality and economic development.
Analyze the data and identify key trends.
Apply economic theories and models to explain the observed patterns.
Propose policy recommendations to address inequalities.

Participate in economic case competitions or hackathons

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Competitions simulate real-world challenges and provide opportunities to apply your knowledge in practical settings.

Browse courses on Policy Analysis

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Identify relevant economic case competitions or hackathons.
Form a team or collaborate with others.
Analyze the case or problem statement.
Develop innovative solutions and prepare your presentation.
Participate in the competition and present your findings.

Develop a Policy Proposal for Informal Employment

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Synthesize your understanding of informal employment by proposing innovative policy initiatives that promote decent work and support inclusive economic growth.

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Research best practices in regulating and supporting informal employment.
Identify target groups and specific challenges within the informal economy.
Propose evidence-based policy recommendations that address key issues.
Articulate the expected impact and potential benefits of the proposed policies.

Write a policy brief on a specific economic development issue

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Writing a policy brief will help you synthesize your knowledge and develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

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Choose a specific economic development issue to focus on.
Research and analyze relevant data, literature, and case studies.
Develop a clear policy statement and justify your recommendations.
Write a concise and well-structured policy brief.
Share your policy brief with policymakers, stakeholders, or the public.

Career center

Learners who complete Decent work and economic growth: Achieving SDG 8 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economist

Economists study how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. This course provides an in-depth look at the latest UNU-WIDER research and shares insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation, which is an important area of study for economists. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help economists develop policies that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Development Specialist

Development specialists work to improve the economic and social conditions of developing countries. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for development specialists. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help development specialists design and implement programs that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Specialist

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policies to make recommendations for improvements. This course provides an in-depth look at the latest UNU-WIDER research and shares insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help policy analysts develop policies that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

International Development Consultant

International development consultants provide advice and assistance to governments and organizations working to improve the economic and social conditions of developing countries. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for international development consultants. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help international development consultants design and implement programs that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Consultant

Sustainable Development Manager

Sustainable development managers develop and implement plans to ensure that businesses operate in a way that minimizes their environmental impact and maximizes their social and economic benefits. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for sustainable development managers. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help sustainable development managers develop and implement plans that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Development Manager

Social Entrepreneur

Social entrepreneurs use business principles to address social and environmental problems. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for social entrepreneurs. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help social entrepreneurs develop and implement businesses that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for urban planners. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help urban planners develop and implement plans that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Public Administrator

Public administrators work in government agencies to implement public policies and programs. This course provides an in-depth look at the latest UNU-WIDER research and shares insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help public administrators develop and implement policies that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Administrator

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for nonprofit managers. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help nonprofit managers develop and implement programs that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

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Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the recruitment, hiring, and development of employees. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for human resources managers. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help human resources managers develop and implement policies that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for marketing managers. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help marketing managers develop and implement campaigns that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide advice and guidance to businesses and investors on financial matters. This course provides an in-depth look at the latest UNU-WIDER research and shares insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help financial analysts develop and implement strategies that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Accountant

Accountants prepare and maintain financial records for businesses and organizations. This course provides an in-depth look at the latest UNU-WIDER research and shares insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help accountants develop and implement systems that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. This course provides an in-depth look at the latest UNU-WIDER research and shares insights that can support policymaking during the process of structural transformation. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help lawyers develop and implement strategies that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. This course provides insights into the different pathways available in developing economies for progress towards achieving SDG 8, which is a key goal for teachers. The course covers topics such as new pathways of structural transformation, the informal economy, the developer's dilemma, and the job ladder. This knowledge can help teachers develop and implement lesson plans that promote sustainable and equitable economic development while creating opportunities for decent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Decent work and economic growth: Achieving SDG 8.

Plunder of the Commons

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Provides a detailed analysis of the concept of decent work and its relevance to the informal economy. It is particularly useful for understanding the challenges and opportunities that informal workers face in achieving decent work.

Decent work and economic growth

Achieving SDG 8

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Deep dive into sdg 8 & decent work

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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