29786 - Economic and Business Demography

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will possess the necessary tools for the use of demographic data and the knowledge of demographic techniques for analysing economic behaviour. In particular, the student is able to - apply demographic information and methods to non-human populations - critically use demographic-social information proposed by international organisations - interpret consumption behaviour through the use of demographic methods.

Course contents

Main demographic concepts:

• population structure and dynamics,
• measures of population growth and its natural and migratory components,
• mortality and life tables,
• fertility, specific rates and TFR,
• demographic projections and forecasts.

Development and Demographic Dynamics:

• Analysis of the relationship between economic development and population dynamics, with reference to Malthus' theories and alternative views of the relationship between economic progress and population.
  Insight into the socio-economic characteristics of populations with a focus on demographic ageing.
  
  

Business Demography:

• Application of demographic methods to the analysis of corporate populations.

Readings/Bibliography

F. RACIOPPI, G. RIVELLINI, Applied Demography. La Demografia per le aziende e la governante locale, Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2013.

G. DE SANTIS, Demografia, Il Mulino, 2010

G. BLANGIARDO, Elementi di demografia, Il Mulino, 2006

S. MANZOCCHI, M. R. TESTA, La deriva demografica. Popolazione. economia, società, Introduzione. RIVISTA DI POLITICA ECONOMICA, 2021

Teaching methods

Lectures with slides and exercises with R program.

Assessment methods

The final examination is written and includes a practical part (exercises to be carried out with R) and a theoretical part (answering open questions).

Teaching tools

During the lectures, the reading of scientific articles on the topics addressed during the course is offered.

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Zanotto