The questions posed are broad and open ended so be careful to allow yourself enough research and planning time. If you are completely on top of the material delivered in class, then I would estimate that writing a good answer to this exam would take up to around one day in total. If you are not comfortable with the material then the assignment could take up to two to four days. The idea behind this exam is that it is itself a learning experience and not purely a test.
Guide to Assignment (read this carefully)
We have studied in detail models relating to capital accumulation, TFP and convergence. The aim is to use these frameworks to make sense of the various data you are given and to fashion a coherent answer to the questions set. Good answers will correctly use the models covered in class to provide a framework for your answers. They will also arrange the data in a coherent way that utilises the theoretical ideas and combine them with your own judgements as to what matters for growth. The very best answers will also provide some critical evaluation of these models and the data provided and in addition show independent thought and possibly use additional data. However, you are not encouraged to reproduce various Economist Intelligence Unit reports. The best answers will use analytical frameworks and process data provided to provide a general ranking of countries and avoid journalism and overly lengthy surveys of each nation.
Emerging Markets
This assignment is based around the attached spreadsheet (Appendix 1) in which you will find a list of indicators for a number of emerging market economies (all data taken from the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report. ). You can of course supplement this with additional data (for instance you may, or may not, find https://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi on governance useful).
Question: Using these data and your knowledge of the determinants of long run prosperity rank the countries in terms of their growth prospects.