WorkshopTopics and ScheduleChaing MaiAccommodation and FeesInstructor

Economic Equilibrium Modeling with [GAMS]

Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Calendar

A full schedule is available here. The course will begin on November 6th and continue through December 14th. The deadline for registration is October 12th.

Contact

To register for the workshop or for more information contact:
  • Grant Grigorian
  • University Club, Campus Box 420
    University of Colorado
    Boulder, Colorado, 80309-0420
  • Telephone: +1 (720) 470-1469
  • Grant.Grigorian@Colorado.EDU

Links

CGE Modeling Full-Course

Instructor: Miles K. Light, PhD.

This is a six-week course in Applied Economic Analysis. The main tool for analysis will be general equilibrium modeling (CGE). The course will introduce economic theory and computer skills necessary to construct and implement large-scale applied general equilibrium models for policy analysis. They will also learn how to communicate their model results in a clear, accessible format for non-Ph.D. economists.

A six-week course allows students to learn the economic foundations of CGE analysis -- something that cannot be taught in a 5-day workshop.

Target Audience: Government employees and members of research organizations who have an aptitude for quantitative analysis and who are charged with using a CGE model for tax-policy, trade policy, or environmental and resource planning. These are employees of Government Ministries, Planning Institutes, or Research Institutes.

No previous knowledge of GAMS modeling is assumed, but minimum qualifications for this course would be a bachelor's degree in economics as well as at least one graduate-level course in micro- and macro-economics. Additional skills, such as differential calculus and calculus-based optimization would be useful.

What to expect

The course format is similar to a Ph.D. seminar. Each week will consist of two 90-minute lectures and one 120-minute computer lab. Homework exercises will be assigned on a weekly basis, and students will be evaluated based upon performance for two exams (one mid-term and one final) and a final research project.

An evaluation of student strengths and weaknesses can be provided to sponsor agency or superiors upon request. Student assessments will be held on-record as a recruitment aid for international organizations and consulting firms who are searching for CGE modeling skills.
Note on Privacy: No information will be released without prior approval by the course participant.

Why Six Weeks?

A full, six-week course offers several advantages compared to a 5-day workshop:
  • Students have the time to synthesize basic economic concepts. These basic concepts lay the foundation for CGE modeling, but they cannot be taught in a 5-day programming workshop.
  • Gaps in student's understanding can be identified and addressed before the course ends. Short-course attendees often miss one or two details that are simple, but crucial. A course that lasts more than one week allows the instructor to learn about the students. This is not possible in 5 days.
  • Students have more time to interact with the instructor and their classmates.
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