Introduction to Economy-wide Modelling for Policy Analysis: 11-15 November, 2013
TIPS is pleased to announce a workshop on computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling, to be held in Pretoria.
CGE modelling is one of a number of approaches to economy-wide analysis that have become accessible and practicable as data and computer based techniques have developed. An increasing number of economists use this framework to analyse real world issues that were previously approached through less comprehensive partial equilibrium methods. As part of its commitment to ensuring that Southern Africa benefits from these development, TIPS has (co)presented a series of related short workshops over the past 13 years. The current workshop is part of this on-going programme.
The workshop is designed specifically for people who need to use the results of economy-wide models to inform their analysis of real world issues. It will integrate theory, real world data, hands-on computer work and real-world applications.
In particular, participants will be
- Introduced to the micro, macro and trade theories that underlie typical CGE models,
- Provided with an overview and practical examples of Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs) and of parameter and elasticity estimation methods which typically provide the data on which CGEs are built,
- Taken through various applications with special emphasis on the economic interpretation of results, and
- Exposed to issues involved in using models for specific applications such as the analysis of trade, public finance, regulation and environmental economics.
The models have been set-up to run through an Excel interface, with the specialised modelling language (GAMS) running in the background. This is designed to keep the focus on the economics rather than the technicalities of modelling. The applications use models developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and are adapted by the workshop instructors to suit the Excel interface for a range of southern African economies. Participants will apply what they learn to a group mini-project which will be presented at the end of the workshop.
The workshop is targeted at those who need to understand the potential and limitations of the use of these approaches without themselves becoming modellers. As such it should appeal to policy makers and analysts in both the public and the private sectors, to students and to academics. The workshop will also provide a foundation for those who wish to become modellers by taking future workshops on actual modelling techniques.
No previous exposure to CGE modelling is required, although it will be an advantage if participants be familiar with SAMs and have a very good understanding of Excel.
Workshop leaders are Dirk Ernst van Seventer and Rob Davies.
Workshop fees (which include teas, coffees and lunches): R10 000 for South African resident participants, R10 000 for African participants and those from other developing countries and R15 000 for other participants.
Registration closing date is Friday 30 August 2013. Seats will be reserved until the payment closing date of 4 October 2013.The offering of the workshop is dependent on attracting a minimum number of 15 students by the time of the payment closing date while the maximum number of students is 20. Note that TIPS will not make refunds after the payment due date unless the workshop is cancelled. TIPS's invoice documentation (tax clearance, bank clearance, etc) will only be sent on request by registered post. It is therefore important to make sure that TIPS is on your organisation's list of preferred suppliers and to factor-in sufficient time for these processes.
If you are interested in attending this workshop please complete the application form below and send to:
Dirk Ernst van Seventer (denves@xtra.co.nz) or Rob Davies (robdavieszim@gmail.com)