Start
10. June 2014
End
16. June 2014
Address
University of Giessen, in the PC Pool at the Zeughaus, Senckenbergstr. 3, 35390 Giessen View mapEconomic Modelling with GAMS
Coordinator and Instructor:
Prof. Dr. S. Bauer, University of Giessen
Course Description:
Economic Research is to a large extent based on models as a research laboratory. In this module we concentrate on a specific class of models, the so called Mathematical Programming Models.
The module gives an introduction in “Economic Modelling with GAMS (General Algebraic Modelling System)”. The participants formulate economic problems in the GAMS format, solve the model and interpret the results in relation to an economic, environmental and policy context. The participants are able to distinguish different type of models:
- Positive and normative approaches
- Farm – regional – sectoral – national breakdown
- Static and dynamic modelling
- Integration of bio-economic and environmental issues
- Integration of farm-household interdependencies
- Ex-post / ex-ante scenarios/analyses
- Coupling of econometric and mathematical programming models (non – linear relationships)
Course Outline:
- Optimization Principle in Economics: Production Choice, Factor Use, Household
- Architecture and Syntax of GAMS
- Simple GAMS Models: PC Exercise
- Demonstration of an Existing Farm and an Agricultural Sector Model
- Positive Quadratic Programming
- Transportation and Regional Production Models
- A Household Enterprise Model
- Environmental Modelling (Example of a nutrition circle at farm level)
- Recursive and Simultaneous Dynamic Modelling
- Individual Examples of the Participants
Teaching Methods
Introductory lectures (30 %), PC demonstration (30%), own exercises with PC (40%)
Grading:
Solving a economic problem with the GAMS tools and interpretation (50%), written test (50%)
Duration and Dates:
5 days (one week) typically first week of April
Credit Points:
3
Requirements:
Good microeconomic knowledge, PC skills (Microsoft Office), basic econometrics
References:
GAMS User Manual
Hazell, P. Norton, R., Mathematical Programming for Economic Analysis in Agriculture, Macmillan Publishing Company, London 1986
Bauer, S., Kasnakoglu, H., Non-Linear Programming Models for Sector and Policy Analysis: Experiences with the Turkish Agricultural Sector Model, in: Economic Modelling 1990, pp. 275 – 290
Bauer, S., Agricultural Sector Models, Paper presented at the IIASA-Workshop “Computer-aided Instruments for the Elaboration of Strategic Solution for Complex Processes in Agriculture”, Schwerin 1987
Bauer, S., Henrichsmeyer, W. (Hrsg.) Agricultural Sector Modelling, Kiel 1989, pp. 3 – 22.
Lecture Notes (will be distributed)
Software:
GAMS Packet will be provided (demonstration version can be downloaded http://www.gams.com/download/ )
Microsoft Office
Language:
English
Organisation and Time;
The Course is held at the University of Giessen in the PC Pool at the Zeughaus (Senckenbergstr. 3, 35390 Giessen).
For further information please contact Prof. Bauer: Tel. +49 (0) 641 99 37310. Siegfried.Bauer@uni-giessen.de