(in Polish) Symulacje komputerowe rynków lub polityki rządowej 2400-ZZSM104
What is a market? There is no single definition, as it depends on the type of analysis. The goal of this seminar is to learn how to analyze markets based on available statistical data. Statistical offices publish input-output balance sheets, which allow for the analysis of relationships between industries. In this case, the aggregate product of a given industry will constitute a separate market. If more detailed data is available, we can define the market in a different way. To conduct a computable simulation for a selected market or economy, we will use GAMS software. Students will learn how to create a simple market model and run simulations using this software. They will learn what calibration is and why such models cannot be estimated.
The goal of this seminar is to help students write their master's theses. Proposals related to market research, econometric analysis, economic modeling, etc., are most welcome. I am open to other topic suggestions from students. During the classes, we will work on topic selection, appropriate literature selection, data processing, potential calculations, and drawing conclusions.
A sample master's thesis topic for those not interested in computer simulations could be examining the effectiveness of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK). This institution detects many cases related to monopolistic activities, but they are not necessarily able to prevent detected activities. Therefore, one could examine the ratio of detected monopolistic activities to those prevented, taking into account the costs incurred. Another thesis proposal could be research on the rationality of gamblers. For example, an increase in the jackpot of the Duży Lotek game increases interest in the game, and more people buy lottery tickets. Is this behavior rational? The more people participate, the less likely we are to win the full jackpot. Another proposal could be research on the location of gas stations. What factors guide companies when choosing one or another location for their gas stations? If a student is interested in environmental issues, a selected issue of environmental protection and natural resources in economics could be analyzed. Research conducted worldwide in this area is very diverse, as economic issues are often controversial from an ecological perspective.
Examples of thesis topics can be found here: http://coin.wne.uw.edu.pl/kiuila/CGE/topics.docx
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Learning to conduct simple computable simulations of economic activities, using the GAMS (general algebraic modeling system) software, analyzing input-output balances and other data, analyzing markets, calibrating simple models, and working with the literature. Students will learn the principles of research, preparing, and writing an economics paper, and then focus on topics of their choice. Participants are expected to acquire the technical skills necessary to undertake their own research projects and independently prepare a master's thesis.
Assessment criteria
Preparing presentations, learning the GAMS and MPSGE programming languages, preparing simple computer simulations, and interpreting results.
Tools used: remote learning platforms approved by the University of Warsaw.
Attendance verification: Attendance is not required, but students should demonstrate progress on their master's thesis.
Bibliography
GAMS documentation: http://www.gams.com/docs/document.htm
The free version is enough to provide simple simulations
A. Brook, D.Kendrick, A.Meeraus (1988), GAMS a User’s Guide, The Scientific Press
E. J. Chambers and D. F. Gordon (1966), "Primary products and economic growth: an empirical measurement", Journal of Political Economy 74, 315-332.
R. W. Fogel (1967), "The specification problem in economic history", Journal of Economic History 27, 283-308.
R. W. Jones (1965), "The structure of simple general equilibrium models", Journal of Political Economy 73, 557-572.
Z.Wang, J.Slagle (1996), “An Object-oriented Knowledge-based Approach for formulating applied general equilibrium models”, Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control 20, 209-236
I.S.Wing (2004), Computable general equilibrium models and their use in economy-wide policy analysis: Everything you ever wanted to know (but were afraid to ask), MIT Technical Note 6
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: