Countries modelled by CoPS (right-click to view larger image)
The Practical GE Modelling Course is scheduled as follows:
2024
Demand has often exceeded supply, so book early. Please note that participants need to use their own Windows laptop, and install GEMPACK before the course.
The Centre of Policy Studies (of Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia) will offer an intensive one-week course introducing participants to computable general equilibrium modelling and to the GEMPACK software used to solve equilibrium models.
The course focuses on a typical single-region applied general equilibrium model: the ORANI-G model of the Australian economy. Variants of the ORANI model of the Australian economy have been used extensively for policy analysis in Australia for more than two decades. ORANI-G (a generic version of ORANI) has been used as the basis of many single-country models including models of Thailand, China, Brazil, South Africa, Pakistan, the Philippines and Denmark. GEMPACK software is used by research workers in hundreds of different locations in about 80 countries around the world.
Countries modelled by CoPS (right-click to view larger image)
The course should appeal to
The course aims to introduce participants to the ideas and techniques of CGE modelling, and to equip them to start using, adapting or constructing CGE models for their own simulations. By the end of the course, participants will have acquired thorough knowledge of:
The course is based around the ORANI-G model -- a generic version of the original Australian ORANI model. In the course, an Australian database is used, but ORANI-G has been applied or adapted to create models of many other countries. ORANI-G's theoretical structure is typical of that shared by most other CGE models, so that an understanding of ORANI-G and the GEMPACK software used with it will equip participants to understand or construct other CGE models.
The course program will consist of lectures integrated with hands-on experience with modelling in GEMPACK. It is intensive, with fairly long work hours. Times and meal arrangements vary according to course location, but typically the course material and program are as follows.
Monday: commence 9.00am
The basic structure of a CGE model
Introduction to the ORANI-G model
Overview of GEMPACK software
Computing: Looking at the data for ORANI-G
Tuesday: commence 8.45am
The theoretical structure of ORANI-G
Computing: tariff cut with ORANI-G
Computing: Analysing how equations and data affect simulation results
Wednesday: commence 8.45am
Computing: adding new data,variables, and equations
Theoretical structure of ORANI-G (continued)
Computing: wage simulation with ORANI-G
Thursday: commence 8.45am
Analysing the wage simulation
Computing: using subtotals
Top-down regional CGE modelling
Group simulations with ORANI-G (live course only)
Group simulations with ORANI-G: Analysis of results. (live course only)
Friday: commence 8.45am
Group simulations with ORANI-G: Report preparation. (live course only)
Group presentation of reports on ORANI-G (live course only)
Course ends 4.00pm
The course will be held at the VU city Tower, 370 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Morning and afternoon tea and lunch are provided and are included in the in-person classroom fee. The fee does not cover accommodation, breakfast or dinner.
The online course will use Victoria University's online teaching space. Participants will be sent login details prior to the course. The teaching space provides the course materials, GEMPACK software, recorded lectures, video tutorials covering the computer exercises and discussion threads with allow participants to ask questions.
Course participants receive a folder, containing
At the end of the course participants receive a USB key containing:
Previous hands-on experience in solving GE models is not required. We expect that course participants have:
You should study some material prior to the course. Download and work through the MINIMAL course material. The MINIMAL model and course are simplified versions of the ORANI-G model and course -- and use similar notation and software. To go further, you could:
| Type of participant | Classroom course[1] | Self-paced online course[2] |
|---|---|---|
| academic or student | $A3750 | $US750 |
| government | $A5300 | $US1100 |
| private sector | $A7450 | $US1500 |
| overseas participants | $A3200 | Select from above[3] |
[1] The classroom based course fee includes GST and covers course materials (including software), morning and afternoon teas and 5 lunches. It does not cover accommodation, breakfast or dinner.
[2] The online based course fees include GST and covers course materials (including software).
[3] No international travel discount for the online courses.
Complete the application form to register your interest in the course. Payment details will be sent to you by email. If you need to contact us regarding your application please email Louise Pinchen at the Centre of Policy Studies.
You may change from in-person to online participation up until 2 weeks before the course. You will be refunded the difference in course fee.
You may change from online participation to in-person up until 2 weeks before the course. You will be charged the difference in course fee.
Cancellations up to 2 months before the course will be fully refunded.
Cancellations from 2 months up to 2 weeks before the course will be 50% refunded.
If the Victorian Government imposes restrictions which makes in-person attendance impossible the course will be held entirely online. If this happens then in-person participants will be regarded as online participants and they will receive a refund for the difference in course fee.
Find some suggestions here.
Louise Pinchen phone: (03) 9919 1877 from overseas +613 9919 1877
Dr Rob Waschik phone: (03) 9919 1062 from overseas +613 9919 1062
See also:
Information for Melbourne course participants
Free downloadable mini-course
Pre-installing the software and Laptop requirements
Main Training Courses page
CGE Data Base Course
Previous course photos