23rd Annual Short Course in Global Trade Analysis

“Introduction to Applied General Equilibrium Analysis in a Multi-Region Framework”

July 11-17, 2015   |   West Lafayette, IN, USA

The 23^rd Annual Short Course in Global Trade Analysis is being organized and hosted by the Center for Global Trade Analysis at Purdue University.

What GTAP Short Course "Graduates" Are Saying...

·         "Excellent learning environment, teaching and material."

·         "Good balance between theory and practical lessons!"

·         "I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned an incredible amount of material in such a short period of time. I look forward to being involved in the GTAP community in the future and using these modelling techniques in my work! Thank you!"

·         "I really loved the hands-on part of the course; it was a valuable experience and certainly provided a deeper understanding of the difficult and sophisticated linkages of the model."

·         "The course is very comprehensive and offered an opportunity to be introduced to all aspects of CGE modelling (theory, data, GEMPACK and other)."

The objectives of this course are to introduce participants to a standardized framework for conducting global trade analysis in an applied general equilibrium setting, provide hands-on training with software that has been tailored to global trade analysis and give participants the opportunity to interact with economists working on global trade and resource use issues while becoming part of an international network.

The course will consist of two parts:

• Part I:  Online Modules (April 27 – June 28)

Part I is an eight-week online program structured to strength the microeconomic foundations of applied general equilibrium analysis. Each weekly module culminates in a homework assignment. Homework assignments are individually graded so participants receive individualized feedback on their progress. By working through this material in advance of the onsite course, participants will become intimately familiar with the theory behind applied general equilibrium models, the standard GTAP notation as well as the course software. 

• Part II: Onsite Intensive Training (July 11-17)

Part II is an intensive, onsite short course consisting of a mix of daily lectures, lab assignments, and informal discussions designed to introduce participants to the basic features of the model and data base. These activities culminate in a major application based on one of the many extensions of the GTAP Model undertaken by small groups and presented on the final day of the course. Each group is assigned two instructors who are intimately familiar with their project to act as resource persons. Participants leave with the capability of designing, conducting, and analyzing their own simulations.

Sample small group applications from past courses include:

·         Introducing Firm Heterogeneity into the GTAP Model

·         Doha Development Round: Impacts on Egypt from the GTAP CGE Model and Database

·         The GTAP-E Model: An Extension of the GTAP Model for Energy and Climate Change Analysis

·         Incorporating Water into GTAP Data Base and Model

·         Linking GE and PE Models for Disaggregated Trade Analysis

·         GTAP-AEZ (Land Use Model)

·         Imperfect Competition

·         Migration

·         Trade and Poverty

·         Special Safeguard Mechanism

Applications for this course are currently being accepted on the GTAP website through February 15. Demand for this course is very high; therefore, we strongly encourage early application. Please note that application does not guarantee acceptance.

The registration fee for this course is $4,000 USD. This fee includes seven days of onsite, individualized instruction in the form of lectures and labs as well as distance-learning prior to the onsite course. The course registration fee also includes daily coffee breaks, six lunches, two receptions and one dinner.

A limited number of fellowships may be available to students working on, or who are interested in, learning and applying CGE modeling to inform policy debates regarding the most pressing questions related to global economic analysis. The fellowships will cover $2,500 towards the registration fees, reducing the amount owed by the recipient to $1,500.

For further information or to submit an application, please visit the course homepage on the GTAP website at:  www.gtap.agecon.purdue.edu/events/Short_Courses/2015/.