The field of econometrics has developed rapidly over the past three decades, and the use of up-to-date econometric techniques has become more and more standard practice in empirical work in many fields of economics. ERSA’s econometrics courses lay the foundation to understanding the more advanced material and techniques.
The purpose of this module is to develop a core modelling understanding that is applied in cross-section econometrics. It is assumed that all participants are familiar with OLS and are likely to have seen some categorical models. In addition to these, we will also include quantiles, and basic ideas related to endogeneity. The focus will be on presenting and interpreting the sorts of results that would be included in a research paper. This course covers the foundation of an extremely large number of modelling approaches, which can be applied in microeconomics and will use the R software, as it is most accessible (being entirely free) and highly flexible.
Format and Schedule
The course will take place over five days and consist of lectures, discussions and practical sessions that facilitate model development. Major topics to be covered in the course include:
- Data and R
- Ordinary Least Squares
- Quantiles
- Categorical Models
- Standard Big N Panels
- Endogeneity
Target participants
This course is open to Masters and PhD students in Economics or related fields and practitioners and government officials with at least a Masters Degree.
Assessment
Participants will be assigned an exercise to complete within the initial weeks following the workshop. Upon demonstrating a thorough understanding of the workshop material through successful completion of the assignment, participants will be awarded an ERSA certificate.
Instructor
Matthew Clance is an Associate Professor at the University of Pretoria and a Fellow at Pan-African Scientific Council. His background includes applied econometrics and geospatial analysis of micro Big Data and he has worked on various projects related to the Lancet Commission and African Climate Policy Center projects.
Application process and requirements
Interested applicants are requested to apply by completing the form form below by Monday, 24 February 2025. Application decisions will be communicated by Wednesday, 5 March.
ERSA will cover the domestic travel and accommodation costs for students based at South African institutions. Places are limited to 25 students and funding to attend the workshop is entirely at the discretion of the organiser.
For more information and registration details, contact Claudine Tshabalala (claudine@econrsa.org ).
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