GTAP University (GTAP-U): 2021 GTAP Firm Heterogeneity (GTAP-HET) Course
2021 GTAP Firm Heterogeneity (GTAP-HET) Course
"Applied Policy Analysis with Advanced Trade Theories"
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Course Application
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March 15 - July 18
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Acceptance Notifications
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August
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GTAP-HET Course
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October 4 - November 21
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Course Content
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Objective
The GTAP-HET Course is a hands-on, fully-online course developed to provide professional economists and Masters/PhD students with the tools and skills necessary to use advanced trade theories in trade policy analysis. During the course, participants will:
- learn about the Melitz model of heterogenous firms, viewed as a more general version of the Krugman model of monopolistic competition, and Armington model with perfect competition;
- develop skills to use the GTAP Firm Heterogeneity (GTAP-HET) Model where Armington, Krugman, and Melitz models are nested in the GTAP computable general equilibrium framework;
- conduct trade policy experiments and interpret simulation results using the GTAP-HET Model in team-based research projects.
Structure
The GTAP-HET Course is delivered fully online and is designed to target four specific learning methods: READ, LISTEN, DO, and DISCUSS. where participants are expected to:
- READ the assigned papers to have a solid background in firm heterogeneity theory,
- LISTEN to the video lectures that highlight the theory and estimation in firm heterogeneity models as well as how to implement them in GTAP,
- DO the assignments and research projects to develop the hands-on experience required for applying the learned material in policy analysis,
- DISCUSS the new material and related questions on the bulletin board with course participants.
Content Overview
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Week 1 - "Getting Started"
- Participants download and familiarize themselves with the course website, material, and software
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Week 2 - "Introduction to Firm Heterogeneity"
- New economic behavior introduced in the Melitz model
- Differences across Armington, Krugman, and Melitz models
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Week 3 - "Firm Heterogeneity in GTAP"
- Supply-side and demand-side changes in GTAP to implement firm heterogeneity
- New and modified equations in the code
- Simulation exercises with a stylized GTAP-HET Model
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Week 4 - "Data and Parameter Needs in GTAP-HET"
- Methods of estimation/calibration of key parameters in GTAP-HET
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Week 5-6 - "Group Research Project"
- Replication of simulation results with a tariff cut scenario in a 2x3 stylized GTAP-HET model based on Akgul et al. (2016)
- Extension/analysis of the Akgul et al. (2016) simulation OR extension/analysis using a different data/aggregation
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Week 7 - "Wrap-Up and Evaluation"
- Final discussions and course evaluation
Time Commitment
Participants should expect to spend approximately 10-12 hours/week on this course.
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Application
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Prerequisites
All applicants should have undertaken the GTAP 101 Course or GTAP Short Course, or have working experience with the standard GTAP Model prior to application.
Application
Individuals interested in taking this course must apply on the GTAP website. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline and those individuals accepted will receive an email detailing how to register and submit payment. Please note that application does not guarantee acceptance.
Registration Rates
The registration fees (in USD) for this course are detailed below and include all course materials.
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Developed Country
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Developing Country1
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Professionals
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$1,750
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$1,315
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Students2
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$875
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$440
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Rate Details and Eligibility Requirements
- Developing Country Rates - In order to be eligible for a discounted, developing country rate, applicants must currently be residing in a country listed on the "GTAP Developing Countries List".
- Student Rates - Student rates are only available to current, full-time students. Post-docs and students concurrently working in any professional capacity are not eligible for these rates. Registrants may be asked to provide proof of current academic status.
Cancellations
All cancellations must be emailed to Ginger Batta. Registered participants that are unable to participate in the course will receive a 50% refund until September 19, 2021. No refunds will be issued after this date. Deferments to later courses are not allowed.
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System Requirements
Participant computers and setup must meet the following specifications.
- Computer Requirements
- Other Requirements
- Reliable internet connection (broadband recommended)
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Reader or Acrobat
- Zip utility program
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Course Instructor
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Dr. Zeynep Akgul holds a Ph.D. (2015) in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, MS (2009) and BS (2007) in Economics from the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey. Zeynep's primary research interests include computable general equilibrium modeling for international trade policy analysis with an emphasis on firm heterogeneity implementations with the GTAP Model. She developed the firm heterogeneity module GTAP-HET, which incorporates consumer love-of-variety, endogenous productivity changes, as well as endogenous firm entry/exit into domestic and export markets. The GTAP-HET model has been used in project applications in the GTAP Short Course as well as in AGEC 618, a Ph.D. level course offered by the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. Zeynep is currently working on the empirical aspects of firm heterogeneity models where she focuses on estimation/calibration of key parameters, such as the elasticity of substitution.
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Last Modified: Tuesday, May 4, 2021