Microsimulation Techniques for the Social Sciences

    Course Code: 
    4152
    Semester: 
    8th
    Elective Courses

    Number of credits allocated: 6 ECTS Credits

    Objective of the course: 

    1. Understanding of microsimulation as a methodological tool for the social sciences

    2. Use of the tax-benefit microsimulation model EUROMOD

    3. Understanding of the model’s output in terms of:

    • Distributional effects
    • Fiscal effects
    • Labour market incentives

    4. Learning to design tax-benefit policies with the use of EUROMOD

    5. Development of analytical and synthetic skill through the elaboration of a project

    6. Development of demonstration and debate skills through public presentation of the main points of the project  

    Prerequisites: None

    Course contents: 

    1. Introduction to microsimulation

    2. The tax-benefit microsimulation model EUROMOD

    3. Simulating social benefits

    4. Simulating direct taxes

    5. Simulating social insurance contributions

    6. Evaluating the distributional and fiscal effects of public policies

    7. Impact of public policies on work incentives

    8. Design of EU-wide policies with the aim of income poverty reduction

    Recommended reading

    • Handbook of Microsimulation Modelling (Edited by: Cathal O’Donoghue, 2014, Emerald Group Publishing)  
    • Sutherland, H. (2018) Quality assessment of microsimulation models: the case of EUROMOD, International Journal of Microsimulation
    • Handbook on poverty and inequality (Edited by: Haughton, Jonathan; Khandker, Shahidur R., 2009, Washington, DC: World Bank)

    Teaching methods

    Classroom lectures, Projects

    Assessment methods

    Written examination (50%) and Project (50%)

    Language of instruction

    Greek, with frequent English terminology