Description
Microsimulation modelling in this course relates to the simulation of the Australian tax and benefit system on actual persons and households using survey data. The simulations are used for the purpose of understanding existing current and alternative policies in Australia.
Microsimulation modelling is used heavily by researchers and policy analysts in Government but increasingly in academia and the private sector. Microsimulation modelling offers the researcher the capability to understand complex systems such as the tax and transfer system in Australia by simulating the rules of these systems on actual persons and households. By working at the individual level this technique offers insights to policy that is otherwise not feasible.
Recent examples of microsimulation modelling use in Australia include the modelling of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 Federal Budgets. Each of these budgets proposed a complex array of new or altered policies that impact on the disposable incomes and work incentives of Australians. This analysis enabled a full understanding of the winners and losers from the budget in what is called a ‘distributional analysis’. Microsimulation modelling can also incorporate behavioural impacts through altered economic behaviour or dynamic impacts through time.
Topics
- Simulating the tax and transfer system
- Simulating population change
- Analysing policy change using microsimulation techniques
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion, enrollee's will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the key concepts of microsimulation modelling
- Outline the strengths and weaknesses of existing models from an analysis or policy perspective
- Discuss some of the main assumptions underlying different techniques
- Design or critique a microsimulation model
Indicative assessment
Assignment 1 – Introductions and identification of data analysis questions (500 words, 20% of final mark) LO: 1, 2
Assignment 2 – Analysis plan (1,500 words, 80% of final mark) LO: 3, 4, 5, 6
Assumed knowledge
Completion of ANU Micro-credential Data Analysis and Interpretation (or equivalent).
This micro-credential is taught at graduate level and assumes the generic skills of a Bachelors or equivalent.
Micro-credential stack information
This micro-credential may be undertaken as part of a stack by completing Data Analysis and Interpretation.
Details
Course Code: DATA26
Workload: 21 hours
- Contact hours: 7 hours
- Individual study and assessment: 14 hours
ANU unit value: 1 unit
AQF Level: 8
Contact: Associate Professor Benjamin Phillips
This Micro-credential is taught at a graduate level. This is not an AQF qualification.
