Methods and Models for Economic Decisions - 2019-2020
Description of the course
Scientific areas: 13-Economics and statistics sciences
Sector: SECS-P01, SECS-P02, SECS-P03, SECS-P04, SECS-P05, SECS-P06, SECS-P07, SECS-P08, SECS-P12; SECS-S03, SECS-S06.
Topic and goals:
A significant part of economic analysis focuses on decision-making processes. Consumers and producers, workers and firms, banks and managers, households and policy makers continuously make economically relevant decisions. Economists are interested in understanding, predicting, or modifying the processes underlying these decisions.
The analysis of decisions relies on methods and models that differ significantly according to the different fields of research. For instance, classical decision theory is largely based on abstract mathematical modelling, while more recent research in behavioral decision theory significantly relies on experimental methods. Econometric models are used to investigate the determinants of specific decisions, such as those concerning labor, transports, or health. Computational methods are used to simulate how artificial agents interact, and to investigate the effects of their interaction.
The PhD program in Methods and Models for Economic Decisions trains young researchers to master the variety of theoretical and applied approaches that are used in economics for analyzing decision-making processes. In the first year of the program, PhD students acquire a broad set of research skills in model construction and data analysis, and thus become capable of understanding the complex phenomena related to decision making in a multidisciplinary perspective. During the second and third year of the program, PhD students focus on a specific field of analysis and develop their own research agenda under the supervision of a faculty member.
The courses are taught in English, and the program lasts three years. At the end of the third year students submit their PhD dissertation, which is usually made of three research papers.
For more information see: https://www.eco.uninsubria.it/PhDMMED
Admission requirements
Master Degree (second or single cycle, national or foreign title).
Assessment criteria for admission:
– graduation final mark (max 15 points);
– relevance of the final dissertation for the PhD topics (max 15 points; the applicant must submit an abstract of the thesis or its integral version);
– publications and conference presentations on topics relevant for the PhD program (max 5 points);
– training activities and professional experience relevant for the PhD (max 5 points);
– any other assessable qualification, including language certifications, and up to 3 recommendation letters (max 20 points).
Only applicants awarded with a minimum of 40 points on the qualification assessment are admitted to the interview.
Applicants are interviewed on their scientific interests and their motivations for applying to this specific PhD program. The interview, which can be evaluated up to a maximum of 60 points, also tests the basic knowledge of economics and quantitative topics, as well as the knowledge of English, and could involve a discussion of possible research lines related to the PhD.
Only applicants awarded with a minimum of 40 points on the qualification assessment are admitted to the interview.
Applicants are interviewed on their scientific interests and their motivations for applying to this specific PhD program. The interview can be evaluated up to a maximum of 60 points, and only applicants awarded with a minimum of 40 points in the interview can access to the next steps of the selection process. The interview tests the basic knowledge of economics and quantitative topics, as well as the knowledge of English, and could involve a discussion of possible research lines related to the PhD. Applicants may perform the interview in English or Italian
Frequency and teaching program
Area: 13-Economics and statistics
SECS-P01, SECS-P02, SECS-P03, SECS-P04, SECS-P05, SECS-P06, SECS-P07, SECS-P08, SECS-P12; SECS-S03, SECS-S06.
In the first year, students attend the Program’s courses at the Department of Economics of Insubria University, which is located in Varese. These are not the standard first-year courses in quantitative methods, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, but cover the specific and more advanced topics in decision theory addressed by the PhD program. Courses focus on three main areas of research: (i) the economic theory of decision making, in the mainstream as well as behavioral version; (ii) econometric techniques to analyze economic decisions recorded either in the laboratory or the field; (iii) the study of economic indicators of risk and inequality associated with the outcome of collective choices.
Tailor-made solutions for students necessitating to improve their knowledge of quantitative methods, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics will be identified.
In the first year, students also identify the broad topic of their PhD dissertation and the member of the PhD board who will serve as their supervisor. Finally, they pin down the topic for their first research paper.
The second and third years are entirely dedicated to research. Students work on their research papers and progressively define the theme and structure of their PhD dissertation. Students are expected to attend seminars and other training events held at the Department of Economics.
In addition, students are strongly encouraged to spend part of the second and third years in foreign universities and research institutions. They can choose among universities having exchange programs with Insubria University (e.g. the University of Jena) or institutions particularly active in their field of research.
During the second and the third year, students are also encouraged to present their research papers at internal seminars and international conferences, and then submit them to international journals.
Other courses related to the PhD program’s topic are taught by external professors visiting the Economics Department.
For more information see: https://www.eco.uninsubria.it/PhDMMED
Contacts
Address: c/o Dipartimento di Economia – DiECO – Università degli Studi dell'Insubria
Via Monte Generoso 71 - 21100 Varese – Italy
Foreign Students’ Office of the Economics Department (email: foreign.students.eco@uninsubria.it )
Coordinator: Prof. Ivan Moscati (email: ivan.moscati@uninsubria.it )
Website: https://www.eco.uninsubria.it/PhDMMED
Contacts: Tel.: +39 0332 395521 | Fax: +39 0332 395509
Enroll
You can enroll after a selection process based on qualifications and an oral examination (see section on Admission requirements.)
Applications can be submitted by Italian and non-Italian citizens who have completed or are completing their graduate studies.