Applied Economics of Consumption

In this course we consider the various aspects of empirical economic analysis from data generation to interpreting and using the results. An important objective of the course is to train the students in techniques for carrying out independent empirical economic analysis and interpreting and using the outcome of such analysis to answer real life problems. The outset of the course is microeconomic theory to explain consumption behavior and market potentials, but we consider many more aspects of the applied economics than the basic theory.

Topics that we will consider include the suitability of different types of data (e.g. surveys , focus groups, register data) to answer different research questions, advantages and disadvantages of choosing different model types and functional forms. Furthermore we will focus on how to use the outcome of empirical analysis e.g. derivation of economic welfare measures, willingness-to-pay (WTP) measures, market prospects, calculation of consumer surplus, revenue generation, private and social costs. We will also consider aspects as regulation of consumer behavior via taxation and information provision etc. to exemplify how the outcome from our economic models can be used to simulate and generate answers to real life problems. Each of the  above mentioned issues will be derived from microeconomic theory and as such the course will consider empirical work from idea to finished product.

Based on state-of-the-art literature on these aspects, we will work on 2 food-related cases aiming to develop, interpret and use empirical model types relevant for different aspects of business or policy analysis during the course. The two cases are aimed at giving the students hand-on experience of how to work in the field of applied economics. The specific topics to be analysed will be decided at the beginning of the course,if possible based on the interests of the students. Examples may include:

• Economic consequences of alternative schemes for taxation or subsidization of food consumption – for consumers, suppliers and the public sector.
• Market potentials for food products with specific attributes
• Impacts of information on food consumption behavior and its implications for economic welfare.

The course will be relevant for you who will be employed to perform or understand empirical economic analyses, whether you will work in a Ministry, an NGO or for a private company, and useful for you that intend to carry out empirical work for your thesis.