Practical Microsimulation Modelling

The purpose of this book is to bring together, for the first time, a description and examples of the main methods used in microsimulation modelling used in the field of income distribution analysis. It is structured to develop and use the different types of models used in the field, with a focus on household targeted policy.

The book aims to provide a greater degree of codified knowledge by providing a practical guide to developing and using microsimulation models. At present, the training of researchers and analysts that use and develop microsimulation modelling is done on a relatively ad hoc basis through occasional training programmes and lecture series, built around lecture notes. Practical Microsimulation Modelling enables a more formalised and organised approach. Each chapter addresses a separate modelling approach in a similar consistent way, describing in a practical way the key methodological skills for each approach.

Cathal O'Donoghue, National University of Ireland, Galway

Cathal O'Donoghue is the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences at NUI Galway and Professor of Public and Social Policy. He was formerly Head of Teagasc's (Ireland's Agriculture and Food Development Authority) Rural Economy and Development Programme. He was CEO of the Irish Government's Commission for the
Economic Development of Rural Areas 2012-2014, Chairman of the Irish Sport Horse Strategy Committee 2013-2015, was President of the International Microsimulation Association 2011-2015 and is on the Executive of the UK Agricultural Economics Society. He has been an advisor to many international
organisations and was a long term advisor to the UK Government's Department of Work and Pensions on policy modelling earlier in his career. He has held positions at the ESRI, UK Government Economics Service, the University of Cambridge, and NUI Galway.

Part I: Introduction
1. Introduction
2. XLSIM: Developing a Software Tool to Assist Training and Learning in Micosimulation Modelling
Part II: Static Models
3. Anti-Poverty Policy
4. Redistribution and Income Tax Reform
Part III: Behavioural Models
5. Labour Supply Behaviour
6. Indirect Taxation and Consumption Behaviour
7. Environmental Taxation
Part IV: Dynamic and Spatial Models
8. Decomposing Changes in Inequality Over Time
9. Pension Reform and Life Course Distributions
10. Spatial Inequality