MATERIALS ON THE INTERNET RELATED TO THE MASD DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AT ISS

The diploma programme on Modelling and Accounting for Sustainable Development (MASD) has been designed to familiarize participants with integrated accounting systems and modelling techniques aimed at addressing present day policy concerns, with particular reference to issues of sustainable and equitable development 

All participants will first do the compulsory Core Courses component. This component consists of a course in macro-(socio-) economic modelling, with particular reference to aspects of  income distribution and poverty, and  a course  in national accounting frameworks (in particular SNA '93), dealing with aspect of  structure and compilation. Next, participants will select one of the following Specialization areas and follow the courses of that area

   Jan van Heemst;       Convenor, MASD

1.     Macro-(socio-)economic Modelling and Econometrics (MME)

Firstly, this area includes courses dealing at an advanced level with different kinds of  macro-(socio-)economic models  and their application in policy simulation and analysis. In addition, courses in econometric methods and their applications as tools in general economic analysis form part of this area. 

2.     National Accounting and Basic Statistics (NABS)

 Firstly, this area includes courses dealing at a more advanced level with structural and conceptual aspects of  SNA '93, including compilation methodology. Furthermore a course is included  in survey methodology, dealing with theoretical aspects and applications. Among other things, this course outlines out the strengths and weaknesses of sample surveys as a primary data source vis-à-vis other basic data sources.

Target Groups

The programme is aimed at the following categories of professionals: 1) those directly involved in policy preparation and formulation, e.g. macro-economic analysts and planners; 2) those involved in the compilation of data frameworks required for policy preparation and formulation, i.e. statisticians, and, more specifically, national accountants; 3) those involved in teaching and training in these fields.

In addition to the general requirements for admission to ISS graduate diploma programmes, applicants should meet the following criteria:

i)                    a solid background in mathematics and statistics;

ii)                   familiarity with  macro- and micro-economic concepts;  basic national accounting concepts; software used in quantitative analysis. 

MASD-related materials on the web

The MASD-related materials on the web, including the “Introduction to National Accounting: Concepts and Extension”, give an indication of the level of knowledge and skills participants are expected to possess of the areas in question when entering the programme. In case prospective participants find that their knowledge / skills in some of these areas have become somewhat "rusty", they should study these materials to bring themselves up to the level required for the programme.