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Building and Using Nonlinear Excel Simulations: An Application to the Specific Factors Model

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Abstract

Excel simulation models have become increasingly common in the economics classroom, as their ability to combine numerical and graphical information has proved a useful support to traditional teaching methods. Recent efforts have tended to embed the solution within the Excel sheet, avoiding the need to use the Solver add-in and allowing changes in the exogenous characteristics of the model to be instantly reflected in the numerical solutions and any associated geometry. While this is quite simple in small-scale linear models, it is less straightforward in larger non-linear models such as those that dominate the theory of international trade. We discuss various methods that can be used in building Excel simulations when it is not possible to solve the underlying model explicitly. We illustrate the ideas and describe our experiences along with a new simulation of the specific factors model.

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  • John Gilbert & Onur A. Koska & Reza Oladi, 2022. "Building and Using Nonlinear Excel Simulations: An Application to the Specific Factors Model," Working Papers in Economics 22/08, University of Canterbury, Department of Economics and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:cbt:econwp:22/08
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    1. Soumaya M. Tohamy & J. Wilson Mixon, 2003. "Lessons from the Specific Factors Model of International Trade," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(2), pages 139-150, January.
    2. John Gilbert & Reza Oladi, 2011. "Excel Models for International Trade Theory and Policy: An Online Resource," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(1), pages 95-95, January.
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    6. Nick L. Guo & John Gilbert, 2014. "Demystifying Financial Markets for Saving and Insurance with Numerical Models," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(1), pages 78-78, March.
    7. Pezzino, Mario, 2016. "Understanding strategic competition using numerical simulations and dynamic diagrams in Mathematica," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 34-47.
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    9. Lin, Yu-Hsuan, 2021. "A classroom experiment on the specific factors model," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 37(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Numerical simulation; Excel; specific factors model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • F01 - International Economics - - General - - - Global Outlook

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