00915 - Economic Statistics

Learning outcomes

The aim is to give a knowledge concerning main aspects connected with the measurement of economic phenomena. Which variables we have to consider and why, how data concerning such variables are collected. These are the main questions the course want to give a reply. The topics presented in the course constitute a necessary background to meet the statistical and econometric analysis of an economy. The first part is devoted to give an analytical description of the system of National Accounting . In such frame the main economic variables concerning the real and financial sphere of the economy are presented showing the their relationships. Strategies for taking surveys and some aspects of data quality are introduced. Some specific topic are deepened, like measurement and statistical modelling of production, consumption and labour market. Indicator of specialisationa and location of economic activities are considered and, finally, attention is put on change over time. Number index theory is presented with special attention to prices and inflation.

Course contents

1. Economic facts and their measurement. Methods for observing and measuring economic evidence. Economic theory and measurement of economic phenomena. Micro and macro economic analysis. The concepts of production, value added and income. 2. System of National Account. Main economic flows and the system of national accounts. Quantitative representation of economic systems by national economic accounts schemes. Main features of the European system of National Accounts. Flows and stocks. Defining and grouping economic units: subjects and operations. Real economic transactions and accounts. Assets and liabilities, financial instruments and accounts. The system of economic accounts. Relevant balances. The production system analysis: the input-output model. The input-output model and the system of national accounts. Using input-output tables: inter-industry relationships, impact and multipliers analysis. Compilation of input-output tables. 3. Producing economic data. Sources of data. Statistical surveys. The main steps of a survey. Measurement and non-sampling errors. Data quality. Estimating employment: the labour force survey. The estimation of value added and consumption. 4. Economic variables across time Nominal and real aggregates. Measurement of changes across time. The index numbers. Properties of index numbers. Measuring inflation. The statistical approach and main index formulas. Main price and quantity indices in Italy. 5. Measuring and analysing Labour market and labour market indicators. Measuring and analysing production: GDP estimate; defining and measuring productivity; modelling production. Measuring and analysing consumption: the survey on consumption; modelling consumption. 6. Indicators of specialisation and location of economic activities. Change decomposition: the shift and share model.

Readings/Bibliography

A. Santeusanio, G.Storti, Statistica economica, 2003, Salerno, CUSL. Free download: http://www.unisa.it//Facolta/Economia/docenti/Storti/

Teaching methods

Lectures. Presenting actual statistical data and sources. Written exercises.

Assessment methods

Oral discussion and preliminary written test.

Teaching tools

In the web site: teaching material and exercises

Links to further information

http://sito docente: www2.stat.unibo.it/drudi/

Office hours

See the website of Carlo Filippucci