Training Course on Advanced Spatial Econometrics for Urban and Regional Economists

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Spatial Econometrics and Spatial Data

ü  What is spatial econometrics?

ü  Types of spatial data: point, line, polygon

ü  Defining spatial weights matrices

ü  Concepts of spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity

ü  Practical Session: Constructing spatial weight matrices in R/Python

Module 2: Detecting and Modeling Spatial Autocorrelation

ü  Measures of spatial autocorrelation: Moran's I, Geary's C

ü  Local indicators of spatial association (LISA)

ü  Visualizing spatial patterns and clusters

ü  Implications of spatial autocorrelation for OLS regression

ü  Practical Session: Calculating and interpreting Moran's I and LISA maps

Module 3: Spatial Lag Models (SAR) and Their Estimation

ü  Theoretical foundation of the Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) Model

ü  Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) for SAR models

ü  Interpretation of parameters in SAR models

ü  Addressing endogeneity in spatial lag models

ü  Practical Session: Estimating and interpreting SAR models in R/Python

Module 4: Spatial Error Models (SEM) and Their Estimation

ü  Theoretical foundation of the Spatial Error Model (SEM)

ü  Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) for SEM models

ü  Interpretation of parameters in SEM models

ü  Comparing SAR and SEM models

ü  Practical Session: Estimating and interpreting SEM models in R/Python

Module 5: Spatial Durbin Models (SDM) and Direct/Indirect Effects

ü  Introduction to the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM)

ü  Decomposing total effects into direct and indirect (spillover) effects

ü  Estimation and interpretation of SDM parameters

ü  Choosing between SAR, SEM, and SDM

ü  Practical Session: Estimating SDM and calculating direct/indirect effects

Module 6: Advanced Topics in Spatial Regression and Estimation

ü  Spatially lagged X (SLX) models

ü  General Spatial Model (SAC/SARAR)

ü  Instrumental Variables (IV) and GMM estimation for spatial models

ü  Robustness checks and sensitivity analysis

ü  Practical Session: Implementing advanced estimation techniques for spatial models

Module 7: Spatial Panel Data Models

ü  Introduction to spatial panel data

ü  Fixed effects and random effects spatial panel models

ü  Dynamic spatial panel models

ü  Estimation challenges and solutions for spatial panels

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing spatial panel data using appropriate models

Module 8: Discrete Choice and Count Data Spatial Models

ü  Spatial probit and spatial logit models

ü  Spatial models for count data (e.g., spatial Poisson regression)

ü  Applications in location choice and event analysis

ü  Estimation strategies for non-linear spatial models

ü  Practical Session: Applying spatial discrete choice models to urban economic decisions

Module 9: Model Selection and Diagnostic Testing in Spatial Econometrics

ü  Lagrange Multiplier (LM) tests for spatial dependence

ü  Likelihood Ratio (LR) tests for model comparison

ü  Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC)

ü  Goodness-of-fit measures for spatial models

ü  Practical Session: Performing diagnostic tests and model selection for spatial models

Module 10: Applications of Spatial Econometrics in Urban and Regional Studies

ü  Analyzing urban housing markets and property values

ü  Modeling regional economic growth and convergence

ü  Spatial analysis of labor markets and migration

ü  Evaluating the spatial impacts of public policy and infrastructure projects

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a full spatial econometric analysis on a real-world urban/regional economic dataset

About Our Trainers

The training will be delivered by a team of highly experienced and certified trainers with extensive practical expertise in spatial econometrics and its application in urban and regional economics. Our trainers are academics and industry practitioners renowned for their research contributions and their ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into easily digestible and applicable knowledge, ensuring an engaging and impactful learning experience for all participants. They possess a deep understanding of the software and statistical methods taught, providing invaluable real-world insights.

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality training programs that meet the evolving needs of professionals in economics and related fields. Our courses are designed to be relevant, practical, and up-to-date with the latest advancements in econometric theory and computational methods, ensuring participants acquire skills that are immediately valuable in their research and analytical work. We pride ourselves on a curriculum that is both rigorous and accessible, fostering deep understanding and practical proficiency.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202