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Practical Data Science for Public Policy Making

This repository holds all the course materials for 2024 Practical Data Science for Public Policy Making in Kyoto University.

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Overview

The course provides some commonly used methods in Applied Econometrics and Computational Economics. Furthermore, it also focuses on application of the methods to practical problems in a regional government: students will participate in the joint research project with Kochi prefecture. Through the lectures, you need to obtain a scientific way of thinking to solve social problems in governments and private sectors.

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Instructor

Naoki Tani (Program-Specific Associate Professor, Research Center for Advanced Policy Studies (CAPS), Institute of Economic Research, Kyoto University & Ministry of Finance)

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Material

The materials are written inside notebooks and markdown files (usually in slide/).

Tutorial files (in tutorial/) are expected to be run and filled by students.

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Setup requirement

• Students should use their laptops to engage in tutorials.
• Need to install Python and Jupyter Lab.
• Easy instructions are given in the following URLs.
  • Python: https://www.python.org/downloads/
  • Jupyte Lab: https://jupyterlab.readthedocs.io/en/stable/getting_started/installation.html

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Syllabus

1. Introduction (Apr. 11)

   • Course requirements and grading (mini exams, take-home exam, and group presentation)

2. Tutorial 1: Python Basics (1) (Apr. 11)

3. Practice mini exam (open-book) and comments (Apr. 18)

4. Tutorial 2: Python Basics (2) (Apr. 18)

5. Tutorial 3: Epidemiology model (Apr. 25)

6. Mini exam (open-book) and comments: Theil inequality decomposition method (Apr. 25)

7. Tutorial 4: Descriptive analysis and data visualisation (1) (Apr. 25)

8. Mini exam (open-book) and comments (May 9)

9. Tutorial 5: Descriptive analysis and data visualisation (2) (May 9)

10. Special lecture made by K. Nakamura (Director for Tourism Policy, Kochi Prefectural Government) (May 9)

11. Mini exam (open-book) and comments (May 23)

12. Tutorial 6: Basic econometric analysis (1) (May 23)

13. Special lecture made by K. Shonaka (Director for Public Finance, Wakayama Prefectural Government) (May 23)

14. Mini exam (open-book) and comments (May 30)

15. Tutorial 7: Basic econometric analysis (2) (May 30, 8:45-10:15)

16. Tutorial 8: Basic econometric analysis (3) (May 30, 8:45-10:15)

17. Group presentation (Jul. 4, 8:45-10:15)

    • Each group must submit its .ipynb file and presentation materials by the end of June.
    • The presentation time is 30 minutes which include 20 minutes presentation and 10 minutes discussion.
    • 8:45-9:15 '若年層、女性客' group
    • 9:15-9:45 '中山間地域' group
    • 9:45-10:15 instructor

18. Special lecture (Jul. 22)

19. Special lecture (Jul. 22)

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Grading

• Mini exams (60%)

• Group presentation (40%)