This course focuses on methods and applications in the field of regional and transport economics. Among others, the following topics and questions are addressed:

• Empirical methods in regional and transport economics (among others, regression analysis, and discrete decision models)
• Calculation of inputs for evaluation procedures (e.g.: how valuable is a 10min reduction in travel time?)
• Application of the methods to current topics: financing of public transport, parking management, sustainable mobility, commuting, autonomous cars, car- & ride-sharing, e-mobility, etc.

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with empirical methods and applications of regional and transport economics. Therefore, the focus is on an interactive course design with various exercises, group and individual work.

In the event of more than two absences - for whatever reason - no assessment is made.

• Interactive
• Analysis of a scientific paper
• Computer tutorials
• Linking empirical applications and theory 
• Group project: elaboration of a current topic with subsequent presentation 
• Essay: analysis of two media reports with diverging conclusions

A total of 100 points can be achieved in the course. Minimum points for each grade are as follows:

      5    -
      4    61
      3    71
      2    81
      1    91

Group project including presentation (40 points): 
The presentations are being prepared in teams of 2 students and should be around 25-30 minutes long (+ discussion of 15-20 minutes). The assignment of groups and topics will take place in the first session. 
The grading will be based on the following criteria: 
•    Reference to and inclusion of current (scientific) literature
•    Reference to and inclusion of (theoretical) concepts and methods introduced in the course sessions 
•    Reference to and inclusion of relevant examples
•    Suitable design of slides and presentation contents
•    Competent answers to questions asked during the discussion 

Literature analysis: Impact of Infrastructure (15 points):
Each student will be assigned a scientific article that deals with one aspect of infrastructure impacts. Students will be provided with a template of questions that have to be answered as well as the grading criteria for the assignment. 

Learning Logs (10 points):
Each course participant has to create and submit 2 so-called "Learning Logs". These concern empirical models carried out on the computer: 
•    Regression analyses 
•    Discrete decision models 
In both cases, the "Learning Log" consists of a reflection of the learned concepts (1-1.5 pages). The assessment is primarily based on how informative and in-depth the log is composed. The Learning Logs have to be submitted 5 days after the respective computer tutorials.

Essay "Mobility of the Future" (15 points):
Students select one (narrowly defined) topic that can be considered part of the larger discourse "Mobility of the Future". The students select 2 media reports or popular/scientific studies that represent differing opinions about the topic. 
A 2-page essay should be written that contains the following elements: 
•    Short summary of both reports/studies, incl. connection to course contents 
•    In which points do the two reports/studies agree?
•    In which points do the two reports/studies disagree? What are the differences based on? Is the author's description of the topic one-sided? Do the authors formulate different assumptions? If yes, are the assumptions justified? 
•    What is your personal opinion about this topic? 
The selection of the reports/studies, as well as the quality of the self-written text (reflection, originality, structure), contribute to the essay grade. In addition to the self-written text (.pdf format), students also have to submit a scan or weblink to the included reports/studies. The deadline for the submission is January 25th.

Active Participation (20 points):
The assessment of the 'active participation' will include the following aspects: 
•    Active participation in the form of questions and contributions during the class sessions 
•    Quality of the feedback/questions following the presentations of the other students 

Attendance in the 1st course unit is obligatory. Simultaneous attendance of Regional Economics 1 recommended.

Institute für Multilevel Governance and Development

E-Mail: stefanie.peer@wu.ac.at

It is recommended to visit Regional Economics 1 and Regional Economics 2 at the same time in the winter semester 2020/21. In the summer semester 2021 both courses will be offered in German.