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Microeconometrics

Modern Approaches to Difference-in-Differences

Master differences-in-differences analysis to accurately measure policy impacts and enhance decision-making with empirical evidence.

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20h (10 days)
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€775 - €1,325
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Online
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English
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Microeconometrics
Modern Approaches to Difference-in-Differences
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Course Overview

This course covers both foundational concepts, such as the potential outcomes framework and the parallel trends assumption, and advanced topics like staggered DiD, non-parametric estimators, and synthetic control methods.

This comprehensive course delves into essential topics including:
– Potential outcomes
– Social experiments
– Matching instrumental variables
– Regression discontinuity
– Difference in differences (DiD)

Participants gain vital tools to accurately discern cause-and-effect relationships, empowering them to make informed decisions in policy-making, research, and strategic planning.

Faculty

Discover what makes this a unique learning opportunity

1

Engage with Expert Faculty: Learn from leading researchers in econometrics and policy evaluation

2

Covers the Latest Methods: Learn cutting-edge techniques, including recent estimators by Callaway & Sant’Anna (2021), Abraham & Sun (2021), and Borusyak et al. (2021), designed to address the limits of traditional DiD approaches.

3

Hands-on Learning: Gain practical experience through applied exercises using real-world data and modern statistical software.

4

Applied and Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Engage with diverse viewpoints and case studies that reflect real challenges in policy evaluation across sectors

5

Policy-Relevant Skills: Develop the tools needed to carry out rigorous impact evaluations that inform data-driven decisions in research, government, and industry.

6

Interactive Online Format: Flexible schedule, ideal for professionals.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for a diverse audience, including economists, public policy analysts, social scientists, graduate students, statisticians, data scientists, program evaluators, and business analysts. 

  • Academic and applied economists will find this course particularly beneficial as it enhances their ability to evaluate the impact of policies and interventions over time
  • Public policy analysts, working in sectors such as health, education, and labor markets, will gain essential tools for assessing the effectiveness of policy changes
  • Social scientists, including researchers in sociology and political science, will be equipped to study causal relationships and policy impacts with greater precision 
  • Graduate students in economics, public policy, sociology, and related disciplines will deepen their understanding of causal inference methods
  • Statisticians and data scientists focusing on longitudinal data will benefit from advanced techniques to design and analyze experiments and observational studies
  • Program evaluators in NGOs, government agencies, and private firms will learn to assess intervention effectiveness more accurately
  • Business analysts in the private sector will acquire skills to evaluate the impact of business strategies, marketing campaigns, and operational changes over time

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the core principles of modern Difference-in-Differences (DiD) methods, including the potential outcomes framework and the parallel trends assumption

  • Apply advanced DiD techniques such as:

    • Non-parametric group and time-specific estimators (Callaway & Sant’Anna, 2021)

    • Fully-saturated event study specifications (Abraham & Sun, 2021)

    • Imputation estimators (Borusyak, Jarvel, & Spiess, 2021)

    • Synthetic control methods and stacked DiD approaches

  • Use statistical software to implement DiD methods with real-world data

  • Conduct robust policy evaluations, including data preparation, model estimation, and result interpretation

  • Assess the validity of assumptions and understand the impact of methodological choices on inference

  • Design and critique empirical strategies for causal analysis in academic, public, or private sector contexts

By the end of the course, participants will be proficient in using contemporary DiD methodologies to conduct rigorous and credible policy evaluations, making them valuable assets in academic research, public policy analysis, and industry applications.

Key topics for Modern Approaches to Difference-in-Differences

Take a look at the themes covered in the next edition of Modern Approaches to Difference-in-Differences course.

Course topics

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  • Basic setup – potential outcomes
  • Difference-in-differences and parallel trends assumption
  • Two-way fixed effects
  • Staggered DiD and the risky comparisons: Goodman-Bacon
  • Recent developments:
    • Non-parametric group and time-specific estimator (Callaway and Sant’Anna, 2021)
    • Fully saturated event study specification (Abraham and Sun, 2021).
    • Imputation estimator (Borusyak, Jarvel and Spiess, 2021).
    • Stacked DiD (Cengiz et al. 2019).
  • Synthetic control method

STATA License

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  • Every participant will receive a time-limited personal free license of STATA several days before the start of the course. Participants should install the STATA software on their computers for use during the practical sessions

Why should you attend BSE Executive Education courses?

All BSE Executive Education courses are taught to the same high standard as our Master’s programs.

1

Network with like-minded peers from around the world

2

Short courses allow you to learn without a big time commitment

3

Try something new and expand your knowledge and career prospects, or advance your thesis

Admissions

Considering taking part in BSE Modern Approaches to Difference-in-Differences Executive Education course? Check you meet the requirements below.

Applications for this course are closed
Next edition: TBA

Requirements

  • Candidates are assessed on an individual basis according to their professional or academic background

Prerequisites include

  • To enroll in this course, participants should have a foundational understanding of econometrics.
  • Having completed introductory courses covering ordinary least squares (OLS) and its assumptions
  • Some notion of endogenous regressors and instrumental variables, as well as panel data analysis
  • Prior experience with statistical software used for econometric analysis, such as Stata, R, or Python

A solid grasp of these concepts ensures that students can effectively engage with the advanced methodologies taught in the course and apply advanced difference-in-differences techniques to real-world data.

Get up to speed with the latest developments in Microeconometrics in a short time.

Course Schedule

The times listed are Central European Time (CET). Compare with your time zone on time.is.

Instructors, topics, and schedules are subject to change.

Schedule

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Time
1
Mon
2
Tue
3
Wed
4
Thu
5
Fri
14:00-16:00
Lecture
Practical
Lecture
Practical
Lecture

Sessions take place Mon – Fri over 10 days.

Certificate and Fees

Certificate

Participants who attend at least 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance free of charge. Participants will not be graded or assessed during the course.

Fees

A 10% discount applies when the confirmation payment is completed on or before the announced Early bird deadline.

Multiple course discounts are available. Find out more information in our Fees and Discounts pdf.

Fees for courses in other Executive Education programs may vary.

Course
Modern Approaches to Difference-in-Differences
Modality
Online
Total Hours
20
Regular Fee
1,325€
Reduced Fee*
775€

* Reduced Fee applies for PhD or Master’s students, Alumni of BSE Master’s programs, and participants who are unemployed.

FAQ

Need more information? Check out our most frequently asked questions.

Are the sessions recorded?

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Sessions will be recorded and videos will be available for a month once the course has finished.

How much does each Executive Education course cost?

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Fees for each course may vary. Please consult each course page for accurate information.

Are there any discounts available?

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Yes, BSE offers a variety of discounts on its Executive Education courses. See more information about available discounts or request a personalized discount quote by email.

Can I take more than one course?

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Yes! You can combine any of the Executive Education courses (schedule permitting). See the full course calendar here.

Cancelation and Refund Policy

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Please consult BSE Executive Education policies for more information.

Contact our Admissions Team

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