Particular information related to courses of SS 2020

040057 UK Macroeconometrics (MA)

· In the first unit, the above plan of the course has been reviewed and confirmed. On March 6, the date for the first test was convened for Friday, April 24, 2020. These tests are meant to take place within the usual course units. In accordance with official guidelines, however, ultimately no tests requiring physical presence materialized in this semester.

· Two sets of slides (univariate and multivariate time series models) have been sent to participants or made accessible in Moodle. In case you would like to obtain these slides but you have not been on the mailing list or you are not actively registered, please just contact me and request them.

· Important material for this course were uploaded on Moodle, both in voice-over form and as PDF files. This material should be convenient for the support of self-study during the period of virus lockdown. These uploads were continued during breaks and public holidays.

· An old midterm test has been made accessible to participants as a homework assignment. It had to be sent electronically by participants before May 3. It contributes 10% to the overall grade. Participation was strong here, and all have been informed about their performance.

· In response to the current continuing “virus” situation, the original plan concerning midterm, final test, presentation, and project paper had to be reconsidered. The following is also visible on U:find. During May and early June, two homework assignments (20%) are issued. The empirical project contributes another 35%, an electronic type of presentation carries additional 10%. Detailed instructions have been mailed to participants. Ultimately, a final test contributes another 35%.

· The final test (online via Moodle) has taken place on June 19, 2020, 11:30-13:30. Students have been notified of their scores by email.

· Project reports have been submitted by June 30, 2020. Most of them are interesting and good, often accompanied by program codes and data, partly also by voice files. A summary evaluation was sent to all students. Individual participants were notified with detailed comments on issues in the project reports.

040256-1 UK Panel Data Econometrics (MA)

· In the first units, the above plan of the course has been reviewed and confirmed.

· Participants have been asked for their preferences regarding a date for the midterm test. Seven participants have responded, two gave no preference vote. Among the 5 who gave a preference, three preferred April 30, 2020. In accordance with official guidelines, however, in this semester no tests requiring physical presence could materialize.

· Important material for this course has been uploaded on Moodle. There are three types of material: slide sections define the relevant material for the final test; voice-over videos are a close substitute for traditional lecture units; PDF files contain additional support material. These files should be convenient for the support of self-study during the current period without physical presence at the university. These uploads were continued during breaks and public holidays.

· An old midterm test has been made accessible to participants as a homework assignment. It had to be submitted electronically by participants until May 3. It contributes 15% to the overall grade. Participants have been informed on their scores.

· I had to react to the continuing reduction in university facilities by re-adjusting the evaluation scheme. Only one test is feasible in June, such that participants can work on their projects after the test, see below. The reformed plan is visible on U:find: The empirical project carries a weight of 40%, an oral presentation (not mandatory) of the project carries 10%, 30% remain for a final test and up to 15% for two lesser homework assignments.

· The final test (online, via Moodle) has taken place on June 18, 2020, 11:30-13:30. Participants have been notified of their scores.

· Project reports have been submitted by June 30, 2020. Most of them are interesting and good, often accompanied by program codes and data, partly also by voice files. A summary evaluation was sent to all students. Individual participants were notified with detailed comments on issues in the project reports.