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Software use in modelling systems

The large-scale modelling systems developed at the institute need carefully designed software solutions. Both the huge amount of data handled and specific methodological solutions, e.g. non-linear optimization problems, require the use of special packages.

These packages are partly bought from specialized software firms, and partly developed by the staff of the institute directly. Self-developed software now runs for more than two decades, but was continuously revised.

Today, the strategy of the institute can be summarized as follows:

  • Use of standard applications such as WORD and EXCEL for reports and graphics
  • Application of GAMS to implement economic models
  • Small-scale projects or components are based on standard or specialized software packages, e.g. for econometric analysis
  • Standardized JAVA solution for model exploitation, using interfaces to GAMS file formats
  • Use of a web based Software Version System to synchronize tool development, maintenance and application
  • Application of good practise guides for coding
  • Graphical User Interfaces realised in Java to steer work flow in large scale modelling systems (CAPRI)

Application of GAMS and econometric packages, but also EXCEL, to didactic examples is integrated in the course program of the department.

The by now outdated software concept for former large-scale systems (SPEL, DIES, RAUMIS, WATSIM, WFM) was characterized as follows:

  • strictly modular concept developed
  • large-scale systems based on self-developed libraries (FORTRAN), possibly linked to commercial products
  • self-developed data-base management system to ensure a robust and efficient data handling in large-scale systems
  • windows-like graphical user interfaces (C), based on a portable GUI (XVT)
  • ready-to-use packages or stand-alone-programs wherever possible, e.g. MINOS as non-linear solver
  • interfaces to standard applications such as EXCEL

International Workshop: Software Use in Agricultural Sector Modelling

Bonn, Germany, Institute for Agricultural Policy, 27 - 28 June 1996

Adequate software is a basic requirement for successful and efficient development, maintenance and application of Agricultural Sector Models. Whereas methodological questions are widely discussed in the literature and in conferences, comparatively, little is known about the software of Agricultural Sector Models.

Following discussions among several German institutions working in the field of Agricultural Sector Models, it was agreed to organise a small-scale international workshop in this field, to which members of different modelling groups would be invited. The workshop was aimed at enhancing information exchange on the status quo, allowing discussion on possible future developments and ensuring continued co-operation among participants.

The following institutions participated in the workshop:

The first day of the workshop was devoted to presentations of concepts, experiences and planned improvements of software use in the different institutions. A broad variety of different concepts was presented. Most institutions considered their solution suitable for their specific tasks, but outlined possible improvements.

Roundtable discussions were held on the second day. Discussions focused on the presentations of the previous day and tackled some important topics emerging from the presentations, namely:

  • Steering of a cluster of regional models
  • Data base management, data viewing/exploitation, error tracking
  • Equation/matrix generation in (N)LP programming
  • Integration of econometric estimation into modelling systems

It was generally agreed by participants that exchange in the field of software solutions for modelling systems is an important contribution to modelling efficiency. None of the institutions felt totally at ease developing their own software, e.g. programming languages, spreadsheet macros, and econometric packages. Therefore, they had a preference for purchasing tools directly from software companies, e.g. libraries or standard applications.

However, the discussion also showed that - although standardization is increasing in specific fields (e.g. the spreading use of GAMS as a tool in optimization) - some of the large-scale systems presented at the workshop are probably not suited for the all-in-one ready-to-use packages marketed by software companies. Thus, the institutions will still have to develop their own software solutions, although this will probably be limited to some core areas, especially on interfaces between commercial products.

Since both the evaluation of third-party products and own development work are cumbersome and expensive, a key for succesful software use is an adequate standardization across systems and instutions. Several specific steps to enhance future co-operation were agreed upon at the workshop.

Dr. Chaudhary from FAPRI proposed to organise a follow-up to the workshop, which was held - with a broader focus - as a session on "The Process of Agricultural Policy Modelling: Methodology and Experiences" at the joint annual meetings of the American and Canadian Associations of Agricultural Economists in Toronto, Canada, July 27-30, 1997.

Related Publications:

  • Greuel H.J. (1996): Concept of Modelling Software at the Institute for Agricultural Policy Bonn, Paper presented at the: International Workshop on Software Use in Agricultural Sector Modelling, Bonn, Institute for Agricultural Policy, 27 - 28 June 1996
  • Zintl, A., Greuel, H.J. (1995): SPEL System, Technical documentation (Rev. 1) Vol. 1: Basics, EUROSTAT Luxembourg, January 1995.
  • Zintl, A., Greuel, H.J. (1995): SPEL System, Technical documentation (Rev. 1) Vol. 2: BS, SFSS, MFSS, EUROSTAT Luxembourg, January 1995.
  • Zintl, A., Greuel, H.J. (1992): SPEL system, Technical documentation, Statistical Office of the European Communities (Hrsg.), Brussels, Luxembourg 1992.

Contact:

Institute for Food and Resource Economics
University of Bonn,
Nussallee 21,D-53115 Bonn
FAX.: +49-228-73 4693

Last updated: Friday, October 15, 2010