https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2026-2027/E_MFAE_PCSThis course serves as the final component of the Applied Econometrics minor and offers students the opportunity to apply their econometric knowledge in a real-world setting. Working in groups of four, students spend one month conducting empirical research on a practical case. Before the course begins, students form groups and submit their preferences for available cases. Based on these preferences, the student groups are matched with a case that aligns with their interests. While the topics of the cases vary, they all require students to demonstrate the advanced econometric skills they have developed throughout the minor. The aim of the course is to produce a research report and presentation that reflects ability to conduct applied econometric analysis through coding and well-reasoned modelling decisions.The focus throughout is to develop code for applying econometric methods to real data and interpreting results correctly in a presentation and report. Rather than emphasizing technical derivations, the course prioritizes well-reasoned model choices, justification of methodology, interpretation of outcomes, and consideration of alternative approaches. Students are encouraged to think critically, evaluate different modelling strategies, and present their findings in a clear and professional manner. The course begins with an introductory lecture that outlines the structure, expectations, and a suggested approach to planning the case work. Each case is introduced through a case description and a mandatory case-specific kick-off session.The course is structured around group work, supported by an introductory lecture, a mandatory case-specific kick-off session, feedback moments, and office hours. Each group is expected to dedicate full-time effort across the four-week period. Key contact moments include:Introductory lecture (first course day, 1.5 hours): Provides guidance on the work plan, grading, and expectations;Case-specific kick-off session (first course week, approximately 2 hours): Mandatory session in which the group meets with the case developer to clarify the case goals;Feedback moments: Completion of two documents to discuss challenges and assess whether the group is on track;Office Hours (twice every week): Participation is optional, but students are encouraged to use these sessions to discuss econometrics and coding questions.In the final week, each group submits their written report and presents their findings.The course includes two deliverables: a presentation and a report. Guidelines will be provided during the introductory lecture. To obtain a final grade, the following criteria must be met:Active participation in the mandatory case-specific kick-off during the first week of the course;Serious adherence to any additional case-specific agreements made, if applicable;Completion of the group work document in a sufficient manner;Completion of the progress document in a sufficient manner;Delivery of a presentation of sufficient quality;Submission of the report, along with the code and presentation slides.These criteria apply to all group members. If the above criteria are met by their respective deadlines, the final work will be graded on a scale of 1 to 10. Failing to meet at least one of these criteria will result in the final course grade being registered as "not valid". Peer evaluation is facilitated through FeedbackFruits – Group Member Evaluation, which allows group members to reflect on team contributions and resolve any potential disputes transparently.To participate in this course, students are expected to have followed the courses offered in periods 3.1 and 3.2 of the minor. These provide the foundational tools necessary to engage with any of the case topics. Some cases build directly on material covered in earlier courses, while others introduce more complex methods that require students to explore additional techniques through self-study. Students are allowed to choose their own software (unless stated differently in the case description), examples are Python, OxMetrics, Matlab, Eviews, R, Stata, and Time Series Lab, while ensuring that the packages are not black boxes to them.Canvas is used extensively throughout the course. Important moments include:Early December: Case descriptions become available.Mid-December: Deadline for registering group and submitting case preferences.Before Christmas: Case-group matches are announced.During the course period, Canvas is used for all official communications, registering for office hours, and submitting deliverables. Students are expected to monitor Canvas regularly for updates and announcements.