Describes the disadvantages of using "canned" simulations as a part of an undergraduate economics course. Identifies four advantages of having students develop their own computer simulation models. Outlines the model-building process and displays a sample program. (JDH)

Describes how the International Futures Global Model (IFS) was developed for education and theory building. States that the model represents global demographic, agricultural, energy, and economic systems. Describes the two existing versions: a smaller one developed specifically for microcomputers and a larger one initially developed for mainframe…

This book contains a reference guide for the use of HOMES, a demographic model and computer program developed to project the number and demographic characteristics of households. Through application of this computer program to standard population projectors, users can retrieve data on: (1) number of households; (2) age and sex of household heads;…

This paper describes a rationale for the construction and use of a simple consistency model of the Zimbabwean economy that incorporates an input-output matrix. The model is designed to investigate alternative industrial strategies and their consequences for the balance of payments, consumption, and overall gross domestic product growth for a…

Microcomputer simulations in evaluation research are useful for (1) improving student understanding of research principles and analytic techniques; (2) investigating problems arising in research implementations; and (3) exploring the accuracy and utility of novel analytic techniques. This article describes these simulation uses for the context of…

Examples of subroutines that generate both symbolic and graphic solutions to differential equations are presented for the two computer algebra systems, MAPLE and Mathematica. Included are the listings for the Mathematica procedures developed for use in this article. (JJK)

This article describes a monte carlo computer simulation of affirmative action employment policies. The counterintuitive results of the model are explained through a thought device involving urns and marbles. States that such model simulations have implications for social policy. (BSR)

Presents two mathematical methods for fitting the logistic curve to population data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau utilizing computer algebra software to carry out the computations and plot graphs. (JKK)

Describes a new software package for the Apple Macintosh computer which can be used to create elaborate simulation models in a fraction of the time usually required without using a programming language. Illustrates the use of the software which relates to water usage. (TW)

Discusses the use of a computer program designed to solve the mathematical model associated with soil nutrient uptake by plant roots and to predict the nutrient uptake. Describes a user-friendly personal computer version of this program. (TW)