Discrete Choice Analysis

This is both a practical and theory-based course. We will be teaching how to estimate discrete choice models using software, and how to interpret the outputs using a real-life data set for this. We will cover:

• multinomial logit, latent class, error components, and mixed logit (random parameters) models
• willingness to pay and models estimated in willingness to pay space
• an introduction to the design of stated choice surveys, including generation of orthogonal and efficient experimental designs (we will use a variety of applications to illustrate the techniques).

The course also includes presentations of the background theory for discrete choice modelling, different methods for combining survey data, and the most recently developed modelling techniques including hybrid choice models.

The course explores the entire process, including experimental design, model building, and model estimation (with both stated preference and revealed preference data). Recent advances in tools and methods have been used to model individual behaviour and to analyse market shares and change in demand in response to pricing and income and changes in available choice sets and choice characteristics.

Presentations are augmented by hands-on estimation of choice models with the Pandas Biogeme software. Experimental designs will be generated using the  Ngene 1.3 software (ChoiceMetrics Pty Ltd).

This practical course will be useful for research across a broad range of fields in which consumer demand and choice is of interest, including:

• accounting
• economics
• engineering
• environmental science
• finance
• health services
• logistics
• marketing
• planning
• transportation 
• tourism. 

The course is intended for academics and practitioners in government and industry. An appreciation of basic statistical concepts is useful, but not essential for this course. Please contact Andrew Collins if you have any concerns.

Many attendees have come with no background in discrete choice modelling, but have completed the course at a level that has enabled them to develop and estimate a range of choice models immediately.

This course will be presented by four of the world’s leading academics in the field of discrete choice analysis:

• Professor David Hensher
• Professor Michiel Bliemer
• Professor John Rose
• Dr Andrew Collins

In 2023, the Discrete Choice Analysis program will be held from Monday 17 to Friday 21 July 2023.

Early bird rates have been extended to the 17th of May 2023.

All fees are inclusive of GST and including course materials (including "Applied Choice Analysis: A Primer" by David Hensher, John Rose and Bill Greene, Cambridge University Press, 2nd Edition 2015).

An invoice can be arranged but only for group bookings of three or more students from the same organisation made before the 17th June 2023. Please email business.itlsinfo@sydney.edu.au with the organisation’s ABN, and details of each student, as required in the online registration form.

A waiting list will be created when the course is full.

Registration has been extended and will close 26^th June 2023. For enquiries about late enrolments, please email business.itlsinfo@sydney.edu.au.

Cancellations: A 10% administration fee will be applied to refunds for any cancellation; no refund will be available for cancellations made after 17th June 2023

The course will be held at the University of Sydney Business School, Abercrombie Building H70, Cnr Abercrombie and Codrington Streets, Darlington NSW 2008.

Lectures will be held in Lecture Theatre 1170 and labs in Learning Studio 1090 as per the 2023 program.

Registrations are now closed.

If you have any questions please enquire at business.itls@sydney.edu.au.

• "Fantastic course for anyone interested in or practising in discrete choice analysis. It was very well structured and had a good balance of theory/lectures and hands-on workshops. Having the material presented by leaders in the field also meant that highly technical and difficult material was conveyed clearly and in an intuitive and easy (relatively!) to follow way."
• "Thanks to the team for making my journey into discrete choice analysis an enjoyable one. You have a really good process, the presenters know their stuff, this is really state-of-the-art in postgraduate/executive education. I found the content, scope and pace demanding (the course would be a waste of time otherwise) but the structure and approach of the presenters provided a good remedy for this. Again, many thanks for a challenging and enjoyable week." Dr Chris Batstone, Senior Resource and Environmental Economist, The Cawthron Institute, New Zealand
• "I'm really pleased I attended and am confident in taking my analysis forward more robustly. I've already started using the reference material and NLOGIT for some of my analysis. Thank you again for such a well-run, well-taught course. I'd recommend it to anyone doing choice modelling." Anna Robak, PhD Candidate, Centre for Regulation and Market Analysis, The University of South Australia
• "I thoroughly enjoyed the five-day course. It's not often I attend a course and learn something in every session. I certainly did that with this one. Now all I have to do is apply what I have learnt by developing choice experiments for my research." Julia Logan, Head of Department, Patient Information Management Services, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth