Basic to Advanced GAMS Modeling
July 27 – July 31, 2020
This is an offering of a five day bridged Basic to Advanced GAMS class. This will be a
GAMS class designed for users initially who know little about GAMS or in need of a
refresher who wish to improve their skills in terms of GAMS model setup, usage and
debugging. It will cover many topics- see the outline for details.
Contents
Next course: ........................................................................................................................ 1
Introduction to the Instructor .............................................................................................. 2
What will the course help you learn? .................................................................................. 3
Brief Course Description .................................................................................................... 4
Topics covered ................................................................................................................ 4
See a more detailed outline ............................................................................................. 4
Assumed Background and Motivation of Participants ....................................................... 5
Course Objectives ............................................................................................................... 5
Course Presentation Method ............................................................................................... 5
By taking this course you will ............................................................................................ 6
Things to Do Before the Class ............................................................................................ 6
Course History and past Participants .................................................................................. 7
Need More Information?..................................................................................................... 7
Daily Schedule: ................................................................................................................... 8
Course introduction and detailed schedule ..................................................................... 8
Fee, Payment, and Registration .......................................................................................... 8
How to Register for Course ................................................................................................ 8
Course Site .......................................................................................................................... 9
Location Dillon course:................................................................................................... 9
Meals, Accommodations, and Travel ................................................................................. 9
Next course:
Dillon, Colorado – July 27 (8 am) – July 31 (3pm), 2020 (5 days -- Monday -
Friday)
For more information select any one of the following topics:
Instructor
What Will You Learn By Taking the Course?
Brief Course Description
Assumed Background and Motivation of Participants
Class Objectives
Detailed Course Outline
Course Presentation Method
Materials and Experiences You Will Get by Attending the Workshop
Things to Do Before the Class
Course History and past Participants
Course Site and Time Schedule
Course Fees
Need More Information?
Introduction to the Instructor
Bruce A. McCarl is a University Distinguished Professor and a Regents Professor at
Texas A&M University in College Station Texas specializing in Mathematical
Programming applications in Agricultural Economics. He has wide teaching, research,
consulting and applied analysis experience in the application of mathematical
programming and GAMS to industry, and government. ( Read about some projects he has
done ). He wrote the Expanded Users Guide distributed with GAMS
He has been on the Texas A&M faculty since 1985 and previously taught at Oregon State
University, Purdue University and Pennsylvania State University. Dr. McCarl is a winner
of awards from USDA, and USEPA for his optimization applications. He was part of the
IPCC group that was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. His is Associate Editor of Climatic
Change. He was Editor of Choices and Associate Editor of Water Resources Research
and the American Journal of Agricultural Economics. Dr. McCarl earned a B.A. in
Business Statistics from the University of Colorado and a Ph.D. in Management Science
from the Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. McCarl taught his first GAMS short course in 1986 and has been a GAMS user since
1985. He has written the GAMSCHK modeling assistance product and the Expanded
User Guide which is being freely distributed with releases of GAMS. He has consulted
on optimization and GAMS use with employees of First National Bank of Maryland,
Tasmanian Hydropower, Neodyme, USCOE, American Express, USAID, Government of
Egypt, International Harvester, World Bank, Department of Energy, Bonneville Power,
Electric Power Research Institute, USDA, and USEPA among others.
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What will the course help you learn?
You will learn both basic and advanced techniques for better using the professional's
choice in modeling software -- GAMS. The 5-day course will provide you with learning
experiences regarding the following questions:
Do you find it desirable to do a model on how the firm might act given changes in
prices, programs, policies, regulations or environmental forces? Learn how to
model business and agricultural entities and reflect the influence of such forces on
production processes and markets.
Do you find yourself needing to model reaction to risk and wish to incorporate
risk aversion? Learn techniques for modeling risk avoiding behavior in situations
where decision makers can or cannot exercise recourse in adjusting their decisions
Do you find yourself working on indivisible investments? Learn integer
programming modeling and techniques for getting the problems to solve.
Do you want to put a CGE model into MCP format but are unsure how to do it?
Learn basic CGE modeling and MCP specification.
When modeling does it take you a long time to construct, verify, use the model
for comparative studies and convert output into meaningful reports? Learn
techniques which increase the efficiency with which you use GAMS.
Do you find yourself curious about how others model large problems? See the
way a several complete modeling systems are implemented and receive a copy for
your later examination
Have you ever had a model which was infeasible, unbounded or worse yet
optimal but nonsensical? Learn approaches that reveal where problems are in
models so you can fix them.
Does it take you a long time to construct, verify, use for comparative studies and
convert output into meaningful reports? Learn techniques which increase the
efficiency with which you use GAMS.
Do you have a GAMS implementation that takes a long time to compute, generate
or solve? Learn ways to find out the cause of extensive solution time and ways
that have, in cases, reduced execution times by an order of magnitude or more.
Have you ever talked to an experienced modeler and found out there are powerful
things GAMS can do that you don't know about because of hidden features or a
lack of treatment in the documentation? Learn a number of such features.
Have you heard about GAMSIDE, GAMSCHK and wonder how they work?
Learn about them from the developer of GAMSCHK who has used and taught the
IDE since early 1998.
Did you know GAMS has features that can cause you to find variable values for
variables you have eliminated or that allow you to alter your data without any
reaction from the model. Learn to protect yourself against these difficulties.
Do you find yourself modeling large problems? Learn techniques to facilitate
your and others understanding, documentation, ease of use and level of comfort
with such models.
Do you want to link GAMS to a spreadsheet either just using and returning data
or doing a more interactive approach? Or do you even want to run GAMS in the
background in a manner transparent to the user? Learn techniques to allow this.
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Brief Course Description
Topics covered
Basic GAMS modeling and use of the IDE
Building firm models with GAMS
Small to large Modeling strategies
Adding risk considerations to the firm model with and without recourse
Modeling transportation of goods and adding price responsive considerations to
the model to examine pricing or sectoral policy
Developing a basic CGE model and specifying as an MCP
Implementing an impact analysis system
Handling investment indivisibilities
Solving Integer programs
Intermixed treatment on GAMS usage including
Using conditionals
How to do efficiently verify model structure and debug flaws
The latest features in new GAMS releases
Fixing models which misbehave
Using macros
Using GAMSCHK
Using GAMSIDE
Increasing the efficiency with which you use GAMS
Reducing computer time and memory requirements
Enhancing the usefulness of GAMS output
Links with spreadsheets and other programs
Things you may not know GAMS can do - tips
Using an advanced basis
See a more detailed outline
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Assumed Background and Motivation of Participants
The course will be instructed assuming those present wish to do impact analyses using
GAMS but initially are not very familiar with the GAMS language. It will then build to
advanced topics. Participants should wish to receive practical instruction on topics that
will enable them to easily do impact analyses and increase the efficiency and accuracy
with which they use GAMS in modeling settings.
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Course Objectives
To teach workshop participants techniques allowing them to
o Learn to use GAMS
o Conduct impact analyses
o Incorporate risk into models
o Handle Investment analysis
o Use GAMS efficiently.
o Better diagnose causes of improperly solving models
o Enhance computer and human efficiency when using GAMS particularly
when dealing with large models
o Enhance the usefulness of GAMS output.
o Use undocumented and or new GAMS features.
o Teach users how to use GAMSCHK, GAMSIDE and the GAMS library
builder
To carry out this instruction in a practical GAMS application setting exposing
students to a variety of modeling issues and techniques
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Course Presentation Method
The class will mix hands on computing sessions with computer based lectures.
The hands on sessions will involve participants working in groups of 2-3
throughout the workshop. The groups will be provided with PCs loaded with the
latest available GAMS versions and all class examples. Participants can bring
their own laptops capable of having 20 or so megabytes of software loaded on
them from a CD-ROM also access to either a floppy or capability to take files
from a USB 2.0 removable pen drive ). During the hands on sessions the
instructor will interact with the groups on class topics, questions and general
GAMS usage. Laptops may be required depending on location as covered in the
registration page.
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By taking this course you will
Receive advanced training on the topics above
Be exposed to others attending the class learning about their GAMS usage
Interact with the instructor who is a very experienced GAMS modeler
Be trained in the use of software and receive copies for your use of
analyzes GAMS models and assists in their
GAMSCHK
use
Code that allows greater control of output
PUT_TOEXCEL.gms,
ordering plus sending of sets or parameters
PUT_TOHTML.gms
to either an HTML file or EXCEL.
PC editing, execution and debugging
GAMS-IDE
environment
Current GAMS The latest GAMS release
Receive manuals on GAMS usage, and class notes including
So Your GAMS Model Didn't Work Right A Guide to Model Repair by
McCarl and Meeraus
Expanded GAMS Users Guide – the latest update
McCarl's GAMSCHK, REFREADER, PUT_TOHTML,
PUT_TOEXCEL, and GNUPLTXY write-ups
The latest Solver Manuals from GAMS
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Things to Do Before the Class
The class will be conducted using PCs, Students will have available an Editor
which resides in the GAMS-IDE integrated development environment. Students
wishing to use other editors or their own laptops should feel free to bring such.
Note course software will be distributed on CD-ROM.
Students wishing to do reading before the class can download (using the Adobe
pdf Reader)
the GAMSCHK writeup
o Advanced GAMS usage tips
o A paper using GAMSCHK
o Notes on use of the GAMSIDE
o The course setup and schedule
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Course History and past Participants
This course has been previously since 1998 at least twice a year. In
addition courses with much of the material herein has been taught by Dr.
McCarl at Texas A&M, Oregon State and Purdue for over 25 years.
Prior participants in this training who have used concepts in their jobs
include individuals employed in the insurance, banking, agricultural,
telecommunications, government and energy arenas.
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Need More Information?
Additional course and related material is available in the web pages linked
to this one giving the
Detailed Course Outline
List of instructor projects
GAMSCHK description
The course setup and schedule
See a sample of basic course notes
See a sample of more advanced course notes
Related material is on
McCarl's home page
the GAMS home page
Other questions may be addressed by email to
brucemccarl@gmail.com or courses@gams.com
or to
Bruce McCarl
2100 Fawn Court
College Station, TX, 77845
979-693-5694(phone Sept-May 1)
Bruce McCarl
352 Lake View Drive
Po Box 24219 (for any usps mail)
Silverthorne, Colorado 80498
Mobile: (979) 204-6023 (May 1-Aug 31)
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Daily Schedule:
Check-in on the first day: 8:00 - 8:15 a.m.
Morning classes: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Afternoon classes: 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Course introduction and detailed schedule
Fee, Payment, and Registration
The course fee depends on payment date and computer requirement. The following fee
schedule applies:
For participants bringing an eligible lap top computer
Fee normal participant - if payment received 14 or more days prior to start of
class: $1950
Fee - university student**, if payment received 14 days prior to start of class:
$1350
Fee - if paid later than 14 days prior to start of class: $2050
Fee - university student**, if paid later than 14 days prior to start of class: $1450
For participants not bringing an eligible lap top computer
Fee normal participant - if payment received 14 or more days prior to start of
class: $2050
Fee - university student**, if payment received 14 days prior to start of class:
$1450
Fee - if paid later than 14 days prior to start of class: $2150
Fee - university student**, if paid later than 14 days prior to start of class: $1550
** Generally a student is one who is full time at the university being paid at a
student rate or being unfunded. It is not someone finishing up a degree while
working at a company or university earning non student wages.
An eligible lap top must
o run windows 98 or greater,
o be able to read CD-ROMs or a memory stick and
o have more than 30 megabytes of available disk space
The fee includes an evaluation version of GAMS, a complete set of course notes (see
sample course notes), and a CD containing all class examples, programs and backup
documents. Checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and purchase orders are
accepted.
How to Register for Course
To register by phone, fax, or e-mail, contact:
Course Coordinator
GAMS Development Corp
tel: 202-342-0180
fax: 202-342-0181
email: courses@gams.com
To register by mail, send name, address, phone, fax, and email address (with payment or
purchase order) to:
Course Coordinator
GAMS Development Corp.
2751 Prosperity Avenue
Suite 210
Fairfax, VA 22031
Lodging reservations must be made separately.
Course Site
Dillon is a town located in Summit County amidst the Rocky Mountains and bordering
Lake Dillon. It is conveniently off of I-70 and only 80 Miles West of Denver at 9000 feet
or 3000 meters. For more see
http://www.discovercolorado.com/Summit_County_Colorado/
Location Dillon course:
Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge
652 Lake Dillon Drive
P.O. Box 218
Dillon, CO 80435
I-70 Exit 205
Tel: (970) 468-2341
stay@ptarmiganlodge.com
www.ptarmiganlodge.com
Meals, Accommodations, and Travel
Refreshments will be available starting at 8:00 am and throughout the day, but other
meals, accommodations, and travel are not included in the fee. Participants are
responsible for making their own arrangements.
The Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge has a block of rooms at a cost of $90 per night they
are holding until May 11. When making reservations identify yourself as a participant in
the GAMS Computer Modeling Course. You will need to call the hotel directly in order
to receive the group rates at 970-468-2341 on or before May 11 or go to the web site
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-
rooms.06098.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gm
b:06098 (which may give a higher rate) . Other hotels are available in the area including a
Comfort Suites, A Hampton, a Super 8 and Dillon Inn nearby. The visitors bureau
provides a web page (that you can find by searching Dillon Colorado Lodging ) with
lodging details and visitor information. Larger places for groups may be rented through
places like Wildernest http://www.wildernest.com/ or 5 Diamonds Lodging
http://www.highcountrylodges.com/.
To fly in go to the Denver Airport – do not go to Eagle Vail unless you are renting a car.
The hotel is served from the Denver Airport by several van companies
Colorado Mountain Express 800-525-6363 or 970-926-9800 vans
Peak 1 express http://www.mountainshuttle.com/
Summit express http://www.summitexpress.com/scheduled-shuttle-
service/denver-airport-to-Frisco-co-shuttle/
Greyhound and Bustang both have bus service from Denver to nearby Frisco
(under $15 one way in Nov 2019) but at limited times and a need to get to
downtown Denver.
All take you to the area. Go to the Frisco Transfer station for cheapest rates (2 miles
from Hotel)
Many services, restaurants, and a grocery store are within walking distance. Also local
bus service is free. Driving from Denver airport takes 1.5 hours.
