Just yesterday we released a new version of iSimulate @ World Bank and have a Site Tour to go with it. I’m going to use this small post to provide a few more details on executing simulations.

To begin with, the WB Global macro model comprises National Income Accounts and Balance of Payments data for over 150 countries. All data is currently in annual figures through 2009. [Please keep in mind that the data is a part of the experimental macro-model and does not reflect the World Bank's opinions or forecasts! – it is meant for you to have some base data to execute your own simulations.]

As a user on the system, you begin by first selecting to work in a group that subscribes to the WB Global model. The system then requires you to select a country and load its data on a grid. (A grid is like a spreadsheet, but with limited functionality.)

Once on the grid interface, you will notice that the data in the cells is editable. (Use the icon on the grid toolbar to get quick help.) Changing the data on the grid does not execute a simulation instantaneously. You can execute a country-level simulation by hitting the Solve Model button. (Note that the WB Global macro model picks up changes between 2005 through 2009 only). Every solution is logged in the system and you can revert to any previous simulation result by clicking the Country Log button.

In our experience managing the system, we have noticed that users tend to execute multiple country-level simulations that give rise to various interesting scenarios.

However, the truly collaborative part of the system is the ability for the model to pick up these country-level simulation results and calculate global aggregates. This is done using the Update Model button. We encourage you to perform these global aggregations frequently as it ensures consistency across other countries in the model.

All global aggregations are recorded in the system and become a part of the group’s recent activity feed (which is visible to other group members after logging in).

Gauresh Rajadhyaksha is the Project Coordinator for iSimulate @ World Bank