INTRODUCTION: Academic research in business and economics is based largely on statistical (econometric) analysis. A number of econometric programs are available to researchers. This page gives a list of the most commonly used programs. Note that each program has their own strengths which make them more suitable for certain purposes. Visit programs' web-sites for more information. One can also easily find introductory manuals from the net or even download a trial version. To see a list of available data and databases for research use this link.
SPSS: Probably the most commonly used menu-driven statistical program. Used in most introductory courses. Additional packages also available for more specialized purposes. Installed in most computer labs. More information can be found here.
EViews: Excels in time series analysis. Used in "kvantitatiiviset tutkimusmenetelmät II" course. Menu-driven. Installed in computer lab 7337 (PCs marked with a sticker). More information can be found here. Introductory guide can be found here. Manuals can be found from the library.
Matlab: Probably the most commonly used program for data analysis. Requires that users write their own programs in Matlab language which is similar to matrix algebra. A number of functions are available for statistical analysis within Matlab and also from the internet. Mathworks also sells additional packages for more specialized applications (e.g., Financial Toolbox, Financial Derivatives Toolbox, Fixed Income Toolbox, GARCH Toolbox). Installed in some computer labs (not all toolboxes are available). More information can be found here. User-created programs and functions can be found here. Several guides can be found from the internet. Guides in Finnish can be found e.g. here and here.
Gauss: The GAUSS Mathematical and Statistical System is a fast matrix programming language widely used by scientists, engineers, statisticians, biometricians, econometricians, and financial analysts. Gauss language is almost similar to Matlab's. Additional packages are also available for e.g. for statistical analysis (maximum likelihood, GMM) and more specialized professions (e.g., finance). One copy (v. 7.0) is installed in the computer lab 7334 (PC marked with a sticker). Note that the installation is floating; only few users can use the program at the same time. More information can be found here. Manuals can be found from the library. User-created programs and functions can be found here.
Stata: Stata is a complete, integrated statistical package that provides everything you need for data analysis, data management, and graphics. Menu-driven but can also be used using user-created programs. One copy (v. 8.0) is installed in the computer lab 7334 (PC marked with a sticker). More information can be found here.
SAS: Commonly used statistical program. Statistical package similar to SPSS but can diffent extension packages expand the program e.g. to data mining and risk analysis. Used typically by large companies (e.g., banks and insurance companies). Available for students in computer lab 7334. Faculty members can also access SAS on a project basis from CSC, the Finnish IT center for science after applying for the permission. More information can be found here.
Rats: RATS (or WinRats) is a leading econometrics/time-series analysis software package used worldwide by economists and others for analyzing time series and cross sectional data, developing and estimating econometric models, forecasting, and much more. Available for students in computer lab 7334 (one PC marked with a sticker). More information can be found here. Manuals are available from the library.
Limdep and Nlogit: Limdep is an integrated program that is unsurpassed in the breadth and variety of its estimation tools for estimation and analysis of linear and nonlinear models with cross section, time series and panel data. Nlogit is the world’s leading package for analysis and simulation of discrete choice data such as brand choice, transportation mode, and all manner of survey and market data. Not available at the moment. More information can be found here.
Lisrel: The leading program for structural equation modeling now includes facilities for multilevel modeling and generalized linear regression. Create path diagrams in an easy to use interface and generate syntax directly from the diagram. One copy is installed in the computer lab 7334. More information can be found here.
PCGive and WinGive: PcGive aims to give an operational and structured approach to econometric modeling using the most sophisticated yet user-friendly software. Not available in computer labs at the moment. More information can be found here.
Shazam: SHAZAM is a comprehensive computer program for econometricians and others who use statistical techniques. The primary strength of SHAZAM is for the estimation and testing of many types of regression models. The SHAZAM command language has great flexibility and provides capabilities for programming procedures. Not available in computer labs at the moment. More information can be found here.
S-Plus and S+FinMetrics: Designed with an open architecture and flexible interfaces, S-PLUS provides the scalability to handle gigabyte-size data sets and the flexibility needed to integrate advanced analytics into the business processes that decisions makers and researchers interact with every day. With S-PLUS 7, statisticians and developers can quickly develop prototypes and deliver targeted applications that automate analytical processes and enable non-statisticians to conduct their own analyses. S+FinMetrics is the most comprehensive, cutting-edge module for S-Plus for modeling, analyzing, and visualizing financial market data. Not available in computer labs at the moment, but students can download a free version from the net. Good examples of code especially for finance students can be found R. S. Tsay's book Analysis of Financial Time Series. More information can be found here.
Minitab: Minitab combines a comprehensive array of statistical methods, graphics tools, and project organization features in a user-friendly package that puts quality solutions within your grasp. It's no wonder then that Minitab is the statistical software package of choice in virtually every major Six Sigma initiative around the world. Not available in computer labs at the moment. More information can be found here.
NCSS: NCSS is a comprehensive, accurate, and easy-to-learn statistical analysis and graphics system for Windows. More information can be found here.
Statistica: STATISTICA provides the most comprehensive array of data analysis, data management, data visualization, and data mining procedures. Its techniques include the widest selection of predictive modeling, clustering, classification, and exploratory techniques in one software platform. More information can be found here.
StatGraphics: StatGraphics is widely used statistical software package for exploratory data analysis, statistical modeling, design of experiments, time series forecasting, quality improvement and Six Sigma. Statgraphics v. 4.0 Plus is installed in computer labs 4402, 7334, and 7337. More information can be found here.
Other programs, free: Open source program called R. R is a free software environment for statistical computing and graphics.
JMulTi - Time Series Analysis with Java. JMulTi was originally designed as a tool for certain econometric procedures in time series analysis that are especially difficult to use and that are not available in other packages. Included e.g. VAR, VECM, GARCH, STR and nonparametric models.
Other programs, commercial: TSP, OxMetrics, and Survo.