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SOCIAL POLICY SIMULATION DATABASE
AND MODEL [SPSD/M]

The following files are available for use within the constraints of the DLI license to UNB Libraries authorized users.

BACKGROUND

The Social Policy Simulation Database and Model (SPSD/M) is a microcomputer-based product designed to analyze the financial interactions between government and the household sector in Canada. This release (version 9.1) is based on 1997 microdata. The information from the most recent tax forms (2001), the 2002 federal and provincial budgets, and the System of National Accounts totals have been incorporated in this release. The release provides default settings for seventeen simulation years, 1988 through 2005.

There are several files associated with this product that will help with successful installation and use of the product:


DOCUMENTATION

There are several components to the documentation for SPSD/M and it is advised that, before proceeding any further, you download and view the Introduction and Overview Guide and Installation Guide at a minimum. These are PDF files which can be read with Adobe Acrobat. You can also download all the pdf files in one zipped file (see below).

Basic Guides

  • Introduction and Overview Guide, it is essential reading for using the SPSD/M for research purposes.

  • Installation Guide: though designed for the CD-ROM format of SPSD/M, explains the components of the program and some of the normal cautionary notes (such as uninstalling any previous versions first).

  • User's Guide: to be read after the Introduction and Overview, this guide contains a comprehensive treatment of facilities provided by SPSD/M in the 'black box' mode.

  • SPSD/M Release 9.1 Update: information for previous users of SPSD/M on changes relating to the release of version 9.1 algorithms and software.

Specialized Guides
  • Variable Guide: this is an encyclopaedic reference to SPSD/M variables. A textual description level information for class variables, and a cross-reference to SPSM tax/transfer algorithms is given for each variable. [Note: table of contents does not work; it has been reported to STC].

  • Parameter Guide: an encyclopaedic reference to SPSD/M parameters. An overview of parameters and a description of each of the three kinds of parameters (control, adjustment, and tax/transfer) is given.
  • X-tab User's Guide: this guide contains a complete description of the SPSM user-specified cross-tabulation faiclity, as well as a set of examples. It is intended to be used as both a self-contained tutorial and as the definitive reference guide.

  • Programmer's Guide: describes how to use the SPSM in glass box mode. MS C compiler is required for using the glass box mode.

  • Database Creation Guide: describes the techniques used in constructing the SPSD.

  • Tool User's Guide: describes a number of utilities supplied with, but not directly part of SPSD/M.

  • Growth and Validation Guide: information relating to the growth of the SPSD/M to represent different years and the validation of SPSD/M results.

  • Commodity Tax User's Guide: this guide includes a description of the commodity tax input-output model associated with the SPSM.

  • Algorithm Guide: this guide is designed primarily to provide SPSD/M users with an understanding of the specific personal tax and cash transfer programs simulated.

  • Download all user guides: download all user guides listed above as one zipped file.

    DATA & INSTALLATION

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    STEPS TO OBTAIN DATA FILES:

    Links to electronic versions of documentation and SPSS or SAS command files are provided where they exist.

    1. Click on the file you require to download the datafile to your hard drive. This will take you to the Statistics Canada DLI license under which the files are provided to UNB Libraries. After entering your email account, an authorization screen will appear.

    2. You must enter your PIN number and your email address to obtain the file. Only authorized users may download files from this site.


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    Document maintained by:
    Government Documents, Data and Maps Department
    E-mail address: Hamilton@unb.ca
    Last update: 03/01/26

    This document http://www.lib.unb.ca/gddm/data/Ftp_spsdm.html
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