HFRC Doctroal Course: Empirical Methods and Applications in Archival Data Research

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This course is aimed at doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who conduct empirical research (primarily using archival data rather than laboratory experiments). Its objective is to develop a deeper understanding of empirical methods and to identify common pitfalls in the application of econometric estimation techniques. In particular, when working with archival data, the careful selection and implementation of appropriate identification strategies is crucial for producing credible and transparent results.

The course covers key methodological challenges, including endogeneity and related issues in statistical inference, the correct application and interpretation of fixed-effects models, difference-in-differences approaches (including the treatment of standard errors), and instrumental variables estimation. Participants are exposed to a broad set of academic studies from accounting, economics, finance, management, and applied econometrics, with the most important contributions discussed in detail during the course. In addition, participants examine representative research papers that employ standard empirical methods and practice their systematic and critical evaluation. Alongside the conceptual discussion of empirical research designs, the course may also emphasize practical implementation, supported by a STATA manual and accompanying exercises.

The course strengthens participants' methodological competence in working with data and empirical results-both in the development of their own empirical studies and in the critical assessment of existing research. Participants are expected to gain the ability to plan empirical strategies purposefully, to justify them on methodological grounds, and to appropriately situate standard econometric techniques within their respective research contexts.

The course is intended for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers from a wide range of disciplines, particularly accounting, economics, finance, governance, as well as management and strategy. Basic knowledge of statistics is helpful but not a prerequisite. Further information on course content and structure is provided in the syllabus. The language of instruction is English (German if all participants agree).