ATLANTA, March 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business analytics specialist ORTEC and professional services firm EY have signed up as sponsors of The Econometric Game, which runs from April 6-8 and will see some of the best econometrics students from 30 leading universities come to Amsterdam to take part in the competition.
The game – sometimes called the 'World Championship of Econometrics' – is organized by the University of Amsterdam and VSAE (the students' association for actuarial sciences, econometrics and operational research), and underlines the growing importance of data in society today.
This year marks the 17th edition of the game and will see 120 students from top universities around the world, including Cambridge, Harvard, and Oxford, compete for the prestigious title. Dutch universities will also be well represented with teams from the University of Amsterdam, Tilburg University, VU University Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Maastricht University.
Groundbreaking solutions for social questions
Competitors in The Econometric Game work in teams of four – two PhD students and two Masters students – and spend three days tackling a major contemporary social question using a dataset, econometric methodologies, and scientific literature. In the final, on April 8, five teams will present their breakthrough solutions to an independent jury of professors. The social problem for this year's game will only be revealed at the start of the game, to ensure all teams have the same chance. Previous game topics include the long-term viability of the pension system and poverty in emerging countries.
Partnership to emphasize the importance of big data
2016 is the second consecutive year that EY and ORTEC have sponsored the competition. In doing so, they are drawing attention to the increasingly important role of big data, analytics, and business intelligence for society as a whole. The study of econometrics, which brings together economics, mathematics, and computer science, is crucial in this.
Michael van Duijn, CEO of ORTEC Consulting said, "We live in a society in which data is increasingly important not only for companies, but also as a means to solve major social issues. The participants in the Econometrics Game demonstrate that you can do this purely on the basis of a dataset. These top talents are the leaders of the future and the kind of people we are always looking for at ORTEC. Big data and analytics are developing fast; where we are today is just the beginning."
Jacco Jacobs, Director at EY stated, "We are proud to support these worldwide talented students in finding new insights for long-existing problems. At EY we are committed to building a better working world through our own actions and by engaging with like-minded organizations and individuals. An important part of building a better working world is empowering talent and leadership. As such this event fits this EY philosophy perfectly and thus deserves our support: These talented students will be the brilliant leaders of the future!"
About ORTEC
ORTEC is one of the world's biggest providers of optimization software and analytical solutions. We make your company more efficient, predictable, and effective, turning complex challenges into user-friendly solutions. We work for clients in virtually every sector. And with offices in strategic locations on four continents, we can deliver our solutions worldwide, with local support and service. ORTEC is a Dutch company founded 35 years ago.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
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