Software Reviews : Buffland,the Macrosim,Version 4.0 Publisher: Craig A. Roger,928 Chicago Ave.,#30,Minneapolis,MN 55404 (telephone: [phone]) Year of Publication: 1987 Materials: Three 5.25-inch program disks (not copy protected),two blank data disks,vinyl disk holders for binder Price: $45 plus $3 shipping;$3.50 for additional copy of instructor disks;$2.50 for additional copy of student disk Machine Specificity: IBM PC,compatible System Requirements: 256K,one drive Effectiveness: Fair User-Friendliness: Good Documentation: Good

Abstract

BUFFLAND MACROSIM contains a dynamic IS-LM model for simulations of simple monetary and fiscal policy actions under six characteristic U.S. economic environments, one of which is "generic" for instructor-customized cases. For any administration, particular scenarios may be specified by the instructor. At the time of review, the underlying model is largely a black box to students and partly so to the instructor. The illogical behavior of variables in simulations could be a source of confusion. The shell within which simulations are run is attractively designed, but there are no graphics. Students run simulations in a game setting, where they try to minimize "discomfort" (inflation + unemployment).