Jan Colpaert

Contingent Valuation of a Classic Cycling Race

We provide a contingent valuation of a major cycling event, namely the Tour of Flanders. Starting from survey data, we estimate several models with different assumptions about (1) the latent willingness to pay (WTP) distribution and (2) the change in WTP when responding to the follow-up question in a double-bounded dichotomous framework. We relate the individual figures to explanatory factors and find that people residing in the event’s core region as well as spectators have a higher valuation. Incorporating the spatial effect, we arrive at an estimated aggregate value of 24.3 million euro.

Teaching Integer Programming Starting From an Energy Supply Game

This paper presents an integer programming IP model for solving an online energy supply game. Instead of a traditional approach in which students are given a problem statement and asked to develop an IP model, both the problem and data are hidden in the game. The energy supply game can be used to illustrate many mathematical programming concepts including blending constraints, multiobjective programming, and the branch-and-bound method. In addition to developing IP modeling skills, students become familiar with the properties of several energy supply systems. The results of two experiments and the related evaluation questionnaires indicate that the game component motivates students more to build IP models as compared to classic approaches.