Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Great Recession Of 2007-2009: Examining The Presence Of A Credit Crunch, Julius Britton Canter

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This study of the Great Recession of 2007-2009 and the credit crunch phenomenon suggests that there is an ongoing rationing effect on bank loans following the financial crisis of 2008. The rationing effect may lead to lower interest rates as banks switch to safer lending in order to hedge risk. However, the credit crunch may be inequitable as it primarily affects bank dependent borrowers, as well as restricting lending to new customers. An in-depth review of the current literature, empirical studies, leading economic indicators, and bank surveys are examined to reach this conclusion. We find that there are real economic …

Water Resource Distribution: Neoliberal Versus A Social Provisioning Approach, Laura Dotson

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

The purpose of this research is to examine how privatization of water resources has created social inequalities and environmental degradation on an international scale by understanding the ways in which water has become a market commodity, and how water resources are managed within a private framework versus a public framework. Two frameworks will be compared: neoliberal policy and the social provisioning approach to managing water resources. It is argued that social provisioning ought to be the focus of policy formulation so as to diminish the degree in which social inequalities and environmental degradation are generated by privatization. As a result, …

What Drives Productivity Growth At The Firm Level And Why Is It That Some Firms Outperform Their Peers?, Julie Ann Potter

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

Firms appear to outperform their peers when defined as exhibiting increased productivity growth. Specific factors have been shown to have a causal effect upon increased total factor productivity and thus the firm level with the implementation of: the use and diffusion of technological progress; diversification of firm assets through the acquisition of high productivity growth plant assets; the integration of information technology and information communications technology and the creation of innovative capacities and efficiencies. Likewise, specific factors have been shown to have a causal effect upon increased labor productivity and thus firm level productivity growth: the sharing of employee experiences …

Have Confidence In Your Interval Estimates: Improving Cognition Of Confidence Intervals Used In Business Forecasting, Jeffrey Maurath Price

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

Confidence intervals convey valuable information regarding the uncertainty of point estimates, and their utility to users of business forecasts is no exception. The conclusions drawn from these forecasts can be significantly impacted by the perception of a confidence interval's distribution, however. There is a tendency for business managers and other decision makers who lack statistical expertise, despite being generally well educated, to incorrectly assume confidence intervals are uniformly distributed. This study investigates the efficacy of various techniques for presenting confidence interval information at conveying the details of the underlying statistical distribution. The results demonstrate significant improvement in the accurate interpretation …

The Impact Of Opinion On Foreign Trade, Nikolaus Williams

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This paper examines the impact that opinion has on foreign trade. Specifically, the paper examines how opinion towards the U.S. impacts U.S. exports and how changes in opinion toward the U.S. impact U.S. exports. Using survey data from the Pew Global Attitudes Projects and export data, the paper examines these relationships for 21 countries between 2002 and 2010. Regression analysis of the panel data reveals that positive opinion levels and positive changes in opinion have statistically significant positive impacts on U.S. exports. However, this conclusion is somewhat tempered by the unbalanced nature of the available data which prevents a greater …

The Non-Linear Influence Of School Quality On Home Prices In The Dayton, Oh Msa, Thomas Andrew Welton

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This paper analyzes the Dayton, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) to examine the extent to which public school quality influences housing prices. Research is conducted in the Dayton region at both the city and neighborhood levels. City level analysis indicates a significant linear relationship between school quality and home prices. However, the results of this analysis are likely distorted by collinearity between school quality and neighborhood characteristics, such as crime rate. In an effort to mitigate collinearity and control for neighborhood characteristics, neighborhood level analysis is conducted using 933 individual homes located in areas where separate school districts border. The …

A Cost Benefit Analysis Of Proposed Picture Archiving And Communications System Upgrades For Ohio Health Radiology, Daniel C. Ewald

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

OhioHealth™ is a family of not-for-profit, faith-based hospitals and healthcare organizations serving patients in central Ohio since 18911. The radiology department consists of a group of 59 radiologists, who service 5 hospitals in Columbus, Springfield, Newark, and Chillicothe. Beginning in 1999, the group transitioned to a system that allowed the doctors to view CT scans and MRI exams digitally. Until that time the doctors were required to read exams from printed images one at a time. For its time, this system known as “Synapse,” was considered somewhat revolutionary. It allowed the group which functions as an independent business separate from …

Is The United States Postal Service's Business Model Broken? Fixing The Model Through Innovation Not Competitive Postal Services, Paul J. Martin

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This project suggests that the United States Postal Service (USPS) business model that utilizes very large mail volume revenues to cross-subsidize last-mile delivery is broken by the continuing trend of paper documents converted to electronic documents. As the paper to electronic conversion trend continues, the USPS will need to develop additional revenue sources and/or cut costs to survive without government funding. In response to the shift from paper mail to electronic mail, other countries have liberalized postal services to make competitive postal mail systems with the goals of achieving postal service innovation, better service, and reduced prices. Postal liberalization is …

Sustainable Development And Exhaustible Resources: The Case Of Bauxite Mining In Vietnam, Hoa Hoang

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

In 2007, the Vietnamese government declared an ambitious master plan to extract its bauxite resources, mainly concentrated in the Central Highlands. The impact of bauxite mining on the livelihoods of indigenous people and the macroeconomy have been debated by many scientists, economists, environmentalists, and journalists, both in Vietnam and among the Vietnamese who live overseas. From a holistic perspective to sustainable development, this paper analyzes the potential impacts of the Tan Rai and Nhan Co bauxite mining and alumina refining projects, the major part of the Vietnamese government’s master plan. At a macroeconomic level, the possible occurrence of the “resource …

An Investigation Into The Forecasting Methods Of Dayton Power And Light, Andrew John Gleason

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

Dayton Power and Light commissioned this capstone project to test DP&L’s hypothesis that individual forecasting models for each of its different customer classes when combined will generate a better forecast of total load than their current practice of using one model that does not make a distinction between the electrical use of different customer classes. This hypothesis was based on the observable fact that a change in weather does not create a change in electrical consumption equal across all customer classes. Forecasting models were created for each customer class within the data limitations. A forecasting model for total load was …

Economic Development: The City Of West Carrollton's Pathway To Growth, Christian J. Hansen

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This report is an overview of an economic development internship with the City of West Carrollton, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio. The first section explores the City’s administrative roles and structure. The second section contains a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (S.W.O.T.) analysis, which evaluates the City’s current economic factors. Next, the Location Quotient (L.Q.) method quantifies the area’s industry makeup. Summarized is the SWOT analysis and Location Quotient in a listing of industry recommendations based on economic growth trends. The third section is a discussion of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as an economic development instrument. A cost versus …

An Analysis Of The Influence Of Ceo Characteristics On Research And Development Expenditures In Large American Corporations (2005 Data), Sun Gu Lee

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This study analyzes the influence exerted by CEO characteristics (specifically, CEO stockholding percentages and CEO age) on research and development (R&D) expenditures in large American corporations over the twenty year period from 1986 to 2005. Using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) to measure market share concentrations, and making specific reference to two Schumpeterian hypotheses on the correlation between R&D and increases in firm size, this study establishes a positive linear relationship between the dependent variable, R&D expenditure, and the independent variables of CEO stockholding, CEO age, firm size, and market share. This study next describes the corporate and market conditions which …

The Effect Of Intellectual Property Protection On Economic Growth, Andrew Jonathan Mahurin

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This paper tests whether stronger intellectual property protection is good for a country. It focuses on the overall effect of intellectual property protection on per capita economic growth. To measure the strength of intellectual property protection, I use the Ginarte-Park index. An education and an investment variable are also included in the models.

The models are based on simple linear regressions involving a cross-section of countries. The models consistently showed a negative correlation between intellectual property protection and per capita economic growth. Moreover, I tested to see if the effect is different in some countries than in others, based on …

Carbon Emission Trading System Analysis: Schemes Selection, Permits Allocation, And Auction Revenue Distribution, Nan Zhang

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

The carbon trading system is one mechanism proposed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to solve global warming. The key issues in adopting a carbon trading system include trading schemes selection, emitting permits allocation, and auction revenue distribution. This thesis discusses these problems from a Neoinstitutionalist perspective, and conducts an analysis under the socio-ecosystem framework rather than the restricted market system analysis. It is found that the most important issue is to set an appropriate cap for the total allowed emission amount through recognizing the socio-ecosystem value. The absolute cap-and-trade system is supported since it can decrease the emissions to …

Has Vietnam Dumped Its Shrimp In The United States?, Huyen Khanh Nguyen

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This paper examines the shrimp anti-dumping case between the United States and six target countries in 2004. It focuses on the final announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce that Vietnam, one of the six targets, dumped shrimp in the U.S. and suffered anti-dumping tariffs. The paper provides specific evidence about the shrimp market in the U.S. and Vietnam as well as broad analysis about the methods applied in the U.S. anti-dumping investigation. The final conclusion is that irrationalities still exist in the treatment by the U.S. with its different trade partners, without which Vietnam should not have been blamed …

A Study On How Completion Of High School, Bachelor’S, And Master’S Degrees Affects Earnings - February 2005, Divya Ashok

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This project indicates that individuals who completed a high school degree, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree have substantial differences in earnings. Drawing data from the Current Population Survey for February 2005 and employing an Ordinary Least Square regression technique, this paper examines the determinants that significantly influence the logarithmic hourly earnings of an individual who completed a high school degree, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. Overall, this project suggests that level of education, sex, age, gender, union membership, geographical region and race are the relevant factors that play an important role in determination of hourly earnings …

The Effect Of Macroeconomic Conditions On Traffic Fatality Rates Across The United States, Katie R. Greenwalt

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This study uses state-level data to estimate the effects of macroeconomic conditions on traffic fatality rates. Data was averaged over a five year period (1999-2003) and regression analysis was used to estimate a model to explain the impact of unemployment rates and income on traffic fatalities per vehicle mile traveled across the 50 United States. Variables were also included to control for other factors that affect state fatality rates. These factors include per capita alcohol consumption, speed limits, the percentage of teenage drivers, the relative strength of teenage driving laws, and average state temperature. A dummy variable was also included …

The Impact Of Income Inequality On Carbon Dioxide Emissions (Co2) And The Co2-Gdp Link, Mohamed Alassane Moulaye

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This paper examines the impact of income inequality on carbon dioxide emissions and the relationship between CO2 emissions and GDP using panel data. It initially examines the relationship between income and environmental degradation without introducing the inequality variable, but then examines how inequality affects CO2 emissions and their relationship with economic growth.

Relying on the linear functional form equations of the levels and log models, this paper finds evidence that support specifications which assume the constancy of the relationship between per capita C02 emissions and per capita GDP. The results of the cubic functional form equations of the log models …

Assessment Of The Technology Of Genetic Modification In Light Of Its Socio-Economic Implications, Valentina Lootens

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

Since Watson and Crick discovered the “double helix” in 1953, the arguments about the benefits and danger of genetic modification remain largely unanswered, particularly in the relation to food supply. Today, genetic modification or genetic engineering are global issues. Governments, scientific organizations, corporations, research institutions, and scholars hotly dispute the advantages and disadvantages of GM technology. However, unfortunately, the population at large is left in darkness about this new technology and its consequences for human health, environment and society. Moreover, genetic engineering creates a special problem: unlike many new technologies it is irreversible. Once introduced into the food chain, GM …

The Role Of Gender And Race In Determining Returns To Higher Education: Evidence From Annual Demographic Survey, Gayatri Rajendra Deshpande

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This study’s objective is to determine the net present values (NPV) of both a master’s degree and Ph.D. degree for six demographic categories. One of the purposes of this study is to determine whether from a social perspective a master’s and Ph.D. degree should be pursued. Cost/benefit analysis is performed to determine whether social benefits exceed social costs of these degree programs. The goal is to determine whether it is advantageous to society to obtain more education. A second and equally important purpose of this study is to determine the role of gender and race in establishing returns to higher …

The Economic Impact Of The Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association Hospitals On The Dayton, Ohio Regional Economy, Nihan Ezel

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This study measures the economic impact of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) hospitals. Measurement of the economic impact employs total expenditures, full-time equivalent employment and the total payroll generated by the GDAHA hospitals in the healthcare industry and ripple effect in the supporting and related industries in the Greater Dayton Area. This study uses input-output analysis with IMPLAN multipliers as a methodology to measure the economic impact of the GDAHA hospitals in Dayton, Ohio. The results of this study indicate that the hospitals generate a substantial amount of output, employment, payroll, and community benefits in the Greater Dayton …

Direct Selling By Urban Farmers: Constraints In Value Creation, Albert C. Manyengawana

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

According to Heimlich (1989), one of the leading development economists who has published several articles on small and urban farming, there are two major forms of urban farms namely backyard gardens and community gardens. These may, further be classified into recreational, adaptive, and traditional farms. Urban farms emerged as a direct response to beautify the landscape, provide food security and serve as an additional income source. Over time, changes in the farming sector allowed farmers to adopt direct marketing initiatives, circumventing the intermediaries in the distribution chain. These tactics of selling directly to consumers included farmers’ markets, road-side sales, and …

The Determinants Of Current Account Dynamics In The Medium Run: An International Approach, Lubomir Petrasek

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

The primary aim of this paper is to explore medium-term determinants of the current account across a large sample of countries and compare the results with theoretical predictions of the intertemporal model (ICA). In addition, the purpose is to test hypotheses about the stability of the current account equations across different groups of countries, test the twin deficit hypothesis, the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis, and examine the importance of other theoretically relevant factors for current account determination. Based on a sample of 129 countries over the period 1991 to 2000, one can observe substantial differences between current account models for developing …

Economic Welfare Change In Poor Neighborhoods, Lulu Kevin Wang

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This paper provided investigation on economic welfare changes in poor neighborhoods in U.S. central cities during the 1990's. Using Census data for 1990 and 2000, this study found that the association between changes in family median income of poor neighborhoods and changes in family median income of their metropolitan areas was not statistically significant. The empirical evidence indicated that welfare changes in poor neighborhoods were detached from those of their metropolitan areas. The study also tested the correlation between the changes in family income level and other economic factors in poor neighborhoods during 1990's. The test results suggest that government …

A Household Probability Model For The Purchase Of A New Suv, 1998-2002, Keith Eugene Brunton

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This project suggests that SUV buyers have significantly different characteristics than other automobile buyers. Drawing data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey for 1998 through 2002 and employing a binomial logistical regression technique, this project identifies the determinants that significantly influence the household’s decision to purchase a new sport utility vehicle (SUV). Market trends (growth in the SUV market or other unmeasured factors), the reference person’s age (the household’s preferences based upon their position in the family life cycle), the reference person’s education level (general household preferences), income (the flow of resources into the household), region (demographic differences and needs based …

A Study Of The Registered Nurse Labor Market: Wage, Job Satisfaction, And Labor Force Withdrawal, Li Li

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This paper examines the factors that explain differences in earnings among RN’s. In addition, it also looks at the factors that determine the level of job satisfaction among RN’s and examines the factors that determine the probability of leaving the nursing profession. The analysis of RN wage rates shows that nurses who have a 4-year college degree receive a wage premium. However, the results also show that the premium is reduced for nurses who are employed in hospitals. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that nursing wages are subject to monoposony power in a hospital setting. In fact, the …

Cost Effectiveness Of Treating The Metabolic Syndrome In The Uninsured In Montgomery County, Deepa Bangalore

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

Treating the uninsured in cases of cardiovascular emergencies has demonstrated to be a large expense to the health care system, primarily borne by the society as they contribute to taxes/levies that support local hospitals for indigent care. Interventions to reduce the cardiovascular risk factors among the uninsured are expensive but have proven to be an effective alternative to the present situation, which is to treat them only in cases of emergencies. The metabolic syndrome (MS) poses a threat particularly to the uninsured population because of its asymptomatic nature. Detection and treatment of MS at its onset provides substantial clinical benefit …

Social Capital And Economic Development: Possible Links And The Implications For Economic Policy, Allan Ochieng Oginga

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

This research project was carried out with three principle objectives. First, I provide a primer investigation of what social capital means and examine its possible relevance in the discipline of economics and I highlight some of the numerous conceptual debates surrounding the theory. Secondly, I shed light on the historical progression and time line for the implications of social capital. That is, where we were in the past, where we are at the current time and where we (as economists) are possibly heading with this into the future. Lastly, I highlight some of the major challenges in applying an empirical …

The Economic Benefits Of International Education At Wright State University And In The Greater Miami Valley, Sonia A. Ninon

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

International students in the U.S have seldom been viewed as big contributors to local economies, in particular and to the U.S in general. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of international students in the United States, particularly at Wright State University (W.S.U), on the Greater Miami Valley Area.

This economic impact study will use previously compiled information extend on it to ascertain the impact of international education in the Miami Valley and by extension to the United States. Public policies towards international students will also be evaluated.

The conclusion is that international students have had a …

Inventing Flight: Economic Impacts Of Heritage Tourism And The National Park Service In Dayton, Ohio, As Part Of The Wright State University Inventing Flight Visitors Survey, July 3-20, Thomas Anthony Mays

Masters Culminating Experiences (1993-2011)

Originally established in 1989 as the 2003 Committee, the Inventing Flight Committee was formed to honor the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers through leading the planning and implementation of the 2003 Inventing Flight Celebrations.1 Inventing Flight’s efforts will realize a lasting legacy, including long term economic impacts in the Dayton region from increases in heritage awareness, improvements in infrastructure, and the arrival of the National Park Service.

Without Inventing Flight, it is unlikely that the Dayton area would have been given the attention necessary to receive designation as a National Historic Park. This designation has and will continue to attract …