Digital Commons Network^™

Theories Of Poverty/The Poverty Of Theory, Barbara Stark

BYU Law Review

No abstract provided.

Probing The Mechanics Of Environmental Kuznets Curve Theory, Jeremy Lynn Kidd

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The theory of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) proposes to answer important questions regarding the connections between economic growth (development) and the environment. The theory postulates the environment need not always suffer as the economy develops, and it has generated strong support and opposition. Rather than attempting to defend or debunk EKC theory, this research challenges a practice engaged in by proponents and opponents alike. Simplifying assumptions are a necessary part of economic analysis, but this research shows that any assumptions may not be universally applicable. Utilizing, in turn, a simple one-good model and then a more complicated two-good model, …

Essays On Knowledge, Technology, And Economic Growth, Sung-Min Kim

All Dissertations

This thesis is motivated by the question, how does computer-related technological change affect the individual's incentive to acquire specialized knowledge? Specifically, will the impact of technological change be homogeneous for all workers regardless of their idiosyncratic characteristics such as educational attainments or occupation? If not, then how do the heterogeneous effects from advances in computer-related technology change the labor market? Based on the related theoretical frameworks from the literature, Chapter 2 focuses on the empirical implementations of heterogeneous impacts of information and communication technology on between-occupation wage differentials and within-group wage differentials, and Chapter 3 examines the impact of computerization …

The Expenditure Effects Of Sunset Laws In State Governments, Jonathan Waller

All Dissertations

Abstract: Sunset laws are laws designed to limit the size of state government by providing a process whereby statutorily created programs, agencies and bureaus are reviewed cyclically and their effectiveness assessed. Possible sunset results include continuation of the status quo, a reorganization or consolidation with other state agencies or agency termination. These programs exist in 30 states and use four distinct approaches, reflecting the confusion associated with the purpose and effects of such programs. This paper utilizes state expenditure and employment data to isolate the effects of sunset laws in general and the effects of each of the four different …

Coping With Dr-Cafta: Assessing The Impact Of The Agreement And Designing Adjustment Programs For Sensitive Agriculture In Honduras, Alvaro Durand-Morat

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Honduras has for almost two decades embraced economic integration as a way to achieve sustained economic growth. The DR-CAFTA agreement signed in 2004 represents another step towards economic openness. The agreement generated a heated debate about the benefits and costs to the Honduran economy. Previous assessments suggest that Honduras will have a marginal aggregate benefit from DR-CAFTA. The findings from this study suggest that the agreement might actually yield a marginal loss vis-à-vis the counterfactual. Previous studies also stress the potential for large losses resulting from the agreement, particularly for some traditional and sensitive agricultural sectors. The findings from this …

New Mexico Labor Market Review 04-30-2009, New Mexico Department Of Workforce Solutions

Historic Publications

The New Mexico Labor Market Review is a monthly publication presenting statistical data and analysis on labor market conditions throughout New Mexico. Issues examine statewide and regional trends in employment, unemployment, labor force estimates, industry activity, wages, occupational demand, and related economic conditions, often accompanied by feature articles on topics affecting the state’s economy. This issue covers March 2009.

Stats Or Studs: Does It Pay To Be Good Looking? The Economic Impact Of Lookism, Lisle O'Neill

Business and Economics Honors Papers

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is a phrase that exemplifies the subjectivity of attractiveness. In recent years, researchers in the fields of economics, sociology, and anaplasty have used symmetry analysis in an attempt to make beauty an objective issue. People characterized by greater facial symmetry, as defined by exhibiting balanced lateral proportions, are considered to be more attractive. Furthermore, labor economists, such as Hamermesh and Biddle (1994), suggest a wage premium for more attractive individuals, however, the measure of attractiveness was not based on symmetry. This study examines the effect of NFL quarterbacks' attractiveness on …

Do Bank Bailouts Work? The Effect Of Reconstruction Finance Corporation Aid During The Crisis Of 1933, Katherine Bobroff

Scripps Senior Theses

Do bank bailouts work? Government aid initiatives implemented to stem the current crisis raise important questions about the role of monetary policy in preventing bank failures. The scale of this bailout program defies comparison with any other aid package implemented in the post-World War II period. Fortunately, the operations of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) during the Great Depression provide a historical experiment to examine the effects of government rescue programs on financial institutions. This paper examines the effects of the RFC's loan and preferred stock programs on bank failure rates during the crisis of 1933. Using a new database …

A Bioeconomic Approach To Marriage And The Sexual Division Of Labor, Michael Gurven, Jeffrey Winking, Hillard Kaplan, Christopher Von Rueden, Lisa Mcallister

ESI Publications

Children may be viewed as public goods whereby both parents receive equal genetic benefits yet one parent often invests more heavily than the other.We introduce a microeconomic framework for understanding household investment decisions to address questions concerning conflicts of interest over types and amount of work effort among married men and women. Although gains and costs of marriage may not be spread equally among marriage partners, marriage is still a favorable, efficient outcome under a wide range of conditions. This bioeconomic framework subsumes both cooperative and conflictive views on the sexual division of labor. We test hypotheses concerning marriage markets, …

Social And Economic Indicators Typifying The Community's Health, George A. Erickcek, Bridget Timmeney, Brad R. Watts, Brian Pittelko

Reports

No abstract provided.

The Credibility Problem In Politics: Theory And Evidence From State-Level Abortion Legislation, Francisco Rodriguez, Eduardo Zambrano

Economics

This paper proposes a simple mechanism for evaluating the relevance of credibility problems in politics. If parties are capable of making credible policy promises, we will not expect them to systematically adopt platforms that entail large probabilities of losing an election. This is because the adoption of very extreme platforms has the effect of shifting expected policies away from their ideal points. Parties who lack the capacity of making credible commitments, in turn, are unable to affect voters' expectations of the policies they will adopt upon reaching office. We test these predictions on a panel of US states by studying …

Economic Impact Of Agriculture On South Dakota, Gary Taylor

Economics Commentator (1972- 2016)

No abstract provided.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 84, No. 44, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Aricles:

• Hale, Marianne. Western Prepares for 4 Percent Budget Cuts
• Hale, Marianne. Small Business Meet Success as Auto Industry Feels Downturn – Imagine Cakes & Candies
• Stewart, Colleen. Corvette Plant Takes Hard Hit – Economics
• Diamond, Kala. A Thousand Words – Skyler Winters, Cheryl Obright
• Howerton, Christina. President’s Task Force on Quality & Access Releases Recommendations
• Former Dean Dies at Age 58 – Karen Adams
• Erskine, Anne. Editorial Cartoon re: Faculty Raises
• Faculty & Staff Should Consider Other Parties Involved with One-time Bonuses
• Smiley, Kevin. You Care. I Care. …

Pakistan-Us Economic Ties, Ishrat Husain Dr.

Faculty Research - Newspaper and Magazine Articles

The Obama administration has recently completed a review of Washington’s Pakistan strategy. The US Congress is considering a bill that will triple aid appropriations to Pakistan for non-military economic development and another bill to set up Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in Fata. Is US aid as envisaged in the Kerry-Lugar bill an appropriate tool for Pakistan’s long term economic development? Is its disbursement through the existing channels the most preferred mode of assisting Pakistan in its endeavour to resume its journey to sustainable and equitable growth? Before we get overwhelmed by this act of generosity the issue needs to be explored. …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 84, No. 42, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Articles:

• Hale, Marianne. U.S. House Votes to Postpone Loan Auction – Student Financial Aid
• Simpson, Mandy. Putting In the Extra Hours – Jessica Gad, Steak ‘n’ Shake
• Harten, David. Western, Sun Belt Conference Cope with Tough Economic Times – Athletics
• Greer, Lindsey. A Thousand Words – Douglas Lopez, Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida
• Barczak, Mary. Student Government Association Approves 35, Rejects 2 Constitutional Amendments
• Veritas Forum to Discuss Science, Religion – Fritz Schaefer
• Howerton, Christina. Music Department to Host Recital Sunday
• Ulber, Emily. Student Wins Idea State U Competition – …

Civil War Finance: Lessons For Today, Jeffrey Rogers Hummel

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Macroeconomic Determinants Of Worker Remittances To Latin American And The Caribbean Countries, Sathiavanee Veeramoothoo

Honors Projects in Economics

A regression analysis was performed to identify which macroeconomic factors influence the magnitude to worker remittances to over thirty Latin American and Caribbean countries. Age dependency ratio, land area, net migration, labor force, population and unemployment were found to be significant predictors of remittances. A time series exponential model was developed to forecast the level of remittances for the next ten years. The results suggest that remittances to Latin American and Caribbean countries will reach USD 190,810 million in 2018.

Based on the above findings, this paper will help scholars understand better what drives worker remittances in Latin American and …

Supplying Clean Water To Jaipur: A Study Of Two Current Government Projects, Jenna Stearns

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Water is arguably the most important natural resource for human development, economic growth, and sustainability of the environment. Access to clean water is the most basic human need for life and health, and without it people cannot survive. Water plays a crucial role in determining where communities settle and how big they will be able to grow. Besides being the “elixir of life,” it is also essential for socioeconomic development, agriculture, industry, power generation, and other daily activities. Due to the growing population and the shortage of water around the world, it is said that future wars will be fought …

The Effect Of Obesity On State Health Care Expenditures: An Empirical Analysis, Kristen Collins

Honors Projects in Economics

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of obesity rates on per capita state health care expenditures. A two-stage least square regression model is used. In the first stage of the estimation, factors influencing obesity rates are determined. The determinants of obesity rates are outlined throughout the research process. In the second stage, the impact of obesity rates on per capita health expenditures across states is evaluated. The empirical results indicate that obesity rates do indeed have a direct effect on state health care expenditures. After reviewing the project’s results, various solutions are proposed as possible methods …

How Do Young Workers Prepare For Retirement?, Jenna Greco

Honors Projects in Economics

The Millennial Generation is defined as those ages 15-30 in 2009 and is comprised of 80 million individuals (Elswick, 2004). This study explores how a segment of this generation, young workers between the ages of 18-30, is currently saving for retirement given the unprecedented economic challenges they face. These challenges include rising everyday expenses, record amounts of student loan and credit card debt, as well as how they will prepare for retirement given the uncertainty surrounding Social Security. The purpose of this study is to evaluate young workers current financial situation, retirement plans, and retirement expectations. Using data collected from …

Wright State University Regional Economic Report, Spring 2009, Thomas L. Traynor

Economics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Gresham's Law In The 21St Century, Joshua Finnell

E-JASL: Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship (1999-2009, Volumes 1-10)

Abstract

Research indicates that most people today satisfy their information needs through the Internet. As we move deeper into the information age, librarians must embrace the role of inculcating information literacy skills lest Gresham’s Law of economics becomes a reality in our information economy. This article discusses the probabilistic nature of the Internet against the backdrop of Gresham’s Law.

Minnesota Mandates: County Government Fiscal Stress In An Era Of Declining State Support, Selena Krueth

Political Science Theses and Capstones

Minnesota counties are experiencing more than just financial burdens from state mandates these days. Counties and local governments currently are seeking the most effective solution of implementing state mandates; leaving behind the argument of no mandates without funding to "give us mandates that work". In my analysis I combined county budgetary and demographic data, with phone survey data gathered from Minnesota counties. I anticipate results that will show a wide variety in county administrator attitudes towards state mandates and varying local capacity to meet them. Costly state mandates, such as health services, and large county populations have proven significant in …

The Economics Of Golf: An Investigation Of The Returns To Skill Of Pga Tour Golfers, Kelsey L. Rinehart

Major Themes in Economics

Golfers on the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour make up an elite labor market. The earnings of a PGA Tour golfer are determined by his performances in tournaments. Using PGA Tour data from 2002 and 2008, this paper explores returns to skill of PGA golfers and changes in returns to skill over the time period. Greens in regulation (GIR), putts per GIR, and sand saves are found to be statistically significant. The analysis in this paper does not provide any support to the idea that returns to skills for PGA golfers have changed over time.

Effects Of A Credit Crunch On Employment By Sector In The U.S.: How Have Recessions Associated With Credit Crunches Differed From Other Recessions?, Michael Boevers

Major Themes in Economics

Economists debate how important credit availability is to sustaining real economic growth. Episodes of financial instability and tight credit create a “credit crunch.” This paper investigates the effects of a credit crunch on employment in broad sectors of the U.S. economy. Monthly employment data is used to compare changes in employment by sector during recessions associated with a credit crunch and recessions not associated with a credit crunch. The results suggest that there is not a significant difference in how employment is affected in these broad sectors. The evidence supports the idea of a financial business cycle.

Black & Red The Impacts Of Development On Culture: A Case Study Of Dogon People Of Sangha, Mali, Kathleen Remington

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

For my Independent Study Project (ISP) I focused my research on struggling to understand the relationship between development and culture in an isolated community. I chose to study the Dogon people located in Sangha, Mali and spent 17 days studying and living among them. By conducting a series of interviews daily, I explored the land and the hearts of the people in order to obtain a meaningful understanding of their culture as well as, to acquire first hand knowledge of the ongoing development.

My paper begins by analyzing general definitions and discourses of both culture and development. I then detail …

The Ethics Of Distribution In A Warming Planet, John E. Roemer

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

The discounted-utilitarian social welfare function (DU) is used by the great majority of researchers studying intergenerational resource allocation in the presence of climate change (e.g., W. Nordhaus, M. Weitzman, N. Stern, and P. Dasgupta). I present three justifications for using DU: (1) the view that the first generation’s preferences should be hegemonic, (2) the viewpoint of a utilitarian Ethical Observer who maximizes expected utility when the existence of future generations is uncertain, and (3) axiomatic justifications (as in classical social-choice theory). I argue that only justification (2) provides an ethically convincing justification, and that, only if one endorses utilitarianism as …

Women, Work, And Welfare Reform, Kristin S. Seefeldt

Employment Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Health Insurance Tax Credits And Health Insurance Coverage Of Low-Income Single Mothers, Merve Cebi, Stephen A. Woodbury

Employment Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Children's Health Insurance Program: The Dynamics Of Federalism And Health Care Policy, Erik White

Political Science Theses and Capstones

On February 4^th, 2009, President Obama signed into law the reauthorization of the Children Health Insurance Program. The federal government will now spend 30 billion dollars towards the goal of ensuring that more children in the United States are insured. I investigate this particular health care policy and look at the different dynamics that affect the ultimate goal of universal health insurance for children. Because this program allows for state flexibility under broad federal guidelines, one is able to look at individual states, and their particular actions and characteristics, to determine the best approach to insuring the most …