2024-03-29T08:14:57Z
http://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/do/oai/
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1000
2006-05-23T18:00:21Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Improving Societal Welfare through Institutional Change in the Energy Industry: Capitalism's Creative and Destructive Capacity
Conti, John Michael
There is no abstract for this paper
2006-05-23T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/1
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1000/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
capitalism
energy policy
social welfare
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1002
2013-06-10T14:36:45Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
The Economics of Education: A Case Study of Wachusett Regional High School
Holbrook, Carly E
[Introduction]Over two thousand years ago, Aristotle said, “the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” (Peter 1977: 173). This study will attempt to determine some of the important factors about the economics of high school education in the United States. Schools exist to serve children, their parents, and society at large, and these three groups do not always have identical interests. Therefore, education has many goals besides the obvious one of increased cognitive ability, and the best methods for achieving the desired effects have not been agreed upon. Economists label the process by which education creates these outcomes the education production function; this model attempts to predict the effects of a given change in resources on student outcomes. However, the educational process involves many inputs and outputs, and economists have not been able to specify all of them yet. Another area of contention in the economics of education is economies of scale. Economists have been arguing for years that economies of scale exist in the provision of high school education, but the fear that these large schools do not provide the same quality of education as their smaller counterparts has spurred a new debate. This paper will attempt to clarify various educational theories and elucidate research findings. Chapter One is about the economic and social effects of education, Chapter Two discusses economies of scale in high schools, and Chapter Three explains the education production function. The last chapter, Chapter Four, is a case study of one school district in central Massachusetts, the Wachusett Regional School District. By focusing on Wachusett, we will see that the findings of researchers are not the only factors voters consider when making decisions that will affect the youth of their area. Because of all the factors that vary from school to school, it is difficult to specify exactly what is important for providing education.
2006-05-17T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/3
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1002/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
education
economic conditions
Massachusetts
Wachusett Regional High School
secondary eduction
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1001
2006-08-15T14:29:31Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Economic Liberalization and the Empowerment of Gays and Lesbians in India
Gupta, Priyanka
Economic liberalization in India has transformed Indian gay identity. The information revolution and expansion of employment in high-paying jobs have brought about significant changes in the economic independence of the youth in urban parts of the country. Improved economic opportunity strengthens the fall-back position of many young gays and lesbians, in so far as they are better equipped to locate their sexuality within the Indian context. Drawing on feminist and queer theory, I hypothesize that economic liberalization has contrasting effects on the autonomy, freedom and bargaining power of middle class gays and lesbian young adults. I contribute to the research on inter-generational and intra-family bargaining relations; I posit that adult children negotiate with their parents over their adherence to social norms concerning gender roles. My quantitative and qualitative evidence suggests that the empowerment of gay and lesbian youth in India is strongly associated to their access to networks of support. The process of negotiating sexuality in public and private spaces ultimately influences their willingness to be engaged in social change and policy formation.
2006-05-15T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/2
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1001/viewcontent/Priyanka_Gupta___Economics.pdf
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
homosexuality
India
economic conditions
gays
lesbians
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1003
2009-05-16T15:16:03Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Cap-and-Trade for Climate Change Policy: Lessons Learned from Emissions Trading in the US and the UK
Kelly, Justine L
Market-based instruments, particularly cap-and-trade programs, have been the focus of attention in environmental policy in recent years. The success of the US Acid Rain Program, dubbed the “grand policy experiment,” has inspired governments across the globe to turn to the market for the purpose of controlling pollution. This paper attempts to formulate a policy recommendation for a future domestic cap-and-trade program for climate change policy in the United States. The paper describes and evaluates the US Acid Rain Program and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme in detail in order to gain insight into two relatively successful experiences with cap-and-trade. The paper then examines lessons that can be drawn from both programs in conjunction with existing economic research on greenhouse gas trading in order to determine the precise design of a successful future climate change trading scheme for the US. The study concludes that a multiphase, upstream hybrid cap-and-trade program with a revenue-raising auction will produce least-cost reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to the mitigation of global climate change.
2009-05-01T07:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/4
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1003/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Cap-and-trade
US Acid Rain Program
UK Emissions Trading Scheme
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1004
2012-05-18T18:51:05Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Capital Market-Growth Nexus in Selected SSA Countries: A Panel and Time
Ly, Aminata
2011-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/5
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1004/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1005
2012-05-18T18:31:04Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Modeling the Effects of Air Transport Liberalization on the Airline Industry
KC, Pukar
The thesis develops theoretical models to examine the effects of air transport liberalization on the airline industry. The models make use of Nash non cooperative, Stackelberg and Cournot game models to illustrate how the airline industry is impacted when liberalization in the form of granting air traffic rights and antitrust immunity to airlines is implemented. Beginning with the discussion of regulation in the airline industry, the thesis goes on to study the spread of air transport liberalization in several parts of the world. The effects of liberalization are analyzed in context of air fares, route operation structure, and strategic behavior of airlines. The study shows that while it is not clear that liberalization would lead to a decrease in fares in all routes, it does lead to airlines forming a hub and spoke operation structure, and engenders incentives among airlines to collude to achieve lower operating costs and higher profits.
2012-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/7
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1005/viewcontent/Pukar_KC_KC_Pukar_2012.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1006
2012-05-18T18:32:06Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Dollarization and Banking Stability in Ecuador
Perez, Cristobal
This thesis examines the relationship between dollarization and banking stability in Ecuador. Through an econometric analysis I find that the main variables that affect banking stability in Ecuador are GDP, liquidity, financial efficiency, the proportion of productive assets, the percentage of past-due loans, the ratio between total assets and total liabilities, and the degree of concentration of the banking sector. All these variables have improved in the past decade thus strengthening banking stability. Furthermore, the four main effects of dollarization on a small, open, and developing economy include: i) the statistically significant decrease in inflation, ii) the removal of the figure of the lender of last resort, iii) the removal of currency risk, and iv) the increased credibility of regulatory institutions. These positive effects are proven to have a direct connection to independent variables, and thus on financial stability.
2012-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/6
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1006/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
International Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1010
2013-05-21T19:00:50Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
The Liberalization of Rail Transport in the European Union
Pham, Vinh
This study presents multiple approaches to examine the liberalization of rail transport in the European Union. A legislative review highlights the importance of unbundling infrastructure management and service operations in railway reforms. Furthermore, simultaneous and sequential decision making models specify how market opening minimizes the social deadweight loss and lead to more competitive pricing. Two production frontier models also analyze the effects of vertical disintegration and market opening on network outputs. Results suggest that both vertical unbundling and increasing competitiveness help improve productivity. Lastly, three case studies compare policy implementations across Europe. The United Kingdom, a front runner in railway liberalization, has used franchising to split up British Rail extensively. Germany’s integrated model, which keeps the infrastructure manager and the service operator under one umbrella company, has also reached the advanced level. Still, the incumbent Deutsche Bahn has maintained its dominance in long-distance routes. Meanwhile in France, reluctance to replace public ownership in railway companies poses a substantial obstacle for market opening reforms.
2013-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/10
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1010/viewcontent/Pham_Vinh_2013.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Public Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1009
2013-05-21T18:57:09Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Financial Stability and Bank Loan Portfolio Choice
Muganyizi, Ines Atugonza
Households are generally perceived to play a passive role in credit markets. Although the literature on household credit remains scarce and underdeveloped, evidence shows that households, especially in developed and emerging economies, have become active borrowers in credit markets. The 2007-2008 financial crisis was a wakeup call for both credit market institutions and policy makers as it prompted important questions concerning the sustainability of household debts and its possible impact on the stability of the financial sector. Motivated by the aftermaths of the financial crisis, this paper seeks to better understand the relationship between household credit expansion and financial outcomes. I use an approach that focuses on the direct and explicit interactions between household credit growth and financial outcomes. To analyze these relationships, I applied the ordinary least-square and probit regression models. The results obtained suggest that household credit expansion can lead to improvements in the financial sector through the organization of credit markets; implicit diversification of credit risks; and the overall increased trust in financial markets.
2013-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/11
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1009/viewcontent/Muganyizi_Ines_2013.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Finance
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1007
2013-05-21T18:45:23Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
The Viability of Water Privatization in Sub-Saharan Africa
Burke, Kelsey
Lack of accessible clean water impacts millions of people around the world. Throughout the 1990s, the privatization of developing countries’ water sectors was seen as a way to improve inefficient and ineffective water service. While many of the privatization projects failed, it is important to assess the possibility of learning from these mistakes, and better utilizing private sector support as a tool to address global water deficiencies. I set out to show that water privatization can be an effective tool to address urban water needs if the process is conducted correctly. Through the completion of three case studies, I am able to learn from the successes and failures of past projects. The knowledge learned from these studies shows that the way in which a privatization is undertaken greatly affects the outcome of the project. The paper concludes that while privatization could greatly improve the lives of citizens living in urban areas who suffer from water deficiencies, privatization will not greatly influence the water crisis due to the inability to implement the process in rural areas.
2013-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/13
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1007/viewcontent/burke_kelsey_2013.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1011
2013-05-21T19:10:32Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
The Impact Of The Uruguay Round’s Tariff Reductions on United States Imports
Sar, Kesey
This paper examines the impact of trade liberalization achieved through multilateral trade negotiations of the Uruguay Round on United States imports. It analyzes results in a systematically differentiated response from the participant countries depending upon their level of economic development. With use of disaggregated product level data and Harmonize System code (HS – 8 digit classification) this paper analyzes the impact of tariff reductions in detail in terms of product classification. The multinomial logit model is used in the study to estimate export status of a given country for a given product before and after the Uruguay Round’s concessions have been put into place. Results indicate that by controlling economic size, and trade agreements the Uruguay Round’s tariff concessions have a strong impact in improving international trade for countries at all levels of development.
2013-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/9
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1011/viewcontent/Kesey_Sar_2013.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
International Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1008
2013-06-18T18:42:45Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Keys to Maximizing ESOP Potential: A Study on Determinants of a Strong ESOP
King, Christopher
Studies on employee-ownership have generally focused on: Efficiency gains, Survival rate increases, Employee attitude benefits, and Measures of structural performance.
However, the study of the longevity of the benefits and the mechanisms by which employee-owned companies have found themselves thriving for longer periods of time have remained largely untouched by rigorous analysis. This study examines both of these areas using employee attitude survey data collected through the National Center for Employee-Ownership (NCEO). The study reveals no significant correlation through regression analysis between the age of the company and the attitude benefits resulting from an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), but it does find some evidence that a link may exist. The study also provides evidence that education and engagement of the labor force significantly impacts employee attitudes. Given recent published research stating that employee attitudes and well-being are critical factors for the productivity in the workforce, this study suggests these two very significant determinants of employee attitudes that have been overlooked by researchers and policy makers who have evaluated the costs and benefits of ESOPs to our economy.
2013-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/12
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1008/viewcontent/King_Christopher_2013_last_update.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Labor Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1012
2013-05-21T19:40:54Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Tackling Overindebtedness Through Financial Education in Ecuador
Flecke, Sarah
This thesis examines the growth and development of the financial sector in Ecuador, focusing in particular on the products and services offered to low-income individuals, including, but not limited to microfinance. I examine the current problem of over-indebtedness, and evaluate both the supply/institutional side as well as the demand/client side. I conclude that while the market for microfinance institutions and low-income products and services is highly saturated and very developed, governmental interventions, structural problems and lack of accompanying financial capabilities have limited the effectiveness of the industry, and perpetuated indebtedness. I propose mandatory financial education programs provided by all financial institutions that target low-income clients in particular. This policy recommendation will improve the current microfinance model by increasing client financial knowledge, hence mitigating the harmful consequences of governmental intervention in the financial system.
2013-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/8
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1012/viewcontent/Flecke_Sarah_Lynn_2013.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Finance
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1015
2014-05-20T20:30:28Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Foreign Direct Investment and Total Factor Productivity in the Mining Sector: the Case of Chile
Ilboudo, Prince Stanislas
This thesis investigates the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) in the Mining Sector of Chile. We use the Solow model and developed a Cobb-Douglas production function to estimate total output as a function of labor, capital and productivity. Hence, TFP is the portion of output that is not attributed to labor or capital and it is derived as the Solow ‘residual’. We estimate the capital variable as a function of capital stock corrected for depreciation and utilization rate. We derive the labor variable as a function of hours worked corrected for quality (education premium). We find that FDI is positively correlated with TFP and it is statistically significant in most cases. The relation is more significant when the variations in the price of copper are included in the regression.
2014-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/18
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1015/viewcontent/Prince_Ilboudo_17900_assignsubmission_file_ilboudo_prince_2014.pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1015/filename/0/type/additional/viewcontent/Prince_Ilboudo_17900_assignsubmission_file_ilboudo_prince_cislaaddendum.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
International Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1016
2014-05-20T20:36:01Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Perceptions of Trust, Corruption and Gender in Peru and the United States
Rudolf, Martina
This paper examines corruption, trust, and gender perceptions in Peru and the United States. Using two self-designed surveys, 150 Peruvians and 771 Americans were asked about the perceptions of ethics. The Peruvian survey asked general questions about corruption and trust, whereas the survey administered in the US asked people about specific scenarios. Both surveys highlight how ethical questions are related between emerging and developed nations. In a developing country, perceptions of gender differences are affected by income and education. The more educated a person is, the less likely they are to think that women are less corrupt than men. Interestingly, the education effect disappears in the study in the United States. Instead, there is a clear correlation between the results of a hypothetical trust game and real life ethical situations. If someone is more trusting in a hypothetical situation they are also found to be more trusting in real situations. A scenario that asked respondents to assess the likelihood that someone returns a stolen wallet shows that all participants see it as more likely for women to return a lost wallet. Some of the other scenarios do not have answers that are as clear. The results indicate no clear conclusions for the gender difference in trust and corruption perceptions yet they underline the importance of studying the topics of trust and corruption at a deeper level in order to achieve a better understanding of how trust influences the success of a society.
2014-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/17
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1016/viewcontent/Martina_Rudolf_17941_assignsubmission_file_Rudolf_Martina_2014.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1017
2014-05-20T20:39:40Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Determinants of Undergraduate GPA and Persistence at Connecticut College
Russo, Patrick
This thesis uses a unique dataset of five class-years to determine the factors that affect the academic experience of students at Connecticut College, particularly their cumulative grade point averages (CGPA) and persistence into sophomore year. Chapter I examines how changes in high school inputs affect students’ performance at Connecticut College. This chapter finds that high school inputs (viz., pupil-teacher ratio, total expenditure per pupil, and expenditure on teacher salaries per pupil) have a significant effect on college GPA even after controlling for demographics and prior academic performance. Chapter II examines the factors affecting persistence at Connecticut College. It finds that various measures of fit between a student and his or her peers have a strong impact on persistence into sophomore year.
2014-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/16
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1017/viewcontent/Patrick_Russo_17884_assignsubmission_file_Russo_Patrick_2014.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1018
2014-05-20T20:44:43Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
How the Gender Earnings Ratio Affects the Prevalence of Never-Married Single-Motherhood in France, the Netherlands, and Georgia
Surprise, Noelle
The relationship between single-motherhood and the gender earnings gap has been well documented from the perspective of the United States, while few studies have examined this relationship from a cross-national perspective, and none have directly examined the affect of the gender earnings gap on single-motherhood. Therefore, this study adds to the literature by examining how the gender earnings ratio affects the prevalence of single-motherhood in France, the Netherlands, and Georgia. I hypothesize that a decreasing gender earnings gap increases the odds of a woman entering never-married single-motherhood. Using data from the Gender and Generations Programme for women aged 18-79 from two survey waves, I analyze the pooled and cross-national affects of the gender earnings gap on never-married single-motherhood. The results indicate that increasing gender earnings equality is correlated with the odds of never-married single-motherhood, but that the sign of the affect varies depending on the size of the ratio and the welfare and social climate of each country.
2014-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/15
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1018/viewcontent/Noelle_Surprise_17940_assignsubmission_file_Surprise_Noelle_2014.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
single-motherhood
never-married
gender earnings ratio
Economics
Income Distribution
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1019
2014-05-20T20:50:04Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Family Dynamics in Vietnam
Vu, Linh
2014-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/14
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1019/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Econometrics
Economics
International Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1020
2015-05-26T18:00:05Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Lies, Probabilities, and Threats in Ultimatum Games
Ferreira, Mark
Many papers have used the ultimatum game as a means to test bargaining behavior. A subset of experiments has examined the use of cheap talk and asymmetric in bargaining scenarios. Yet, this earlier work leaves out many of the complicated factors that occur in bargaining in the real world. No research has looked at the interaction of probabilities and threats in ultimatum games. The experiment described here makes two novel modifications to the ultimatum game: First: participant’s have the ability to send threats. Second: the game uses probabilities to determine whether or not the endowment size becomes revealed. The data show that both threats and probabilities affect the outcomes of the game in interesting ways. Threats affect the amount offered by proposers but do not have a large influence on lying whereas a higher probability of being revealed decreases lying. The implications from this research helps shed light on why we have many institutions dedicated to eliminating uncertainty from a multitude of transactions.
2015-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/24
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1020/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Behavioral Economics
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1021
2015-05-26T18:10:38Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Application of the Solow Growth Model to the Food and Beverage Industry in Senegal: Total Factor Productivity and Poverty Reduction
Von Loesecke, Claire
2015-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/23
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1021/viewcontent/Claire_von_Loesecke_688239_assignsubmission_file_von_Loesecke_Economics_Honors_Thesis.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Growth and Development
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1022
2015-05-26T18:13:49Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Impact of Codetermination on Firm Productivity and Profitability
Tan, Neal
The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of supervisory board level codetermination on firm productivity and profitability. This paper explains the institutional framework surrounding codetermination, and highlights the theoretical foundations of the arguments surrounding employee representation. In our empirical analysis, we use a panel data to run productivity and profitability analysis on codetermined and non-codetermined firms within the manufacturing sector. We find positive productivity effects of both one-third and near parity supervisory board codetermination. However, there are no significant profitability differences between codetermined and non-codetermined firms. The final section highlights how works councils codetermination can be used as a potential mechanism to resolve the fast-food standoff in the United States, as it facilitates constructive cooperation between workers and employers.
2015-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/22
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1022/viewcontent/Neal_Tan_690156_assignsubmission_file_TAN_NEAL_2015.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Labor Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1023
2015-05-26T18:18:44Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
The Health and Economic Burden of Tuberculosis: An Analysis of BCG Vaccine Global Supply and Demand
Theiss, Katherine P
The main goal of this thesis was to evaluate the health and economic effects of the Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination program for tuberculosis. Two regression models were developed to analyze the impact of mass immunization versus selective administration. From the first, it was determined that BCG protective agency in terms of either efficacy or effectiveness would decline by 0.0591748 (p>0.007) percentage points for every one-unit rise in incidence rate within countries that employ mass immunization. No such trend was found in countries that utilize selective criteria as a means of targeting BCG administration to certain groups. The second regression predicted that the adoption of selective vaccination would induce a decline in prevalence number up to 46.013% (p>0.044) of the initial figure. From this, a statistical model based on the Bayes’ theorem was constructed as a means of computing coverage rate for optimal vaccine protection. BCG demand was determined for countries that qualify for UNICEF support on behalf of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GNI < US$ 1,580), before and after the proposed change in policy. Results were graphed as a function of costs associated with prevalence.
Using India as a test-country case, ideal strategies for vaccine allocation and fund mobilization were derived by applying a game theoretic approach. Results suggested a positive time trend in disease if a selective policy of 0.58 were to be employed. Reduction in the annual economic burden suffered by the Indian population and government were both projected at 46.01%. Given that status of India as an emerging national economy, this reduction in burden will play a crucial role in the process of globalization and the growth of the global economy.
2015-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/21
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1023/viewcontent/Katherine_Theiss_689718_assignsubmission_file_Theiss_Katherine_2015.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Health Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1024
2015-05-26T18:27:11Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Taking Down the Totem: A Post-Keynesian Behavioral Critique of Neoclassical Economics
Olshansky, Gideon
This thesis critiques neoclassical economic theory. In each chapter, with the exception of the last two, I will examine a different neoclassical theory and reveal its lack of realism, and how said theory cannot apply to the real economy. With each critique, I show how neoclassical economic theories are built vindicate free market capitalism. Therefore, neoclassical theory cannot actually understand the real economy, and anticipate its movements. The lack of realism in their theories, and staunch commitment to free markets, suggests that neoclassical theories should not be at the forefront of economic policy decisions and education programs. In the last two chapters, I reveal how Post‐Keynesian and Behavioral Economics are more effective economic schools, due to their emphasis on building realistic theories. I then conclude that Post-.‐Keynesian economics could increase its superiority to neoclassical economics through engaging more closely with Behavioral Economics.
2015-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/20
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1024/viewcontent/Gideon_Olshansky_690651_assignsubmission_file_Olshansky_Gideon_2015.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Behavioral Economics
Economics
Economic Theory
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1025
2015-05-26T18:31:02Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Access to Finance and Innovation: The Case of EU SMEs
Petravicjusa, Diana
This study aims to further our understanding of channels through which access to finance impacts innovation. Particularly, we focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a potentially significant channel. SMEs are expected to be especially sensitive to changes in access to finance due to limited financing options compared to large enterprises. Hence, we hypothesize that incremental improvements in access to finance can stimulate SMEs to increase innovative activities all else equal. In order to test our hypothesis we use micro level data on European SMEs with an observable propensity to innovate displayed by their output of inventions. We assume that a higher output of inventions is strongly associated with higher innovativeness of the firm. We use data on SME patenting activities as a measure of invention output and a European Commission Access to Finance Index (SMAF) as the main measure of SME access to finance. Our results indicate that changes in access to finance are expected to translate into a higher innovative output by EU SMEs after three years. Given our short term measures and outlook, we conclude that external financing is most significant for sustaining R&D operations and patent acquisition.
2015-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/19
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1025/viewcontent/Diana_Petravicjusa_688862_assignsubmission_file_HT_Final.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Finance
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1027
2016-06-07T15:46:26Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Impact of German Sources of Capital on the Namibian Economy
Chlouba, Vladimir
This work examines the impact of German sources of capital on the Namibian economy. Two sets of equations are tested. The first set tests the effect that German development assistance and German capital goods have had on domestic GDP. The second set tests the effect of German development assistance on the Namibian government’s capital formation outlays. The German independent variables are subsequently compared to global sources of capital in order to determine whether the German sources demonstrate a comparatively higher significance. Furthermore, the effects of official development assistance are disaggregated by type to test for aid’s fungibility. This analysis enables us not only to determine the direct impact of German sources of capital on the Namibian economy but also the extent to which official development assistance impacts the government’s investment behavior. We find that German development assistance has practically no effect on Namibian GDP. However, German development aid does have a statistically significant effect on the Namibian government’s level of annual expenditure on capital formation. Our results lead to the conclusion that German development aid has the potential, through public investment, to exert a positive influence over the Namibian economy. Further research will need to explore the conditions under which this potential can be fulfilled.
2016-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/25
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1027/viewcontent/Vladimir_Chlouba_33734_assignsubmission_file_chlouba_vladimir_2016.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
African Studies
Economics
Growth and Development
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1026
2018-06-08T19:33:53Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
The Effects of Air Pollution on Education and Human Capital: Evidence from Chinese Cities
Williams, Niall
2016-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/26
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1026/viewcontent/Niall_Williams_33743_assignsubmission_file_Williams_Niall_16.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Environmental Studies
Growth and Development
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1028
2017-06-14T14:28:08Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Examining the Impact of Modern Money Theory on Non-Traditional Means of Increasing Aggregate Demand
Boris, Storm
The recent period of ultra-low interest rates and chronically inadequate aggregate demand has led to a series of prominent new proposals of nontraditional means of increasing aggregate demand. That same stagnation has allowed for the increasing influence within the field of Modern Money Theory, a theoretical framework derived from historical observations regarding the role of money. I will explore the impact of Modern Money Theory (MMT) on two of the most prominent proposals for increasing aggregate demand, helicopter money and negative interest rates. I will explain why MMT would suggest, not only are these policies either limited in their effectiveness, or redundant; it is a mistake to refer to both as monetary policy. I present MMT’s solution to inadequate aggregate demand, a Job Guarantee program, and explain the inadequacy of strictly monetary solutions in countering low aggregate demand.
2017-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/28
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1028/viewcontent/Storm_Boris_Economics_Honors_Thesis_Spring_2017.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Economic Theory
Political Economy
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1029
2017-06-14T14:37:18Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
The Economic Impacts of National Nature Reserves on Local Communities in China
Zhao, Maruge
The economic impacts of nature reserves have long been controversial. Some studies find that nature reserves impose economic burdens on local residents by limiting agricultural land use and exploitation of natural resources while other studies find that nature reserves could actually alleviate poverty. This thesis empirically examines the county-level economic impacts of national nature reserves (NNRs) in ten provinces in China, using a Difference-in-Differences approach. My results indicate that on average NNRs are associated with a 7% annual increase, 421 2010 yuan correspondingly, in per capita net income for farmers. In addition, the agricultural production value per capita in counties with NNRs is, on average, about 32% higher than that in counties without an NNR. There is also weak evidence for spill-over effects: local GDP per capita is positively correlated with the establishment of NNRs. These economic benefits associated with NNRs are likely to be explained by increased revenue from eco-tourism and forestry production.
2017-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/27
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1029/viewcontent/Zhao_Maruge_2017.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Growth and Development
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1030
2019-05-14T19:22:16Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Implicit Bias in the Criminal Justice System: An Economic Review
Duseau, Brianna
This project seeks to investigate implicit racial bias in the prosecution section of the criminal justice system and calculate its potential economic consequences. Combining past research and analyses of racial bias in other contexts with evaluations of legal rulings and precedents that hinder effective reform, potential areas for change and further study are identified. An experiment is designed to identify racial bias within the context of a drug offense where race and strength of evidence are isolated variables. Subsequent results are analyzed in the context of economic and social cost to both individuals and the United States as a whole.
2019-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/30
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1030/viewcontent/Duseau_Brianna_2019.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Mark Joseph Stelzner
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1031
2019-05-14T19:24:47Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Banking Institutions and the Formation of Asset Bubbles
Marcin, Cammi
Throughout history, the occurrence of financial asset bubbles has led to great economic turmoil.
A bubble occurs when an asset’s price exceeds its fundamental value by a significant amount for a significant period of time. Even though this mismatch between fundamental value and price is not explained by the efficient market hypothesis, research on the formation of asset bubbles substantiates their existence. The aim of the paper is to advance the understanding of bubbles by exploring the impact of irrationality in the formation of bubbles when the participants are acting as a financial institution.
2019-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/29
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1031/viewcontent/marcin_cammi.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1033
2020-05-21T15:35:01Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Decision Making with Others: Imposed vs. Solicited Advice for Factual and Value Based Decisions
Oren, Piper
Understanding if and how solicitation affects advice taking is critical. Individuals frequently receive advice from others, however, the ways in which advice is given determines if it is utilized. The following study demonstrates that choosing advice from highly confident advisors increases advice-taking. In addition, the results indicate that the type of task, whether it is factual or value-based, vary degrees of advice taking. I conclude with a discussion of the implications for advice seeking in groups and organizations and areas for future research.
2020-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/33
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1033/viewcontent/Piper_Oren_2020.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Behavioral Economics
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1032
2020-05-13T20:01:22Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Causes and Barriers of Informality: Promoting Change for Domestic Workers in Lima, Peru
Burrows, Dominique
In Peru, over 92% of domestic workers have informal employment. This work examines both the causes and barriers of this informality in the hopes of promoting real change for these workers. I contend that ineffective and exclusive policy reforms, along with the undervaluation of domestic labor and the marginalization of domestic workers, have caused the high rate of informal employment within the sector. From a study I conducted in Lima, I find that most domestic workers are not aware of their rights and most employers do not comply with the law unless there is a third-party intermediary supervising the employment relationship; I argue that these barriers to formalization can be resolved with policy reform and comprehensive State services that seek to educate workers and supervise employers through enforcement measures. Finally, I offer the reforms of Uruguay as a guiding example.
2020-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/34
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1032/viewcontent/Burrows_Dominique_2020.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Labor Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1034
2020-05-13T20:17:17Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Understanding Pharmaceutical Pricing in the United States
Howe, Ashley
The issue of high drug prices in the United States is something that could go on forever due to the industry’s profit maximizing design. Given the current time with the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes will be made to what Americans have considered a “normal lifestyle” for the past century. This will involve policy changes across many industries to keep Americans safe throughout the duration of this disease, and through any other virus to come. Hopefully, significant changes will be made in the pharmaceutical industry. This industry is unlike any other industry in the world, as all major players: hospitals, insurance companies, the government, middlemen, and pharmaceutical manufacturers act as profit maximizers. This paper gives an insight on how each of these players contribute to pricing pharmaceuticals and how the negotiation process works. Once a basic understanding of this complex industry is achieved, I will explain why and how pharmaceutical manufacturers can charge high prices for their products, even though they are financially burdening many patients. Excessive initial list prices and overprescribing are big issues in the industry, but the biggest problem I found is the ability to increase the price of a drug consistently throughout the duration of its patent, which could be up to 20 years. Now would be the perfect time to make significant adjustments to this pricing system that works in patients’ worst interest, but if regulators and law makers choose to do so is a different story.
2020-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/32
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1034/viewcontent/Howe_Ashley_2020.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Health Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1035
2020-05-13T20:19:56Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Modern Monetary Theory
Rabbitt, Tristan
2020-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/31
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1035/viewcontent/Rabbitt_Tristin_2020.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Economic Theory
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1036
2021-05-18T18:28:44Z
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Minimum Wages and Typical Low Wage Households
deCourcy, Katherine
In this paper, I estimate the impact of minimum wage increases on the hourly wages of three typical low wage households in cities that saw substantial increases in the minimum wage between 2009 and 2019, compared to cities where there was no minimum wage increase and compared to non-low wage workers.
I construct a model to estimate the impact of increases in the minimum wage across five Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the United States. Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia where the current minimum wage rate remains at the federal rate of $7.25 per hour are used as control cities, to which trends in New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston are compared. Each of the “treatment” cities passed ordinances that increased the minimum wage by at least 50 percent over the same period. Three typical low wage households are defined from occupations including cooks and food preparation workers, food and beverage serving workers, construction trades workers, production, transportation, and material moving workers, nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides, home care aides and other personal care and service workers, building cleaning and pest control workers, and information and records clerks. Using the Uniform Extracts of the Current Population Survey Outgoing Rotation Files available from the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), I implement difference-in-difference-in-differences event study methods to estimate the causal effect of minimum wage increases on the hourly wages of low wage households. I find positive wage effects across all MSAs of interest, except for D.C., with varying magnitude and significance across the three typical low wage households.
2021-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/36
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1036/viewcontent/deCourcy_Katherine_2021.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Labor Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1037
2021-05-18T18:35:03Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Discrimination in Modern Labor Markets: A Field Experiment
Nam, Taekmin
With the growing prominence of big data and algorithms in the hiring process, it seems only apt to systematically identify the effect that these changes are having on labor markets. In this paper, I seek to take the first step in filling this void by systematically analyze the effect of big data and algorithms on discrimination in the hiring process. I conduct a correspondence study adapted to the new job application process to see how big data and algorithms are affecting discrimination in the hiring process.
2021-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/35
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1037/viewcontent/Nam_Taekmin_2021.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
Labor Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1038
2022-05-18T17:14:28Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
“Strive for Gains!”: Perceived Fairness of College Tuition Price Increases
Powell, Rachel
2022-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/37
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1038/viewcontent/Powell_Rachel_2022.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1039
2023-05-08T15:38:18Z
publication:sip
publication:cisla
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Growth and Income Distribution in Brazil
Avilez López, Melissa Raquel
2023-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/39
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1039/viewcontent/AvilezLopez_Melissa_2023.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
International Economics
oai:digitalcommons.conncoll.edu:econhp-1040
2023-05-08T15:41:42Z
publication:honors
publication:economics
publication:econhp
Hiring Discrimination in Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland: A Comparative Study of Ukrainian and Afghan Job Applicants
Brown, Annika
This paper investigates the labor market discrimination faced by job applicants from Afghanistan and Ukraine, using a correspondence test. Specifically, we examine the impact of nationality, gender, skill, and industry on positive responses from potential employers in Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden using a linear probability model. We used popular names in Afghanistan and Ukraine to create resumes that implied particular nationalities and included previous job experience in Kabul and Kyiv. Although the sample size of positive responses in Sweden and Iceland was too small to draw conclusions, employers in Denmark responded to 28 percent of the applications. For a Ukrainian, the odds of receiving a positive response were 24.98 times as large as the odds for an Afghan receiving a positive response, a uniform gap across three tertiary-level industries. Furthermore, Afghan and Ukrainian females were more likely to receive a positive callback than their male counterparts, with a 33.4 percent and 11.2 percent advantage, respectively. These results suggest that labor market discrimination based on nationality and gender is prevalent in Denmark.
2023-01-01T08:00:00Z
text
application/pdf
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/econhp/38
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/context/econhp/article/1040/viewcontent/Brown_Annika_2023.pdf
Economics Honors Papers
Digital Commons @ Connecticut College
Economics
International Economics