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on Central and Western Asia |
| By: | Sudip Ranjan Basu (Graduate Institute of International Studies HEI , Geneva) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the hypothesis that economic growth is critical in inducing well-being during economic reforms. The regional (16 Indian states and 28 Chinese provinces) level study of India and China show that the quality of growth has been essential for well-being. We estimate level of economic well-being by aggregating different socio- economic indicators through multivariate statistical method of factor analysis. We estimate economic growth (per capita income, real) along with their well-being level for four different sub-periods since 1978/80-2001 for all regions. Our empirical results confirm that differential level of well-being across regions is correlated with the quality of growth. |
| Keywords: | Growth, Well-being, Economic Reforms, Multivariate statistical method, India, China |
| JEL: | O C R11 |
| Date: | 2005–09–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0509010&r=cwa |
| By: | Sudip Ranjan Basu (Graduate Institute of International Studies HEI , Geneva) |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of economic well-being. We provide a methodology to compute well-being by aggregating different socio-economic dimensions with factor analysis technique. We also estimate quality of good governance (using latent variable approach) and a financial decentralisation index. Panel data is employed to explore if better quality of institutional arrangements (of governance and more financial decentralisation) lead to better outcome in the economic well-being index. The evidence shows a strong positive link ( from using data of 16 major Indian states over four points of time (1970s to 1997-latest)). |
| Keywords: | Economic Well-being, Governance, Decentralisation, Panel data, India |
| JEL: | O1 C10 C23 R11 |
| Date: | 2005–09–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0509009&r=cwa |
| By: | Sudip Ranjan Basu (Graduate Institute of International Studies HEI , Geneva) |
| Abstract: | This paper provides empirical evidence, from the study of sixteen major Indian states for the period 1980-2001, that under the economic reform process, the better institutional mechanism could actually help economies to grow faster with higher level of economic well-being. We estimate economic well-being index (by aggregating fifteen socio- economic variables, viz, education, infrastructure, technological progress, income, etc.) and also index of good governance (by aggregating thirteen variables indicating rule of law, government functioning, public services, press freedom, etc) by multivariate statistical measures. Panel regression showed that governance measures, and economic policy variables are crucial to explain differential level of development performance across states in India during the last two decades. |
| Keywords: | Growth, Well-being, Governance, Economic Reforms, Panel data, India |
| JEL: | B25 C23 O18 R11 |
| Date: | 2005–09–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0509007&r=cwa |
| By: | Ravichandran N |
| Abstract: | The Bombay Dabbawallahs operation is widely recognized as an outstanding example of excellence in Logistics. It is often quoted as a standard example of six sigma implementation in the Indian context. Because of its popularity Prince Charles of the United Kingdom paid a visit to the operations site during his official visit to India in 2003. In this article we study in detail the nature and content of this system, critically examine its salient features and analyze the possibility of extending the system to similar or related domains. |
| Date: | 2005–09–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iim:iimawp:2005-09-01&r=cwa |
| By: | Parikh Indira J; Kollan Bharti |
| Abstract: | Indian organizations are encountering transformations within the organization and in the external – both national and global environment. In this era of rapid transformations Indian managers need assess their role taking and interfaces across the organization. This study is based on 30 workshops arising out of diagnostic studies of the organization and its resultant identification of developmental inputs. The organizations were set on a path of growth and a commitment to professionalize their existing managers so that the organization could become vibrant and dynamic. The present paper emphasis on the content of the stories, situations involving mostly interpersonal relations, Such as father-son or superior and subordinate are examined for the feelings and subsequently, what actors are being triggered off by the interface. The paper also explores the manager’s perception of the job, role, task and performance. Based on the content analysis of each story, the paper investigate how the manager take’s initiatives to accept the challenges of their jobs and subsequently, adding new dimensions to their role. |
| Date: | 2005–08–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iim:iimawp:2005-08-06&r=cwa |
| By: | Ralf Ruhwedel; Michael Funke |
| Abstract: | We calculate welfare gains of trade liberalization in the Central and East European transitioneconomies, following the approach of Romer (1994), who emphasized that proper modeling ofthe impact of trade restrictions on the number of available product varieties is crucial toquantifying the welfare impact of trade liberalization. The empirical work relies on directmeasures of product variety calculated from 5-digit trade data. Although the issue is far fromsettled, the emerging conclusion is that freer trade has boosted welfare. |
| Keywords: | Trade Liberalization, Product Variety, Welfare, Transition Economies |
| JEL: | D60 F14 F15 |
| Date: | 2004–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ham:qmwops:20401&r=cwa |
| By: | Deodhar Satish Y |
| Abstract: | Apples have been grown in India for a century. At present apple production exceeds 1.4 million tonnes a year. Still, there are wide variations in the apple prices across the country. We test the price data for market integration using cointegration and error correction methodology. Delhi, the major wholesale market for apples, does not seem to influence other markets. Mumbai market does influence Bangalore market, although with about a two week lag. Absence of integration can be attributed to traders from southern region bypassing the Delhi wholesale market, cascading effect of trader margins at various distribution points, absence of competition to agricultural produce marketing committee markets, and, inadequacy of road and cool chain infrastructure. |
| Date: | 2005–08–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iim:iimawp:2005-08-03&r=cwa |
| By: | Anna Omarini (Università Luigi Bocconi - Milan - Italy); Philip Molineux (SBARD, University of Wales Bangor) |
| Abstract: | The paper examines the features of private banking business in Europe and focuses on the key roles of client segmentation, retention and acquisition. There has been substantial growth in private banking business over the last decade or so as commercial banks have targeted both the 'mass-affluent' and more upmarket high net worth individuals (HNWI's). The combined amount of investable assets at the disposal of these two groups amounts to around Euro 6 trillion and a wide range of banks, investment firms and other operators have focused on devising strategies aimed at grabbing a share of this potentially lucrative market. The private client wealth management industry in Europe remains relatively fragmented although a few major players have emerged and consolidation is an ongoing theme in the sector. Given the commercial opportunities afforded by this business area the increased complexity of clients needs continues to be a critical strategic issue for industry participants. This paper illustrates important themes relating to the wealth management service proposition and focuses on client segmentation, retention and acquisition strategies. Overall we find that private banks will have to adopt a more systematic approach to these areas and in particular also have to pay greater qualitative and quantitative attention to client satisfaction, trust and loyalty issues if their client retention and acquisition strategies are to be a success. |
| Keywords: | Private banking, wealth management, segmentation |
| JEL: | G |
| Date: | 2005–09–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpfi:0509011&r=cwa |
| By: | Kollan Bharti; Parikh Indira J |
| Abstract: | Entrepreneurship amongst women has been a recent concern. Women have become aware of their existence their rights and their work situation. However, women of the middle class are not too eager to alter their role in fear of social backlash. The progress is more visible among upper class families in urban cities. This paper focuses on Women entrepreneur. Any understanding of Indian women, of their identity, and especially of their role taking and breaking new paths, will be incomplete without a walk down the corridors of Indian history where women have paused, lived and internalized various role models. Some have taken entrepreneurship roles where some have opted for employment, some in entertainment field and some for leadership roles while millions of others have taken the role of ideal stereotyped social roles. The paper slides from the era of fifties to the 21st centuries and how transformation has occurred in the women roles. Also the paper talks about the status of women entrepreneurs and the problems faced by them when they ventured out to carve their own niche in the competitive world of business environment. |
| Date: | 2005–08–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iim:iimawp:2005-08-07&r=cwa |
| By: | Ina Ganguli (Harvard University); Katherine Terrell (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and IZA Bonn) |
| Abstract: | Ukraine, the second largest country in the former Soviet bloc, is facing the challenge of rallying popular support for major structural reforms. As in most developing economies, the "Orange Revolution" government’s success will depend on its ability to keep income distribution within an acceptable range. This paper is the first to make use of recent methodological developments in Lemieux’s (2002) decomposition method to advance our understanding of the determinants of wage inequality in developing and transition economies. With an eye toward future policy, we apply this approach to the first large longitudinal micro data set for Ukraine - the Ukrainian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (ULMS) - to determine the extent to which the introduction of markets and new institutions affected men’s and women’s wage inequality between 1986 and 2003. We find that wage inequality rises substantially for both men and women. Applying the Lemieux method, we show that market forces drive the increase in inequality through changes in wage premiums, but the changes in the composition of the labor force (selection) generally contribute to a reduction in wage inequality; the exception is that changes in women’s labor composition contribute to an increase in inequality in the top half of their wage distribution. Finally, changes in unobservable characteristics work toward increasing inequality for both men and women. The institution of the minimum wage plays an important role in lowering the growth in inequality, more for women than for men. Going forward, if the government wants to ameliorate the effects of market forces on wage inequality, it should recognize the importance of maintaining the value of, and compliance with, the minimum wage. |
| Keywords: | gender, inequality, semi-parametric estimation, transition, wages, Ukraine |
| JEL: | C14 I2 J16 |
| Date: | 2005–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp1724&r=cwa |
| By: | Ravichandran N; Rao Subba I V |
| Abstract: | This article documents an innovative approach to manage waiting line in the largest pilgrimage center in the world. By a judicious combination of process orientation and advances in Information Technology, the pilgrimage center’s management has been able to dramatically change the pilgrims waiting experience. The pilgrimage location under study is Tirumala located in Andhra Pradesh state in India. The number of visitors to this important location has been steadily increasing over time. As of 2005, the location attracted approximately 16 million visitors a year. The primary objective of a pilgrim visiting Tirumala is to have darshan of the principle deity in the temple. The secondary objectives include tonsure (shaving head as a mark of respect), offering donations, prasad collection, local sight seeing and shopping. The immense popularity of the temple and its location poses significant challenges to the management of the system. This temple is a tradition bound Institution. Therefore, some alternatives to resolve pilgrim waiting time are feasible and some are not. There are some hard constraints which may not stand the test of logic. The ability to manage the traffic volume is a function of processing rate (darshan duration) at the temple and darshan time available per day. This case study is an example of improving operational effectiveness by using formal management methods in addressing an important real life problem in an under researched area. |
| Date: | 2005–08–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iim:iimawp:2005-08-02&r=cwa |
| By: | Ralf Ruhwedel; Michael Funke |
| Abstract: | Utilising panel data for 14 East European transition economies we find support for the hypothesis that a greater degree of export variety relative to the U.S. helps to explain relative per capita GDP levels.The empirical work relies upon some direct measures of product variety calculated from 5-digit OECD trade data.Although the issue is still far from being settled, the merging conclusion is that the index of relative export varietyacross countries is significantly correlated with relative per capity income levels. |
| Keywords: | Product Variety, Transition Economies, Eastern Europe, Economic Growth, Panel Data |
| JEL: | C33 F43 O31 O52 |
| Date: | 2005–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ham:qmwops:20502&r=cwa |
| By: | Basab Dasgupta (University of Connecticut) |
| Abstract: | One way to measure the lower steady state equilibrium outcome in human capital development is the incidence of child labor in most of the developing countries. With the help of Indian household level data in an overlapping generation framework, we show that production loans under credit rationing are not optimally extended towards firms because of issues with adverse selection. More stringent rationing in the credit market creates a distortion in the labor market by increasing adult wage rate and the demand for child labor. Lower availability of funds under stringent rationing coupled with increased demand for loans induces the high risk firms to replace adult labor by child labor. A switch of regime from credit rationing to revelation regime can clear such imperfections in the labor market. The equilibrium higher wage rate elevates the household consumption to a significantly higher level than the subsistence under credit rationing and therefore higher level of human capital development is assured leading to no supply of child labor. |
| Keywords: | Credit Rationing, Informal Credit, Child Labor, Self Revelation Mechanism |
| JEL: | O16 O17 |
| Date: | 2005–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uct:uconnp:2005-37&r=cwa |
| By: | Sudip Ranjan Basu (Graduate Institute of International Studies HEI , Geneva) |
| Abstract: | This paper attempts to propose a methodology to combine different dimensions of governance indicators into a composite index. The governance index is computed as the weighted average of principal components of the standardized governance indicators, where weights are variances of successive principal components. Since the notion of good governance is multi-dimensional, it is conceptualised as a goal and as a process that accelerates growth, equity and human development potential. We therefore estimate the governance index on the basis of five indicators, such as crime rates, riots, industrial disputes and strikes, Gini index, and debt-income ratio. Then we propose to explore whether the quality of governance determines development outcomes such as life expectancy, literacy, infant mortality rate and per capita income (logarithms of), within the panel data model framework. The evidence from 16 major Indian states (from state/regional level) strongly suggests that better quality of governance leads to better development outcomes. |
| Keywords: | Governance,Development,Index,Panel Data |
| JEL: | O1 N4 C0 |
| Date: | 2005–09–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0509008&r=cwa |
| By: | Sudip Ranjan Basu (Graduate Institute of International Studies HEI , Geneva) |
| Abstract: | This paper proposes a methodology to combine different dimensions of economic governance into a combined index. The quality of economic governance index (QEGI) is estimated as the weighted average of principal components of the standardised economic governance indicators, where weights are variances of successive principal components. The paper reports the QEGI for 71 developing and transition economies in 1998-2000. The evidence from a simple scatter diagram and a cross country regression analysis indicates that the better economic governance positively affects the economic performance (e.g., rise in per capita income, decline in poverty level, etc.) for sample of countries in our analysis. |
| Keywords: | Economic governance,Economic performance, Cross-country analysis, principal component. |
| JEL: | C1 O1 N4 |
| Date: | 2005–09–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpem:0509012&r=cwa |