|
on Central and Western Asia |
| By: | Kaul Subhashini |
| Abstract: | Service quality measures developed internationally are often accepted as adequate in India. This study evaluates the Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS) developed in the U.S. and considered valid across a variety of formats and cultural contexts. Confirmatory factor analysis of the component structures using AMOS 4.0 indicates the RSQS dimensions are not valid in India. This lowers the diagnostic ability of the scale for identifying areas requiring strategic focus. This study argues for further research and extensive scale adaptation before scales developed in other countries such as the RSQS are applied in the Indian context. |
| Date: | 2005–10–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iim:iimawp:2005-10-02&r=cwa |
| By: | Helena Marques (Loughborough University); Sushanta Mallick (Loughborough University) |
| Abstract: | This paper uses panel data to analyse the extent to which the prices of India’s imports and exports in nine product groups react to exchange rate changes before (1980-90) and after (1991-2001) a change in policy that included the adoption of a flexible exchange rate regime and an acceleration of trade liberalisation. It finds that for all the nine groups of Indian industries the null hypothesis of complete pass-through from exchange rate changes into import prices cannot be rejected. On the contrary, the results suggest that Indian exporters appear to have to some degree passed through exchange rate changes into foreign currency export prices in three industry groups in the 1980s and in six groups of industries in the 1990s. The increase in the number of sectors exhibiting some degree of pass-through in the 1990s, relative to the 1980s, may be partly attributable to the elimination of currency and trade controls. Whilst the pass-through into import prices does not exhibit a structural break around 1991, a Chow test revealed the existence of such structural break in pass-through into export prices. The pass-through to import prices seems to be exogenous (determined by external factors), but the pass-through to export prices appears to be endogenous (driven by internal factors, mostly trade and exchange rate policies). |
| Keywords: | sectoral exchange rate pass-through, pricing-to-market, panel estimation, India |
| JEL: | F13 F14 F31 F41 |
| Date: | 2004–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lbo:lbowps:2004_06&r=cwa |
| By: | James Laurenceson; Abby Kamalankanthan (EAERG - School of Economics, The University of Queensland) |
| Abstract: | The picture often painted is that foreign capital inflows in China and India are prominently linked to rapid growth at the national level, and contribute to widening income disparities at the provincial/state level. In this paper we revisit Krugman’s (1993) contention that foreign capital can hardly be considered an important income growth driver, when in most developing countries it only accounts for a fractional share of gross capital formation. In the case of contemporary China and India, the data suggests that Krugman’s critique holds largely true, even in the coastal regions that are considered magnets for foreign investment. Thus, domestic factors, rather than the driving forces of globalization, appear to be the more important determinants of income growth in both countries. |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qld:uqeaer:04&r=cwa |
| By: | Dale Andrew; Karim Dahou; Ronald Steenblik |
| Abstract: | This report represents the stock-taking of the lessons learned from a series of twenty OECD case studies which examined specific market access problems arising from environmental and health requirements faced by developing country exporters. Together with a series of UNCTAD case studies and the experiences exchanged at an OECD Global Forum on Trade workshop, held in New Delhi in November 2002, the focus is on the approaches that contributed to addressing the market access difficulties. These are divided into two sections: first, those addressing information flows and capacity building needs of developing-country exporters, undertaken both by governments and non-governmental organisations; and then the procedures in developing, implementing and reviewing regulations and standards. While covering a range of natural resource-based exports and manufactures and one traded service in key OECD import markets, no generalisation can be drawn regarding the scale of the market-access problems created by environmental and health requirements. |
| Keywords: | environment, regulations, market access, standards, developing countries, capacity building |
| Date: | 2004–09–24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:traaab:5-en&r=cwa |
| By: | Halil Erkan Eristi; Mehtap Kartal; Huseyin Ozbay |
| Abstract: | A project aimed at presenting initial results from the implementation of the System of Health Accounts has been carried by the Health Policy Unit at the OECD and experts from thirteen member countries. The results are presented in the form of a comparative study (OECD Health Working Papers No. 16) and a set of OECD Health Technical Papers presenting individual country studies. This volume is the thirteenth in this series, presenting the Turkish SHA-based health accounts. L’Unité des politiques de santé de l’OCDE et des experts originaires de treize pays Membres ont mené un projet visant à rendre compte des premiers résultats de la mise en œuvre du Système de comptes de la santé (SCS). Ces résultats se présentent sous la forme d’une étude comparative (document de travail sur la santé n° 16 de l’OCDE) et d’un ensemble de rapports techniques sur la santé contenant des études par pays. Ce volume est le treizième de la série, il examine les comptes de la santé fondés sur le SCS en Turquie. |
| JEL: | H51 I10 |
| Date: | 2004–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:elsaae:13-en&r=cwa |
| By: | Rana Ejaz Ali Khan (Department of Economics. Islamia University Bahawalpur Pakistan); Karamat Ali (Department of Economics. Bahauddin Zakarya University Multan Pakistan) |
| Abstract: | Over the issue of the difference or otherwise between economically active children and home-care children, there are two competing claims by researchers. One holds that economically active children and home- care children are the same in that both groups of children have identical determinants, while the other contradicts this view. Using the probit analysis for both groups of children in Pakistan, our study compares the determinants of the two groups to check whether they have same determining factors and ultimately are the same or they differ with each other in this matter. It is found that a significant number of explanatory variables have shown opposite effect on economic activity of children and home-care activity of children. So it is concluded that economically active children and home-care children are two different groups which cannot be merged into each other. However, policies focused on elimination of economically active children trickle down the effect to home-care children as some determining factors of both groups are the same. |
| Keywords: | Child labor, Human Capital, Children, Pakistan |
| JEL: | J |
| Date: | 2005–10–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpla:0510013&r=cwa |
| By: | Jean-Lois Arcand; Béatrice d'Hombres |
| Abstract: | When market structure is complete, factor demands by households will be independent of their characteristics, and households will take their production decisions as if they were profit-maximizing firms. This observation constitutes the basis for one of the most popular empirical tests for complete markets, commonly known as the 'separation' hypothesis. In this paper, we show that all existing tests for separation using panel data are potentially biased towards rejecting the null-hypothesis of complete markets, because of the failure to adequately control for unobservable individual effects. Since the variable on which the test for separation is based cannot be identified in most panel datasets following the usual covariance transformations, and is likely to be correlated with the individual effect, neither the within nor the variance-components procedures are able to solve the problem. We show that the Hausman-Taylor (1981) estimator, in which the impact of covariates that are invariant along one dimension of a panel can be identified through the use of covariance transformations of other included variables that are orthogonal to the individual effects as instruments, provides a simple solution. We furnish an empirical illustration in which separation —and thus the null of complete markets— is strongly rejected using the standard approach, but is not rejected once correlated unobservable individual effects are controlled for using the Hausman-Taylor instrument set. |
| Keywords: | Panel data, individual effects, household models, testing for incomplete markets, development microeconomics, Tunisia |
| JEL: | D1 D2 D3 D4 |
| Date: | 2005–10–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpmi:0510007&r=cwa |
| By: | Amnon Frenkel |
| Abstract: | The spatial aspects of high-rise buildings in the Tel Aviv metropolitan region in Israel are examined, using empirical data gathered through a field survey. A multinomial logic model is employed to test the hypotheses concerning the cyclic model in the development of the metropolitan region. The results support empirical evidence of the dispersal of high-rise buildings in space, indicating an initial process of convergence in the Tel Aviv metropolitan pattern. The study points out that intensive high-rise building is expected to develop extensively in the future, particularly in the core and inner-ring cities. A classic negative gradient pattern is indicated in the dispersal of intensive high-rise building, moving from the core area toward the outskirts of the metropolitan region. In contrast, the classic pattern between center and fringes does not hold within the built-up areas of the cities. |
| Date: | 2004–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa04p171&r=cwa |
| By: | Przemyslaw Kowalski; Douglas C. Lippoldt |
| Abstract: | This paper presents the new findings from the on-going work of the OECD project on trade preference erosion. Following a review of the recent literature, the paper develops two main types of analysis. First, a detailed statistical analysis is undertaken drawing on the trade preferences database developed by the Secretariat and covering the Quad countries and Australia. This includes a presentation of the structure of tariff regimes in these key developed countries and identification of countries and sectors that are most reliant on tariff preferences. The second analytical approach uses the standard model and database of the Global Trade Analysis Project to simulate trade liberalisation scenarios that would entail preference erosion. While highlighting a number of cases of preference reliance, the paper underscores the advantages of multilateral liberalisation. Globally and for a majority of developing regions, liberalisation by preference-granting countries will result in positive welfare gains, notwithstanding the effects of preference erosion. In a comparatively small number of cases, however, the analysis points to a risk of net welfare losses under the scenarios modelled here. |
| Keywords: | developing countries, CGE simulation, multilateral trade negotiations, nonreciprocal preferences, preference erosion, tariff reductions |
| Date: | 2005–04–26 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:traaab:17-en&r=cwa |
| By: | Evdokia Moïsé |
| Abstract: | This document presents country studies on customs reforms that have taken place in Mozambique, Angola, Pakistan and Peru. The studies were used as supporting material for the report on "Trade Facilitation Reforms in the Service of Development" (document TD/TC/WP(2003)11/FINAL). |
| Keywords: | developing countries, reforms, benefits, costs, customs, trade facilitation |
| Date: | 2005–02–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:traaab:12-en&r=cwa |
| By: | Jeong-Joon Lee (Department of Economics, Towson University); Yasuyuki Sawada (Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates precautionary saving under liquidity constraints in Pakistan using household panel data. In particular, while we estimates Kimball's (1990) prudence parameter, we deviate from Dynan's (1993) framework by explicitly considering liquidity constraints, as in Zeldes (1989). By doing so,we attempt to diffeerentiate the standard precautionary saving caused by uncertainty from the oneduetoliquidity constraints. Furthermore, endogenous liquidity constraints are considered toresolveis-sues of selection biases. In this study, we document substantial evidence of the presence of precautionary saving in Pakistan. More specifically, the estimated prudence is significantly higher for liquidity-constrainedhouse-holds as compared with unconstrained ones. The results support the emerging view that facilitating saving may often be more important than finding better ways of lending to the poor. |
| Date: | 2005–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tky:fseres:2005cf377&r=cwa |
| By: | Rudiger Ahrend; William Tompson |
| Abstract: | The paper provides an overview of the course of economic reform and the performance of the Russian economy since the early 1990s and an analysis of the structural reform challenges ahead. It assesses the contribution of institutional and structural reforms to economic performance over the period, before turning to the question of where further structural reforms could make the biggest contribution to improved performance. Three major conclusions emerge. First, there is still a great deal to be done to strengthen the basic institutions of the market economy. While the Russian authorities have embarked on some impressive – and often technically complex – ‘second-generation’ reforms, many ‘first-generation’ reforms have yet to be completed. Secondly, the central challenges of Russia’s second decade of reform are primarily concerned with reforming state institutions. Thirdly, the pursuit of reforms across a broad front could enable Russia to profit from complementarities that exist among various strands of reform. <P>Quinze ans de réformes économiques en Russie L’article donne un aperçu du déroulement des réformes économiques et des performances de l’économie russe depuis le début des années 90, ainsi qu’une analyse des enjeux des futures réformes structurelles. L’article considère la contribution des réformes institutionnelles et structurelles à la performance économique durant la période, avant d’examiner dans quels domaines des réformes structurelles additionnelles pourraient avoir la plus grande contribution à l’amélioration de la performance économique. Il en résulte trois conclusions majeures. Premièrement, il reste encore beaucoup à faire pour renforcer les institutions de base d’une économie de marché. Bien que les autorités russes aient commencé quelques réformes de « seconde génération » qui sont impressionnantes – et souvent techniquement complexes-, il reste un bon nombre de réformes de « première génération » à achever. Deuxièmement, les défis centraux de la deuxième décennie de réformes concernent en première ligne la réforme des institutions de l’État. Troisièmement, la poursuite des réformes sur un large front permettrait à la Russie de profiter des complémentarités existantes entre les différents axes des réformes. |
| Keywords: | growth, corruption, croissance, transition, competition, transparency, transparence, concurrence, Russia, economy, state ownership, Russie, économie, entreprise d'État, corruption, reforms, stabilisation, réformes, stabilisation |
| JEL: | H1 K2 P21 P27 P31 P37 |
| Date: | 2005–05–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:ecoaaa:430-en&r=cwa |
| By: | Håkansson, Peter (European Institute of Japanese Studies); Sjöholm, Fredrik (European Institute of Japanese Studies) |
| Abstract: | Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced a turbulent post-independence transition. It can be argued that the level of trust is likely to have been negatively affected by this turbulence and that it is important to restore trust to achieve sustainable political and economic development. This paper looks at trust in Bosnia and Herzegovina and puts a special focus on the role of ethnicity. We find generalized trust to be low in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it seems to have declined in recent years. Moreover, generalized trust is negatively affected by the degree of ethnic heterogeneity in the region. However, a further and more detailed examination of trust reveals a more complex relationship between ethnicity and trust: people tend to show low levels of trust in all other people irrespective of their ethnic belongings. We argue that ethnic distribution might capture some other regional specific characteristics that also affect the level of trust. One possibility is that ethnically heterogeneous regions tended to be severely affected by the war and that this has negatively affected the level of trust towards all people outside of a person’s family. |
| Keywords: | Trust; Social Capital; Ethnicity; Southeast Europe; Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| JEL: | O17 P20 Z13 |
| Date: | 2005–10–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:eijswp:0216&r=cwa |
| By: | Itzhak Goldberg; Branko Radulovic; Mark E. Schaffer |
| Abstract: | This article uses data on 27,000 firms from 50 countries, half of which are transition economies, together with the specific case of Serbia to examine the relationship between productivity, the investment climate and private ownership of firms. As government capacity to address the investment climate constraints is limited, the prioritization of the constraints is critical. Identification of the relative effects of various investment climate constraints and ownership on productivity should serve as a guide for such prioritization. Although ownership has recently received less attention in policy decisions than previously, according to the econometric analysis of productivity reported in the paper, private ownership is an equally or more important determinant of productivity than other components of the investment climate. The importance of ownership shows that an unfinished privatization and restructuring agenda might have negative effects on productivity, in parallel to poor investment climate. Another important finding is that countries in which firms complain more about infrastructure tend to have less productive firms. |
| Keywords: | Serbia, investment climate, productivity, transition |
| JEL: | P3 D24 L33 O17 |
| Date: | 2005 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hwe:certdp:0503&r=cwa |