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on Education |
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Issue of 2008‒05‒05
ten papers chosen by Joao Carlos Correia Leitao University of the Beira Interior |
| By: | Daniel Ljungberg; Mattias Johansson; Maureen McKelvey |
| Abstract: | Universities have increasingly been facing a focus on competition for research resources, not the least for external funding. This paper studies structural characteristics of the Swedish university sector and these characteristics relation to the propensity of universities to attract external research funding. The findings show a clear polarization of the sector into ‘Larger research and teaching intensive’ universities, accessing the lion’s share of external research funding, and ‘Smaller education dependent’ higher education institutions. Following from this, the paper discusses specialization and division of labor among universities, in relation to the ability to gain critical mass and excellence in research. |
| JEL: | O32 I28 |
| Date: | 2008 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aal:abbswp:08-02&r=edu |
| By: | Devesh Kapur and; Megan Crowley |
| Abstract: | This paper analyzes a relatively neglected facet of the complex debate regarding human capital – higher (or tertiary) education. It addresses five broad questions examining higher education in developing countries. One, are the economic effects of higher education on developing countries different from those in industrialized countries, with its links with labor markets of lesser importance than its impact on institutional development? Two, how does the impact of higher education depend on the type of education and its beneficiaries? Three, with the state unable to meet growing demand pressures, what should be the proper role of the state to ensure not just quality but also equity and access? Four, how should countries rethink the provision of higher education in an “open economy” from seeking education abroad or encouraging foreign providers into the country or simply linking domestic institutions with foreign quality assurance mechanisms? And five, do new technologies offer developing countries a new paradigm to expand the provision of high quality but low cost higher education? The aim is not to provide categorical answers to these complex questions, but rather highlight the analytical and empirical lacuna with regard to each of these questions. |
| Keywords: | higher education, human capital |
| Date: | 2008–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cgd:wpaper:139&r=edu |
| By: | Ziesemer, Thomas (UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University) |
| Abstract: | We estimate the impact of worker remittances on savings, taxes, and public expenditures on education, all as a share of GDP, for about thirty years in two samples of countries with per capita income above and below $1200 using dynamic panel data methods. Governments of the poorer sample raise less taxes in the short run but more in the long run and spend more money on education when remittances come in; in the richer sample they raise less taxes and spend less on education in response to remittances but this is almost completely compensated by the positive response of expenditure on education to higher savings, which results from remittances as well. |
| Keywords: | Remittances, Tax Revenue, Government Expenditure, Education |
| JEL: | F24 H20 H52 |
| Date: | 2008 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:unumer:2008029&r=edu |
| By: | Jeffrey J. Green (Department of Economics, Ball State University); Courtenay C. Stone (Department of Economics, Ball State University); Abera Zegeye (Department of Economics, Ball State University); Thomas A. Charles (Department of Economics, Ball State University) |
| Abstract: | Because statistical analysis requires both familiarity with and the ability to use mathematics, students typically are required to take one or more prerequisite math courses prior to enrolling in the business statistics course. Despite these math prerequisites, however, students find it extremely difficult to learn business statistics. In this study, we use an ordered probit model to examine the effect of alternative prerequisite math course sequences on the grade performance of 1,684 business and economics statistics students at a large Midwestern university. In addition, we show how the imposition of a minimum grade requirement of C- for the math prerequisite course would impact student success in the business statistics course. Although several studies have examined the impact of different math skills on student success in business and economics statistics courses, our study is the first to provide a detailed analysis of the impact of different prerequisite math course sequences on student performance in business statistics. Our study shows that, other things the same, taking more math credit hours, taking math courses that emphasize calculus, and imposing a minimum grade of C- on the prerequisite math course have significantly positive impacts on student grade performance in the business and economics statistics course. |
| Keywords: | introductory business statistics; math prerequisites; math topics; student performance; minimum prerequisite math grade requirement. |
| Date: | 2008–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bsu:wpaper:200802&r=edu |
| By: | Paola Giuri; Myriam Mariani |
| Abstract: | This paper studies the geographical breadth of knowledge spillovers. Previous research suggests that knowledge spillovers benefit from geographical proximity in technologically active and rich regions more than elsewhere. An alternative view explains the geographical breadth of knowledge spillovers as a function of the characteristics and personal networks of the individuals. We test these two competing theories by using information provided directly by the inventors of 6,750 European patents (PatVal-EU survey). Our results confirm the importance of inventors’ personal background. However, compared to previous research, we find that the level of education of the inventors is key in shaping the geographical breadth of knowledge spillovers. Highly educated inventors rely more on geographically wide research networks than their less educated peers. This holds after controlling for the mobility of the inventors and for the scientific nature of the research performed. Differently, location matters only in the very rare regions in Europe that perform the bulk of the research in the specific discipline of the inventors. |
| JEL: | O31 O33 R19 |
| Date: | 2008 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aal:abbswp:08-01&r=edu |
| By: | Paul Hubbard |
| Abstract: | One of the popular stories told (and taught) in development circles is how corruption was slashed in Uganda simply by publishing the amount of monthly grants to schools. This paper takes a deeper look at the facts behind the Uganda story and finds that while information did indeed play a critical role, the story is much more complicated than we have been led to believe. A dramatic drop did occur in the percentage of funds being diverted from Uganda’s capitation grant. But to attribute this leakage solely to the monthly release of grant data by the government risks ignoring the major funding in which this transparency campaign was imbedded. |
| Keywords: | education, Uganda, corruption, transparency |
| Date: | 2007–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cgd:wpaper:136&r=edu |
| By: | David L. Anderson (Queen's University); John Tressler (University of Waikato) |
| Abstract: | This paper considers the research productivity of New Zealand based economics departments over the period 2000 to 2006. It examines journal based research output across departments and individuals using six output measures. We show that Otago and Canterbury performed consistently well over the period, with Otago generally the highest ranked department. The measures used place different emphasis on ‘quality’ versus ‘quantity’. Which measure is used has a significant influence on the rankings of Auckland, Victoria and Waikato. The controversy surrounding the inclusion of ‘visitors’ and the influence of research stars is considered. Rankings of the leading individual researchers are provided. |
| Keywords: | economics departments; university rankings; research output; economics research |
| JEL: | A19 C81 J24 |
| Date: | 2008–04–23 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wai:econwp:08/05&r=edu |
| By: | Myerson, Roger B. (University of Chicago) |
| Abstract: | Roger B. Myerson delivered his Prize Lecture on 8 December 2007 at Aula Magna, Stockholm University. He was introduced by Professor Jorgen Weibull, Chairman of the Economics Prize Committee. |
| Keywords: | Mechanism Design; |
| JEL: | D02 |
| Date: | 2007–12–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:nobelp:2007_006&r=edu |
| By: | Diego Zavaleta Reyles |
| Abstract: | Shame and humiliation are central to the understanding of poverty yet internationally comparable data on this dimension are missing. Based on existing indicators from related fields, this article suggests eight indicators to measure specific aspects of shame and humiliation that could start an in-depth debate around this topic. The indicators are the following: whether respondents would feel shame if they were poor; levels of shame proneness; perceptions of respectful treatment, unfair treatment and prejudiced treatment; whether respondents perceive that their ethnic, racial or cultural background affects their chances of getting jobs, services and education; whether respondents perceive that economic conditions affect their chances of getting jobs, services and education; and levels of accumulated humiliation. |
| Date: | 2007–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qeh:ophiwp:ophiwp004&r=edu |
| By: | Frank J. van Rijnsoever; Laurens K. Hessels; Rens L.J. Vandeberg |
| Abstract: | The high value of collaboration among scientists and of interactions of university researchers with industry is generally acknowledged. In this study we explain the use of different knowledge networks at the individual level from a resource-based perspective. This involves viewing networks as a resource that offers competitive advantages to an individual university researcher in terms of career development. Our results show that networking and career development are strongly related, but it is important to distinguish between different types of networks. Although networks on various levels (faculty, university, scientific, industrial) show strong correlations, we found three significant differences. First, networking within one’s own faculty and with researchers from other universities stimulates careers, while interactions with industry do not. Second, during the course of an academic career a researcher’s scientific network activity first rises, but then declines after about 20 years. Science-industry collaboration, however, continuously increases. Third, the personality trait ‘global innovativeness’ positively influences science-science interactions, but not science-industry interactions. |
| Keywords: | research collaboration, science-industry interaction, individual researcher, resource-based view |
| Date: | 2008–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uis:wpaper:0814&r=edu |