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on Project, Program and Portfolio Management |
| By: | Bulman,David Janoff; Kolkma,Walter; Kraay,Aart C. |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the micro and macro correlates of aid project outcomes in a sample of 3,821 World Bank projects and 1,342 Asian Development Bank projects. Project outcomes vary much more within countries than between countries: country-level characteristics explain only 10?25 percent of project outcomes. Among macro variables, country growth and the policy environment are significantly positively correlated with project outcomes. Among micro variables, shorter project duration and the presence of additional financing are significantly correlated with better project outcomes. In addition, the track record of the project manager in delivering successful projects is highly significantly correlated with project outcomes. There are few significant differences between the two institutions in the relationship between these variables and project outcomes. |
| Keywords: | Housing&Human Habitats,Development Economics&Aid Effectiveness,Rural Portfolio Improvement,Poverty Monitoring&Analysis,Banks&Banking Reform |
| Date: | 2015–04–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7245&r=ppm |
| By: | Kellenbrink, Carolin; Helber, Stefan |
| Abstract: | We study the problem of determining both the structure and the schedule of projects subject to capacity constraints. We assume that those projects are flexible in the sense that the activities to be implemented are not entirely known in advance. In such a setting, decisions must be made with respect to the implementation of the optional activities. Such decisions affect the duration, cost, quality and eventual revenue of the project. Examples of this type of problem can often be found when complex capital goods such as aircraft engines are overhauled, when buildings are renovated to meet higher environmental and efficiency standards, or in productdevelopment processes. We describe the problem, develop a mixed-integer optimisation model, explain specific features of a genetic algorithm to solve the problem and report the results of a numerical study. |
| Keywords: | Quality, project scheduling, genetic algorithm, RCPSP, flexible projects |
| Date: | 2014–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:han:dpaper:dp-549&r=ppm |
| By: | Susanne Neckermann (Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and ZEW, Germany); Michael Gibbs (University of Chicago, United States, and IZA, Germany); Christoph Siemroth (University of Mannheim, Germany) |
| Abstract: | We study the effects of a field experiment designed to motivate employee ideas, at a large technology company. Employees were encouraged to submit ideas on process and product improvements via an online system. In the experiment, the company randomized 19 account teams into treatment and control groups. Employees in treatment teams received rewards if their ideas were approved. Nothing changed for employees in control teams. Our main finding is that rewards substantially increased the quality of ideas submitted. Further, rewards increased participation in the suggestion system, but decreased the number of ideas per participating employee, with zero net effect on the total quantity of ideas. The broader participation base persisted even after the reward was discontinued, suggesting habituation. We find no evidence for motivational crowding out. Our findings suggest that rewards can improve innovation and creativity, and that there may be a tradeoff between the quantity and quality of ideas. |
| Keywords: | innovation, rewards, creativity, field experiment |
| JEL: | C93 J24 M52 O32 |
| Date: | 2014–04–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20140045&r=ppm |
| By: | Lucyna Gornicka (University of Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | Bank holding companies (BHCs) invest in risky projects through bank entities or sell projects for a fee, thus engaging in shadow banking. BHCs can increase their fee income by guaranteeing sold projects with a recourse to the bank's balance sheet. When the expected guarantee repayments depend on total bank proceeds (high capital requirements), BHCs have incentives to increase their bank investments to raise the demand for offbalance projects. The amount of credit in the economy increases, bank defaults are more frequent, and the costs of deposit insurance increase. BHCs with large banks offer higher guarantees than BHCs with small banks, and they dominate the shadow banking sector. |
| Keywords: | shadow banking, implicit recourse, special purpose vehicles |
| JEL: | G21 G23 G28 |
| Date: | 2014–03–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20140035&r=ppm |
| By: | Ray, Shubhomoy (Asian Development Bank Institute) |
| Abstract: | Investment in infrastructure for increasing trade and connectivity in South Asia and Southeast Asia has been impacted by a reduction in commercial bank participation in project financing, which has significantly increased the role of multilateral financial institutions and export credit agencies. The financing model needs to change to more sustainable local market and local currency financing by harnessing domestic savings, and this will be crucial if the region is to procure investments of an estimated $3.6 trillion by 2020 for financing of its infrastructure and connectivity projects. Increased connectivity between South and Southeast Asia can play an important role in improving efficiency and productivity by having more efficient industries based on comparative advantage, enlarging the overall market size, and increasing market access. However, such economic integration faces a multitude of challenges relating to cross-border infrastructure links, weak trade facilitation, shortages of infrastructure financing, non-tariff barriers, restrictions on foreign direct investment, and weak institutional coordination. Improvement in these issues would require large-scale public and private sector investment, supplemented by commercially viable credit. This study analyzes the means and constraints in funding cross-border connectivity projects. Using the most recent data from sources including the World Bank, ADB, and other financing and research institutions, barriers in financing cross-border projects are explored and analyzed with the help of case studies. This research brings to the fore the potential benefits of regional funding platforms and the role of multilaterals in resolving such barriers. |
| Keywords: | infrastructure; infrastructure financing; project finance; bond markets; public-private partnerships; public finance; multilateral banks |
| JEL: | G15 G21 G23 H44 H54 H87 |
| Date: | 2015–04–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:adbiwp:0522&r=ppm |
| By: | Mark van Duijn (VU University Amsterdam, and University of Groningen, the Netherlands); Jan Rouwendal (VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands); Richard Boersema (Colliers International, Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | Local policy makers seek ways to deal with abandoned industrial heritage in their jurisdictions. Much is demolished, but in some cases considerable investments are made to preserve the cultural aspects of industrial sites. The renewal plans are usually designed to stimulate urban renewal in the vicinity of these sites. Little seems to be known about the effectiveness of these policies and in this paper, we study whether the redevelopment of five industrial heritage sites caused positive external effects by investigating the development of house prices in nearby residential areas. We use a quasi‐experimental design by comparing quality‐adjusted house prices before the start, between the start and the completion and after the completion of the transformation. We find substantial effects of one site, which is the best-known example of renovated industrial heritage i n the Netherlands, but much smaller or no effects for the other sites. We also model the decay of these effects over time and space. We find different decay effects for each case. We conclude that industrial heritage sites do not necessarily cause negative external effects. If there are negative external effects present they disappear at the start of the transformation of the industrial heritage site, suggesting anticipation effects. Also, positive external effects on house prices after the redevelopment of industrial heritage are not necessarily present. The details of the transformation project (e.g. location, size of the site, size of the investment, focus on interior or exterior investments) seem to be important determinants that may cause the existence of positive external effects. |
| Keywords: | Industrial heritage, redevelopment, urban revitalization, external effects, hedonic prices |
| JEL: | C21 D62 H43 R0 |
| Date: | 2014–09–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20140122&r=ppm |
| By: | Daumann, Volker (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany]); Dietz, Martin (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany]); Knapp, Barbara (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany]); Strien, Karsten (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany]) |
| Abstract: | "Germany is facing an increasing number of persons applying for asylum. The Federal Employment Agency, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and XENOS - a program sponsored by the European Social Fund providing labour market related support to refugees - launched a pilot project. This project aims at a quick support with respect to a successful labour market integration that also considers the formal qualification of the asylum seekers in an adequate way. The project was implemented in six German regions and is evaluated by the Institute for Employment Research. The Research Report analysis the implementation of the project within the local agencies and discusses major challenges on a way to find appropriate jobs for the asylum seekers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en)) |
| Date: | 2015–04–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iab:iabfob:201503&r=ppm |
| By: | Karin Kondor-Tabun (Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Estonia); Karsten Staehr (Tallinn University of Technology/Eesti Pank) |
| Abstract: | The EU cohesion policy funding aims to enhance economic, social and territorialcohesion across regions and countries in the European Union. This paper discusses theimplementation of the policy in Estonia since 2004 using as background information surveysof the theoretical and empirical literature and a thorough description of the institutionalframework. Estonia received cohesion policy funding amounting to approximately 2.2 percentof GDP in 2004–2006 and 3.0 percent of GDP in 2007–2013. The funding went mainly toinfrastructure projects, enterprise support and human resource development. A key challengeis to ensure that the EU cohesion policy funds are used effectively and in ways that arebeneficial in the long term. |
| Date: | 2015–03–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ttu:tuteco:21&r=ppm |
| By: | Nguyen Viet Cuong |
| Abstract: | During the recent years, researchers as well as policy makers have been increasingly interested in impact evaluation of development programs. A large number of impact evaluations have been developed and applied to measure the impact of programs. Different impact evaluation methods rely on different identification assumptions. This paper presents an overview of several widely-used methods in program impact evaluation. In addition to a randomization-based method, these methods are categorized into: (i) methods assuming 'selection on observable' and (ii) methods assuming 'selection on unobservable'. The paper discusses each method under identification assumptions and estimation strategy. Identification assumptions are presented in a unified framework of counterfactual and two-equation model. |
| Keywords: | Program impact evaluation, treatment effect, counterfactual, potential outcomes |
| JEL: | C40 H43 J68 |
| Date: | 2015–04–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipg:wpaper:2015-619&r=ppm |
| By: | Reddy, Kotapati Srinivasa |
| Abstract: | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of higher education, high-impact research and university rankings in Asian emerging market-India. Firstly, overview of higher education and government schemes for academic research is presented. Secondly, progress of high-impact research in India and China for citable documents, number of citations, cites per document and H-index in three subject categories is assessed. Lastly, we discuss potential challenges in the university education and recommend policy guidelines for betterment of the existing practices. Methodology: Being a qualitative study we have collected data from archival sources and thereby accomplished our goals based on inductive and deductive logics. Findings: Overall, Chinese universities are found to be outperforming Indian universities, especially in citable documents, number of citations, international collaboration, collaborative research projects, publications and editorship, and university rankings. For citable documents in all subjects category, United States is ranked 1st, followed by China 2nd, United Kingdom 3rd …, and India 9th. We therefore suggest that individual-, university- and country-specific factors have significant impact on high-impact research. Research limitations: The study is restricted to India. Hence, conducting a survey among government and private universities with regard to academics and research assessment measures deserves future research. Practical implications: A set of policy guidelines (research funding, collaborative research projects and research assessment council) is suggested for imparting quality academic practices and standards. Originality: This paper indeed is an original attempt while no earlier study links higher education, high-impact research and university rankings in India. |
| Keywords: | Emerging markets, India, Higher education, High-impact research, Open access, Research funding, Government support, University rankings |
| JEL: | A2 I0 I2 I21 I22 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:63658&r=ppm |