|
on Sociology of Economics |
|
Issue of 2005‒11‒09
four papers chosen by Jonas Holmström Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration |
| By: | Rodgers, Joan R. (University of Wollongong); Valadkhani, Abbas (University of Wollongong) |
| Abstract: | This study uses cluster analysis to classify twenty-seven Australian economics teaching departments into groups that have similar quantities of research output, measured by two different publication counts, and similar quality of research output, measured by a citation count. Three distinct groups of departments are identified and factor analysis is used to rank the groups. Whether research output is measured in total or on a per staff basis, Melbourne is in the group that ranks first, the remaining members of the "group of eight" are in one or other of the top two groups, and at least fifteen other departments are always in the third-ranked group. |
| Keywords: | Economics Departments, Australia, Ranking |
| JEL: | A11 A19 C63 I29 |
| Date: | 2005 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uow:depec1:wp05-18&r=sog |
| By: | Valadkhani, Abbas (University of Wollongong); Worthington, Andrew (University of Wollongong) |
| Abstract: | This paper clusters and ranks the research performance of thirty-seven Australian universities over the period 1998-2002. Research performance is measured according to audited numbers of PhD completions, publications and grants (in accordance with rules established by the Department of Education, Science and Training) and analysed in both total and per academic staff terms. Hierarchical cluster analysis supports a binary division between fifteen higher and twenty-two lower-performing universities, with the specification in per academic staff terms identifying the self-designated research intensive "Group of Eight" (Go8) universities, plus several others in the better-performing group. Factor analysis indicates that the top-three research performers are the Universities of Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland in terms of total research performance and the Universities of Melbourne, Adelaide and Western Australia in per academic staff terms. |
| Keywords: | Higher education, hierarchical cluster analysis, research performance, factor analysis |
| JEL: | A11 A19 C63 I29 |
| Date: | 2005 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uow:depec1:wp05-19&r=sog |
| By: | Gunther Maier |
| Date: | 2005 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwsre:sre-disc-2005_03&r=sog |
| By: | Pol, Eduardo (University of Wollongong); Carroll, Peter (University of Wollongong) |
| Abstract: | Elementary economics textbooks have become less attractive to students requiring only an introduction to economics, given that their content is pervaded by mathematical diagrams and simple equations. Also they are of relatively little value to those interested in, for example, attempting to gain an understanding of the New Economy, for they rarely emphasise business innovation and its crucial dynamic role. These factors engender something of a double paradox. First (paradox of the tools and the audience), newcomers are frequently 'turned off' by existing economics textbooks due to the pervasive use of mathematics. Second (paradox of the content and relevance), those newcomers who are not initially turned off tend to be disenchanted with economics because they perceive that economics is of little use in understanding the New Economy in which they work, or will come to work. We suggest an integrated solution to both paradoxes. The implementation entails a minor reorientation of the traditional pedagogical strategy for teaching introductory economics. |
| Keywords: | Double paradox, elementary economics education |
| Date: | 2005 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uow:depec1:wp05-16&r=sog |