The Relative Performance of Poisson and Negative Binomial Regression Estimators

Negative binomial estimators are commonly used in estimating models with count‐data dependent variables. In this paper, sampling experiments are used to evaluate the performance of these estimators relative to the simpler Poisson estimator in finite‐sample situations. The results do not suggest a clear preference for negative binomial estimators in situations in which the underlying dependent variables are overdispersed, unless the researcher is comfortable in assumptions about the precise form of the overdispersion.     

Should I advertise on the interstate?

The highway logo signing program has existed for over 20 years. Since its inception, most motorists have become accustomed to relying on these blue signs to provide information on services available at each highway exit. However, there is little, if any, literature that examines the program as an advertising source, and no formal literature that addresses the signing program from the perspective of the independent business owner. This paper provides service business owners with information about the highway logo signing program, and is directed toward independent owners who are considering the signing program as an advertising source. A five step process is described that owners can follow to first determine if the venue is viable, and then if the investment is value-added for them.     

The Herning-Ikast textile industry: an industrial district in West Jutland

Notions of social inclusion and the need to combat social exclusion have become popular areas of attention in academic and policy circles. The importance of small firms and entrepreneurship as a means to raising inclusion has been emphasized in these new agendas. A priori, there are a number of reasons why small businesses may be regarded as providing opportunities for social inclusion. However, in this paper we argue that the recent expectations of the role of small firms and entrepreneurship in combating social exclusion are over optimistic. Some of the assumptions on which these expectations are based are questioned. Instead, we suggest that attention should start by a clearer understanding of the concept of social exclusion. Individual economic strategies, in the form of small business activity, can make some contribution but because of the complex multidimensional nature of social exclusion, over-inflated claims should be avoided. When these claims are not achieved there may be a danger of a policy backlash against the promotion of business ownership and disaffection amongst those who fail to realize their goals. This paper draws on secondary evidence and concludes with implications for policy and suggestions for further research.     

A Comparison of Unexplained Racial Disparities in Bank-Level and Market-Level Models of Mortgage Lending

Statistical models of mortgage lending have been used by both academics and regulators to assess the importance of racial discrimination in lending decisions. Models estimated by bank regulators are specified at a bank level, allowing regulators to focus on possible disparate treatment discrimination against minorities. In contrast, the academic literature has tended to estimate models combining data across many banks. We argue that the market-level approach uses a mis-specified model whose estimates do not clearly measure any well-defined concept of discrimination. Using data from eight banks, we find important differences between bank-level and market-level models, with market-level models producing larger estimated racial effects than bank-level models.     

The impact of a rolling schedule in a multi-level MRP system

This paper presents a cost performance comparison of different lot-sizing algorithms under multi-level rolling schedule conditions. Most multi-level studies have focused on fixed horizon problems, omitting an important characteristic of an operating MRP system. The results indicate that, under certain conditions, the computationally simple Silver-Meal heuristic provides lower lot-sizing costs than the Wagner-Whitin algorithm. In addition, cost modifications are introduced which greatly enhance the multi-level performance of these single-level lot-sizing heuristics.     

Cost and learning efficiency drivers in Australian schools: a two-stage network DEA approach

This article explore performance issues in Australian public schools, using a two-stage DEA network model, which accounts simultaneously for both cost and learning efficiency levels. In the cost efficiency stage, different types of expenses and investments are employed to support a given number of students, teachers and administrative staff. In the learning efficiency stage, these groups of individuals help to produce important outputs related to performance in student tests and school rankings. Results indicate that Australian public schools are heterogeneous. Policy implications are also discussed.     

How to rescue a failing pension regime: the British case

Recent analysis on New Regionalism has, for Björn Hettne, raised important ontological questions over ‘what we study when we study regionalism’. The paper contributes to this debate by focusing on the shared beliefs, norms and rituals that hold a region together. Working between the New Regionalism literature and thinking on international regimes, this paper – to paraphrase Friedrich Kratochwil and John Ruggie – outlines the ‘inescapable inter-subjective quality’ of a region. This focus on inter-subjectivity seeks to improve on existing approaches that consider shared social structures as already fixed, and/or as autonomous constructs operating over and above regional actors. In order to appreciate how inter-subjective structures and regional agents interact with each other, the paper explores the social construction of Latin America. Specifically, it examines the politics of regionness – understood here in relation to identity, space and agents – to demonstrate how various regional actors operate within, and reconstruct, shared meaning. In so doing, it interrogates the practices that govern and continually produce the region.