SKILLS MISMATCH: CONCEPTS,MEASUREMENT AND POLICY APPROACHES

The term skills mismatch is very broad and can relate to many forms of labour market friction, including vertical mismatch, skill gaps, skill shortages, field of study (horizontal) mismatch and skill obsolescence. In this paper, we provide a clear overview of each concept and discuss the measurement and inter‐relatedness of different forms of mismatch. We present a comprehensive analysis of the current position of the literature on skills mismatch and highlight areas which are relatively underdeveloped and may warrant further research. Using data from the European Skills and Jobs Survey, we assess the incidence of various combinations of skills mismatch across the EU. Finally, we review the European Commission's country‐specific recommendations and find that skills mismatch, when referring to underutilized human capital in the form of overeducation and skills underutilization, receives little policy attention. In cases where skills mismatch forms part of policy recommendations, the policy advice is either vague or addresses the areas of mismatch for which there is the least available evidence.     

Performance and learning in an ambiguous environment: A study of cryptocurrency traders

We investigate the performance and learning ability of traders in an environment governed by ambiguity, such as the cryptocurrency market. Using a profit decomposition methodology, we find significant cross-sectional and temporal heterogeneity in performance. Traders do not learn to progressively increase the magnitude of returns; however, they are able to improve on their ability to realise profits as a mechanism of adaptation to survive through ambiguity. This adaptation increases as traders progress through their career. Moreover, we find evidence in support of the gambler’s fallacy. We argue that learning in ambiguous environments has limitations, allowing traders primarily to survive.     

Spatio-temporal probabilistic forecasting of wind power for multiple farms: A copula-based hybrid model

Accurate probabilistic forecasting of wind power output is critical to maximizing network integration of this clean energy source. There is a large literature on temporal modeling of wind power forecasting, but considerably less work combining spatial dependence into the forecasting framework. Through the careful consideration of the temporal modeling component, complemented by support vector regression of the temporal model residuals, this work demonstrates that a DVINE copula model most accurately represents the residual spatial dependence. Additionally, this work proposes a complete set of validation mechanisms for multi-h-step forecasts that, when considered together, comprehensively evaluate accuracy. The model and validation mechanisms are demonstrated in two case studies, totaling ten wind farms in the Texas electric grid. The proposed method outperforms baseline and competitive models, with an average Continuous Ranked Probability Score of less than 0.15 for individual farms, and an average Energy Score of less than 0.35 for multiple farms, over the 24-hour-ahead horizon. Results show the model’s ability to replicate the power output dynamics through calibrated and sharp predictive densities.     

多重匹配下柔性人力资源管理构型与组织成长性绩效

基于构型观和动态能力理论,借鉴“结构（管理构型）—行为（柔性能力培育）—绩效（组织绩效）”经典范式,构建“柔性人力资源管理构型—技能延展力—成长性绩效”的理论框架。对486份企业中高层管理者调查问卷进行结构方程分析,结果表明：①因循多重匹配理念,人力资源管理构型能够凝练出3种典型柔性管理模式：内柔导向型HRM、外柔导向型HRM、内外兼柔导向型HRM;②差异化柔性人力资源管理构型（内柔导向型、内外兼柔导向型、外柔导向型HRM）正向影响组织成长性绩效;③技能延展力在柔性人力资源管理构型与成长性绩效之间起部分中介作用。技能延展力在内柔导向型、内外兼柔导向型、外柔导向型HRM与成长性绩效之间的中介作用依次降低。     

Economic convergence: Policy implications from a heterogeneous agent model

In this paper we study the effectiveness of different types of cohesion policies with respect to convergence of regions. A two-region agent-based macroeconomic model is used to analyze short-, medium- and long-term effects of policies improving human capital and fostering adoption of technologies in lagging regions. With fully integrated labor markets the human capital policy positively affects the economically stronger region but reduces production in the targeted weaker region. Subsidies for high technology investment in the weaker region have a positive local output effect and a negative effect on the neighboring region, thereby fostering convergence. When labor markets are not integrated both policies support convergence.     

Cultural determinants of human capital accumulation: Evidence from the European Social Survey

Although economists commonly view the accumulation of human capital as a key driver of economic development, what drives cross-country differences in human capital accumulation remains poorly understood. I use an epidemiological approach involving second-generation migrants to test for a possible cultural gradient in individuals’ propensity towards human capital accumulation. Results indicate a strong relationship between country-of-origin culture and human capital accumulation and are robust to using years of education instead of individuals’ engagement in human capital accumulation as the dependent variable. Drawing on dimensions of cultural differences identified in culture frameworks developed by cross-cultural researchers, results further suggest that cultural emphasis on intellectual autonomy helps explain part of the observed differences in human capital accumulation. However, further work is needed to complete our understanding of the cultural roots of individuals’ propensity towards human capital accumulation.     

The aesthetic fidelity effect

Product aesthetics is a powerful means for achieving competitive advantage. Yet most studies to date have focused on the role of aesthetics in shaping pre-purchase preferences and have failed to consider how product aesthetics affects post-purchase processes and consumers' usage behavior. This research focuses on the relationship between aesthetics and usage behavior in the context of durable products. Studies 1A to 1C provide evidence of a positive effect of product aesthetics on usage intensity using market data from the car and the fashion industries. Study 2 corroborates these findings and shows that the more intensive use of highly aesthetic products may lead to the acquisition of product-specific usage skills that form the basis for a cognitive lock-in. Hence, consumers are less likely to switch away from products with appealing designs, an effect that is labeled as the ‘aesthetic fidelity’ effect. Study 3 addresses an alternative explanation for the ‘aesthetic fidelity effect’ based on mood and motivation but finds that the ‘aesthetic fidelity’ effect is indeed determined by usage intensity. Finally, Study 4 identifies a boundary condition of the positive effect of product aesthetics on product usage, showing that it is limited to durable products. In sum, this research demonstrates that the effects of product aesthetics extend beyond the pre-consumption stage and have an enduring impact on people's consumption experiences.     

高职院校人才培养亟待加强审美教育

2006年,我国高等教育规模已跃居世界第一,其中,高职教育占据了半壁江山.高职人才培养水平的高低,会直接影响我国高等教育的质量和竞争力.高职院校人才培养中"重视技能、虚化人文素养"的倾向,将直接影响人才培养的质量.高职院校的人才培养只有"技能"是远远不够的,还必须加强"人文素养"的培养.而加强人文素养培养的关键着力点和基本途径就是审美教育.     

同业参照比运气和才能更重要吗——高管薪酬影响因素的探索性研究

针对近年来我国上市公司存在的高管薪酬持续增长现象,文章以我国上市公司2008-2013年的数据为样本,探究了运气、才能、同业参照因素对高管薪酬的影响。研究发现：（1）同业参照对高管薪酬的影响远高于运气和才能因素,同业参照因素是高管薪酬最重要的影响因素;（2）在国有企业中,同业参照因素对高管薪酬的影响最大,其次是运气因素,最后是高管才能因素;（3）在非国有企业中,高管才能因素对高管薪酬的影响最大,其次是同业参照因素,最后是运气因素。本文的研究意义在于不仅找出谁是高管薪酬最重要影响因素,不同产权性质的企业具有何种表现,也为进一步推进我国高管薪酬制度改革提供理论与经验支持。     

外商直接投资对中国劳动力技能升级的作用机制

外商在华直接投资（FDI）对中国经济发展的积极作用之一是促进中国劳动力技能升级。本文揭示了FDI通过各种途径促进劳动力技能升级的作用机制。FDI流向有很强的区域集中性，同时也揭示了FDI区域集中对劳动力技能升级的影响。