An axiomatic re-characterization of the Kemeny rule

Review of Economic Design - The Kemeny rule is one of the well studied decision rules. In this paper we show that the Kemeny rule is the only rule which is unbiased, monotone, strongly...     

An axiomatic theory of heterogeneity and homogeneity

Summary Indices of heterogeneity and homogeneity are used in biology and ecology as well as in other fields of scientific research, e.g. economics, genetics, antropology, sociology. With respect to these indices, reference is made frequently to information theory. In this paper it is shown that especially recent developments in statistical information theory can contribute to the measurement of heterogeneity and homogeneity. They can lead to a more fundamental and unifying approach and bring together both heterogeneity and homogeneity indices in one axiomatically founded theory. Therefore a generalized heterogeneity index is introduced axiomatically. Algebraic, analytic and geometrical properties are investigated. Special attention is paid to the interpretation of these properties and to the choices of the values of the parameters for practical applications. Based on this generalized heterogeneity index, it is possible to given an axiomatic characterization for a class of homogeneity indices. The properties of this class are the reverse of those of the heterogeneity index. Finally, some potential measures for heterogeneity or homogeneity change are discussed.Presently with Delft University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Theory Group, P.O. Box 5031, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands.     

An axiomatic approach to the measurement of accessibility

In this paper an axiomatic approach is developed for the task of measuring accessibility. The general mathematical form of a measure satisfying the postulated axioms is derived. This class of measure contains as a sub-class the so-called gravity potentials. A measure of the accessibility to employment opportunities is presented with applications to the Stockholm region. Finally some ideas on further development of accessibility measures are discussed.     

An axiomatic characterization of a generalized index of concentration

The Hannah-Kay [1977] generalized concentration index contains the well-known Herfindahl [1950]-Hirschman [1945] and the entropy indices as particular cases. In this papaer we show that the Hannah-Kay class can be regarded as a particular member of a generalized family of indices, which we refer to as self-weighted quasilinear means. We then show that among all self-weighted quasilinear means the Hannah-Kay family is the only class of concentration indices which satisfies the replication principle, a requirement which states that an m-fold replication of the industry, firm by firm, will multiply the concentration index by the factor 1/m.The refereeing process of this paper was handled through N.R. Adam.We are grateful to two anonymous referees for their suggestions.     

Non-anonymous ballot aggregation: An axiomatic generalization of Approval Voting

We study axiomatically situations in which the society agrees to treat voters with different characteristics distinctly. In this setting, we propose a set of intuitive axioms and show that they jointly characterize a new class of voting procedures, called Type-weighted Approval Voting. According to this family, each voter has a strictly positive and finite weight (the weight is necessarily the same for all voters with the same characteristics) and the alternative with the highest number of weighted votes is elected. The implemented voting procedure reduces to Approval Voting in case all voters are identical or the procedure assigns the same weight to all types. Using this idea, we also obtain a new characterization of Approval Voting.     

An axiomatic foundation for poisson frequency analyses of weakly interacting populations

An axiomatic foundation is developed for Poisson frequency analyses of population processes. In particular it is shown that for a wide range of population processes, Poisson frequencies can be characterized in terms of two simple independence axioms: (i) independence of the individual states of population members for any given population size, and (ii) independence of the population frequencies within any given partition of states. Hence, for all independent population processes satisfying these two conditions, one must necessarily employ the Poisson distribution for all frequency analyses. More generally, it is shown that for a variety of weakly interacting populations in which these conditions are approximately satisfied, the Poisson distribution continues to provide a natural framework for analysis. In addition, it is shown that this notion of independent population processes yields a new characterization of classical spatial Poisson processes. Finally, these results are applied to a specific class of population processes involving spatial flow phenomena.     

The Borda class: An axiomatic study of the Borda rule on top-truncated preferences

The Borda rule, originally defined on profiles of individual preferences modelled as linear orders over the set of alternatives, is one of the most important voting rules. But voting rules often need to be used on preferences of a different format as well, such as top-truncated orders, where agents rank just their most preferred alternatives. What is the right generalisation of the Borda rule to such richer models of preference? Several suggestions have been made in the literature, typically considering specific contexts where the rule is to be applied. In this work, taking an axiomatic perspective, we conduct a principled analysis of the different options for defining the Borda rule on top-truncated preferences.     

A dynamic model of housing production

This paper derives the optimal development strategy for a housing producer with perfect foresight in a steady-state environment where dwellings deteriorate as they age. Under the assumption of zero demolition costs, the optimal strategy is an infinite sequence of identical buildings. Building abandonment is shown to be possible with positive demolition costs. A solution highlighting the model's spatial properties is computed using Cobb-Douglas functions.     

Learning curves—an axiomatic approach

A systematic mathematical analysis of learning curves is presented. It is shown that while a learning curve with learning factor k does necessarily satisfy the functional equation f(2x) = kf(x), this equation admits numerous other analytic, convex solutions as well so that it cannot be used to uniquely characterize learning curves. Rather, it is shown that a pair of functional equations f(rx) = kf(x) and f(sx) = jf(x) where rⁿ ≠ s^m for any positive integers n and m suffice to uniquely determine the learning curve; compatibility of the two equations requires that log_rk = log_sj or there will be no learning curve satisfying the pair of equations. Two classes of almost learning curves are generated and studied by means of suitable perturbation terms in the differential equation y = by/x of the true or standard learning curve and these curves are applied to describe data not exhibiting exact learning-curve behavior. Finally the concept of average marginal hours or cost is introduced and its behavior is found to also exhibit the learning-curve phenomenon except for an initial deviation.     

On axiomatic characterization of some non-additive measures of information

An axiomatic characterization of non-additive measures of information associated with a pair of probability distributions having the same number of elements has been given. This quantity under additional suitable postulates leads to the non-additive Entropy, Directed-Divergence and Inaccuracy of one or more parameters.     

Metafrontier efficiency analysis for hospital pharmacy services using dynamic network DEA framework

Medication management is a complex but critical process within the healthcare delivery system. The pharmacy department in healthcare facilities is responsible for acquisition, distribution and dispensing of medication to patients that involves a series of network process. This process can be categorized into two main subprocesses: i) pharmacy store and ii) patient services (i.e., ambulatory and inpatient pharmacy). The objective of this study was to investigate the relative efficiency level of the two subprocesses of pharmacy services in Malaysia's public hospitals. We used a nonconvex metafrontier technology to estimate technical efficiency of hospital pharmacies between specialist and nonspecialist hospital categories under the dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA) framework. For overall efficiency, both specialist and nonspecialist categories had similar mean efficiency scores. However, when measuring the efficiency level according to pharmacy store and patient services separately, the nonspecialist category had a higher mean efficiency score in pharmacy store, whereas for patient service efficiency, both categories had similar results. The patient service efficiency level was lower consistently over time, suggesting that the overall inefficiency of hospital pharmacy is greatly influenced by the inefficiency of the patient service. This suggests that systematic improvements in patient service efficiency should be a higher priority than pharmacy store efficiency to further increase the overall efficiency level. We believe that our findings will provide valuable information to policymakers towards achieving an efficient public healthcare service.     

An integrative framework of strategic international human resource management

The globalization of business is making it more important than ever to understand how multinational enterprises (MNEs) can operate more effectively. A major component of this understanding appears to be the field of human resource management and, in particular, the field of international human resource management (Brewster, 1991; Hendry, 1992; Desatnick and Bennett, 1978; Dowling, 1986; Dowling and Schuler, 1990; Evans, 1986; Evans, 1989; Laurent, 1986; Tung, 1984). The trend over the past few years has been to identify the linkage of human resource management with strategy and offer an understanding of how single country or domestic human resource management can facilitate organizational understanding and effectiveness (Wright and McMahan, 1992). In this article we attempt to extend this line of work into the international arena. We do this by offering a framework of strategic international human resource management (SIHRM). Anchoring SIHRM in the strategic components of MNEs, namely their interunit linkages and internal operations, strategic aspects of international human resource management are described. Using several theoretical bases, numerous propositions are offered. These propositions reflect the single and multiple influence of the strategic components of MNEs and several exogenous and endogenous factors on SIHRM. The intention is to offer a framework that can serve both academics and practitioners in furthering our understanding of strategic international human resource management.     

An integrated artificial intelligence framework for public management

ABSTRACT

Artificial intelligence (AI) extends the limits of current performance in data processing and analysis many times over. Since this states a great improvement in managing public data, this conceptual study discusses the use of AI in public management structures in connection with their risks and side effects. The exercise of state power and public influence through intelligent machines make ethical and political guidelines essential for their operation, constituting the cornerstones of the AI framework model developed here. The organizational structure and technical specification are additional aspects of the AI that determine design and functionality of the framework model in practical application.     

Implementing multiple perspective feedback: An integrated framework

Despite the recent popularity of multiple perspective feedback systems, there is little theory to guide research in this area and to promote the successful implementation of multiple perspective feedback in organizations. By integrating organizational development and individual performance perspectives, a theoretical framework is developed that illustrates the mechanisms by which feedback can lead to improved individual, work group, and organizational performance. According to this framework, when the structure and systems of the organization are congruent with the goals of the feedback program, feedback positively influences individual performance determinants (e.g., declarative knowledge, motivation). This leads to improved individual performance, which contributes to desired organizational outcomes. Based on this framework, practical questions that should be addressed before a feedback process is implemented are presented.     

Technology and technical change in a dynamic production model

The basic features of input-output production models are briefly reviewed. It is argued that some of the assumptions and the consequent mathematical setting underlying input-output models should be revised when (a) substitution effects prevail over growth-decline effects, (b) technological innovation is taken into account. In this light, the standard dynamic version of a Leontief model is criticized in order to arrive at a more general formulation of a production-innovation model. Some properties of this model are then illustrated and the economic meaning of the results is discussed. The main conclusion is that it is possible to establish a certain long-term invariance of the production vector in presence of uncertainties affecting technology, investment and consumption patterns.     

A dynamic equilibrium model of search, production, and exchange

We study a general equilibrium model where agents search for production and trading opportunities, that generalizes the existing literature by considering a large number of differentiated commodities and agents with idiosyncratic tastes. Thus, agents must choose nontrivial exchange as well as production strategies. We consider decreasing, constant, and increasing returns to scale in the matching technology, and characterize the circumstances under which there exist multiple steady state equilibria, or multiple dynamic equilibria for given initial conditions. We also characterize the existence of dynamic equilibria that are limit cycles. Equilibria are not generally optimal, and when multiple equilibria coexist they may be ranked. We analyze comparative statics and find that certain intuitive results do not necessarily hold without restrictions on the stochastic structure.     

Transparency of nonprofit organizations: An integrative framework and research agenda

Over the past 20 years, as the study of transparency has evolved into a burgeoning multidisciplinary field, nonprofit scholars have developed an impressive body of research on the antecedents and outcomes of the transparency of nonprofit organizations (NPOs). From both theoretical and practical purposes, it is necessary to develop an overall picture of such antecedents and outcomes, to allow scholars and NPOs to understand why, when, and how transparency should be implemented. Current studies provide a fragmented view, focused on specific elements of NPO transparency; with a systematic literature review of 76 articles, this article offers both an integrative framework of the antecedents and outcomes of NPO transparency and an agenda for research, based on a critical analysis of the integrative framework. Four relevant research orientations emerge: (1) direction of NPO transparency, (2) distinguishing actual from perceived transparency, (3) the dark side of NPO transparency, and (4) NPO transparency contingency factors. Research along these four orientations could add nuance to existing knowledge of transparency and provide key insights with regard to why, when, and how transparency works.     

An integrative framework for understanding cross-national human resource management practices

Currently, debate in the area of cross-national human resource management (HRM) suggests that both “culture-bound” and “culture-free” factors and variables are important determinants of HRM policies and practices. HRM is presented as being context-specific and it is argued that with the growth of new markets world-wide, and increased levels of competition and globalization of business, there is a strong need for more cross-national HRM studies. However, the literature shows the absence of an integrated framework, which can help to highlight the different role that context-specific facets of HRM practices play. The nature of different determinants in different national and regional settings is rarely analyzed. This paper develops an integrated framework. It delineates the main distinctive facets associated with national factors, contingent variables, and organizational and human resource (HR) strategies and policies, that may be used to evaluate cross-national comparative HRM policies and practices.     

An industrial ecology virtual framework for policy making in China

ABSTRACT

This study develops a multi-regional input–output (MRIO) laboratory for policy-relevant applications in China. The Chinese IELab features unique flexibility and advances the previous state of the art in terms of three novel aspects. First, it can generate regionally and sectorally very detailed MRIO tables based on users’ own research questions. Second, it covers the entire territorial economic boundary and has the longest and most up to date annual time series from 1978 to 2015. Third, it can be used to provide insight to a wide range of research and policy questions including social, economic, and environmental issues, thus significantly improving all applications that rely on input–output tables. These features are illustrated by generating a Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei multi-regional supply and use table for 2014 at city level and applying it to the case study of transferring Beijing’s non-capital functions according to The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Coordinated Development Strategy set by the Chinese government.     

An aggregate quantity framework for measuring and decomposing productivity change

Total factor productivity (TFP) can be defined as the ratio of an aggregate output to an aggregate input. This definition naturally leads to TFP indexes that can be expressed as the ratio of an output quantity index to an input quantity index. If the aggregator functions satisfy certain regularity properties then these TFP indexes are said to be multiplicatively complete. This paper formally defines what is meant by completeness and reveals that (1) the class of multiplicatively complete TFP indexes includes Laspeyres, Paasche, Fisher, T?rnqvist and Hicks-Moorsteen indexes, (2) the popular Malmquist TFP index of Caves et al. (Econometrica 50(6):1393?C1414, 1982a) is incomplete, implying it cannot always be interpreted as a measure of productivity change, (3) all multiplicatively complete TFP indexes can be exhaustively decomposed into measures of technical change and efficiency change, and (4) the efficiency change component can be further decomposed into measures of technical, mix and scale efficiency change. Artificial data are used to illustrate the decomposition of Hicks-Moorsteen and Fisher TFP indexes.