Teamworking and Lean revisited: a reply to Carter et al.

This paper is a reply to Carter et al.’s response to an earlier paper of ours in this journal on the subject of teamworking under Lean in the UK public services . Our reply covers the following issues which Carter et al. have raised: the literature we used to structure our findings; the way in which we used concepts such as autonomy and teamworking; our research methods and approach; how Carter et al.’s newly available data on teamworking might be interpreted; and how data drawn from an official employee attitude survey might best be understood. On the basis of this, we conclude that Carter et al.’s paper fails to meet its objectives. On some things, the authors are simply wrong; on others, they grossly misrepresent our position; on still others, their interpretations are, at best, highly questionable.     

Hypothesis testing in nonparametric models of production using multiple sample splits

Several tests of model structure developed by Kneip et al. (J Bus Econ Stat 34:435–456, 2016) and Daraio et al. (Econ J 21:170–191, 2018) rely on comparing sample means of two different efficiency estimators, one appropriate under the conditions of the null hypothesis and the other appropriate under the conditions of the alternative hypothesis. These tests rely on central limit theorems developed by Kneip et al. (Econ Theory 31:394–422, 2015) and Daraio et al. (Econ J 21:170–191, 2018), but require that the original sample be split randomly into two independent subsamples. This introduces some ambiguity surrounding the sample-split, which may be determined by choice of a seed for a random number generator. We develop a method that eliminates much of this ambiguity by repeating the random splits a large number of times. We use a bootstrap algorithm to exploit the information from the multiple sample-splits. Our simulation results show that in many cases, eliminating this ambiguity results in tests with better size and power than tests that employ a single sample-split.

     

Auditor Industry Specialization,Political Economy and Earnings Quality: Some Cross‐Country Evidence

Using cross‐country data, we evaluate the impact of investor protection on the association between earnings quality and audits by industry specialists. Our findings show that the positive association between industry specialist auditors and earnings quality as documented in the literature is affected by the political electoral system, which reflects investor protection rights in a country. We document that audits by industry specialists are associated with higher earnings quality in countries with the proportional electoral system, reflecting weak investor protection. Our results also confirm Kwon et al.'s findings that overall there is a positive association between earnings quality and audits by industry specialists in countries with weak legal enforcement. Our findings, however, indicate that Kwon et al.'s results are valid only for countries with weak investor protection reflected by the proportional electoral system and not for countries with strong investor protection reflected by the majoritarian electoral system. These findings thus suggest that higher earnings quality of firms audited by industry specialists across countries can especially be expected when investor protection is low and legal enforcement is also weak. In addition, our research suggests that future cross‐country studies could explicitly consider the role of the political electoral system of a country in evaluating corporate governance, management and accounting issues.     

A comparative study of technical trading strategies and return predictability: an extension of using NYSE and NASDAQ indices

This study extends the work of Brock et al.’s (1992) empirical analysis on technical trading rules (price and momentum) by including trading volume moving averages; broader indices (New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and National Association of Security Dealers Automatic Quotations (NASDAQ)) covering both large-cap and small-cap firms using market weightings; and focusing on a time period that includes great innovations in trading and disseminating data to the market. Similar to their study, we base our conclusions on nonparametric analysis. By extending the t-test analysis through a residual bootstrap methodology utilizing a random walk, a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity in mean (GARCH-M), and a GARCH-M with instrument variables, criticisms of earlier technical analysis are mitigated. Overall, the results support Brock et al.’s (1992) price-weighted index (Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)) analysis by showing that the technical trading rules add value by capturing profit opportunities when compared to a buy-and-hold strategy. When the analysis of the trading rules are applied to different time periods, the results reveal a weakening in profit potential over time. This may imply that the market is becoming more efficient in disseminating information to a wider range of investors.     

Back to the Future: Implications for the Field of HRM of the Multistakeholder Perspective Proposed 30 Years Ago

Thirty years on from the seminal works on human resource management (HRM) by Beer et al., we examine how the subject has developed. We offer a normative review, based on that model and critique the assumption that the business of HRM is solely to improve returns to owners and shareholders. We identify the importance of a wider view of stakeholders to practitioners and how academic studies on the periphery of HRM are beginning to adopt such a view. We argue that the HRM studies so far have given us much valuable learning but that the subject has now reached a point where we need to take a wider, more contextual, more multilayered approach founded on the long‐term needs of all relevant stakeholders. The original Beer et al. model remains a valuable guide to the next 30 years of HRM. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Solving the incomplete market model with aggregate uncertainty using a perturbation method

We use a perturbation method to solve the incomplete markets model with aggregate uncertainty described in den Haan et al. [Computational suite of models with heterogeneous agents: incomplete markets and model uncertainty. Journal of Economic Dynamics & Control, this issue]. To apply that method, we use a “barrier method” to replace the original problem with occasionally binding inequality constraints by one with only equality constraints. We replace the structure with a continuum of agents by a setting in which a single infinitesimal agent faces prices generated by a representative-agent economy. We also solve a model variant with a large (but finite) number of agents. Our perturbation-based method is much simpler and faster than other methods.     

The examination of pseudo-allocative and pseudo-overall efficiencies in DEA using shadow prices

The original Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models developed by Charnes et al. (Eur J Oper Res 2:429–444, 1978), Banker et al. (Manag Sci 30:1078–1092, 1984) were both radial models. These models and their varied extensions have remained the most popular DEA models in terms of utilization. The benchmark targets they determined for inefficient units are primarily based on the notion of maintaining the same input and output mixes originally employed by the evaluated unit (i.e. disregarding allocative considerations). This paper presents a methodology to investigate allocative and overall efficiency in the absence of defined input and output prices. The benchmarks determined from models based on this methodology will consider all possible input and/or output mixes. Application of this methodology is illustrated on a model of the financial intermediary function of a bank branch network.     

Extending Institutional Analysis through Theoretical Triangulation: Regulation and Activity-Based Costing in Portuguese Telecommunications

Abstract

This paper examines why a Portuguese telecommunications company – Marconi – adopted activity-based costing (ABC). The focus lies in new institutional sociology (NIS), particularly the institutional change model of Dillard et al. (Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 17(4), pp. 506–542, 2004), supplemented by theoretical triangulation involving economic, labour process and actor network theories to enrich observations and extend theory. Why Marconi adopted ABC lay in a complex, interrelated chain of institutions, including the parent company, management consultants, national and European Union regulators, financial markets and consumer associations during market liberalization. ABC was a means and symbol of improved competitiveness and efficiency but its diffusion and adoption also involved mimetic, coercive and normative factors. In regulated environments external legitimacy and efficiency were intertwined and demonstrating efficiency using accounting symbols is problematic. The results confirm criticisms of early NIS research for dichotomizing economic and institutional pressures, assuming private organizations are exempt from institutional pressures and neglecting internal organizational dynamics. The Dillard et al. model accommodated many features of institutionalization but needed extension to incorporate the public interest, the role of boundary spanners across social levels and how intra-organizational factors and properties of the technology derived following translation and praxis play a part.     

基于参数空间的ST-ECM模型的协整检验问题研究

在非线性平滑转移误差修正模型（ST-ECM）的协整检验中,由于存在未识别参数而使协整检验统计量构造困难,同时由于目前文献普遍使用的泰勒展开近似法并不能精确替代原始非线性模型,从而导致协整检验统计量功效较低。本文首先在遍历未识别参数的参数空间的基础上构造了ST-ECM模型协整检验的supF统计量,推导了supF统计量的极限分布并说明了其收敛性质。接着,蒙特卡洛仿真模拟结果显示,supF统计量在ST-ECM模型协整检验中具有良好的检验水平和功效,且supF统计量的功效明显优于EG统计量、F*NEC统计量和inft统计量。最后,本文对亚洲六个国家的利率期限结构预期假说进行了验证,结果表明中国、新加坡和泰国三个国家的利率期限结构预期假说成立且存在非线性调整效应,supF统计量较其他统计量具有更高的检验功效。     

Re-examination of industry effects due to withdrawn mergers

We find that the announcement of a merger withdrawal elicits negative industry effects on average, which reflect a partial reversal of the favorable industry effects that had previously occurred at the time of the merger proposal. The mean reversal is about 35% of the original favorable industry effect at the time of the merger announcement. This result for the mean effect is opposite of that found by Akhigbe et al. (2000). When we break our sample into sub-periods, we find that industry effects are substantially weaker in a more recent sub-period beyond the sample period used by Akhigbe et al. (2000). We also find that the industry effects are more negative when the share price response of the target at the time of the announced withdrawal is weaker. Whether the negative impact on the target is attributed to either a reduced likelihood of takeover or weaker industry prospects, it carries over to industry rivals.     

Duopoly locations and optimal zoning in a small open city

This paper analyzes a duopoly location model with an asymmetric zoning that prohibits firms from locating to a specific interval in a small open linear city. It is shown that the maximum differentiation principle presented in d'Aspremont et al. [Econometrica 47 (1979) 1145] is still valid under area zoning regulation. Moreover, a zoning regulation can be seen as a policy instrument to limit firms' excess profits, and a proper regulation may even reduce the distortion in total transportation costs, therefore enhancing social welfare. Specifically, the optimal zoning is about 29.5 percent of the city with no amenity effect. Finally, all the land rents raised by zoning are eventually confiscated by the absentee landowner.     

On leverage in a stochastic volatility model

This paper is concerned with the specification for modelling financial leverage effect in the context of stochastic volatility (SV) models. Two alternative specifications co-exist in the literature. One is the Euler approximation to the well-known continuous time SV model with leverage effect and the other is the discrete time SV model of Jacquier et al. (J. Econometrics 122 (2004) 185). Using a Gaussian nonlinear state space form with uncorrelated measurement and transition errors, I show that it is easy to interpret the leverage effect in the conventional model whereas it is not clear how to obtain and interpret the leverage effect in the model of Jacquier et al. Empirical comparisons of these two models via Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods further reveal that the specification of Jacquier et al. is inferior. Simulation experiments are conducted to study the sampling properties of Bayes MCMC for the conventional model.     

Private returns to R&D in the presence of spillovers,revisited

This is both a replication of Eberhardt et al. (Review of Economics and Statistics, 2013, 95(2), 436–448) using different software, and a critical extension and diagnostic reassessment of the original results. The main findings of the paper are confirmed and sometimes reinforced. We point out some inconsistencies, in particular in the calculation of standard errors for the common correlated effects pooled model; we extend the diagnostic checks; lastly, in the spirit of the original contribution, we show how local cross‐sectional dependence diagnostics can be used to provide a first assessment of the direction of spillovers. We provide complete replication code in open source R.     

LACK OF RIGOUR IN DEFENDING FAIRTRADE: A REPLY TO ALASTAIR SMITH

Alastair Smith (2009 ) claims to refute a few criticisms of Fairtrade. It is shown that his empirical evidence consists of anecdotes with no statistical or other evidential value, and that his economics is wrong. Though Fairtrade is an agricultural marketing system, he appears not to be aware of the literature on agricultural marketing or co‐operatives. Accordingly he makes statements not in accord with the accepted theory or evidence. He assumes, for instance, backward‐sloping supply curves and that the prices offered by state marketing boards are not affected by markets. There are ethical trading alternatives which avoid all the criticisms of Fairtrade.     

Competitive equilibria in economies with multiple indivisible and multiple divisible commodities

In this paper we consider a general equilibrium model with a finite number of divisible and a finite number of indivisible commodities. In models with indivisibilities it is typically assumed that there is only one divisible good, which serves as money. The presence of money in the model is used to transfer the value of certain amounts of indivisible goods. For such economies with only one divisible commodity Danilov et al. showed the existence of a general equilibrium if the individual demands and supplies belong to a same class of discrete convexity. For economies with multiple divisible goods and money van der Laan et al. proved existence of a general equilibrium if the divisible goods are produced out of money using a linear production technology and no other producers are present in the model.     

Narrow Replication of ‘A Spatio‐Temporal Model of House Prices in the Usa’ Using R

I narrowly replicate Holly et al.'s (Journal of Econometrics 2010; 158 (1): 160–173) analysis of the housing market in the USA, using the open source R software instead of the original ad hoc GAUSS routines. Their main findings are confirmed and most results are matched exactly. Attention is given to providing a self‐contained and fully reproducible analysis, exclusively using user‐level features available in the public domain. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Income and Democracy: A Smooth Varying Coefficient Redux

Acemoglu et al. (American Economic Review 2008; 98 : 808–842) find no effect of income on democracy when controlling for fixed effects in a dynamic panel model. Work by Moral‐Benito and Bartolucci (Economics Letters 2012; 117 : 844–847) and Cervellati et al. (American Economic Review 2014; 104 : 707–719) suggests that the original model might have been misspecified and proposes alternative specifications instead. We formally test these parametric specifications by implementing Lee's (Journal of Econometrics 2014; 178 : 146–166) dynamic panel test of linear parametric specifications against a general class of nonlinear alternatives robustly and reject all these specifications. However, using a more flexible model proposed by Cai and Li (Econometric Theory 2008; 24 : 1321–1342) we find that the relationship between income and democracy appears to be mediated by education, but results are not statistically significant. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Additional critical values and asymptotic representations for seasonal unit root tests

This paper is concerned with tests for seasonal unit roots in a univariate time series process. The paper extends the procedures and tables of critical values due to Hylleberg et al. (1990) and Ghysels et al. (1994) to obtain tests which are similar (exactly and asymptotically) with respect to both the initial values of the process and the possibility of differential seasonal drift under the null hypothesis of a seasonal unit root. Representations are derived for the limiting distributions of the test statistics in this and other cases of interest. These representations provide an explanation for the similarity between critical values for the statistics in different scenarios. The seasonal unit root properties of real seasonally unadjusted UK non-durable consumption expenditure are re-examined.     

A tale of forecasting 1001 series : The Bayesian knight strikes again

In this paper it is pointed out that a Bayesian forecasting procedure performed better according to an average mean square error (MSE) criterion than the many other forecasting procedures utilized in the forecasting experiments reported in an extensive study by Makridakis et al. (1982). This fact was not mentioned or discussed by the authors. Also, it is emphasized that if criteria other than MSE are employed, Bayesian forecasts that are optimal relative to them should be employed. Specific examples are provided and analyzed to illustrate this point.     

The quality of measurement of personal support subnetworks

Data about personal networks and their characteristics are increasingly used in social science research, especially in research about the quality of life, social support and similar topics (Fischer, 1982; Marsden, 1987; van der Poel, 1993b). Since all data about a persons social network are usually obtained from the respondent himself, the quality of such measurements is a very important issue. Among other factors, the type of social support can affect the quality of social network measurement (Ferligoj and Hlebec, 1998, 1999). Differences in the stability of measurement between the core and extended personal network have also been found (Marsden, 1990; Morgan et al., 1997). The closer and the more important an alter is, the more likely it is that (s)he will be named in any measurement (Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik, 1990; Van Groenou et al., 1990; Morgan et al., 1997). In this paper the results of a recent study on the quality of measurement of tie characteristics in different personal subnetworks are presented. The Multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) approach was used for estimating reliability and validity. A meta analysis of reliability and validity estimates was done by hierarchical clustering. The data were collected in the year 2000 by computer assisted face-to-face and telephone interviews from a random sample of 1033 residents of Ljubljana.