The Evolution of Production Structures,Analyzed by a Multi-layer Procedure

In this paper, a new method of so-called qualitative input–output analysis is outlined, which is called minimal flow analysis (MFA). It extracts the characteristic production structure given in an input–output table, on the basis of anendogenized threshold value. Formally, this is achieved by the binarization of the entries of different table layers which are reformulated according to the Eulerian sequence. The condensed characteristic structure of the economy is then obtained by means of graph theoretical methods. The new method is able to uncover production structures, even in highly aggregated tables. If applied to a chronological sequence of tables, as shown for German tables 1978–88 in detail, the MFA method can disclose the evoluton of sectoral structures.     

The Subsystem—MFA: A Qualitative Method for Analyzing National Innovation Systems—The Case of Germany

The paper develops a method derived from the so-called minimal flow analysis (MFA), based on a subsystem approach, to find the characteristic technology flow structure of a national innovation system. The analysis uses input–output tables for Germany for the years 1980 and 1986, as well as innovation expenditure vectors, released by the Ifo-Institut, detailed for 58 sectors for the same years. The data are integrated into a subsystem approach and deliver a matrix of technology providers and technology users, which is analyzed by a suitably modified version of MFA. The results, differentiated according to rather economic vs more technical aspects, show what the German innovation system looks like and show that there was little change between 1980 and 1986.     

A STRUCTURAL DECOMPOSITION APPROACH TO COMPARING MRIO DATABASES

The construction of multi-regional input–output tables is complex, and databases produced using different approaches lead to different analytical outcomes. We outline a decomposition methodology for investigating the variations that exist when using different multiregional input–output (MRIO) systems to calculate a region's consumption-based account. Structural decomposition analysis attributes the change in emissions to a set of dependent determinants, such as technical coefficients, the Leontief inverse and final demands. We apply our methodology to three MRIO databases – Eora, GTAP and WIOD. Findings reveal that the variation between Eora and GTAP can be attributed to differences in the Leontief inverse and emissions’ data, whereas the variation between Eora and WIOD is due to differences in final demand and the Leontief inverse. For the majority of regions, GTAP and WIOD produce similar results. The approach in this study could help move MRIO databases from the academic arena to a useful policy instrument.     

On the globalization of stock markets: An application of Vector Error Correction Model,Mutual Information and Singular Spectrum Analysis to the G7 countries

This paper analyzes stock market relationships among the G7 countries between 1973 and 2009 using three different approaches: (i) a linear approach based on cointegration, Vector Error Correction (VECM) and Granger Causality; (ii) a nonlinear approach based on Mutual Information and the Global Correlation Coefficient; and (iii) a nonlinear approach based on Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA). While the cointegration tests are based on regression models and capture linearities in the data, Mutual Information and Singular Spectrum Analysis capture nonlinear relationships in a non-parametric way. The framework of this paper is based on the notion of market integration and uses stock market correlations and linkages both in price levels and returns. The main results show that significant co-movements occur among most of the G7 countries over the period analyzed and that Mutual Information and the Global Correlation Coefficient actually seem to provide more information about the market relationships than the Vector Error Correction Model and Granger Causality. However, unlike the latter, the direction of causality is difficult to distinguish in Mutual Information and the Global Correlation Coefficient. In this respect, the nonlinear Singular Spectrum Analysis technique displays several advantages, since it enabled us to capture nonlinear causality in both directions, while Granger Causality only captures causality in a linear way. The results also show that stock markets are closely linked both in terms of price levels and returns (as well as lagged returns) over the 36 years analyzed.     

ANALYSING THE STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY USING PHYSICAL INPUT–OUTPUT TABLES

Analyses using physical input–output tables (PIOTs) are key to understanding the physical metabolism of economies, since they relate production to the generation of emissions and use of resources. Two methods have been developed to calculate the primary resources and emissions associated with a given final demand. However, one of these alters the PIOT, revealing different technical coefficients and Leontief inverse matrices. Which method should be used for structural analysis? In this paper, I compare both methods, explain the structural differences between them and illustrate the latter through a backward linkage analysis. I find that only one method is suited to the analysis of the physical structure of the economy, since it comprehends both the production of goods and associated emissions. The method is identified as a new model capable of tracing by-products as final outputs. Finally, I generalise both methods to analyse PIOTs including several emission types.     

Allocation inequality in cost sharing problem

This paper considers the problem of cost sharing, in which a coalition of agents, each endowed with an input, shares the output cost incurred from the total inputs of the coalition. Two allocations—average cost pricing and the Shapley value—are arguably the two most widely studied solution concepts to this problem. It is well known in the literature that the two allocations can be respectively characterized by different sets of axioms and they share many properties that are deemed reasonable. We seek to bridge the two allocations from a different angle–allocation inequality. We use the partial order: Lorenz order (or majorization) to characterize allocation inequality and we derive simple conditions under which one allocation Lorenz dominates (or is majorized by) the other. Examples are given to show that the two allocations are not always comparable by Lorenz order. Our proof, built on solving minimization problems of certain Schur-convex or Schur-concave objective functions over input vectors, may be of independent interest.     

Finding common seasonal patterns among time series: An MDS approach

This paper provides an approach to the analysis of time series seasonal pattern similarities based on a special MDS approach — the non-metric SSA-I (Smallest Space Analysis) technique. Indices of dissimilarity for time series are defined generally while special cases drawn from the economic problems are treated by means of examples. The basic contributions of the paper are two-fold: First we extend the use of SSA-I to time series analysis by transforming the mutual relationship between (as well as within) the time series in a symmetric matrix. As a result, the tool of SSA-I developed by L. Guttman may easily be used. Second, by an introduction of non-metric techniques such as SSA-I in time series analysis we increase our capacity to deal with problems hitherto unsolved. In particular, ordinal data as well as behavioral data for which model processes are not defined and seasonal patterns similarities may be studied by our technique.     

Block Structural Path Analysis: Applications to Structural Changes in the Indonesian Economy

The compilation of several social accounting matrices for Indonesia has enabled the analysis of some important aspects of the structure of the Indonesian economy. In the present paper, the analysis that has been conducted with structural path methods will be enhanced through the identification of a block structure for the technique. This block structural path analysis is offered as a complement to—not a replacement for—the traditional applications of this method. A new form of triple decomposition of the social accounting matrix inverse is offered to assist in identifying important changes in the structure of the Indonesian economy for 1975, 1980 and 1985.     

Extracting Embodied Energy Paths from Input–Output Tables: Towards an Input–Output-based Hybrid Energy Analysis Method

Embodied energy is defined as the energy consumed in all activities necessary to support a process, including upstream processes. The Leontief inverse input–output (IO) matrix gives results that are practically complete, because of the aggregation of direct and indirect requirements, but which are also unreliable, because of inherent assumptions. Although accurate for the system boundary considered, process analysis results are incomplete relative to the pure IO system boundary. Attempts to combine process and IO analysis tend to be based on process analysis data. The system boundary is still significantly incomplete—although not as incomplete as for pure process analysis. An IO-based hybrid analysis technique that requires the extraction of particular paths from the direct IO matrix has been developed. The potential for embodied energy paths to be used as the basis for a hybrid analysis of the Australian residential building sector is discussed. The results indicate that less than three-quarters of the total embodied energy of this sector is likely to be able to be validated, because of the complexity of the embodied energy paths.     

RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY: TOWARDS A CONCEPTUAL SYNTHESIS

This paper describes an investigation into some of the apparent similarities between what certain kinds of researchers and consultants do in organizations. Using a facet analysis approach (Foa, 1965), an instrument was devised with the purpose of identifying and delineating overlaps between organizational research and consultancy. Sixty-six British researchers and consultants took part in the study. The results highlight certain specific similarities and suggest that these may represent aspects of research and consultancy which are crucial to their success. The facets of the two activities which emerged from the study as being common are described by reference to the qualitative data which were generated by participants. A number of important implications for the successful conduct of research and consultancy are discussed with particular reference to the process of managing the relationship between investigators and those with whom they work.     

企业绩效评价方法的比较分析

本文通过对因子分析法、灰色关联度法、AHP、TOPSIS、模糊综合评判法具体评价过程的分析,说明诸方法实证结果存在差异的原因,并对评价方法的选择提出了建议。     

公民身份号码与组织机构代码之比较分析和研究

在我国,公民身份号码是公民的身份标识,组织机构代码是组织机构的统一身份标识。文章对两者的异同之处进行了比较分析和研究。两者分属不同领域,既存在差异,也有许多相似之处,作为国家信息化工作中的最基本数据,在现代管理体系中同处于重要的基础性地位。     

复变函数课程的对比教学法研究

复变函数主要研究复数域上的函数,是高等数学课程的延伸。本文阐述了复变函数和高等数学在理论体系上的异同,并强调其差异性。在复变函数的授课中,采用对比教学法,以加深学生对知识的理解,提高分析和解决问题的能力。     

矿产资源勘探开发项目现代投资决策方法的比较研究

本文对目前流行的投资决策方法(实期权定价,决策树分析与蒙特卡罗模拟法)从项目投资决策的角度进行了比较分析,指出了其各自的优缺点及适用范围,并对最具前景的期权定价法进行了重点阐述。分析结果显示,尽管各种方法存在某些差异,但事实上可以认为是同一投资决策方法框架下应用的不同形式,在应用实期权模拟项目复杂性时需要适当简化问题。未来的研究应当考虑矿产资源勘探开发项目中技术参数不确定性对项目价值与投资决策的影响。     

Efficiency and ownership in Swedish electricity retail distribution

This article examines the efficiency of electricity retail distributors in Sweden in a multiple output multiple input framework. Productive efficiency measures are calculated by use of different versions of the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. Comparisons are made between different types of ownership and between different types of service areas.The study indicates a rather low level of technical efficiency, a high level of scale efficiency in urban service areas, but a fairly low level of scale efficiency in rural areas. The results show no significant differences in efficiency between different types of ownership or economic organization.Paper presented at ORSA/TIMS joint national meeting, Productivity and Global Competition, Philadelphia, October 29–31, 1990.     

中国区域经济差异的国际比较：基于改进的区位基尼系数

改革开放以来,中国的经济增长速度很快,但与之相伴的一个问题是区域经济增长不平衡。本文对区位基尼系数的算法进行了改进,并利用改进过的算法测算了包括中国在内的世界10国2005年和中国1978—2007年的区位基尼系数。通过与其它国家的对比和本国30年的变动趋势,作者认为中国区域经济发展不平衡的主要原因是地区经济政策的差异和地区产业结构的差距。虽然中国要达到发达国家0．1左右的区位基尼系数是非常困难的,但从长远的角度看,0．2左右的区位基尼系数是应当努力的目标。     

Comparing and Combining Two Approaches for Chance Constrained DEA

This paper presents a comparison of two different models (Land et al (1993) and Olesen and Petersen (1995)), both designed to extend DEA to the case of stochastic inputs and outputs. The two models constitute two approaches within this area, that share certain characteristics. However, the two models behave very differently, and the choice between these two models can be confusing. This paper presents a systematic attempt to point out differences as well as similarities. It is demonstrated that the two models under some assumptions do have Lagrangian duals expressed in closed form. Similarities and differences are discussed based on a comparison of these dual structures. Weaknesses of the each of the two models are discussed and a merged model that combines attractive features of each of the two models is proposed.

Comparison of Input–Output,Input–Output + Econometric and Computable General Equilibrium Impact Models at the Regional Level

Economic impact studies are a common practice—indeed, a necessary prerequisite in many cases of project development—in Australia. Although input–output (IO) is still regarded as the ‘bread-and-butter’ model for these types of study, attention in recent years has turned towards more sophisticated models, the main contenders being integrated IO + econometric and computable general equilibrium models. All these models, which are often promoted as substitutes, exhibit characteristics which are theoretically and empirically appealing, yet questions have been raised with respect to the different approaches, with apparently little awareness at the practitioner level as to the extent of these differences. This paper compares the three models and demonstrates that the differences can be quite substantial, even when the models rely on the same database and are subjected to the same impact scenario.     

独立分量分析及其在通信信号处理中的应用

独立分量分析是一种基于高阶统计量的信号分析方法,近年来作为信号处理的强有力分析处理工具得到广泛关注和研究。文章介绍了ICA的原理,并仿真了ICA算法在语音信号盲分离中的应用。     

National Cultural Influences on Knowledge Sharing: A Comparison of China and Russia

abstract    This paper presents a set of theoretical propositions regarding knowledge sharing in China and Russia. We argue that there are important national cultural similarities and differences between the two countries that result in certain similarities and differences in individual knowledge-sharing behaviour in Chinese and Russian organizations. We claim that vertical collectivism and particularistic social relations in China and Russia lead to intensive social relations among organizational members, which facilitate knowledge sharing between in-group members in organizations in both countries. We also maintain that differences in the essence of collectivism as well as in the extent of collectivism in the two cultural contexts lead to different intensities of knowledge sharing in Chinese and Russian organizations. Finally, we discuss theoretical and management implications of this research.