Demand-side issues of the service economy

This paper examines the relevance of the demand-side approach to the development of a service economy. Its starts by addressing some concerns about the possibility of creating a growth regime based on services. Discussion has mainly focused on the increasing share of services in consumer spending; but equally important is the fact that most products--goods and services alike--integrate a significant service-to-the-client dimension. The paper considers the costs incurred by strategies that aim to create value for the client and that require the existence of a purchasing power likely to validate them.     

An analysis of differentiation strategies for Galician thermal centres

In the modern tourism industry, competitiveness no longer can be based solely on price; rather, it is necessary to consider other aspects that might generate competitive advantages. In particular, the provision of a wide range of products, services and activities, all of outstanding quality, may be decisive for creating greater demand. Thermal establishments are well aware of these dynamics. Accordingly, this research analyses, using quantitative techniques, whether Galician thermal establishments, including health resorts, spas and thalassotherapy centres, have achieved well-defined differentiation strategies.     

A REVIEW AND COMPARISON OF TESTS OF CROSS-SECTION INDEPENDENCE IN PANELS

Abstract.  In this paper we review and compare diagnostic tests of cross-section independence in the disturbances of panel regression models. We examine tests based on the sample pairwise correlation coefficient or on its transformations, and tests based on the theory of spacings. The ultimate goal is to shed some light on the appropriate use of existing diagnostic tests for cross-equation error correlation. Our discussion is supported by means of a set of Monte Carlo experiments and a small empirical study on health. Results show that tests based on the average of pairwise correlation coefficients work well when the alternative hypothesis is a factor model with non-zero mean loadings. Tests based on spacings are powerful in identifying various forms of strong cross-section dependence, but have low power when they are used to capture spatial correlation.     

Rovina,assicurazione e scambi di attività finanziarie

Viene fornita la soluzione in forma chiusa di un problema di ottimizzazione dinamica stocastica, consistente nella scelta ottimale tra consumo e risparmio e nella composizione ottimale di portafoglio, in presenza di possibilità di rovina assicurabile.Dal punto di vista della teoria assicurativa, il lavoro amplia alcuni modelli recenti sull'assicurazione ottima, poiché segue un approccio del tipo «equilibrio generale» con due tipi di agenti eterogenei anziché parziale.Dal punto di vista della teoria di portafoglio, esso si discosta dai modelli tradizionali perché giustifica l'esistenza di scambi sui mercati finanziari e ne spiega l'entità.In questo senso il lavoro amplia alcuni contributi recenti sui flussi di capitale includendovi la possibilità di rovina e l'esistenza di una assicurazione contro di essa.

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Summary This paper provides an analytical solution for a multiperiod stochastic optimization problem, namely consumption and portfolio choice with partial risk insurance.An opposed to some recent optimal-insurance models a general-equilibrium approach —with two classes of heterogeneous agents—is adopted.Furthermore, the paper departs from traditional portfolio analysis in that it emphasises the dynamics of financial markets and justifies the existence of market trading.In this sense, it widens some recent general-equilibrium results on capital flows by including bankruptcy risk and insurance.

     

KNOW YOUR CLIENT! INVESTOR PROFILE AND TAILOR‐MADE ASSET ALLOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS

We study how the investor profile influences the asset allocation recommendations of professional advisors. We find the investor's perceived risk attitude influences more the mix of risky assets, whereas the socioeconomic variables influence more the cash percentage. The recommendations are consistent with a diversification behavior driven by actual asset correlations. These findings support the utility of investor advisory that may help enhance the risk and return trade‐off. The main drawback of the recommendations may consist in the degree of customization that is limited by the small number of investor characteristics actually influencing the asset allocation.     

Status in a strange land? Context‐dependent value of status in cross‐border venture capital

Research Summary: While recent literature has depicted status as an intangible asset that is firm‐specific and mobile, we have a limited understanding of whether status confers advantage in a way similar to other intangible assets. This study examines the macro‐structural contingencies that influence the marginal value of firm status as firms expand to new markets. Building on the literatures on status and social approval assets, as well as globalization and international management, we hypothesize that two conditions influence how valuable home‐country status will be in a given host country: the interconnectedness of the home and host countries, and their relative position in the global network. We test our hypotheses in a study of 187 venture capital (VC)‐backed biotechnology ventures in 19 countries between 1990 and 2006. Managerial Summary: Startups typically prefer high‐status VC investors for endorsements, network connections, and resources. One might expect the benefits of high‐status VCs to be even higher when they invest across borders. Yet, we show that status is ingrained in context, and that the performance advantage of partnering with high‐status cross‐border VC firms depends on the relationship between the country of the VC firm and that of the startup. We find that, when the VC industries in the two countries are more connected, the positive effect of cross‐border VC firm status on successful exit is amplified. However, when the VC firm comes from a more central country than the startup, the benefits of VC firm status are less pronounced and vice versa.     

Distributive impact of structural change: Does environmental degradation matter?

Vulnerability to reduction of natural capital depends on defensive substitution possibilities that, in turn, are affected by the availability of other productive factors. However in several developing countries asset distribution tends to be highly skewed. Taking into account these elements, this paper proposes a model considering an economy polarized into two classes (the rich and the poor) and characterized by the following stylized facts: income and productivity of the rural poor is highly dependent on natural resources; labour remuneration in rural sector represents the opportunity cost for wage labour; the rich can partially substitute natural capital with physical capital and wage labour. In this context, agents differ for feed back mechanisms and interactions between their choices of production and environmental dynamics. Moreover environmental depletion may trigger economic transition, but the structural change is likely to result regressive.     

The Influences of Institution Attended and Field of Study on Graduates' Starting Salaries

This paper examines the determinants of Australian university graduates' starting salaries, with an emphasis on the institution attended and field of study. It is shown that there is little difference between the starting salaries of students who attended Group of Eight universities and those who attended other universities. There are modest differences in starting salaries across fields of study. However, these differences are considerably less than those associated with the type of employment obtained. These results suggest it is what you do in the labour market, rather than where or what you have studied, that is the main determinant of labour market outcomes.     

An empirical study of consumer behavior related to private labels and national brand promotions

One day while in the store, Bernard grabs his usual Dominick's cream cheese off the shelf. I notice and point out that the national brand of Philadelphia cream cheese is on sale and less expensive. Bernard looks at the two products and actually hesitates for a while to switch to the national brand. His hesitation makes it clear that his preference is not based solely on price. (Chang Coupland 2005, 115).     

Tough on criminal wealth? Exploring the link between organized crime’s asset confiscation and regional entrepreneurship

This paper addresses the question “How does the fight against organized crime affect regional entrepreneurship?” We focus on asset confiscation in relation to alleged connections of their owners with organized crime, a highly debated policy measure against organized crime. Extending work on institutions and regional entrepreneurship, we propose that confiscation has contrasting effects on regional entries. On the one hand, confiscation of economic assets associated with criminal organizations’ legitimate activities in a region reduces competition and triggers renewal, fostering new entries. On the other hand, seizure of criminal organizations’ operational assets weakens their ability to exercise sovereignty, creating an institutional vacuum that lowers founding rates. Our results, based on a longitudinal study of Italian provinces between 2009 and 2013, provide support for both hypotheses. We also find that the negative effect associated with the confiscation of operational assets is mitigated when local governments have policies facilitating asset redeployment.