Sample size requirements in structural equation models under standard conditions

When a research of risk considers researchers who wish to utilize structured equation modeling (SEM), all users would ask for their sample size. The paper argues for the formulation of a single barebones minimum standard to be accompanied by a hierarchy of higher quality standards. The paper also offers a specific recommendation for such a barebones standard and ranks quality standards by their sample size cost. In sum, the solution to this problem involves integration: over the multitude of standards, over both single-study and multi-study perspectives, and over a broad array of research environments. Our solution deals with the multitude of solutions. It seeks maximum flexibility to accommodate a multi-study perspective, and it is sensitive to the needs of research settings where sample size is constrained or collection is costly. For these reasons we offer important suggestions and summarize recommendations.     

Eliminating contradictions in the domestic metals market under crisis conditions

The influence of foreign trade policy on the development of Russian metallurgy increased from 1990 to 2000. The 2008–2009 crisis makes it possible to critique the achieved results and what consequences metallurgical companies’ orientation toward export has had on Russia’s domestic metals market and the circulation of metal. Alternatives are considered for possible development of metallurgy as affected by the basic trends of metal and capital in the world and domestic markets.     

Wealth and Poverty in the English Football League

Member clubs in professional sporting leagues can increase joint incomes by adopting measures that equalise playing performance. In the English Football League some degree of performance equalisation has traditionally been achieved by restricting financial competition and through income sharing arrangements. Elite clubs in the League have recently secured changes in these arrangements which will increase their dominance in the industry. This paper analyses the affects of these changes and of shifts in market demand on the recent financial positions and cash flows of ten of the most and ten of the least successful clubs, and concludes that collective management policies in the League are contrary to the normal economic objectives of a sporting league.     

Economic polarization,leisure practices and policies,and the quality of life: a study in post-communist Moscow

Since the 1980s Russia has been transformed from one of the world's most equal into one of its most unequal countries, certainly in terms of income levels. This paper, based on survey research in Moscow in 1997, explores the implications of this economic polarization for the population's uses of leisure and the quality of their lives. The analysis juxtaposes and compares alternative, Russian and Western, approaches to measuring the quality of leisure. The Moscow evidence confirms that leisure is an important, independent contributor to the quality of life, and the analysis identifies the types of leisure policies and provisions that will maximize wellbeing within all socio-demographic groups, not just in Moscow but also, we believe, in other modern cities as well.     

Forecasting financial crises with the help of economic indicators in the CIS countries

Based on probit modeling, outstripping economic indicators for forecasting financial crises in the CIS countries are identified. The obtained results can be used by public authorities to monitor the financial instability of the economy and timely respond.