Why panel tests of purchasing power parity should allow for heterogeneous mean reversion

Recent studies of purchasing power parity (PPP) use panel tests that fail to take into account heterogeneity in the speed of mean reversion across real exchange rates. In contrast to several other severe restrictions of panel models and tests of PPP, the assumption of homogeneous mean reversion is still widely used and its consequences are virtually unexplored. This paper analyzes the properties of homogeneous and heterogeneous panel unit root testing methodologies. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we uncover important adverse properties of the panel approach that relies on homogeneous estimation and testing. More specifically, power functions are low and assume irregular shapes. Furthermore, homogeneous estimates of the mean reversion parameters exhibit potentially large biases. These properties can lead to misleading inferences on the validity of PPP. Our findings highlight the importance of allowing for heterogeneous estimation when testing for a unit root in panels of real exchange rates.     

经济欠发达地区基于物流的家电业多渠道营销模式

目前国内较为先进的家电经营模式主要由连锁经营及渠道代理两种。实施多渠道营销策略,建立物流核心竞争力,与大型连锁卖场实施差异化竞争,在竞争中得以生存发展,不失为经济欠发达地区家电业有效的经营模式。     

“Panelizing” Repeated Cross Sections

This paper considers the implementation of a non-stationary, heterogeneous Markov model for the analysis of binary dependent variables in a time series of repeated cross-sectional (RCS) surveys. The model offers the opportunity to estimate entry and exit transition probabilities and to examine the effects of time-constant and time-varying covariates on the hazards. We show how maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters can be obtained by Fishers method-of-scoring and how to estimate both fixed and time-varying covariate effects. The model is exemplified with an analysis of the labor force participation decision of Dutch and West German women using ISSP (and other) data from 10 annual Dutch surveys conducted between 1987 and 1996 and 7 annual West German surveys conducted between 1988 and 1994. Some open problems concerning the application of the model are discussed.     

Farmers’ Preferences for New Environmental Policy Instruments: Determining the Acceptability of Cross Compliance for Biodiversity Benefits

This paper addresses the issue of farmers’ views concerning the perceived legitimacy of environmental cross compliance as a governance mechanism. Recent work on the theory of regulation emphasises the importance of the legitimacy ascribed to a regulation in determining the effectiveness with which it can be implemented. The current study outlines a rationale for why this motivational question should receive attention in economic studies of policy design and reports the results of a survey of 102 arable farmers in East Anglia, UK, which investigated the level of support for the principle of cross compliance for biodiversity objectives. It was found that two attitudinal factors, referred to as ‘Stewardship Orientation’ and ‘Technological Beliefs’, were by far the most significant in determining the acceptability of cross compliance in the sample, and that structural and socio‐demographic factors were considerably less important. The study also identified clusters of farmers according to their overall attitudinal orientation. Of the five groups thus categorised, four appeared on average likely to reject cross compliance as a general principle, leaving only the most ‘Environmental’ cluster in support. The policy implications are discussed and some conclusions drawn.     

WTO渔业补贴谈判提案评析

自世贸组织多哈部长会议将渔业补贴问题列为谈判议题以来,各国就此提案分歧很大。在谈判中,关于渔业补贴议题所形成的几大主流提案也屡经演变,本文将其分为形成对立集团阶段,探讨具体方案阶段,以及有限的融通阶段并对各阶段的主要提案进行评析。     

跨国公司在华品牌本土化战略和启示

在中国市场，企业的产品竞争正逐渐演变为品牌竞争，品牌战略已成为企业占有市场的有效途径。跨国公司凭借其品牌优势所实施的品牌本士化战略在中国市场的竞争中居于有利地位，而国内企业在品牌战略的一些错误做法导致其在竞争中远远地落在跨国公司后面，实施正确的品牌扩张策略已是刻不容缓.     

对商业银行内部会计监督管理体制的若干思考

目前,商业银行内部会计控制失效的现象越来越严重,特别是国有商业银行,其内部控制的失效将会直接导致国有资产的流失.所以,建立一套适合新环境的内部会计监督管理制度,是商业银行亟待解决的一个重要问题.     

Geographic concentration and vertical disintegration: Evidence from China

Existing theoretical literature predicts that geographic concentration encourages vertical disintegration of firms. Nevertheless, empirical evidence of this prediction is limited, especially in developing countries. Using data on manufacturing firms from China, this paper documents a positive correlation between geographic concentration and vertical disintegration. Additionally, this paper uses the instrumental variable approach to address the issue of endogeneity and finds that geographic concentration has a positive causal effect on vertical disintegration.