Performance of French intensive care units: A directional distance function approach at the patient level

By using a novel adaptation of the free-disposable hull analysis of productivity, we assess the medical and technical efficiency of patient care in 25 Parisian intensive care units (ICUs) during 2000. The robust free disposable hull (RFDH) as defined by [Cazals et al., 2002. Nonparametric frontier estimation: a robust approach. Journal of Econometrics 106, 1–25] reduces the impact outliers may have on findings by employing Monte-Carlo techniques and repeated sample selection. Among our key findings, there was no overall significant correlation between medical and technical efficiencies for all the ICUs, therefore performing well in one does not guarantee good performance in the other. We also found that over 80% of inefficiency is concentrated in less than 20% of the sampled patients.     

De algemeene nederlandsche diamant-bewerkersbond

Bronnen van dit opstel zijn in hoofdzaak: De strijd der Diamantbewerkers, door H. Polak, Amsterdam 1896; het Weekblad, de jaarverslagen, Statuten en het huishoudelijk reglement van den A. N. D. B.; Bijdragen tot de statistiek van Nederland, uitgegeven door de Centrale Commissie voor de Statistiek n IV; idem, Nieuwe Volgreeks n LVII; schriftelijke en mondelinge mededeelingen van den heer H. Polak, voorzitter van den A. N. D. B.     

IS ECONOMIC GROWTH GOOD FOR THE POOR? TRACKING LOW INCOMES USING GENERAL MEANS

We propose the use of an alternative methodology to track low incomes based on Atkinson's “equally distributed equivalent income” functions or “general means” and present a new characterization to justify their application. To evaluate the effects of growth on lower incomes, growth rates are compared for two income standards: the ordinary mean and a low‐income‐sensitive general mean. The question is: How closely related are these two variables? After estimating the growth elasticity, we find that it is not significantly different from zero. Thus, it cannot be concluded that poorer incomes grow proportionately to increases in the average income.     

House prices, money, credit, and the macroeconomy

This paper assesses the links between money, credit, house prices,and economic activity in industrialized countries over the lastthree decades. The analysis is based on a fixed-effects panelvector autoregression, estimated using quarterly data for 17industrialized countries spanning the period 1970–2006.The main results of the analysis are the following. (i) Thereis evidence of a significant multidirectional link between houseprices, monetary variables, and the macroeconomy. (ii) The linkbetween house prices and monetary variables is found to be strongerover a more recent sub-sample from 1985 to 2006. (iii) The effectsof shocks to money and credit are found to be stronger whenhouse prices are booming.     

What mbo really is: Results require a complete program

Management by objectives (MBO) is commonly described too narrowly; firms that report unsuccessful experiences have been practicing a limited program. To clear up the confusion that beclouds MBO, the authors first describe the concept and its emphasis on results (the achievement of objectives) and on human behavior and motivation (fulfillment of needs and participation). The MBO system is then examined. The system has four basic components: setting objectives, developing action plans, conducting periodic reviews, and appraising annual performance. Many firms have found that MBO plays the leading role in the managerial process of achieving corporate objectives. The authors list seven major benefits that an organization can expect.