A GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF SPOT PRICE STABILIZATION USING FUTURES*

This paper presents a graphical analysis of stabilizing commodity prices via intervention in the futures market. It uses a two-period analysis. The paper identifies some of the major parameters which seem likely to influence the success of such a scheme, but it is without empirical content.
Cet article présente une analyse graphique de la stabilisation des prix des biens au moyen a"interventions sur le marché des cotations en utilisant une analyse en deux phases. Ce document identifie quelques uns des principaux paramètres qui semblamt vraisemblablement influencer le succès d'un tel projet, mais sans fondement empirique.     

There's a New Silk Road,and It Doesn't Lead to the U.S.

As the U.S. emerges from the recession,American investors often wonder where the growth is going to come from.Perhaps they should talk to Ruben Bisi,international operations director for Mar-copolo,Brazil's     

Refitting the Kuznets curve using a gender-specific threshold model

Previous studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the relationship between inequality and per capita income. These studies, however, fail to consider gender differences in income inequality and how these may impact on the relationship between income inequality and per capita income. Using Australian taxation statistics, we derive three sets of Gini coefficients (i.e. female, male and total) for the period 1950–2013. We then examine the relationship between inequality and real per capita income and find that a gender-specific threshold panel regression outperforms three other conventional models. Our findings suggest that ‘one set of coefficients does not fit all’ in that the use of aggregate and constant coefficients may mask variations within, and between, gender inequality over time.     

Matching Industries between Target and Acquirer in High-Tech Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have been regarded as a highly viable option for fostering innovation, gaining new products or services, and gaining access to new markets in high technology firms. This study analyzes several alternative variables that impact M&A choices by analyzing their relationship to the industry of both the acquirer and target. Results support two hypotheses implying that (1) M&A transactions with the same acquirer and target industry are more likely to be acquisitions that delivers a greater final share of the target organization to the acquirer, and (2) acquirers are more likely to invest greater dollar amounts in targets that have the same primary industry.     

OPTIMAL FEEDING POLICIES FOR BROILER PRODUCTION: AN APPLICATION OF DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING*

The determination of an optimal feeding and selling strategy for broiler production given a space constraint is formulated as a dynamic programming problem. Production equations derived from trial data are used to obtain an optimal sequence of rations in which energy density changes through time. The stability of the plan is explored and the implications of the results for production research and commercial practice are considered.     

Appraising and paying for performance: another look at an age-old problem

The basic notion of improving performance through management and appraisal is difficult to successfully implement in practice. These authors discuss some of the problems presented by tying pay to performance appraisals, offer suggestions for improving performance appraisals and outline some other approaches for employers to consider in setting goals and determining compensation.