Innovation Perception and Adoption of Solar Heating Technology

This study examines the differences between solar adopters and the general public in their perceptions of solar technologies. Factor analysis confirmed the existence of the theorized dimensions of innovation perception. Discriminant analyses and post hoc comparisons were used to assess differences between adopters, nonadopters, and procrastinators. Models including these facets resulted in significant improvements over a model containing only demographic variables. Results are used to make suggestions for increasing the pace of solar adoption.     

Elderly consumers: problems and behaviours

The purpose of this study was to explore older consumers' problems and behaviour. Data were collected by interviewing. Responses of 150 older Wisconsin residents were analysed using chi square to determine significant differences in consumer problems and behaviour related to the demographic variables: age, sex, place of residence, marital status and education. The distribution of responses was most frequently influenced by marital status. The demographic variables of age, sex and place of residence were also found to influence the response distribution, although less frequently than marital status; there were no significant differences in responses by education. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for consumer education programmes designed specifically for older persons.     

Effects Of Obsolescence On Tax Depreciation Practice

To paraphrase an old saying: Everybody complains about the way obsolescence is handled in tax depreciation practice, but nobody has as yet found a solution that satisfies both the taxpayer and the tax collector. It is obvious that this problem is much too big to treat in detail in this short article, but an attempt will be made to discuss several aspects of the problem which the writer believes either have not been fully understood by most persons, or else have not been explained sufficiently by those who advocate certain procedures. In order to develop the subject adequately, it will be necessary to investigate certain matters not directly concerned with tax practice     

Predictors of consumption cutbacks in response to increased energy costs

Energy costs have increased at a more rapid rate than overall household costs in recent years. The effects of these increased costs upon families' consumption of goods and services, as measured by cutbacks in and across consumption categories and cutbacks in necessities, were studied in relation to three variables: (1) family income level; (2) perceived effect of energy cost changes upon life in the last five years (well-off); and (3) belief that energv consumption could be reduced by one-fourth in the next year. Family income level was significantly related in a negative direction to each measure of cutback in consumption. However, the well-off measure explained a greater percentage of the variation in consumption cutback measures than did income level.     

ASSESSING THE VALUE OF ECONOMICS RESEARCH: THE CASE OF THE BIAS IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

Economists provide sometimes contradictory information about economic systems that contribute to policy design. How does one value this type of knowledge? A political‐economic game is presented that allows for reinforcing and contradictory research messages. Policy makers are assumed to follow a Bayesian decision theory process and the model is tested with quantitative estimates of the value of research on the degree of bias in the Consumer Price Index. Most economists agree that a bias exists, but published estimates vary widely. A blue‐ribbon panel of economists recommended revisions to how the index is calculated, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics subsequently made revisions that differed from their original plans, but how much influence did the panel really have on the revisions? (JEL Z00)     

The Effects of Activity and Aging on Rural Community Living and Consuming

Effects of social activity and aging on variables related to individual motivations, community membership, and consumer behavior were tested for 287 late middle-age and 343 elderly respondents living in three rural communities. Those actively involved were more satisfied with aspects of the community than their less active counterparts, and they expressed stronger intentions to shop with local retailers (inshopping). Klderly respondents were more satisfied with their community, and had higher inshopping levels than the late middle-age respondents. Findings suggest an “embeddedness” of market place activity in the social networks of the rural communities. The number and purchasing power of older persons offer opportunities to rural businesses who are alert to the concerns and unmet needs of these consumers.     

BIDS AND COSTS IN COMBINATORIAL AND NONCOMBINATORIAL PROCUREMENT AUCTIONS—EVIDENCE FROM PROCUREMENT OF PUBLIC CLEANING CONTRACTS

Combinatorial procurement auctions enable suppliers to pass their potential cost synergies on to the procuring entity and may therefore lead to lower costs and enhance efficiency. However, bidders might find it profitable to inflate their stand‐alone bids in order to favor their package bids. Using data from standard and combinatorial procurement auctions, we find that bids on individual contracts in simultaneous standard auctions without the option to submit package bids are significantly lower than the corresponding stand‐alone bids in combinatorial auctions. Further, no significant difference in procurer's cost as explained by auction format is found. (JEL D44, H57, L15)