In this paper we propose a two-step semiparametric procedure to estimate first-price auction models. In the first-step, we estimate the bid density and distribution using local polynomial method, and recover a sample of (pseudo) private values. In the second-step, we apply the method of moments...

It is the basic proposition of this paper that the problem with marginal cost theory (Coase, 1946) cannot be adequately addressed within the framework of neo-classical economics. The innumerable products and services, which are available on the market, are not provided because the cost of...

This paper investigates the role played by the cultural norms of particularism and universalism for collusive bribery. In our theoretical framework, the act of proposing or demanding a bribe violates a commonly held social norm, thus producing a psychological cost. By lowering this psychological...

International commodity markets may be characterised by price or quantity competition and by product differentiation. As an illustration, we present a set of models of the Japanese market for imported beef. The models are evaluated using an non-nested econometric test. The one which best fits...

Deductibles in health insurance are often regarded as a means to contain health care costs when individuals exhibit moral hazard. However, in the absence of moral hazard, voluntarily chosen deductibles may instead lead to self-selection into different insurance contracts. We use a set of new...