We apply duality methods of linear and convex programming to the problems of operation and rental valuation of facilities for conversion and storage of cyclically priced goods, e.g. , energy. Both problems are approached by shadow-pricing the stock (which is a purely intermediate commodity); and...

The analysis of repeated surveys can be approached using model-based inference, utilising the methods of time series analysis. On a long run of repeated surveys it should then be possible to enhance the estimation of a survey parameter. However, many repeated surveys that are suited to this...

In this chapter, we aim to establish whether liberalization and accompanying regulatory arrangements have delivered the expected efficiency gains. In section I, we discuss the theoretical issues and demonstrate that ‘marketable’ yet simplistic arguments in favour of liberalization tend to...

Purpose The method of understanding and managing the diversity within a business is at the heart of the reasoning behind the concept of ‘supply chain segmentation’. The overarching principle is to find economical segments within the diverse product and customer mix and to match...

Purpose Pharmaceutical distributors and wholesalers have played a key part in the pharmaceutical products supply chains in the United Kingdom and the USA for many years (HDMA, 2009). Their role is changing as control of the “space” between manufacturers and retailers has become contested...

The international textiles and apparel trade has been one of the most contentious trade issues between the developed and developing countries. Restrictions have been imposed in terms of quota and tariffs on imports since the 1950s. In January 2005, after the phasing out of the multi fire...

The international textiles and apparel trade has been one of the most contentious trade issues between the developed and developing countries. Restrictions have been imposed in terms of quota and tariffs on imports since the 1950s. In January 2005, after the phasing out of the multi fire...

There is evidence of a negative cross-country correlation between gender wage and employment gaps. We argue that non-random selection of women into work explains an important part of such correlation and thus of the observed variation in wage gaps. The idea is that, if women who are employed...

The standard motivation for unemployment compensation is consumption smoothing and most papers in the literature have analyzed trade-offs involving consumption smoothing and moral hazard. This paper shows how such policy can increase output by enhancing the assignment of workers to jobs in the...

We revisit Western Europe's record with labor-productivity convergence, and tentatively extrapolate its implications for the future path of Eastern Europe. The poorer Western European countries caught up with the richer ones through both higher rates of physical capital accumulation and greater...