In this paper, we propose a new way to simulate an optimal Human Development Index [HDI]. Indeed, the formulation of the original HDI established by the United Nations Development Programme [UNDP] relies on a major methodological shortcoming, namely the contestable assumption that all component...

We reconsider the effect of economic development on urban unemployment by introducing households with nonhomothetic preferences into a sector-specific capital version of the Harris–Todaro model. Contrary to previous studies, this work shows that urban unemployment decreases with urban...

This paper examines how child labor rates within three broadly defined sectors (agriculture, manufacturing and services) are individually impacted by each sector's export activity. I utilize newly available survey data which quantify sector-level child labor activities. I do not find evidence...

This paper aims to analyze the relationship between institutional quality, corruption level, and economic development. The methodology makes use of cross-national data developed by the World Bank on perceived levels of corruption, institutional framework quality and economic development to test...

Using state level personal income, we empirically demonstrate the importance of economic development and diversification for the changes in volatility. We show that volatility of income growth is initially decreasing in the level of income and the degree of diversification. Yet, as state income...

In light of calls to improve the delivery of aid and debt relief, this paper uses survival analysis to examine possible factors affecting completion rates in the HIPC debt relief programme. The findings suggest that better economic management, increased economic, social and media freedoms, more...

This paper examines whether countries with higher income have less corruption. Earlier studies, utilizing pure cross-section regressions, establish a strong association between income and corruption but do not consider factors (presumably, long-run historical factors) that simultaneously could...

The comprehensive evaluation of education reforms in developing countries needs the consideration of the 'triangle'' quality-quantity-equity in the short, medium and long term, in a broader context than just the education system itself. There is no simple ‘recipe'' to enhance education,...

The hypothesis that economic freedom and related variables are significant determinants of real per capita income and growth is critically evaluated. Economic freedom is found necessary for higher levels of per capita income and growth largely in terms of threshold effects as opposed to...

We show that Stiglitz's (1974) principal-agency theory of share tenancy does not imply, as alleged, that the optimal tenant share is less than one for risk-averse tenants nor that the share decreases monotonically with tenant risk aversion. Tenants may self insure by working harder increasingly...