Master of Arts

The production structure of the lumber manufacturing sector in western Washington was investigated using a translog cost function with capital, labor, and sawlog inputs. Analyses were performed with a panel data set of biennial observations from 1972 to 2002 on a cross section of sixteen western...

We estimate the elasticity of substitution using two different production functions. The usual Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) production function and a Box-Cox production function for Japan (1890-1991), UK (1870-1991), and US (1890-1992; 1929-2000). The main results are that we find the...

This thesis explores whether scanner data can be used to inform Consumer Price Index (CPI) construction, with particular reference to the issues of substitution bias and choice of aggregation dimensions. The potential costs and benefits of using scanner data are reviewed. Existing estimates of...

Firm panel data sets over the period 1993 to 2002 are used to estimate translog production functions with labour, capital and material inputs for 9 Spanish food industries. To tackle the endogeneity of the regressors, the generalized method of moments estimations is employed. The specification...

There has been considerable recent interest in the valuation of ecosystem services. We focus here on the value of such services in the production of market goods. Although the conceptual basis for conducting such exercises is straightforward, the data with which to implement them empirically is...

The objective of this work was to estimate and to analyze the elasticity ofsubstitution between Brazil, the USA and Argentina in the soybeans exports in theselected importers markets. This fact is important, considering that, it increases theintegration of the world economies, placing in...

Ziel der Arbeit war die Entwicklung eines energiewirtschaftlichen Modells, um künftige Entscheidungen zum Ausbau der regenerativen Energieträger nach unterschiedlichen, sich teilweise widersprechenden Kriterien treffen zu können. Das Modell ist für die strom- und wärmeseitige...

Environmental policy has become increasingly important as states attempt to curb negative environmental impacts and adopt a more a sustainable economic approach that relies on alternative energies instead of fossil fuels. Many countries have adopted policies to foster the production of renewable...

The development of renewable energy sources is of prime interest to many countries seeking to pursue greenhouse gas emission reduction obligations. The increased use of renewables offers the possibility of not only contributing to emission reduction, but at the same time improving energy supply...