A dynamic choice model of hybrid behavior in the attribute-space

This paper presents a dynamic choice model in the attribute space considering rational consumers that discount the future. In light of the evidence of several state-dependence patterns, the model is further extended by considering a utility function that allows for the different types of behavior described in the literature: pure inertia, pure variety seeking and hybrid. The model presents a stationary consumption pattern that can be inertial, where the consumer only buys one product, or a variety-seeking one, where the consumer buys several products simultane-ously. Under the inverted-U marginal utility assumption, the consumer behaves inertial among the existing brands for several periods, and eventually, once the stationary levels are approached, the consumer turns to a variety-seeking behavior. An empirical analysis is run using a scanner database for fabric softener and significant evidence of hybrid behavior for most attributes is found, which supports the functional form considered in the theory.Consumer choice models, state-dependence models, consumption patterns, variety seeking, hybrid behavior

Hybrid consumption paths in the attribute space: A model and application with scanner data

This paper presents and estimates a dynamic choice model in the attribute space considering rational consumers. In light of the evidence of several state-dependence patterns, the standard attribute-based model is extended by considering a general utility function where pure inertia and pure variety-seeking behaviors can be explained in the model as particular linear cases. The dynamics of the model are fully characterized by standard dynamic programming techniques. The model presents a stationary consumption pattern that can be inertial, where the consumer only buys one product, or a variety-seeking one, where the consumer shifts among varied products. We run some simulations to analyze the consumption paths out of the steady state. Under the hybrid utility assumption, the consumer behaves inertially among the unfamiliar brands for several periods, eventually switching to a variety-seeking behavior when the stationary levels are approached. An empirical analysis is run using scanner databases for three different product categories: fabric softener, saltine cracker, and catsup. Non-linear specifications provide the best fit of the data, as hybrid functional forms are found in all the product categories for most attributes and segments. These results reveal the statistical superiority of the non-linear structure and confirm the gradual trend to seek variety as the level of familiarity with the purchased items increases.Dynamic Choice Model, Rational Consumers, Inertia, Variety Seeking, Hybrid Behavior, Scanner Data

Equilibrium dynamics in two-sector models of endogenous growth

This paper presents an account of the dynamics of endogenous growth models with physical capital and human capital. We consider some important extensions of the basic framework of Lucas (1988) and Uzawa (1964), including physical capital in the human capital technology and leisure activities as an additional argument of agents' welfare

Aprendizaje articulado de la Educación Media Técnica y la Educación Tecnológica en las sedes MEGATEC. Experiencia del Centro Regional MEGATEC Zacatecoluca

A lo largo de muchos años, los niveles de Educación Media Técnica y de Educación Tecnológica han estado operando de forma independiente, desde el punto de vista curricular, sin optimizar el tiempo de los estudiantes y el uso de los recursos educativos para formar profesionales altamente calificados que demandan los sectores productivos de importancia para el país. El Modelo Educativo Gradual de Aprendizaje Técnico y Tecnológico MEGATEC, tiene como objetivo articular curricularmente la Educación Técnica de Nivel Medio y Tecnológica de Nivel Superior con carreras que respondan a las necesidades productivas de los polos de desarrollo del país. El Modelo MEGATEC se concibe como un proceso de reforma curricular de la Educación Media Técnica y Tecnológica orientada a la calidad, la excelencia, la continuidad y flexibilidad curricular para adecuarse a las exigencias del sector productivo y el desarrollo social del país. El Modelo MEGATEC cuenta con una red de sedes y ofrece una variedad de carreras tecnológicas que inician en el 1er año de bachillerato y culminan en un grado de nivel técnico o de ingeniería. Tiene como marco de referencia el aprovechamiento de las vocaciones productivas y el desarrollo geográfico de las localidades próximas a cada Sede. Para lograr el éxito del Modelo MEGATEC, el Ministerio de Educación crea el Sistema de Gestión de la Calidad, el cual se encarga de fortalecer y darle seguimiento al Modelo MEGATEC, desde el primer año de bachillerato hasta el cuarto año de estudio. En el presente artículo se hace un recorrido por el Modelo MEGATEC y se exponen experiencias obtenidas en los tres años de funcionando del Sistema de Gestión de la Calidad del Centro Regional MEGATEC Zacatecoluca, en beneficio de jóvenes de escasos recursos. Este modelo está siendo impulsado y desarrollado a través del Plan Social Educativo “Vamos a la Escuela” del Ministerio de Educación, MINED para desarrollar competencias profesionales requeridas por el sector productivo en la actualidad y de cara hacia el futuro

A two-sector model of endogenous growth with leisure

In this paper we analyze a class of endogenous growth models with physical and human capital and with three altematives uses of time: unqualified leisure, work and education. In contrast to some other related models, we find that, even in the absence of technological extemalities, there could be multiple balanced paths. We provide a characterization of the qualitative behavior of consumption, leísure, work and education over those balanced paths, and study their transitional dynamics

Impacto del sistema de alertas “semáforo” de contenido de azúcar, sal y grasa en etiquetas de alimentos procesados: enfoque cualitativo

El Ministerio de Salud Pública de Ecuador (LATAM), por decreto ministerial implementó en noviembre de 2013 una medida innovadora en un esfuerzo por mejorar los hábitos alimenticios de la población ecuatoriana y así reducir la incidencia de enfermedades causadas por una nutrición deficiente. Los productores de alimentos procesados se vieron obligados a poner en sus etiquetas de producto un sistema gráfico que indique a los consumidores la cantidad de grasa, azúcar y sal en sus productos mediante el uso de colores rojo, amarillo y verde como advertencia. Esta investigación busca analizar el impacto de la implementación de este sistema de alerta en el consumo de alimentos procesados para considerar si la medida realmente ha tenido el impacto deseado y ha reducido el consumo de productos con altos niveles de azúcar, sal y grasa. A través de entrevistas en profundidad con jefes de hogar de clase media y media alta de la ciudad de Guayaquil, se encontró que en general los ciudadanos están de acuerdo con la medida y consideran negativamente productos con alerta roja (alto contenido de azúcar, sal y grasa). A pesar de que han reducido la cantidad de consumo de este tipo de productos, son pesimistas sobre la posibilidad de dejar de comprarlos. // The Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador (LATAM), by ministerial decree implemented in November 2013 an innovative measure in an effort to improve the eating habits of the Ecuadorian population and thus reduce the incidence of diseases caused by poor nutrition. The producers of processed foods were obliged to put on their product labels a graphic system that indicates consumers the amount of fat, sugar and salt in their products by using colors red, yellow and green as a warning. This research seeks to analyze the impact of the implementation of this warning system in the consumption of processed foods to consider whether the measure has actually had the desired impact and has reduced the consumption of products with high levels of sugar, salt and fat. Through in depth interviews with middle and upper middle class heads of household in the city of Guayaquil, it was found that in general the citizens agree with the measure and regard negatively products with red alert (high sugar, salt and fat). Even though they have reduced the amount of consumption of this type of products, they are pessimistic about the possibility of completely stop buying them

Equilibrium dynamics in two-sector models of endogenous growth.

This paper presents an account of the dynamics of endogenous growth models with physical capital and human capital. We consider some important extensions of the basic framework of Lucas (1988) and Uzawa (1964), including physical capital in the human capital technology and leisure activities as an additional argument of agents' welfare.Endogenous growth; Physical capital; Human capital; Long-term growth; Transitional dynamics;

Perceptual mapping of practical ethics along the value chain: A multiple correspondence analysis with industry and cultural indices as supplementary variables

This paper presents findings from a study investigating a firm’s ethical practices along the value chain. In so doing we attempt to better understand potential relationships between a firm’s ethical stance with its customers and those of its suppliers within a supply chain and identify particular sectoral and cultural influences that might impinge on this. Drawing upon a database comprising of 667 industrial firms from 27 different countries, we found that ethical practices begin with the firm’s relationship with its customers, the characteristics of which then influence the ethical stance with the firm’s suppliers within the supply chain. Importantly, market structure along with some key cultural characteristics were also found to exert significant influence on the implementation of ethical policies in these firms.Practical Ethics, Value Chain, Multiple Correspondence Analysis

A two-sector model of endogenous growth with leisure.

In this paper we analyze a class of endogenous growth models with physical and human capital and with three altematives uses of time: unqualified leisure, work and education. In contrast to some other related models, we find that, even in the absence of technological extemalities, there could be multiple balanced paths. We provide a characterization of the qualitative behavior of consumption, leísure, work and education over those balanced paths, and study their transitional dynamics.

Measurement device design: Rain gauge

The need to size large hydraulic infrastructures, exploit extensive agricultural areas or simply arrange water assets for human consumption makes the evaluation of the available water resources essential. Water is a scarce resource that is poorly distributed both, spatially and temporally. Therefore, a set of hydrological networks that allow the evaluation of water quantity and quality is required. In order to achieve this, the first step is to retrieve reliable data on rainfall. To carry out a correct evaluation of water resources, both in the small and large scale, disposing hydrological networks that involve a certain number of measuring devices becomes critical. Despite the great amount of studies that have been developed on measuring devices such as rain gauges, there are still many errors that remain in the measurements and that have not been ruled out yet, thus affecting the accuracy of the measurements. In this sense, the design of a device that provides an accurate measurement of rainfall and also results affordable, could be the key to a product with great acceptance in the market. The aim of this work is to present the design of a measurement device that provides accurate data and can be used in multiple ways: as an ordinary rain gauge, as a rain gauge recorder, or even allowing to carry on both functions simultaneously. The methodology followed for its implementation has consisted in analyzing the techniques and procedures to be trailed at quantifying rainfall, conducting a market study and analyzing specifications to be in accordance to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) [2] [3] to then go through a conceptual design and finally complete the detailed design where materials are valued and simulation tests are performed in order to meet certain accuracy and economical requirements.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech