Evaluation of Dutch election programs: The impact of parameter uncertainty

Shortly before the national elections in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) evaluates the economic effects of the policy proposals in election programs. This paper investigates the sensitivity of this analysis to the uncertainty of parameter estimates in the economic models that are used. For this purpose, a Monte Carlo analysis of five election programs is performed, using a core version of one of the CPB models. We find that the range of projected outcomes is surprisingly small. Nonetheless, caution remains needed, especially when the estimated effects of different parties are roughly similar.Model simulation; policy evaluation; parameter uncertainty; CGE models

Canons in the classroom: An exploration of teachers' selection of works for musicological examination in New South Wales.

This study provides a detailed view of current practice in relation to the New South Wales Board of Studies Music 2 Syllabus Mandatory Topic, ‘Music of the last 25 years (Australian focus)’. It closely examines various interpretations of this topic, and motivations behind these interpretations, through the voices of those involved in its implementation: an educational administrator, music educationalists, teachers and representatives from education-oriented arts organisations. Through interviews with these participants, this multi-case study examines patterns and influences behind the selection of works for the musicology component of the Mandatory Topic. Conducted across metropolitan and regional areas, the research investigates whether there is equitable access to resources. The study evaluates the complex factors and current practices in the selection of musicological works for study. By bringing to light the current unofficial canon shaped by teachers and others within NSW schools, this thesis proposes strategies for the teaching of musicology in ways that more accurately reflect contemporary educational thinking that is sound, progressive and inclusive

The Franki Committee (1976 Report) and Statutory Licensing

Contains fulltext : 140337.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)We focus in this study on sets of inter-organizational relationships (IORs) by applying a configurational approach that includes both the diversity and the intensity of knowledge transfer IORs. We use a latent class cluster analysis to empirically explore the kinds of IORs configurations. We then use antecedents derived from the IOR literature to explain firm membership in those configurations. Our tests allow us to identify four configurations ranging from isolated innovators to innovating firms embedded in diverse and deep sets of IORs. We show that internal knowledge use by firms, and the types of innovative activities in which they engage, are strong predictors of firm membership in different configurations.19 p

Status report of the three phase 25 kA, 1.5 kW thermally switched superconducting rectifier, transformer and switches

A 25 kA, 1.5 kW superconducting rectifier system has been developed. This rectifier system working like an a.c.-d.c, converter with a primary current of 35 A at 0.1Hz, will energize a 25 kA coil with an average power of 5.4 MJ/hr and a proposed energy efficiency of at least 96%. Such a highly efficient device might work instead of a 'normal' rectifier and a pair of 25 kA current leads with its energy loss of at least 2 W/kA. The 25 kA current step-up transformer has been tested succesfully concerning its maximum current (26.4 kA) and a.c. losses (2 W at 25 kA and 0.1Hz). A conductor for the 25 kA switches has been manufactured and processed into the switching system. Their construction is described

A 25 kA, 2T, 78 kJ, 52 litre superconducting test coil. Strength calculations and construction

Within the scope of our research program for a 25 kA superconducting rectifier, we have built a 25 kA s.c. coil being a single layer solenoid with a bore of 0.45 meter and a volume of 52 litre. The starting point for the design was to avoid any metallic structural material. This unique coil consists of 26 turns of a Rutherford cable in one layer covered at the outside with 6 millimeter glassfibre reinforced epoxy, in order to lower the azimuthal and axial stresses in the conductor to acceptable values. The coil has been vacuum impregnated with a glassfilling factor of 0.529. The paper describes the strength calculations and the construction details. A theoretical analysis of the mechanical behaviour of the glassfibre-epoxy-conductor lamination is given

Human Capital and Innovation in Developing Countries:A Firm Level Study

In this paper we test whether human capital endowments of firms and additional practices of firms, such as formal training and employee slack time, have a positive relation with the innovative output of firms. This paper contributes to the literature about factors that influence innovation at the firm level and the literature about human capital and innovation at the national level. Furthermore, we study this relation in developing countries, while most studies about innovation have been done in developed countries. We test this relation in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with data stemming from the Enterprise Surveys of the World Bank. Our results show that there exists a positive relation between human capital and innovation. In particular, the role of practices of firms such as offering formal training and employee slack time are conducive for innovative output