An Experimental Evaluation of the Serial Cost Sharing Rule

This paper proposes an experimental test of the strategic equilibrium properties of the serial cost sharing rule originally proposed by Shenker (1990) and then analyzed by Moulin and Shenker (1992). We report measure of the performance and efficiency of the serial mechanism by comparing the choices and payoffs attained by the subjects to the expected first best allocations. Experimental evidence shows that, while some learning is needed, the serial mechanism leads to almost efficient allocations.

Your Place in Space: Classroom Experiment on Spatial Location Theory

The authors detail an urban economics experiment that is easily run in the classroom. The experiment has a flexible design that allows the instructor to explore how congestion, zoning, public transportation, and taxation levels determine the bid-rent function. Heterogeneous agents in the experiment compete for land use utilizing a simple auction mechanism. Using the data that is collected, a bid-rent function is derived, and the experimental treatment is altered over the course of three sessions to uncover core concepts in urban economics. Moreover, this provides a tangible experience that can be used to help undergraduates relate to urban issues such as the steep rent gradient found around many larger colleges and universities.

Your Place in Space: Classroom Experiment on Spatial Location Theory

The authors detail an urban economics experiment that is easily run in the classroom. The experiment has a flexible design that allows the instructor to explore how congestion, zoning, public transportation, and taxation levels determine the bid-rent function. Heterogeneous agents in the experiment compete for land use utilizing a simple auction mechanism. Using the data that is collected, a bid-rent function is derived, and the experimental treatment is altered over the course of three sessions to uncover core concepts in urban economics. Moreover, this provides a tangible experience that can be used to help undergraduates relate to urban issues such as the steep rent gradient found around many larger colleges and universities

After Enron: lessons for public policy, edited by Niskanen, W. A. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005, x + 397 pp., USD 34.95 (cloth)

No Abstract

Of Rebates and Drawbacks: The Standard Oil (N.J.) Company and the Railroads

Petroleum, Market power, Rebates, Drawbacks, Standard Oil Corporation, D72, H4,

Taxonomy: racism versus fiscal conservatism in voting on segregationist provisions in Alabama’s constitution

Constitutional choice, Voting, Taxation, D72, H4,

LOSING THE EDGE AT THE FINAL FRONTIER: A RELATIVE DECLINE IN SCIENTIFIC INPUTS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

This paper proposes a model of scientific output utilizing a Cobb-Douglas production function. We employ a newly available panel dataset to analyze patterns of investment in research across countries and their consequences for research leadership. Results suggest some evidence that the demographic mix of a country may matter more than previously thought in determining scientific output relative to R&D spending and the existing stock of scientific output.Technological Change, Public Policy, Demographics, R&D

Advertising as an Entry Fee into High Demand Markets

This presentation was given during the Southern Economic Association Annual Conference

A Multivariete Methodology for Selection of Accreditation Peers

This paper describes one college’s effort to identify peer institutions for accreditation comparisons. Previously, peers had been chosen subjectively. A cross-disciplinary faculty team first identified relevant data that could serve as the basis for a more objective method. The authors then constructed a spreadsheet that allowed exploration of alternative models evaluated according to a multivariate, phi-square performance measure

Class management and disruptive behaviors

Seminar presented through the Georgia Southern University Center for Excellence in Teaching, Statesboro, GA