Some factorizations in the twisted group algebra of symmetric groups

In this paper we will give a similar factorization as in \cite{4}, \cite{5}, where the autors Svrtan and Meljanac examined certain matrix factorizations on Fock-like representation of a multiparametric quon algebra on the free associative algebra of noncommuting polynomials equiped with multiparametric partial derivatives. In order to replace these matrix factorizations (given from the right) by twisted algebra computation, we first consider the natural action of the symmetric group $S_{n}$ on the polynomial ring $R_{n}$ in $n^2$ commuting variables $X_{a\,b}$ and also introduce a twisted group algebra (defined by the action of $S_{n}$ on $R_{n}$) which we denote by ${\mathcal{A}(S_{n})}$. Here we consider some factorizations given from the left because they will be more suitable in calculating the constants (= the elements which are annihilated by all multiparametric partial derivatives) in the free algebra of noncommuting polynomials

Poverty and labor market policies in Croatia

This paper compares indicators of the Croatian labor market and implemented policies with indicators and policies in other countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Although unemployment and long-term unemployment (which latter is particularly correlated with poverty in the transition countries) do not in Croatia depart from the range in which other transition countries are positioned, still they are above their average, which is connected with the somewhat less flexible nature of the Croatian labor market. New findings on the effects of labor market policies in the transition countries indicate that the process of the reform of the institutional framework through which in the last few years the restrictiveness of Croatian employment protection legislation has been reduced might work in the direction of reducing overall and long-term unemployment. The paper suggests that it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the application of active policy measures. Furthermore, a better compensation for a reduction in the restrictiveness of the regulations would probably be an increase in average unemployment benefits rather than an extension of their duration, while greater labor market flexibility, resulting from the reforms, should contribute to a greater coverage of unemployed persons. The expected reduction of overall and long-term unemployment under the influence of the new institutional framework, in spite of the possible emergence of low-paid and insecure jobs, might alleviate the problem of poverty, because unemployment and, especially, long-term unemployment are among the prime causes of poverty in the transition countries.unemployment, labor market policies, Croatia

Contribution of Gross Job Flows to the Dynamics of Corporate Restructuring in Croatia

While lack of corporate restructuring is often viewed as one of the major obstacles to economic growth in Croatia, the scant empirical evidence available does not corroborate this view. The paper evaluates more recent evidence based on gross job flows in order to shed more light on the Croatian experience with corporate restructuring. The findings support the view that a slowdown in corporate restructuring has been taking place during this decade. Gross job flows show that recent employment growth resulted from smaller job destruction, with job creation increasing only slightly. In addition, jobs are now being churned among enterprises that are more similar to each other than was the case in the 1990s. Therefore, all the measures used confirm that less corporate restructuring has been taking place during the last decade in comparison to 1990s, regardless of the still strong state presence in the economy.enterprise restructuring, labor reallocation, gross job flows, Croatia

Is Unofficial Economy a Source of Corruption?

This paper discusses the link between unofficial economy and overall economic efficiency. Special emphasis is put on tax evasion and corruption and their interaction with unofficial economy. First, we address the role of the state in the genesis of unofficial economy and corruption. Second part gives more insight into the multitude and ambiguity of definitions used to describe unofficial economy and the impact of the particular definition chosen on the final conclusions. Since we opt for the 'classical' definition of unofficial economy as unrecorded economic activity, we argue that unofficial economy in transition countries, according to this definition, does not hurt economic efficiency and growth. It is also important to make a distinction between unofficial economy and tax evasion as well as between unofficial economy and corruption. We give an argument in support of the view that those kind of activities are closer linked with official than unofficial economy, as the former uses them as a mechanism for protection from the competition. Unlike unofficial economy, these irregular activities pose more serious threat to general welfare, economic efficiency and growth. We conclude that both unofficial economy and irregular activities are caused by high degree of politicisation and reducing it gives positive impact in reducing both. In the final part we address the measures required and a policy design which could help preventing irregular activities. This would not completely eliminate unofficial economy, but would remove activities which impair economic efficiency and growth.efficiency, makroeconomics, microeconomics, corruption

Dollarisation and the Underground Economy: Accidental Partners?

Monetary methods of measuring the underground economy (UE) in all their variations are traditionally based upon domestic monetary aggregates. In recent times, however, there has been an increasing amount of evidence supporting the thesis that it is actually foreign currency that is very often linked with the UE in countries in which the phenomenon of dollarisation is widespread. New understanding of the extent and dynamics of dollarisation can, then, provide important information about the dynamics of the UE in these countries. Results derived from estimates of the amount of foreign cash in circulation in Croatia, in our estimation, show a rising tendency in the UE, like traditional monetary methods, which in principle does not have to be the case. Similar tendencies in the UE are indicated by the dynamics of electricity consumption.underground economy, dollarisation

Croatian Accession to the European Union: Facing the Challenges of Negotiations

This paper assesses the trade criteria for EU membership and the extent to which Croatia fulfills those criteria. The relationship between trade criteria and the economic ability to pursue EU accession is discussed and a gravity model of Croatian trade is constructed in order to measure the level of trade diversification achieved in an objective manner. Significant trade biases towards the former Yugoslav republics are found as well as an emerging bias in imports from Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC). Moreover, the process of trade liberalization that was promoted recently did in general not significantly contribute to trade diversification towards countries with which preferential trade agreements had recently been concluded, rather reinforced existing biases, although there are some differences between export and import flows. In order to mitigate the consequences of delays in the integration processes, reduce long-term costs of trade restructuring and encourage the trade integration with the EU necessary for successful accession, Croatia should seek to eliminate the remaining institutional barriers to trade with the EU. Also, the continuation and faster implementation of structural reforms are necessary preconditions for an increase of openness in trade.trade integration, preferential trade agreements, gravity analysis, Croatia