Do domestic firms benefit from foreign direct investment? Evidence from panel data

Many developing countries now actively solicit foreign investment, offering firms subsidies, tax holidays, and exemptions from import duties. One justification for subsidizing these firms is the so-called spillover of technology from foreign to domestic firms. Using panel data -- following more than 4,000 Venezuelan firms from 1975 through 1989 -- The authors explore two aspects of the effect of foreign direct investment. First, they examine the relative performance to joint ventures and domestic firms. They find that increases in foreign equity participation are strongly correlated with increases in plant productivity. Second, they measure the impact of joint ventures and foreign subsidiaries on plants with no foreign investment. Facing fewer data limitations than in previous studies, they find that foreign investment negatively affects the productivity of domestically owned plants. These results suggest that whatever technology gains occur through foreign investment are captured entirely by joint ventures.Environmental Economics&Policies,Trade and Regional Integration,Economic Theory&Research,International Terrorism&Counterterrorism,Foreign Direct Investment

Ecotourism in a pristine environment:A case study of South Georgia and Antarctica

The region encompassed by South Georgia and Antarctica represents one of the last pristine wildernesses on the planet. In recent years, this area has attracted an ever-increasing number of ecotourists who wish to experience the nature at first hand. However, this also poses a potential threat to the delicate ecosystems that exist there. Based on personal experiences and observations, conversations with well-informed experts, and a study of the relevant literature, this paper considers the reasons why people should wish to journey to such a remote location, the specific dangers that this presents to the environment, and the measures adopted to preserve the unique scenery, fauna and flora. It also examines what strategies have been taken to mitigate past damage to the environment, and assesses the current situation

Attending College Influences the Perception of Parenting more than Young Adults or Students that do not Attend College

College has the ability to bring the best out of any individual. It is time consuming, difficult, and often far away from home. Going to college can be a remarkable experience. Moreover, the tools and knowledge one gains from college are invaluable. Most of what a student learns is taught just by going to college and experiencing it first-hand. Whether studying the night before an exam, taking notes during class, or reading for hours on end, everything a student does is a learning experience. But not all lessons are taught out of a textbook and not all lessons apply just to college. The question here is whether or not attending college influences parenting skills. The thesis is attending college influences the perception of parenting more than young adults or students that do not attend college

Spillovers, Foreign Investment, and Export Behavior

Case studies of export behavior suggest that firms who penetrate foreign markets reduce entry costs for other potential exporters, either through learning by doing or through establishing buyer- supplier linkages. We pursue the idea that spillovers associated with one firm's export activity reduce the cost of foreign market access for other firms. We identify two potential sources of spillovers: export activity in general and the specific activities of multinational enterprises. We use a simple model of export behavior to derive a logit specification for the probability a firm exports. Using panel data on Mexican manufacturing plants, we find evidence consistent with spillovers from the export activity of multinational enterprises but not with general export activity.

DIVING INTO ONE’S PAINFUL PAST AND DARKEST INTERNAL FEARS: THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS OF THE THREAD THAT SNAPPED

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OFAustin Harrison, for the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, presented on April 10, 2020, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: DIVING INTO ONE’S PAINFUL PAST AND DARKEST INTERNAL FEARS: THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS OF THE THREAD THAT SNAPPEDMAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Jacob Juntunen This thesis details the development of my full-length play The Thread That Snapped from its early conception in 2019 to full production at Southern Illinois University Department of Theatre’s Christian H. Moe Theatre’s space in March 2020. In writing The Thread That Snapped, I was inspired by traumatic chapters within my life that shaped me as a human. This play, therefore, examines the unpredictable ways in which an individual is driven to insanity and the delicate thread that separates sanity and insanity. From this play comes a study into the human condition and how society and relationships shape who we become n life. Chapter One includes a statement of the project, the origin, and development of the script, initial structure and plot considerations for the script, research that impacted the creation of the script, character development, and tools for self-evaluation. Chapter Two covers the pre-writing process, feedback from my writing partner, notes from my advisor, Jacob Juntunen, and the director, Susan Patrick Benson, about the script’s development and an overall description of the play’s progression through drafts. Chapter Three describes the design meetings held in preparation for the production of The Thread That Snapped. Chapter Four details the audition and casting process as well as rehearsals for the piece. Chapter Five evaluates The Thread That Snapped’s production, describes ideas for future productions of the piece as well as possible revisions. Chapter Six concludes the thesis by tracking my progression in the playwriting program over the past three years. It includes my writing growth in terms of structure and developing my artistic voice. It also discusses my professional development over the time in the program, as well as the evolution of my teaching practice. I have also included in the thesis the production script of The Thread That Snapped

Willingness-to-Pay for Genetic Attributes in Aquaculture Industries

The genetic make-up of fish stocks is an important factor in aquaculture production. Choice-based conjoint analysis is used to determine importance of genetic improvements to grow-out producers and an estimated willingness-to-pay for selected attributes. Results from a national survey of aquaculture producers, reveal growth rate as the most important attribute.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Collegiate Sport Participation and Student-Athlete Development through the Lens of Emotional Intelligence

A continued debate persists over the place of sport within institutions of higher education. Proponents of sport champion its ability to contribute to a holistic notion of education and develop an array of competencies touted in institutional missions. There is however a dearth of empirical data examining the educational impact of athletic participation at the college level. This paper assessed the educational ability of collegiate sport participation in a unique manner, through the lens of Emotional Intelligence (EI). Student-athletes and students at five NCAA Division III institutions completed online assessments prior to and after the completion of the winter sports seasons. Evidence was produced that participation in a single season of collegiate sport does not develop interpersonal, intrapersonal, and leadership capacities significantly differently from the collegiate experience of students not participating in athletics. Institutions are advised to explore EI interventions as way to maximize the educative potential of sport