Globalization of the German Automotive Industry: Where Does Added Value Occur? Bertelamann Policy Brief #2019/01

A central aspect of globalization is that companies not only sell their products all over the world, but the production of goods and services is divided into different stages of added value at home and abroad. While direct (bilateral) supplier relations can be understood reasonably well, the direct and indirect added value contributions of domestic and foreign suppliers often remain hidden. Using the German automotive industry as an example, we want to show the extent to which other countries contribute directly and indirectly to added value in this industry’s production

Computation of Equilibria in OLGModels with Many Heterogeneous Households

This paper develops a decomposition algorithm by which a market economy with many households may be solved through the computation of equilibria for a sequence of representative agent economies. The paper examines local and global convergence properties of the sequential recalibration (SR) algorithm. SR is then demonstrated to efficiently solve Auerbach- Kotlikoff OLG models with a large number of heterogeneous households. We approximate equilibria in OLG models by solving a sequence of related Ramsey optimal growth problems. This approach can provide improvements in both efficiency and robustness as compared with simultaneous solution methods.Computable general equilibrium, Overlapping generations, Microsimulation, Sequential recalibration

Computation of Equilibria in OLG Models with Many Heterogeneous Households

This paper develops a decomposition algorithm by which a market economy with many households may be solved through the computation of equilibria for a sequence of representative agent economies. The paper examines local and global convergence properties of the sequential recalibration (SR) algorithm. SR is then demonstrated to efficiently solve Auerbach-Kotlikoff OLG models with a large number of heterogeneous households. We approximate equilibria in OLG models by solving a sequence of related Ramsey optimal growth problems.This approach can provide improvements in both efficiency and robustness as compared with simultaneous solution-methods.Computable general equilibrium, overlapping generations, microsimulation, sequential recalibration

The Reality of Fantasy

Controversy surrounds the literary genre of fantasy. Either fantasy is evil or it’s not real, so it does not matter. And yet few can deny that some works of fantasy have been a means for an encounter with the deeper reality of God, even controversial ones. But how can something that is not real bring someone to reality? I propose in this thesis that a good work of fantasy must be grounded on the foundational principles of reality. By doing this it participates in reality and communicates the good, true and beauty of reality. This work analyzes the Catholic principles of the reality of creation, man, and community. Chapter one focuses on the theology of creation, specifically, the parallels between how God creates and how man creates, the relationship between the material and immaterial orders, and how sacramentality leads man towards the immaterial. Chapter two explores theological anthropology, the make-up of man as body and soul, man’s desire for union through truth and love, as well as his fallen nature which places him in need of a savior; further, man is destined for glory which dark vices cannot overcome and undue emphasis on these vices betrays man’s ultimate destiny; concluding this chapter is an analysis of the Transcendentals, how man is made for the Good, the True, and the Beautiful but also how creation participates in the Transcendentals. Chapter three addresses the social dimensions of human fulfillment, especially ecclesiological considerations, including, communion and reconciliation, and the liturgy as an activity which disposes man to the theological realities discussed in this thesis

Divisions, Dialogue, and the Catholicity of the Church

Discusses the conflicting advocacy groups within the Catholic Church in United States

To Embrace the Other

The article presents a speech by the head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Walter Kasper, delivered at the council\u27s plenary assembly on November 14, 2006. The Cardinal summarized recent developments like the resolution of some of the Christological differences with the Oriental Orthodox churches. The Cardinal focused on the shifts in ecumenism and emphasized the need for a dialogue of truth based on love and return to the sources in Scripture and the liturgy