Extended Sensitivity Analysis for Applied General Equilibrium Models

Previous sensitivity analysis procedures for applied general equilibrium models have focussed on the values of exogenously assigned elasticity parameters, while the calibrated parameters -those that are obtained from combining elasticity information with flow or stock data- have been largely ignored. Calibrated parameters are central to a model´s specification, and uncertainty surrounding their values affects the credibility of the model´s results. This paper introduces and illustrates a calibrated parameter sensitivity analysis (CPSA) which, when combined with previous elasticity sensitivity analysis procedures in an `extended sensitivity analysis´, allows modelers to undertake sensitivity analysis over the full set of model parameters.Sensitivity Analysis, Calibration

Disciplining the Notion of "Labour Rights as Human Rights"

Beleaguered labour movement advocates are turning to the “labour rights as human rights” framing to address labour issues that have traditionally been tackled by labour unions. Human rights language is indispensable in making the normative case that labour is not a commodity, but an unstructured adoption of the human rights frame poses the spectre of a diminished role for collective labour rights and an overburdened human rights regime. Under the principle of subsidiarity, the notion of human rights substitutes for core labour rights (i.e., freedom of association) where they are absent and reinforces them when they are present. Beyond simply suggesting that both regimes are used to protect labour rights, we propose using the principle of subsidiarity to structure and reinforce the interdependence of human and labour rights. KEYWORDS: labour rights; human rights; core labour standard

New directions in applied general equilibrium model calibration

This thesis develops extensions to current techniques in applied general equilibrium (AGE) model calibration that improve existing practice and expand the use of AGE modelling to economic history applications. Chapter I introduces the thesis. Chapter 2 summarizes the origin and practice of calibration in economics, focussing on its role in AGE modelling. Chapter 3 proposes two related sensitivity analysis procedures for AGE models: calibrated parameter sensitivity analysis (CPSA) and extended sensitivity analysis. Existing sensitivity techniques are incomplete because they only capture the robustness of the model's results to uncertainty in a subset of the parameters, the elasticities. The remaining parameters determine the model's static structure, but are ignored in the sensitivity literature. CPSA fills this gap. When combined with an existing elasticity sensitivity technique in 'extended sensitivity analysis,' CPSA permits sensitivity analysis with respect to uncertainty in the values of all of a model's parameters. Chapter 4 examines the significance of the data adjustments required for calibration. It proposes that the measure of this importance should be the effect of the adjustment algorithm on the statistical properties of the model results. Simulations show that the performance of various algorithms differs significantly under such criteria, and illustrate fora specific policy experiment the link between algorithm performance and the relative magnitudes of the data. The experiments imply that the choice of data adjustment procedure is an important, if neglected, component of calibration. Chapter 5 shows how AGE techniques can be adapted to explore decompositional issues in economic history. By incorporating information about the combined effect of several shocks to an economy in calibration, AGE models can quantify the relative contributions to change of each shock. Furthermore, the effects ol shocks are non-additive, so that the marginal contribution of a shock is conditional on the presence or absence of other shocks. Chapter 6 concludes

Building relationships and facilitating immigrant community integration: An evaluation of a Cultural Navigator Program

Despite the United States’ long history of immigration, large and small communities around the country struggle to integrate newcomers into the social, economic, cultural, and political spheres of society. Utilizing results from the program evaluation of one public library’s Cultural Navigator Program (CNP), the authors illustrate how communities and public institutions can promote integration and relationship building between newly arrived immigrants and long-time residents. Existing social networks, conceptualized in this article as social capital, within receiving communities were leveraged to build capacity among newly arrived immigrants and foster inclusivity and integration at the community level. As a place of intervention, public libraries are suggested as a safe and shared space where community integration can be fostered. The program model is provided as an approach to immigrant community integration. Insights derived from the evaluation inform a discussion on engaging approaches to immigrant integration. The CNP utilized community networks to deliberately and systematically facilitate integration and relationship building between newly arrived immigrants and community members. Lessons learned and recommendations for program evaluators and administrators are provided

Handbook of Econometrics

We discuss the use of calibration techniques in economic models. Calibration contrasts with estimation in relying on deterministic calculation of model parameter values consistent with data, rather than econometric estimation. The reasons why calibrators use these methods, as well as the main arguments in debates between calibrators and econometricians are set out. We draw a distinction between the calibration methods used in dynamic macro models of the Kydland-Prescott type and micro models of the Shoven-Whalley variety. We highlight the ways in which calibration techniques are evolving including double calibration, the use of data pre-adjustments, and the incorporation of model estimation consistent elasticities. We conclude with a discussion of what constitutes best practice in calibration.