Optimal choice of an exchange rate regime: a critical literature review

This paper set out to review the main theories and empirical methods employed in selecting an appropriate exchange rate regime.In order to achieve this, the paper is organized as follows : Section 2 introduces the distinct classifications of exchange regimes(de jure exchange rate regimes versus the facto exchange rate regimes), and the different theoretical approaches which illustrate how an optimal exchange rate regime is determined . Despite their initial popularity, the theoretical considerations have not escaped criticism.Section 3 reviews the criticism of these theories.A conclusion is provided in Section 4

Open Source Architecture: Redefining Residential Architecture in Islamabad

Islamabad, a planned city, has grown rapidly since its conception in the 1960’s but it has not followed its predetermined fate but rather grown haphazardly due to the lack of infrastructure available to implement Doxiadis’s master plan. The city was unable to meet the housing requirements of the people causing them to build gated communities on the outskirts of Islamabad and its sister city, Rawalpindi. The market demands caused city prices to rise exponentially, increasing the economic divide between the social classes. The city which was once supposed to reflect diversity of social classes became home to the elite and the privileged. To heal these woes, the government needs to rethink the by-laws to echo the changes in the economy and society of Islamabad. Today, the city is facing multiple issues politically, economically and socially. The energy crisis is opening up the need for people to find alternative energy solutions. By defining a set of principles which reflect the teachings of vernacular architecture and employing renewable energy techniques, this thesis envisions a matrix of solutions tackling these issues. An open source platform would provide a data base of options for the 4 different types of dwellings defined by the housing authority. This would engage the city in an architectural discourse that does not currently exist, it would invite the layperson to understand and build awareness in the general population from architect to owner to builder

Symmetric cohomology of groups

We investigate the relationship between the symmetric, exterior and classical cohomologies of groups. The first two theories were introduced respectively by Staic and Zarelua. We show in particular, that there is a map from exterior cohomology to symmetric cohomology which is a split monomorphism in general and an isomorphism in many cases, but not always. We introduce two spectral sequences which help to explain the realtionship between these cohomology groups. As a sample application we obtain that symmetric and classical cohomologies are isomorphic for torsion free groups

Bicycle Urbanism, Blog 7

Student blog posts from the Great VCU Bike Race Book

Surviving urban renewal program: Case study of a traditional urban village in Kuala Lumpur

The study undertakes an analysis of the development trajectory and outcomes of a 110 years Malay village located within Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia called Kampung Baru. More specifically the study seeks to account for the development paths of this village brought about by urbanization and planning. The village is characterized by relative tranquility and neat layout of traditional Malay houses, has relatively been retarded in its development with poor roads and sanitation even though the rest of metropolitan of Kuala Lumpur is enjoying a boom in economic growth and prosperity. The methodology that has been employed for this study relied on empirical field work that utilized both participant observation and a questionnaire survey. The research found political, historical and institutional factors has delayed planning and renewal of the (35,000 people and 153.35 km2) area. The consequence of the delay has been detrimental to landowners but advantages to non-owners and migrants who have been taking advantage of the area cheap rent and strategic location. The situation will soon change, however, for the city authority can no longer tolerate increasing criticism of the area disgracing image in the midst booming Kuala Lumpur city. Renewal is therefore certain but the fate of the village traditional image is uncertain