Measuring relative efficiency of government-sponsored R&D projects: A three-stage approach

Without considering differences in operating environment, traditional methods of efficiency evaluation are suffering from external environmental influences. This study presents an alternative approach for assessing the relative efficiency of government-sponsored research and development projects (GSP). A three-stage approach employing data envelopment analysis to evaluate efficiency and Tobit regression to control external variables was applied to 110 projects over 9 years. This study finds that firm size, industry, and ratio of public subsidy on research and development (R&D) budget of recipient firm significantly influences the technical efficiency of GSP in Taiwan. After controlling these external variables, the mean value of technical efficiency in the third stage increases and becomes significantly different to that in the first stage. Most GSPs increase their returns when their projects are scaled up. Furthermore, government policy makers must establish the upper-limit ratio of subsidies on R&D budgets of recipient firms to avoid inefficient use of public funds.     

One–sided simulataneous prediction intervals for the order statistics of a future samples from an exponential distribution

Assume that a sample is available from a population having an exponential distribution, and that l Future sample are to be taken from the same population. This paper provides a formula for the same population. This paper provides a formula for computing a one–sided lower simulataneous prediction limit which is to be below the (k_i ? m_i + 1) –st order statistics of a future sample of size k_i for the i = 1,…,2, hased on the sample mean of a past sample. Tables for factors for one–sided lower simultaneous predicition limits are provided. Such limits are of practical importance in determining acceptance criteria and predicting system survival times.     

目的论还是义务论——伦理学的困境与出路

貌似对立的目的论和义务论都是通向自由的必要环节，它们内在的逻辑联系彰显了伦理学的内在逻辑进程：善-正当-自由，这就确证了伦理学是自由之学。     

One-sided normal prediction intervals and sample sizes for a third-stage sample

One-sided two-stage prediction intervals for a normal population are extended to a third sampling stage. Procedures and tables are given for two situations. In the first situation, methods for obtaining such intervals are presented, and tables for calculating such prediction intervals are provided. In the second situation, a two-stage prediction interval has been applied, and a third stage is now required. Sample sizes are given for the third stage.     

Minimum average fraction inspected for TCSP-1 plan

This paper presents the calculation of the average outgoing quality limit (AOQL) for the tightened single-level continuous sampling plan (TCSP-1 plan) based on a numerical method. A solution procedure is developed to find the parameters (i, f, k) that will meet the AOQL requirement, while also minimizing the average fraction inspected (AFI) for the TCSP-1 plan when the process average [pbar] (> AOQL) is known.     

Empirical-distribution-function Tests for the Beta-Binomial Model

Empirical-distribution-function (EDF) goodness-of-fit tests are considered for the beta-binomial model. The testing procedures based on EDF statistics are given. A Monte Carlo study is conducted to investigate the accuracy and power of the tests against various alternative distributions. Our method is found to produce considerably greater power than that of Garren et al. (2001) in most cases. The tests are applied to data sets of the foraging behavior of herons and environmental toxicity studies.     

Economic design of continuous sampling plan under linear inspection cost

The article explores the problem of an economically based type I continuous sampling plan (CSP-1 plan) under linear inspection cost. By assuming that the per unit inspection cost is linearly proportional to the average number of inspections per inspection cycle, and by solving the modified Cassady et al.'s model, we not only have the required level of product quality but also obtain the minimum total expected cost per unit produced.     

传统德性论的困境及其出路

应用伦理学领域的伦理问题远远超出了传统德性论的理论视野,这既是传统德性论被边沿化的原因之一,同时也为德性论的复兴创造了新的契机。在此境遇中德性论的出路在于,从德性现象论、德性本原论和应用伦理学的视角重新反思德性,自觉地把传统德性论提升为应用德性论,进而探求应用德性论的性质及价值基准——人权。     

To Retire or Not to Retire: Is There an Option for Older Workers in Hong Kong?

Over the next thirty years, Hong Kong will have a rapidly ageing population. One possible consequence of this will be a labour shortage, which means that it will be essential to strike a proper balance between the amount of time spent in work and the amount spent in retirement in old age. The balance is determined by the interaction between the aspiration of workers, employers’ attitudes to older workers, as well as the productivity of the labour force. In this article, we examine the issue based on life‐course theory and we argue that the compartmentalization of education, work and retirement must be broken by changes in social policy. We identify three groups of future older adults in the coming three decades: those who may be forced to retire early in their fifties, those who plan to retire in their sixties, and those who will continue to work until they can no longer work. The current situations of these groups are described, and social policies that are related to retirement pension scheme, age discrimination, life‐long education, and flexible work arrangements are suggested to weaken the age structuring of education and employment institutions. Our ultimate objective is to create a societal environment in which older workers have a real option either to work or to retire in the coming decades.     

Consumer Preferences and Demand for Annuities: Evidence From Hong Kong

Retirees without annuities in Hong Kong confront longevity and investment risks. Despite these risks, there is very limited uptake of annuities. This study identifies product and consumer characteristics that are associated with the demand for annuities in Hong Kong. We conduct a discrete choice experiment and distribute a consumer survey among two independent representative samples of workers aged between 40 and 64. Results suggest that a fixed monthly income and a 10-year guarantee period are two significant product characteristics, while a bequest motive, being married, and an understanding of the annuity are consumer characteristics that are associated with the demand for annuities. Being presented the optimal hypothetical annuity product, approximately one-third of middle-aged workers choose to annuitize their retirement savings. The findings and methods of this study can be applied for designing annuity products in other contexts.