Two point priors and Γ-minimax estimating in families of uniform distributions

It is shown that when a parameter lying in a sufficiently small interval is to be estimated in a family of uniform distributions, a two point prior is least favourable under squared error loss. The unique Bayes estimator with respect to this prior is minimax. The Γ-minimax estimator is derived for sets Γ of priors consisting of all priors that give fixed probabilities to two specified subintervals of the parameter space if a two point prior is least favourable in Γ.     

Bequests as a heir "disciple device."

This paper develops a model ofinter vivos gifts and bequests in a setting of moral hazard and adverse selection. Altruistic parents do not perfectly know how much effort their children make to earn their living, nor do they know their true level of ability.Inter vivos gifts take place prior to the realization of the children's earnings whereas at the moment of bequests, parents do observe them. We show that an optimal transfer policy generally uses a mix ofinter vivos gifts — deemed as more efficient — and bequests — deemed as more redistributive.We are thankful to Allessandro Cigno, Jacques Cremer, Claude d Aspremont and anonymous referees for their comments.Responsible editor: Alessandro Cigno     

Modeling household fertility decisions with generalized Poisson regression

This paper models household fertility decisions by using a generalized Poisson regression model. Since the fertility data used in the paper exhibit under-dispersion, the generalized Poisson regression model has statistical advantages over both standard Poisson and negative binomial regression models, and is suitable for analysis of count data that exhibit either over-dispersion or under-dispersion. The model is estimated by the method of maximum likelihood. Approximate tests for the dispersion and goodness-of-fit measures for comparing alternative models are discussed. Based on observations from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics of 1989 interviewing year, the empirical results support the fertility hypothesis of Becker and Lewis (1973). Received January 7, 1997 /Accepted April 3, 1997     

Network analysis in evaluation: some words of caution

Network analysis, a methodology derived from general systems' theory, can be utilized as a community mental health administrative-evaluation procedure. Evaluation parameters derived from analysis of patient data as they “flow” through a network of agency services, provide measures of systemic functioning. These parameters include “longest paths” and various ratio relationships as evaluation measures of service delivery. The limitations of network analysis are examined by means of conceptual analyses, and phenomena that emerged from research experience. The necessity for both quantitative and qualitative data to ensure a meaningful evaluation of mental health services is explained. Conclusions about the value of the network analysis approach are considered.     

Artifact in client satisfaction assessment: experience in community mental health settings

Artifact in client satisfaction assessment is discussed and the results of a study of three factors thought to mediate client satisfaction ratings; (a) general life satisfaction, (b) mode of administration, and (c) psychological symptomatology, are reported. A standard client satisfaction questionnaire (CSQ) was modified to yield parallel forms and was administered orally and in writing to 92 clients in two mental health day treatment programs. Satisfaction ratings obtained from these clients were quite similar to out-patient ratings obtained in previous studies conducted in this setting and using the same measures. Oral administration of the CSQ produced 10% higher satisfaction ratings than written administration (p less than .05) and less missing data (p less than .01). Satisfaction ratings were also obtained using a simple graphic instrument. Graphic ratings were comparable to CSQ ratings. Satisfaction with life in general and level of psychiatric symptoms together accounted for 25% of CSQ variance. The implication of these findings for future client satisfaction research is discussed.     

Involving constituents in agency priority setting: a case study

Many government agencies have "constituents" who believe the agencies should hear and consider their needs and desires in establishing program priorities. This article describes how one involves interested constituents (consumers, industry, medical professionals, and state organizations) in the agency's annual priority-setting process. This participation has produced a number of beneficial results-some expected and some unexpected.     

二维GPSJ分布类及其在保险中的应用

本文给出的二维GPSJ分布类(即GPSJ2)在保险领域应用范围较广,如由机动车辆保险由财产损失索赔次数和人身伤亡索赔次数所组成的模型、超额再保险中的由自留保单数和分出报单数所组成的二维模型等。本文在GPSJ1类基础上研究二维GPSJ类,本文给出了此分布类的定义、背景意义、概率计算的递推公式,同时还对各参数的最大似然估计值的求解过程进行了分析。本文最后将这一模型应用于一组机动车辆赔付次数数据,考虑了由财产损失索赔次数、人身伤亡索赔次数组成的二维模型,拟合效果令人满意。     

大型供应链设计的基本数学模型与算法研究

随着信息技术与全球经济一体化的发展,供应链管理成为全球管理科学的研究热点。本文在分析国内外各种关于供应链设计的数学模型与算法的基础上,提出了具有普遍性意义且简单易行的MIP供应链设计的数学模型以及求解供应链问题的有界变量广义上界算法。实例计算表明,提出的模型和方法是可靠实用的。     

县级政府、供应链管理与农产品上行关系研究

基于中国13省87个电子商务进农村示范县的调研材料,分析政府项目驱动下农产品上行问题。实践表明,政策利好为县域农产品电商发展提供了试错空间,“S2B2C”的供应链管理模式对农产品上行的推动作用明显。但是,多数县级政府未能认识到供应链管理之于农产品上行的作用,普遍存在政府治理方式滞后、公共服务网络不健全、农产品区域公用品牌缺乏、冷链等基础设施投入不足等问题。因此,为有效推动农产品上行,政府应进一步推动“公私合作”、构建一体化的公共服务、注重品牌营销、优化产品供应链管理。