An alternative estimator for multiple characteristics in PPS sampling

The problem considered relates to large-scale sample surveys. A new estimator of population total for the characteristics that are poorly correlated with the selection probabilities has been developed for the PPSWR sampling scheme. The relative efficiency of the proposed estimator has been studied under a super-population model. A numerical investigation into the performance of the estimator has also been made.     

Themes and Trends of Journal of Family and Economic Issues: A Review of Twenty Years (1988–2007)

This review article examines the progress and impact of the Journal of Family and Economic Issues (JFEI) between 1988–2007. Over the past 20 years, JFEI has become a major journal publishing articles on the relationship between families and economic systems. JFEI contributed to both the economic and family studies disciplines by publishing articles that explore the interface of these two disciplines. Between 1988 and 2007, JFEI published articles on a variety of themes not often found in other economic or family studies journals such as family resource management, consumer attitudes and behaviors, and economic issues and family relationships. Other unique characteristics of JFEI include many collaborative multidisciplinary studies and many studies analyzing international or cross-cultural samples.     

Modeling collecting behavior: The role of set completion

Collecting is a complex behavior that has been studied from a variety of different perspectives. Art objects, stamps, coins, and other established collectibles markets, have been shown over the years to provide some degree of return to the collector in the economics literature. Wonderment over the success of certain collectibles such as Swatch watches and Beanie Babies has received much attention in the popular press. But how does one rationally explain the collecting of matchbook covers, Cracker Jacks toys, belt buckles, salt cellars, Aunt Jemima, etc.? Collecting in the absence of financial gain has received little attention in the economics literature. In the social psychology literature, many individuals are understood to have a natural desire to collect things for various reasons. Financial gain is only one of those reasons. Set completion is another. The reasons for collecting are not always mutually exclusive. For example, a complete set may be worth more in the secondary market, if one exists, than the sum of the individual pieces. This reflects the value of the rarest pieces and the opportunity costs of obtaining them. The model presented in this study explains how set completion motivates collecting behavior, which sheds light on collecting for both financial and nonfinancial reasons. The model accommodates both collectors and noncollectors and illustrates how consumption behavior may vary accordingly. Insight into how manufacturers of collectibles can use this behavior for commercial exploitation is explored.     

广东工业企业国际竞争力评价

文章采用SPSS分析法 ,从企业规模、经营能力和经营安全能力三个方面对广东不同所有制和不同规模的工业企业国际竞争力进行了评价 ,并将其与上海、山东、浙江、江苏、北京等省市进行比较。评价结果表明 ,广东工业企业的国际竞争力并不强 ,除大型企业排名第一外 ,其余均处于中等水平 ,造成这一结果的原因是多方面的。     

Effects of Remanufacturable Product Design on Market Segmentation and the Environment

Despite documented benefits of remanufacturing, many manufacturers have yet to embrace the idea of tapping into remanufactured‐goods markets. In this article, we explore this dichotomy and analyze the effect of remanufacturable product design on market segmentation and product and trade‐in prices by studying a two‐stage profit‐maximization problem in which a price‐setting manufacturer can choose whether or not to open a remanufactured‐goods market for its product. Our results suggest that it is optimal for a manufacturer to design a remanufacturable product when the value‐added from remanufacturing is relatively high but product durability is relatively low and innovation is nominal. In addition, we find that entering a remanufactured‐goods market in and of itself does not necessarily translate into environmental friendliness. On the one hand, the optimal trade‐in program could result in low return and/or remanufacturing rates. On the other hand, a low price for remanufactured products could attract higher demand and thereby potentially result in more damage to the environment. Meanwhile, external restrictions imposed on total greenhouse gas emissions draw criticism in their own right because they risk stifling growth or reducing overall consumer welfare. Given these trade‐offs, we therefore develop and compare several measures of environmental efficiency and conclude that emissions per revenue can serve as the best proxy for emissions as a metric for measuring overall environmental stewardship.     

近代日本消费需求变动的因素分析

长期影响近代日本消费需求变动的因素主要有四个方面:国民经济的不断增长和国民收入的不断提高是近代日本消费需求逐渐上升的物质基础和前提条件;近代工矿交通事业的发展,使国民收入分配格局朝着有利于劳动的方向转变,这是促进近代日本消费需求不断上升的积极力量;人口规模及其构成的变动是近代日本消费需求不断上升的重要推动力量;消费的示范效应、攀比行为和不可逆行为对消费需求不断上升起着一定的推动作用。     

中共西北特别支部与西安事变关系考

中共西北特别支部与西安事变有着密切的关系。西北特支成立于1936年2月。西北特支首先倡议西安事变,并建议于杨、动员于张,促其实现。西北特支开始隶属于中共上海军委留沪办事处,8月后才隶属于陕北中共中央,12月改组成中共陕西省委。     

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Risk-Reduction Strategies for Consumer Chemical Products

Communication about risks offers a voluntary approach to reducing exposure to pollutants. Its adequacy depends on its impact on behavior. Estimating those impacts first requires characterizing current activities and their associated risk levels, and then predicting the effectiveness of risk-reduction strategies. Characterizing the risks from chemical consumer products requires knowledge of both the physical and the behavioral processes that influence exposures. This article presents an integrated approach that combines consumer interviews, users' beliefs and behaviors, and quantitative exposure modeling. This model was demonstrated in the context of consumer exposure to a methylene chloride-based paint stripper, showing how it could be used to evaluate current levels of risk and predict the effectiveness of proposed voluntary risk-reduction strategies.     

Enabling SMEs to take full advantage of e-business

Electronic business is rapidly changing the relationships between supply chain partners. This paper looks at what is needed to allow SMEs to participate fully in supply chain integration. First, current trends in supply chain integration, electronic commerce, and Internet support are examined. Next, the goals and results of a study are presented which addressed SME needs in fast moving consumer goods supply chains. These concepts are then integrated to determine a way forward for SMEs to participate in e-business. It is found that current Virtual Markets (web-sites or on-line communities that facilitate finding a buyer or seller and track orders) address some customer - supplier relationships but need many enhancements before they can support fully integrated supply chains.