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OPEC: A Sustained Cartel?
The problem with which this paper is concerned is that of examining some ideas and predictions of some American economists about the survival of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This paper is divided into three parts; the first part includes the introduction, examines the importance of oil, and analyzes the history of the oil industry. This part is composed of Chapters I and II. Part two examines OPEC's formation and objectives and the cartel theory with concentration on OPEC. This part is composed of Chapters III and IV. Part three analyzes some economists' ideas regarding OPEC survival. It examines the economic and political realities of OPEC during the last two decades and discusses its present problems. This paper concludes that OPEC is a strong and sustained cartel.
Comparative Development with Large Endowments of Capital (Oil Revenue) Three Case Studies Nigeria, Iran, Libya
This study is an examination and comparison of the manner in which Nigeria, Iran and Libya used oil revenue for their economic development. The research methodology was the case study approach, utilizing statistical time series data, as well as a historical profile of each country's income and expenditure accounts. As a prelude to the oil injection, the pre-oil revenue economy, the history of the oil industry, and the previously implemented development plans of each of these nations is surveyed. The impact of the oil revenues on the standard of living and the non-oil sectors of these economies is examined. The paper concludes with projections concerning each country's ability to continue to promote economic development when its exhaustible oil reserves runs out.
Foreign Direct Investment and Political Risk
This paper will show that, despite the need for extension of foreign direct investment in the form of multinational corporations to capital-scarce, less developed countries, political risk creates a gap between the demand and supply of foreign investments. In Chapter II, the patterns of foreign direct investment are analyzed. Chapter III reviews the various sources of political risk and concludes that the existence of political risk is an obstacle to the formation of optimum level investment. Chapter IV discusses the relative positions of the less developed countries and the multinational corporations. Chapter V shows the problems caused by the absence of a universal, regulatory institution. Chapter VI presents case studies of corporations based in Chile, Peru, and Angola. Chapter VII suggests ways that political risk can be minimized.
Government Involvement in the Economies of Developed and Developing Countries
Although the government role in the economy has extended to include various sectors of the economy, there are still problems of the causes of government involvement and how such involvement is related to the structure and function of the industrial government. The purpose of this study is to test the government involvement phenomenon both theoretically and empirically. The study compares two approaches to the government theories. The first approach deals with theories of capitalism and focuses on the function of the government methods as they are observed. The second approach deals with theories of the capitalist government and focuses on the functions and the form of the government as deducted from the historical analysis.
The Continued Financial Stability of Social Security
The Social Security System is projected to encounter both short-term and long-term financial crises. The economic effectiveness and impacts of alternative solutions to both problems are analyzed. Government projections show the short-term deficit can be solved through interfund borrowing. Solving the long-term deficit will require the generation of new funds. All four solutions analyzed will increase unemployment, inflation, and interest rates, and decrease growth potential. A combination of increased OASI taxation and mandatory coverage is recommended as the most effective solution with the least adverse economic consequences.
Home Ownership within a National Housing Policy
Inclusion of home ownership in national housing policy indicates that home ownership should be available to everyone. National housing policy is assumed by the author to be contained in the Housing Act of 1949: a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans. Findings are that preferential treatment of homeowners embodied in the U.S. tax and financial structure conflicts with restrictive monetary policy and with a full employment fiscal policy. Home ownership does not meet the needs of contemporary lifestyles or of low income families. Fiscal zoning restricts access to housing for low income families. The conclusion of this thesis is that home ownership is not available to all Americans under the present federal housing programs, and therefore should not be included in national housing policy.
The Economic Development of Thailand's Agriculture
Agriculture is usually the largest economic sector in developing countries. Typically, most of the countries' population is employed in this sector. The economic growth is dependent upon productivity in agricultural production and its export potential. Increased production and exports from this sector result in foreign exchange earning by which to promote development of the other sectors. Given the importance of agricultural development, this thesis attempts to study the impact of the agricultural sector on Thai economy and to examine some problems concerned with cultivation, production and marketing. The study also concentrates on the development of social overhead capital (i.e., transportation and irrigation systems), which play an important role in stimulating the growth of Thai agriculture. Finally, there are some conclusions and recommendations which may be useful to the government and its agencies concerned with the development of agriculture.
The Chilean Experience, 1970-1981
The election of a coalition of socialists and communists in 1970 and three years later, the assumption of a military government have led to much controversy around the world. This study attempts to analyze the economic conditions prevailing in Chile from 1970 to 1981. It examines the gradual deterioration of the nation's economy under the Unidad Popular government and the recovery that has taken place with the Junta Militar de Gobierno. The implementation of a market system in 1973 has been effective in bringing the nation out of economic chaos. The balance of payments is under control, inflation has been reduced, and since 1977 the nation's GNP has had an average annual growth of 7.7 per cent.
The Instrumental Theories of John Dewey and Clarence Ayres
The purpose of this analysis is to explain the instrumental theories of Dewey and Ayres; their analysis of societal problems and the proposed solutions; and finally their perception of the future direction of society. Dewey and Ayres both utilized the instrumental theory of value to analyze problems and propose solutions. According to this theory, something has value if it enhances or furthers the life process of mankind. Therefore, this should become the criterion to be utilized in determining the future courses of action. They both agree that policy decisions should be made with at least one goal in mind: progress.
Issues Involving the African Development Bank and its Activities to 1979
This paper examines the economic impact of the African Development Bank on the African continent and compares its resources and those of its counterparts, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The first chapter of the paper discusses the evolution of regional development banks and presents the statements of the problem and the hypothesis of the study. The second chapter analyses the history of the African Development Bank Group, and the .third discusses its lending operations to 1979. The fourth chapter compares the lending activities and resources of the three regional development banks (African, Inter-American, and Asian), and the final chapter presents the paper's conclusions and recommendations.
Medical Technology and its Relation to Health Care Costs
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that within the United States health care system, a number of institutions have evolved which have given rise to a perverse set of incentives that direct technological change. As a result of these incentives, the diffusion and utilization of new and existing technologies is carried out in a random and indiscrete fashion, subsequently placing upward pressure on the costs of health care. This analysis relies on the empirical work, observations, and writings of a large number of physicians, social scientists, hospital administrators, and federal bureaucrats.
Foreign Aid in Kenya: Its Applications and Effects on Kenya's Economic Development, 1963-1975
Primary sources were provided by the Kenyan Embassy to the U.S.A., Kenya tourist offices in the U.S.A. and West Germany, the Economics Department at the University of Nairobi, the Ministry of Finance in Kenya, the Institute of South Africa, and the United Nations. The first chapter provides a brief explanation of the historical and economic development Kenya has experienced since independence. Chapter II deals with the historical development of Kenya's economy. Chapter III discusses the major countries' donation of aid to Kenya. Chapter IV focuses upon aid from international organizations. Chapter V develops Kenya's efforts to use foreign aid efficiently. Chapter VI looks into Kenya's prospects for development through foreign aid. Chapter VII is the conclusion.
Michal Kalecki: A Dynamic Analysis of Capitalism
Michal Kalecki was not a mere precursor of Keynes, but a contemporary whose analysis provides insights into the nature of capitalism. His contribution to the understanding of the capitalist economy is central to this four chapter thesis. Chapter one develops a biographical sketch of Kalecki. Chapter two examines the components of his General Theory. Chapter three considers the differences between Kalecki and Keynes. Kalecki's contributions to the Keynesian revolution are presented along with the hopelessness he foresaw in incorporating any basic reforms into a capitalist economy. The final chapter looks to the present fruit of Kalecki's dynamic analysis--Post-Keynesian economics. The Post-Keynesian synthesis reflects the Kaleckian framework and the Keynesian optimism out of which policy may arise to affect the structural problems plaguing capitalism today.
An Institutional Approach to Economic and Social Patterns of Emulation in Colombia, South America
This study is concerned with the historical development and perpetuation of the leisure class in the Colombian society. The study is based on Thorstein Veblen's Theory of the Leisure Class. The main purpose of this study is to analyze in terms of the evolution of social institutions the problems that the Colombian society faces today. Spanish values and traditions are analyzed, as well as more recent values and modes of behavior adopted by the leisure class. Institutions such as the church, the educational, employment and political apparatus are analyzed in terms of how they contribute to the perpetuation of elites. This study concludes that as long as there is economic surplus in society, a leisure class will exist. The elites forming the leisure class may be displaced by counter-elites, which in turn will conform a new leisure class.
Post-Colonial Economic Development of the United Republic of Tanzania
Tanzania achieved full self-government on May 1st, 1961 and adopted its constitution on December 9th, 1962. It is a member of the British Commonwealth, the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations. Tanzania is a developing country predominantly dependent upon agriculture. Tanzania's rate of economic development, relative to other African countries, is mid-way between the wealthiest and the poorest. The economic development of Tanzania is analyzed in detail between the years from 1961 to 197. The dual policy of development adopted by the Tanzanian government called for unbalanced growth in both agriculture and industry. To a certain extent that policy was proven successful.
An Assessment of Occupational Needs and Training Programs in Saudi Arabia
The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the size of the Saudi Arabian manpower shortage in light of the Second Development Plan, (2) the number of skilled and semi-skilled workers that will be graduated from vocational and technical programs during the plan period, and (3) the factors that explain the major causes of the labor shortage problem. In order to accomplish these objectives, the study has considered two questions: (1) Is there a consistency between the manpower needs of skilled and semi-skilled workers and the vocational and technical training programs' output? (2) What are the major factors that explain the labor shortage in Saudi Arabia?
A Critical Analysis of the Equity and Efficiency of the Nigerian Personal Income Tax System
The purpose of this study is to analyze the system of personal income taxation in Nigeria, especially with respect to its administration, equity, and effects on efficient resource usage. There have, in the past, been numerous complaints that the personal income tax in Nigeria does not yield enough revenue for the state governments, primarily because of widespread avoidance and evasion of the tax, especially by persons who do not derive income from wages and salaries. This study examines this problem in light of questions as to how the tax evolved, how important it is to state governments, how efficient and equitable it is, what administrative problems it faces, and what reforms can be implemented to best solve existing problems.
Economic Developments and Policies in Post-Civil War Nigeria
The approach of the study is historical and institutional. The thesis compares the performance of the pre-war Nigerian economy to its post-war performance. The study analyzes the role of petroleum production, agriculture, and the banking system as the major generators of growth in the economy. It portrays the political framework of the country, and endeavors to give a clear and concise understanding of the economic and political implications of the war. Development planning policy issues are examined and evaluated to ascertain the degree to which Nigerian planners are fully aware of the nation's development obstacles.
Oil and the Iranian Economy
This study is concerned with the relationship between the Iranian Oil Industry and Iranian economy. Oil revenues have been the largest source for financing economic development plans and for obtaining foreign exchange. In this paper, the history of the Iranian oil industry is summarized, and five previously implemented developmental plans are analyzed. Additionally, the impact of oil on some economic sectors and its contribution to GNP is examined. The strong correlation between oil reserves and the economy may bring a problem in the future when oil reserves run out. Iranian economists believe that the economy must be industrialized in order to reduce the economy's reliance on oil. This paper recommends that all the economic sectors, particularly agriculture, should receive careful consideration, even though the national goal is to industrialize the economy.
Banking and Economic Growth in India
This paper discusses the attempt to achieve balanced economic growth in India. The process is viewed as a transition of society from a traditional stage to one characterized by industrialization and economic growth, and which involves major economic, social and political changes. It specifically deals with the Indian banking system and its structural development since independence as a means to hasten economic growth. These changes in the banking system, through social control, and eventually nationalization of the major commercial banks in India,, illustrate the increasing role of the State in gearing the banking sector towards meeting the goals of national economic planning. The above events are related to the struggle between the moderates and those who advocate a more socialist approach to solving the economic and social problems in India.
Karl Marx and Max Weber: Interpretations of Their Relationship in Social Thought
The thesis is an investigation into the writings of Karl Marx and Max Weber, and the interpretations of their relationship in social thought. The interpretations of the relationship of these ideas have become polarized between Weberian and Marxist camps, characterized by Parsons and Weber. The paper begins with an examination of the writings of Max Weber, specifically with respect to his concepts of institutions, developmental theory, and theory of domination. The work of Marx is next examined with regard to these three topics. The interpretations offered by Parsons and Zeitlin are reviewed. The paper concludes that neither argument offered by Parsons or Zeitlin is altogether correct nor incorrect.
Dependence of the Egyptian Historic Transition on the Banking System
The problem with which this paper is concerned is that of examining the role that the Egyptian Banking System had to assume during the transition period, 1952 - 1964. This paper is divided in four parts; the first part is an introduction and it is composed of Chapter I. Part two is a brief survey of the economic and monetary developments in Egypt during this transition period and it is composed of Chapters II and III. Part three examines the reconstruction of the banking system and it is composed of Chapters IV and V. Part four presents a conclusion and some implications for other developing countries. The Egyptian experience's lack of success was due to non-realistic and uncoordinated planning.
Projecting Occupational Employment in 1980 in the Dallas and Fort Worth SMSAs
The purpose of the paper is to develop projections of occupational employment in the Dallas and Fort Worth Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA) using Area Projection Method A, developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) . An objective of the paper is to determine whether reasonable projections can be made for the Dallas and Fort Worth areas using the method. The projections and results can be used by local manpower and education planners to satisfy their planning requirements. The final chapter concludes that Method A does produce reasonable projections, but points out that the projections lack detail. Their value lies in projecting the overall trend and direction of the composition of employment, and their usefulness is primarily in policy making.
The History and Development of Consumer's Surplus and Its Relevance as a Measure of Welfare Change
The thesis analyzes the validity of consumer's surplus as a measure of welfare change. The analysis begins by examining the chronological development of the concept. Once an understanding of consumer's surplus is formulated, an evaluation of its use in modern ad hoc problems can be undertaken. Chapter II and III discuss the development of consumer's surplus from Classical economics to its modern reformulations, The concept's application to different problems is discussed in Chapter IV. Chapter V and VI deal with the intergration of consumer's surplus and the compensation principle. The primary conclusion is that the Laspeyres measure, in combination with the compensation test, provides a definitive measure of welfare change in a limited situation.
Modern Welfare Economics: A Pigovian Synthesis of the Classical and Neoclassical Welfare Doctrines – A Suggested Interpretation
The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of ascertaining whether or not A. C. Pigou led to the development of a modern school of Welfare Economics. This study has a threefold purpose. The first is to examine the welfare criterion of the classical tradition. The second is to examine the welfare criterion of the neoclassical tradition. The third is to develop a synthesis of classical and neoclassical into a modern welfare criterion. This study concludes that A. C. Pigou has founded a modern school of Welfare Economics. Pigou accomplished this by synthesizing the welfare doctrines of the classical tradition with that of the neoclassical tradition.
Nixon's Program of Wage and Price Controls
This investigation analyzes the government's current attempt at wage and price controls; and covers only Phases I, II, and III--with primary emphasis on Phase II. The sources of data used are current periodicals. The study is composed of five major chapters. Chapter I presents a brief summary of prior attempts at wage and price controls, both in this country and abroad, plus-a thumbnail sketch of economic conditions in this country preceding Phase I. The next three chapters deal with the three phases themselves. In each case, the guidelines are presented along with the mechanism of execution, enforcement, and actual cases of operation. As the overall program is still in operation, final conclusions are not appropriate at this time.
Economic Development in Ghana: Some Problems and Prospects
After independence on March 6, 1957, Ghana, under the late President Kwame Nkrumah, turned to diverse developmental activities. Economically, Ghana was on sound footing; the balance of payments was favorable and cocoa was yielding a good harvest. In 1967, Nkrumah was ousted due to his dictatorial rule. In this study the available primary and secondary sources were utilized. Primary sources were made available by the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D. C. and by friends and relatives in institutions of higher learning in Ghana. The study is divided into five chapters. Chapter I concerns itself with a geographical survey of the country, including land, climate, people, and natural resources. Chapter II explores political developments, and Chapter III examines some of the crucial economic problems. Chapter IV explores some economic progress and Chapter V makes suggestions, some of which may seem sordid and grim, but at least they offer a "stepping stone."
The Corps of Engineers and a New Approach to Project Evaluations
This research report attempts to provide an understanding of the origin and nature of the Corps of Engineers' civil works program and outlines a theory for evaluating water resources development projects.
The Place of Special Drawing Rights in World Monetary Reform
The purpose of this study is to account for the forces that led to the creation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), to examine the operation of the Special Drawing Account, to account for the developments inducing monetary reform, and to arrive at conclusions concerning the future of SDRs in the international financial system.
The Problems of the Economic Development of Uganda
Given the problems of economic development, the purpose of this thesis is to examine, analyze, and reevaluate the impact of human, social, economic, and political problems on the economic development of Uganda. The strategy adopted in the study of the problems involved in the economic development of Uganda is historical. In short, the study examines past, recent, and present literature on economic development of Uganda.
The Impact of Medicare on the Distribution of Public Health Care Expenditures in Oklahoma
The purpose of the study is to determine what effect medicare has had on the distribution of public health care expenditures in the state of Oklahoma. The study tests that there is a significant correlation between medical vendor payments and indigency in Oklahoma or in other words that pre-medicare public health care dollars in Oklahoma were distributed to indigents.
Determinants of Income and Income Differentials between Blacks and Whites in the South
The problem with which this study is concerned is that of discrimination. Data from the United States Bureau of the Census is used to approach the problem through the concept of economic discrimination. This study has two purposes. First, it tests the hypothesis that blacks in the South have been subjected to significant economic discrimination, and, in turn, to give quantitative estimates of its magnitude if the hypothesis is accepted. The secondary purpose is to make a comparison of the relative importance of the independent variables for blacks and whites.
An Examination of the Feasibility of Measuring National Income from Monetary Data
The purpose of the paper is to explore, more fully, one particular aspect of economic accounting, measurement of national income. Since data problems often inhibit attempts to measure national income by conventional methods, particularly in less developed regions, the paper focuses attention on alternative techniques of measurement with major emphasis on procedures employing monetary data.
The Multinational Corporation: a Tentative Appraisal
The purpose of this investigation is to describe and document certain behavioral characteristics of the multinational corporations and to point out some of the special problems they create for economists. Theirs is a new way of organizing and controlling international business units and relatively little is known about the consequences for economics and politics. The primary area of study with which this investigation is concerned is the multinational corporations' economic power and the inability of nations to effectively control it.
Institutional Characteristics as Expressed in Selected Writings of Thomas Robert Malthus
This investigation is concerned primarily with describing some characteristics of the institutionalist school of economic theory and then relating these characteristics to the writings of Thomas Robert Malthus. Thus in the course of this thesis two distinct sections are developed: one describing what are felt to be the outstanding characteristics of institutionalism and the second relating these characteristics directly to Malthus.
A Study of the Economic Development of the Navajo Indian Tribe 1930-1968
This study is concerned with studying and analyzing the development work thus far carried out on the Navajo economy. It is assumed that these efforts have been instrumental in bringing the Navajo economy from that of a subsistence agricultural economy to one that is beginning to enter our modern world. The study deals primarily with the economic development of the Navajo tribe from 1930 until the present time.
Texas Public Welfare Assistance for Aid to Families with Dependent Children: Analysis and Projections
The purpose of this study is to make an overall examination of the Texas Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program in relation to its structure, operation, and effectiveness. In this vein the Program is examined with regard to the Federal and State guidelines which direct and govern the Program.
Economic Thought as a Culmination of Eighteenth-Century Ideas
This investigation is concerned with determining the role played in the development of a body of economic thought by the philosophic, political, and economic forces prevailing in the eighteenth century.
The Economic Utilization of Old Newspapers with Emphasis on Recyling
This thesis discusses the recycling of old newspapers into fresh newsprint. The thesis includes an introduction and chapters on solid wastes, recycling paper fiber, the newsprint paper industry, recycling newsprint, alternate uses of refuse including old newspapers, legislation, and a conclusion.
Agricultural Development in Nigeria
This study involves an analysis of the problems of agricultural development in Nigeria. The investigation made was concerned with agricultural planning initiated by the four regional governments of the North, the West, the Mid-west, and the East, and the problems associated with national agricultural development. It is the object of this study to identify the problems involved in Nigerian agricultural development before and after Nigerian independence, October 1, 1960, and to identify the steps that have been taken since to increase and improve agricultural production and yield per acre of land.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Texas State Teacher's Association in Meeting the Welfare Needs of Public School Teachers in the Areas of Tenure and Retirement
The primary purpose of this study is to review the actions of the Texas State Teacher's Association as an organization in support of the needs of Texas teachers for adequate tenure and retirement, and to evaluate their effectiveness in securing these needs.
Current Developments in the Exploitation of the Sea as a Source of Food
The chronic problem of protein deficiency that prevails in many parts of the world today poses a great challenge to modern technology. Current production of protein food of animal origin is insufficient to meet the needs of an increasing world population. From this fact arises the possibility of a world in which the majority of people will never have enough to eat,
An Analysis of Teacher Militancy and Its Impact on the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers
The present study has several purposes in mind. First, the increasing teacher militancy from January, 1940, to July, 1968, will be delineated. Second, possible causes of increasing militancy since World War II will be evaluated. Special emphasis will be given to the current period of teacher strikes. Third, the historical roles of the NEA and AFT, with emphasis on their respective positions with respect to the improvement of teacher welfare, will be surveyed. Fourth, the impact of increasing teacher militancy on the NEA and AFT, will be investigated.
A Statistical Analysis of Two Hypotheses Concerning the Impact of "Right-to Work" Laws
The purpose of this study is to examine the validity of two of the major claims involved in the controversy that (1) "Right-to-Work" laws promote industrial peace, and (2) "Right-to-Work" laws hinder union growth.
A Study of Unemployment Insurance in Texas
This study is an attempt to provide a comprehensive review of the Texas unemployment insurance program that will yield a greater understanding of the factors that have brought the program to its present position and will give some insight into what can be done to improve the system.
Major Problems of Thailand Economic Development
This study is an attempt to examine the major problems of economic development in Thailand. It attempts to analyze the important role of both non-economic and economic factors in the development of the country.
An Analysis of the Impact of Medicare: a Case Study of Flow Memorial Hospital, Denton, Texas
"The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the medicare law on a particular hospital: Flow Memorial Hospital, Denton, Texas. The scope of this study is limited to an analysis of changes in hospital car at Flow Memorial Hospital resulting from medicare. These changes are examined on the basis of 1. number of patients and days of care; 2. hospital services by department; 3. the means of payment; and 4. social characteristics of the aged patient group. A detailed examination of aged patient care was made for the fiscal years 1966 and 1967. The 1966 year was the year immediately preceding medicare. The 1967 year was the first year of medicare. Longer time periods were used where the data were available and pertinent."-- leaf 1.
Analysis of Variation in Local Government Per Capita Expenditures for Selected Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas
The purpose of this study is to analyze the patterns and magnitudes of per capita expenditures and revenue collections in selected metropolitan areas in an attempt to explain variations in expenditures between metropolitan areas.
The Development of Fair Trade
It is the primary concern of this study to examine the development of Fair Trade and the different interpretations which fair trade laws have had. Also, this study will attempt to estimate future action in the area of fair trade. This study closely examines the legal framework upholding the system.
The Economic Inefficiency of Texas Water Law
The State of Texas is endowed with many valuable resources. It has vast oil and gas deposits, huge timber reserves, and land in abundance. Not least among its re sources is water, the key resource. It is water, even before food, which sustains all life on this earth. Without water the human processes of agriculture, industry, and commerce would be impossible. Water serves as a major source of energy, transportation, and recreation. It is not a risky statement to make that water, above everything else on this earth except land, permits man to exist.
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