Re-employment hazard of displaced German workers: evidence from the GSOEP

This study investigates the re-employment hazard of displaced German workers using the first fourteen sweeps of the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) data. As well as parametric and non-parametric discrete-time specifications for the baseline hazard, the study employs alternative mixing distributions to account for unobserved heterogeneity. Findings of the study suggest negative duration dependence, even after accounting for unobserved heterogeneity. In terms of covariate effects, those at the lower end of the skills ladder, those who had been working in manufacturing and those with previous experience of non-employment are found to have lower hazard of exit via reemployment.

CO2 reduction and efficiency in road freight traffic: measures, baseline and potential

The objective of our research was to analyse the relevant logistic factors influencing energy efficiency in road freight transport, while quantifying the potential for CO2 reduction. We carried out a survey and linked fuel consumption to transport performance parameters in 50 German haulage companies during 2003. Efficiency ranges from 0.8 tkm to 26 tkm for 1 kg CO2 emissions. The results show a high potential for improvements, given a low level of efficiency in vehicle usage and load factor, scarce use of lightweight vehicle design, incorrectly selected vehicle class and a high proportion of empty runs. Efficiency measures are poorly applied.

The challenge of managing airline delay costs

Estimates of airline delay costs as a function of delay magnitude are combined with fuel and (future) emissions charges to make cost-benefit trade-offs in the pre-departure and airborne phases. Hypothetical scenarios for the distribution of flow management slots are explored in terms of their cost and target-setting implications. The general superiority of passenger-centric metrics is of significance for delay measurement, although flight delays are still the only commonly-reported type of metric in both the US and Europe. There is a particular need for further research into reactionary (network) effects, especially with regard to passenger metrics and flow management delay.