Ethical differentiation and market behavior: An experimental approach

Does ethical differentiation of products affect market behavior? We examined this issue in triopolistic experimental markets where producers set prices. One producer s costs were higher than the others. In two treatments, the additional costs were attributed tocompliance with ethical guidelines. In the third, no justification was provided. Manyparticipants playing the role of consumers reduced their experimental gains by purchasing the ethically differentiated product at a higher price whether or not they knew the amount of extra cost. Individual differences were important (students of business/economics paid smaller premia than others). Finally, we speculate about the observed demand function for ethics and emphasize the use of experimental methodology to complement empirical studies designed to assess the potential market for ethically differentiated products.

Evaluating the impact of public subsidies on a firm's performance: A quasi-experimental approach

Many regional governments in developed countries design programs to improve the competitiveness of local firms. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of public programs whose aim is to enhance the performance of firms located in Catalonia (Spain). We compare the performance of publicly subsidised companies (treated) with that of similar, but unsubsidised companies (non-treated). We use the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methodology to construct a control group which, with respect to its observable characteristics, is as similar as possible to the treated group, and that allows us to identify firms which retain the same propensity to receive public subsidies. Once a valid comparison group has been established, we compare the respective performance of each firm. As a result, we find that recipient firms, on average, change their business practices, improve their performance, and increase their value added as a direct result of public subsidy programs.

Evaluating the impact of public subsidies on a firm's performance: a quasi-experimental approach

Many regional governments in developed countries design programs to improve the competitiveness of local firms. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of public programs whose aim is to enhance the performance of firms located in Catalonia (Spain). We compare the performance of publicly subsidised companies (treated) with that of similar, but unsubsidised companies (non-treated). We use the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methodology to construct a control group which, with respect to its observable characteristics, is as similar as possible to the treated group, and that allows us to identify firms which retain the same propensity to receive public subsidies. Once a valid comparison group has been established, we compare the respective performance of each firm. As a result, we find that recipient firms, on average, change their business practices, improve their performance, and increase their value added as a direct result of public subsidy programs.

Evaluating the impact of public subsidies on a firm's performance: a quasi-experimental approach

Many regional governments in developed countries design programs to improve the competitiveness of local firms. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of public programs whose aim is to enhance the performance of firms located in Catalonia (Spain). We compare the performance of publicly subsidised companies (treated) with that of similar, but unsubsidised companies (non-treated). We use the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methodology to construct a control group which, with respect to its observable characteristics, is as similar as possible to the treated group, and that allows us to identify firms which retain the same propensity to receive public subsidies. Once a valid comparison group has been established, we compare the respective performance of each firm. As a result, we find that recipient firms, on average, change their business practices, improve their performance, and increase their value added as a direct result of public subsidy programs.

El laboratori d'Arqueologia Experimental del Vendrell (Baix Penedès). Primers resultats

En aquest article es presenten els primers resultats d'un projecte d'arqueologia experimental, que s'està desenvolupant en un laboratori a l'aire lliure on se sotmeten a experimentació sistemàtica diversos aspectes de l'arquitectura i tecniques constructives tradicionals aplicables a la protohistòria de la Mediterrania nord-occidental, per tal de verificar les hipotesis de reconstrucció proposades en els darrers anys per a diversos jaciments.

Problemática metodológica de la validez experimental

El propósito de este trabajo consiste en analizar, en profundidad, la temática de la validez experimental desde una perspectiva metodológica. En 61 se plantea un enfoque alternativo a la concepción clasica propuesta por Campbell y Stanley (1962). Se estudian, también, las principales fuentes de confundido que pueden llegar a comprometer la validez de 10s experimentos al tiempo que se describen las principales técnicas de control aplicables a cada una de éstas. El trabajo termina con una discusión sobre el diseño experimental y cómo, mediante el diseño, se puede conseguir un adecuado equilibri0 entre las dos principales clases de validez en la investigación conductual.

El laboratori d'Arqueologia Experimental del Vendrell (Baix Penedès). Primers resultats

En aquest article es presenten els primers resultats d'un projecte d'arqueologia experimental, que s'està desenvolupant en un laboratori a l'aire lliure on se sotmeten a experimentació sistemàtica diversos aspectes de l'arquitectura i tecniques constructives tradicionals aplicables a la protohistòria de la Mediterrania nord-occidental, per tal de verificar les hipotesis de reconstrucció proposades en els darrers anys per a diversos jaciments.