This dissertation contains three essays discussing government policy in higher education, the effects of online social networks during college on students after graduating, and how to use search data as a tool to recover characteristics of both products and customers to estimate demand. In the first chapter, co-authored with Shengmao Cao, we study…

Researchers have found a strong relationship between improvements in quality and satisfaction, revenue, and cost. However, no study to date investigates the same for higher education. This study investigates whether institutions of higher education have implemented quality improvement programs, and if so, if the results are similar to what has…

A study was conducted to generate an estimate of total expenditures and employment in the Kentucky economy in fiscal year (FY) 1985-86 due to the existence of public higher education. The direct economic impact attributable to public higher education includes expenditures generated by public institutions of higher education and affiliated…

The theory and procedures for measuring geographical differentials in cost of living, amenities, wages, and cost of government services are presented. These differences are important to individuals seeking optimal locations, and within groups seeking equitable treatment in locational assignments. Indexes for these factors are reported for 579…

The single but substantial economic dimension of Georgia State University's contribution to the Atlanta metropolitan area is examined in this research report. The purpose of the study was to identify successful estimating techniques developed by previous studies of the local spending impact of postsecondary educational institutions. Three direct…

Over 200 economics units submitted to the annual National Awards Program for Teaching Economics are described. Projects are arranged by academic level (primary, intermediate, junior high, senior high, and college and university) and subdivided by economic concept. Concepts covered include: economic wants, scarcity and choices, economic systems,…

Presents a simple diagrammatic technique for conveying the idea of Ricardian equivalence or policy neutrality in the provision of public goods. Includes several diagrams illustrating basic positions regarding the relationship between voluntary public contributions and taxation. Provides a brief explanation of the illustrated concepts. (MJP)