Optimal Allocation of Resources in the Production of Human Capital

This paper deals with the optimal allocation of resources in the production of human capital; i.e. the stock of knowledge of students has to be maximized subject to a limited budget. The optimal training intensity over time is obtained using optimal control theory. Considering various types of production functions (of human capital), the question of whether resources should be concentrated in early grades or not is investigated. The results are illustrated in special cases where monotonicity results for the training intensity can be obtained. Also provided is an analysis of the problem where the budget is replenishable.     

Dynamic multi-criteria evaluation of co-evolution strategies for solving stock trading problems

Risk and return are interdependent in a stock portfolio. To achieve the anticipated return, comparative risk should be considered simultaneously. However, complex investment environments and dynamic change in decision making criteria complicate forecasts of risk and return for various investment objects. Additionally, investors often fail to maximize their profits because of improper capital allocation. Although stock investment involves multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), traditional MCDM theory has two shortfalls: first, it is inappropriate for decisions that evolve with a changing environment; second, weight assignments for various criteria are often oversimplified and inconsistent with actual human thinking processes.In 1965, Rechenberg proposed evolution strategies for solving optimization problems involving real number parameters and addressed several flaws in traditional algorithms, such as their use of point search only and their high probability of falling into optimal solution area. In 1992, Hillis introduced the co-evolutionary concept that the evolution of living creatures is interactive with their environments (multi-criteria) and constantly improves the survivability of their genes, which then expedites evolutionary computation. Therefore, this research aimed to solve multi-criteria decision making problems of stock trading investment by integrating evolutionary strategies into the co-evolutionary criteria evaluation model. Since co-evolution strategies are self-calibrating, criteria evaluation can be based on changes in time and environment. Such changes not only correspond with human decision making patterns (i.e., evaluation of dynamic changes in criteria), but also address the weaknesses of multi-criteria decision making (i.e., simplified assignment of weights for various criteria).Co-evolutionary evolution strategies can identify the optimal capital portfolio and can help investors maximize their returns by optimizing the preoperational allocation of limited capital. This experimental study compared general evolution strategies with artificial neural forecast model, and found that co-evolutionary evolution strategies outperform general evolution strategies and substantially outperform artificial neural forecast models. The co-evolutionary criteria evaluation model avoids the problem of oversimplified adaptive functions adopted by general algorithms and the problem of favoring weights but failing to adaptively adjust to environmental change, which is a major limitation of traditional multi-criteria decision making. Doing so allows adaptation of various criteria in response to changes in various capital allocation chromosomes. Capital allocation chromosomes in the proposed model also adapt to various criteria and evolve in ways that resemble thinking patterns.     

Construction of a regulator for the hamiltonian system in a two-sector economic growth model

We consider an optimal control problem of investment in the capital stock of a country and in the labor efficiency. We start from a model constructed within the classical approaches of economic growth theory and based on three production factors: capital stock, human capital, and useful work. It is assumed that the levels of investment in the capital stock and human capital are endogenous control parameters of the model, while the useful work is an exogenous parameter subject to logistic-type dynamics. The gross domestic product (GDP) of a country is described by a Cobb-Douglas production function. As a utility function, we take the integral consumption index discounted on an infinite time interval. To solve the resulting optimal control problem, we apply dynamic programming methods. We study optimal control regimes and examine the existence of an equilibrium state in each regime. On the boundaries between domains of different control regimes, we check the smoothness and strict concavity of the maximized Hamiltonian. Special focus is placed on a regime of variable control actions. The novelty of the solution proposed consists in constructing a nonlinear stabilizer based on the feedback principle. The properties of the stabilizer allow one to find an approximate solution to the original problem in the neighborhood of an equilibrium state. Solving numerically the stabilized Hamiltonian system, we find the trajectories of the capital of a country and labor efficiency. The solutions obtained allow one to assess the growth rates of the GDP of the country and the level of consumption in the neighborhood of an equilibrium position.     

Stabilizing the Hamiltonian system for constructing optimal trajectories

An infinite-horizon optimal control problem based on an economic growth model is studied. The goal in the problem is to optimize the mechanisms of investment in basic production assets in order to increase the growth rate of the consumption level. The main output variable-the gross domestic product (GDP)-depends on three production factors: capital stock, human capital, and useful work. The first two factors are endogenous variables of the model, and the useful work is an exogenous factor. The dependence of the GDP on the production factors is described by the Cobb-Douglas power-type production function. The economic system under consideration is assumed to be closed, so the GDP is distributed between consumption and investment in the capital stock and human capital. The optimal control problem consists in determining optimal investment strategies that maximize the integral discounted relative consumption index on an infinite time interval. A solution to the problem is constructed on the basis of the Pontryagin maximum principle adapted to infinite-horizon problems. We examine the questions of existence and uniqueness of a solution, verify necessary and sufficient optimality conditions, and perform a qualitative analysis of Hamiltonian systems on the basis of which we propose an algorithm for constructing optimal trajectories. This algorithm uses information on solutions obtained by means of a nonlinear regulator. Finally, we estimate the accuracy of the algorithm with respect to the integral cost functional of the control process.     

Optimal dividend payments in the stochastic Ramsey model

We consider the dividend payments of a self-financing firm in the stochastic Ramsey model. The firm invests in capital stock and its production technology is given by the Cobb–Douglas function. Our objective is to maximize the expected present value of future real dividends subject to a positive constraint on the capital stock. We use the penalization method to obtain a solution for the variational inequality associated with the optimal growth problem and give a synthesis of the optimal dividend policy.     

新疆区域人力资本配置对经济增长的影响研究

1999年,党中央提出并实施"西部大开发"战略.2010年以来,党中央再次号召全国19个省市援疆.值此难得的重要战略机遇期,加大人力资本区域配置对经济增长影响的研究,对于实现新疆经济社会又好又快地发展具有重要的意义.使用变系数面板模型,计算各地州人力资本、物质资本对经济增长的贡献,并提出优化区域人力资本配置的对策建议.最终得出的基本结论:物质资本和人力资本对各地州经济增长有显著的积极作用,总体上看,经济发展水平较高的地州,其物质资本对经济增长的拉动作用强于经济发展水平较低的地州,而其人力资本对经济增长的拉动作用弱于经济发展水平较低的地州.     

THE ECONOMICS OF DEFICIT IRRIGATION

Abstract Natural resource economists have paid great attention to irrigation water allocations among competing users. However, the intrauser allocation problem is greatly understudied. As irrigation becomes increasingly capital‐intensive, inefficient within‐field allocation and ill‐designed water‐conservation policy can bring considerable value loss to the water resource. We offer a comprehensive treatment of the economic problem of the intrauser allocation of a limited amount of irrigation water. A framework is provided for determining optimal irrigation intensity and extensity in both static and dynamic settings. An empirical application in West Texas cotton production demonstrates model implementation and offers new insights into the water‐saving potential of government‐sponsored cost‐share programs for promoting high‐efficiency irrigation adoption.     

Multiobjective optimization of credit capital allocation in financial institutions

The evolution of international regulation leads to new capital requirements imposed on globally active companies. Financial services firms allocate capital to business lines in order to withstand the materializing credit losses and to measure the performance of various business lines. In this study, we introduce a methodology for optimal credit capital allocation based on operations research approach. In particular, we focus on the efficient allocation of capital to business lines characterized by credit risk losses and cost of capital. We compare different allocation methods and provide a rationale behind using the OR approach. Finally, we formulate a multiobjective optimization model to capital allocation problem and apply it to a real-world case of two financial conglomerates.     

Optimal cash management under uncertainty

We solve an agent’s optimization problem of meeting demands for cash over time with cash deposited in bank or invested in stock. The stock pays dividends and uncertain capital gains, and a commission is incurred in buying and selling of stock. We use a stochastic maximum principle to obtain explicitly the optimal transaction policy.     

Pooling of spare parts between multiple users: How to share the benefits?

Companies that maintain capital goods (e.g., airplanes or power plants) often face high costs, both for holding spare parts and due to downtime of their technical systems. These costs can be reduced by pooling common spare parts between multiple companies in the same region, but managers may be unsure about how to share the resulting costs or benefits in a fair way that avoids free riders. To tackle this problem, we study several players, each facing a Poisson demand process for an expensive, low-usage item. They share a stock point that is controlled by a continuous-review base stock policy with full backordering under an optimal base stock level. Costs consist of penalty costs for backorders and holding costs for on-hand stock. We propose to allocate the total costs proportional to players’ demand rates. Our key result is that this cost allocation rule satisfies many appealing properties: it makes all separate participants and subgroups of participants better off, it stimulates growth of the pool, it can be easily implemented in practice, and it induces players to reveal their private information truthfully. To obtain these game theoretical results, we exploit novel structural properties of the cost function in our (S − 1, S) inventory model.     

Optimal capital allocation in a hierarchical corporate structure

We consider capital allocation in a hierarchical corporate structure where stakeholders at two organizational levels (e.g., board members vs line managers) may have conflicting objectives, preferences, and beliefs about risk. Capital allocation is considered as the solution to an optimization problem whereby a quadratic deviation measure between individual losses (at both levels) and allocated capital amounts is minimized. Thus, this paper generalizes the framework of Dhaene et al. (2012), by allowing potentially diverging risk preferences in a hierarchical structure. An explicit unique solution to this optimization problem is given. In several examples, it is shown how the optimal capital allocation achieves a compromise between conflicting views of risk within the organization.     

A SIMPLIFIED FEEDBACK APPROACH TO OPTIMAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACT. Optimal exploitation of a renewable capital stock is derived as a feedback rule for a general dynamic optimization problem with a single resource. By a feedback rule is meant that optimal exploitation is given as an explicit function of the capital stock. The value of the simplified approach will be appreciated by all who have tried to determine the separatrix solution numerically and experienced problems. The method described here can be applied to fisheries management, animal stock conservation and conservation of the environment in general. The operationality of the method outlined here is illustrated by two simple examples, one related to fisheries management and one related to pollution control.     

政策扶持对创业投资配置决策的影响

建立了创业投资者和创业投资家的配置决策模型,分析了政策扶持对创业投资者和创业投资家资产配置决策的影响.研究表明,政策扶持会导致创业投资家提高其努力程度,也会使创业投资家投资于创业投资项目的权重增加,从而有利于减轻投资阶段后移的问题.政策扶持对创业投资者配置决策的影响与两类投资项目的相关性有关.但不论相关性如何,投向创业...     

Optimal resource allocation across related channels

In this paper, we consider resource allocation strategies of a limited resource across two related channels in a multi-period setting. We study a stochastic control problem where the objective is to determine the optimal limited resource allocation policy across two related channels and optimal transshipment policy between these two channels. We characterize some structural results of the optimal resource allocation policy and show that it is determined by three monotone curves.     

Nonparametric analysis of educational costs

Traditional economic analyses of the public sector that assume cost minimization are not consistent with political models of bureaucracy. If costs are not minimized then estimated cost functions will be biased. The purpose of this paper is to provide a flexible nonparametric technique based on Farrell-type efficiency measures to estimate public sector costs. Standard indices need to be modified to fit the special nature of public sector service provision which is characterized by an influence of exogenous variables on cost. A useful by-product is an index of environmental harshness faced by local governments. For illustrative purposes, this technique is applied to a sample of New York State school districts. It is found that nearly 64% of districts are cost inefficient, spending on average $1200 per pupil above the cost minimizing level. In addition, it is estimated that the average school district faces environmental cost of over $1700 per pupil.     

Optimal ordering and transfer policy for an inventory with stock dependent demand

This paper deals with an ordering-transfer inventory model to determine the retailer’s optimal order quantity and the number of transfers per order from the warehouse to the display area. It is assumed that the amount of display space is limited and the demand rate depends on the display stock level. The objective is to maximize the average profit per unit time yielded by the retailer. The proposed models and algorithms are developed to find the optimal strategy by retailer. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the models developed and the sensitivity analysis is also reported.     

Possibility and necessity constraints and their defuzzification—A multi-item production-inventory scenario via optimal control theory

In this paper, analogous to chance constraints, real-life necessity and possibility constraints in the context of a multi-item dynamic production-inventory control system are defined and defuzzified following fuzzy relations. Hence, a realistic multi-item production-inventory model with shortages and fuzzy constraints has been formulated and solved for optimal production with the objective of having minimum cost. Here, the rate of production is assumed to be a function of time and considered as a control variable. Also the present system produces some defective units along with the perfect ones and the rate of produced defective units is constant. Here demand of the good units is time dependent and known and the defective units are of no use. The space required per unit item, available storage space and investment capital are assumed to be imprecise. The space and budget constraints are of necessity and/or possibility types. The model is formulated as an optimal control problem and solved for optimum production function using Pontryagin’s optimal control policy, the Kuhn–Tucker conditions and generalized reduced gradient (GRG) technique. The model is illustrated numerically and values of demand, optimal production function and stock level are presented in both tabular and graphical forms. The sensitivity of the cost functional due to the changes in confidence level of imprecise constraints is also presented.     

经理管理防御会影响公司股价同步性吗?

经理人固守职位衍生的管理防御问题是长期困扰公司发展的重要议题。然而,现有研究多将重点置于管理防御如何影响企业财务决策,而对于其是否会影响资本市场则缺乏足够关注。以2007～2018年中国A股上市公司为样本,依据“防御动机→行为选择→经济后果”的逻辑思路,基于股价同步性的视角,考察经理管理防御影响资本市场的客观表现与内在机理。研究发现,公司股价同步性随着经理管理防御水平的提高而显著上升,该结论在控制内生性问题之后依然稳健;影响路径的检验结果表明：经理管理防御对股价同步性的影响通过：(1)经理管理防御→信息操纵→股价同步性;(2)经理管理防御→内幕交易→股价同步性等两条路径得以实现。异质性检验的结论显示,经理管理防御对公司股价同步性的正影响,在未聘请“四大”审计机构和非国有企业的样本中更为显著。上述研究结论不仅从管理防御这一微观层面拓展了股价同步性影响因素领域的文献研究,而且对于提升资本市场配置效率,实现新阶段下中国金融改革的目标,具有一定的指导意义。     

Optimal response against bioterror attack on airport terminal

We consider a potential bioterror attack on an airport. After the attack is identified, the government is faced with the problem of how to allocate limited emergency resources (human resources, vaccines, etc.) efficiently. The government is assumed to make a one-time resource allocation decision. The optimal allocation problem is discussed and it is shown how available information on the number of infected passengers can be incorporated into the model. Estimation for parameters of the cost function (number of deaths after the epidemic is over) is provided based on known epidemic models. The models proposed in the paper are demonstrated with a case study using real airport data.     

Mathematical model and method of searching for a local extremum for the non-convex oriented polygons allocation problem

This work deals with the problem of optimal allocation of objects of a so-called irregular form. The objects are allocated on a strip of given width and with defects. This problem is insufficiently studied, but it is typical for many industries and is also interesting for developing the theory of solving cutting and packing problems. An analytical model of the problem using only continuous variables is written in terms of classical mathematical programming, and it is constructed on the basis of the original theory of φ-functions and structures of linear inequalities. The presented theory allows one to easily describe the conditions of mutual non-overlapping of objects and their allocation in the stock region. The exact method for searching a local minimum of the problem from any feasible initial point is based on the application of the active set strategy ideas. A number of examples of solving practical problems are considered.