X. Guntín‐Araujo, M.L. Chas‐Amil and M.C. Lorenzo‐Díaz
The gas emissions towards the atmosphere are one of the main and most actual environmental problems in the world. The effects of greenhouse gas emissions have been studied and…
Abstract
The gas emissions towards the atmosphere are one of the main and most actual environmental problems in the world. The effects of greenhouse gas emissions have been studied and treated recently in the Climate Change Conference in Kyoto. In the approved Kyoto Protocol, the European Union will reduce emissions by 8 per cent, the USA by 7 per cent, and Japan by 6 per cent. The data for each country are used to implement policies and make global decisions regarding the level of emissions allowed in the future. For this reason, a study more in depth about the origin and level of emissions from a regional perspective becomes necessary, due to the implications on regional development. The study provides detailed information regarding atmospheric emissions in Spanish regions. Shows that in many cases the atmospheric emissions are not directly related to the economic situations of each region. For this reason, environmental policies should pay attention to the regional differences within a country.
Ajang Tajdini, Jafar Ghajebeigloo and Mehran Roohnia
Veneer is one of the most important products in the wood‐based panel industry, therefore, to provide needed information for the development of this industry, it is necessary to…
Abstract
Purpose
Veneer is one of the most important products in the wood‐based panel industry, therefore, to provide needed information for the development of this industry, it is necessary to provide better understanding of the forces driving the demand and supply of veneer. The purpose of this paper is to describe how supply and demand can be estimated by using a simultaneous equations model.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical framework is proposed based on a systematic approach of iterative 3‐stage least squares (I3SLS). The reason for using simultaneous equations is the existence of reciprocal relations between economic variables in this research.
Findings
Applying this theoretical framework is a useful tool to study the situation of veneer as one of the most important wood‐based panel products in Iran. For example, based on the results, it can be understood that veneer is a normal and essential commodity, and any increase in the price of veneer can lead to a considerable rise in total income for producers. To satisfy the excess demand, extensive investment is needed in establishing new plants.
Research limitations/implications
There are many restrictions in applying other approaches, because of no access to research data. The present study provides a starting‐point for further research using other econometric models on different aspects of forest products marketing.
Originality/value
The framework (econometric models especially simultaneous equations) has proven to be useful in studying and improving forest products marketing. The use of such procedures was new and this research was done for the first time in Iran.
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Olli-Pekka Hilmola, Esa Hämäläinen and Maija Hujala
European paper industry has been struggling with margins and profitability for more than decade time period. At typical in markets of west, paper product demand is at long-term…
Abstract
Purpose
European paper industry has been struggling with margins and profitability for more than decade time period. At typical in markets of west, paper product demand is at long-term decline, mostly driven by continuously increasing internet use. However, in emerging markets demand still exists, and in Europe numerous small markets in east have even some growth available. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyse in this research work with longitudinal data (period of 2002-2009) from one large Finnish paper mill and data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach, how distribution efficiency to selected eight East European markets has evolved.
Findings
In general distribution efficiency has improved, but this has taken place in step-wise manner rather than being linear year-to-year development (year 2006 found to be the threshold). Reason is mostly in better management of transportation costs, and in particular lower monthly deviation of these costs. It is surprising that case paper mill has been able to manage transportation costs in rapidly increasing energy cost environment so efficiently. Maybe European Union enlargement of 2004 and 2007 has had its effects on distribution efficiency.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to the deliveries of one paper mill located in Finland. Also East European markets in the early periods of this study were emerging papers markets, and distribution practices were clearly evolving.
Practical implications
Based on the study East European paper market distribution should give more attention on transportation cost control, and trying to find solutions to minimize it with low monthly fluctuation.
Originality/value
Very few studies exist from East European distribution issues, and particularly that of paper industry. Also used quantitative method of DEA is relatively new in this context and gives valuable insights for the distribution efficiency development.
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Kelvin Balcombe, Iain Fraser and Abhijit Sharma
The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the long-run relationship between radiative forcing (including emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur oxides, methane and solar radiation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the long-run relationship between radiative forcing (including emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur oxides, methane and solar radiation) and temperatures from a structural time series modelling perspective. The authors assess whether forcing measures are cointegrated with global temperatures using the structural time series approach.
Design/methodology/approach
A Bayesian approach is used to obtain estimates that represent the uncertainty regarding this relationship. The estimated structural time series model enables alternative model specifications to be consistently compared by evaluating model performance.
Findings
The results confirm that cointegration between radiative forcing and temperatures is consistent with the data. However, the results find less support for cointegration between forcing and temperature data than found previously.
Research limitations/implications
Given considerable debate within the literature relating to the “best” way to statistically model this relationship and explain results arising as well as model performance, there is uncertainty regarding our understanding of this relationship and resulting policy design and implementation. There is a need for further modelling and use of more data.
Practical implications
There is divergence of views as to how best to statistically capture, explain and model this relationship. Researchers should avoid being too strident in their claims about model performance and better appreciate the role of uncertainty.
Originality/value
The results of this study make a contribution to the literature by employing a theoretically motivated framework in which a number of plausible alternatives are considered in detail, as opposed to simply employing a standard cointegration framework.