Tomson Ogwang

A new functional form for approximating the Lorenz curve

Abstract In this paper we propose a new functional form for the Lorenz curve that overcomes some of the limitations of existing functional forms. The proposed functional form, which is defined by an arc of an optimal circle, yields a very simple expression for the Gini index. The model is applied to several data sets with encouraging results.

Inter-country inequality in human development indicators

This paper compares the degree of inter–country inequality in three measures of human development (the Human Development Index (HDI), the Gender–Related Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM)) to those in real income as measured by real GDP per capita in PPP

The Choice of Principal Variables for Computing some Measures of Human Well-being

(RY) and adjusted real GDP per capita in PPP

Hybrid models of the Lorenz curve

(ARY). To this end, three inequality measures with convenient decomposition properties are used. The results show that inter–country inequalities in RY and ARY are greater than those in all the three human development indicators, irrespective of the inequality measure used. Furthermore, GDI and GEM both exhibit higher degrees of inter–country inequality than does HDI. In addition, GEM exhibits the highest level of inter–country inequality among the three human development indicators, irrespective of the inequality measure used.

Bounds of the Gini Index Using Sparse Information on Mean Incomes

In this paper, we investigate the choice ofprincipal variables for computing three humandevelopment indicators, namely, the HumanDevelopment Index (HDI), the Gender-RelatedDevelopment Index (GDI), and the GenderEmpowerment Measure (GEM). To this end, datafrom the 1999 Human Development Reportare used. Empirical results providejustification for selecting only one componentof each indicator. The paper also suggests analternative weighting scheme should all thethree components of each indicator be retained.The implications of these results fordevelopment policy are discussed.

A Cautionary Note on Estimating the Standard Error of the Gini Index of Inequality: Comment

Abstract In this paper hybrid Lorenz curves are proposed as a way of circumventing an important drawback of traditional models of the Lorenz curve, namely lack of satisfactory fit over the entire range of a given income distribution. Two categories of hybrid models are identified, namely the additive models and the multiplicative models. Whereas the additive models are obtained by taking convex combinations of the traditional models, the multiplicative models are obtained by taking their weighted products. A comparison of the performances of the hybrid Lorenz curves with those of the constituent Lorenz curves shows that both the additive and multiplicative models perform generally better than the constituent Lorenz curves.

A forecasting model of the Sri Lankan economy

In this paper, bounds of the Gini index, based on grouped data, are proposed assuming sparse information on mean incomes in the sense that data on either the overall mean income or some of the group mean incomes are not reported. It turns out that the proposed bounds are identical to those proposed by other authors that have more stringent information requirements with respect to mean incomes.

A hedonic price function for a Northern BC Community

No abstract available.

A Convenient Method of Decomposing the Gini Index by Population Subgroups

Abstract A forecasting model of the Sri Lankan economy is developed and estimated. Both the within and post-sample tracking performances of the model are evaluated. The estimated structure is used to simulate the effects of selected exogenous shocks. The experimental results reveal that devaluation and terms of trade deterioration have contrasting implications for current account and budget deficit; and that world income growth and world inflation have opposite impacts on economic growth.

The stochastic approach to price index numbers: An expository note

In this paper a hedonic price function forPrince George, a northern British Columbiacommunity, is estimated. In light of the lackof consensus regarding appropriate functionalform of a hedonic price function, a linearmodel is estimated and a battery of diagnostictests of model adequacy is performed. Twoestimation procedures are used, namely,ordinary least squares (OLS) and Least AbsoluteDeviation (LAD). The estimation results areused to form appropriate valuations ofcharacteristics of residential houses in PrinceGeorge.