مطالب

The purpose of this paper is to develop an output oriented methodology for calculating productivity growth by using Malmquist productivity index (MPI) and two different data envelopment analysis (DEA) views (optimistic and pessimistic) simultaneously, and apply it to five Iranian Commercial Banks over the four time period (2009-2013). Consequently, we have proposed a new approach called the double frontiers two-stage DEA or DFTDEA for simultaneous measurement of the MPI from both different DEA views. Furthermore, this paper has used two-stage DEA with reference to the variable return to scale technology (VRS) and applied a new viewpoint to measure the overall efficiency of the process. JEL Classification: E01, E17, E37

In this paper, we study the identification problem of parameters of Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models with emphasis on structural constraints, in order to make the number of observable variables is equal to the number of exogenous variables. We derive a set of identifiability conditions and suggest a procedure for a thorough analysis of identification at each point in the parameters space. The procedure can be applied, before DSGE models are estimated, to determine where identification fails. We also use a Monte Carlo simulation and study the effect of restrictions on the estimate. The results show that the use of restrictions for estimation, when identification is reduced, leads us to inaccurate estimates and unreliable inference even when the number of observations is large.

In the Value Added Tax (VAT) system some goods and services, such as banking services, are exempted from taxes. Based on theoretical foundations, exempt treatment leads to several distortions and inefficiencies in the economy. In order to understand the importance of exemption on macroeconomic fluctuations as well as the fundamental role of financial intermediaries in economy shocks, this study using a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model provides an empirical analysis for policy simulations with consideration of VAT on financial services under different scenarios. Accordingly, the values of model parameters was estimated via calibration method and also the model accuracy were evaluated by Brooks & Gelman test and impulse-response functions. Simulation results of the policy exercise suggest that shifting from exemption to full taxation, reduces the cost of bank, and increases the bank free resources leading to higher investment and output through more bank loans.

Some empirical and theoretical studies have emphasized on fixed exchange rate regime in controlling time inconsistency, while others consider the role of target zone regime as an important factor. Thus there is no general consensus to decide which exchange rate regime may bring about less time-inconsistency. The main purpose of this study is to investigate policy time-inconsistency in exchange rate regimes of Iran (controlled exchange regime between 1991-2001 and managed Floating between 2002-2012). For this purpose, a fuzzy prediction system is used which includes three steps for estimating time-inconsistency. In the first step, fuzzy C-Means is used to calculate membership functions. Then Takagi Sugeno Model (TSM) is applied to identify the model structure, and finally Recursive Least Squares (RLS) is conducted to estimate the amount of time-inconsistency. The results show that the amount of policy time inconsistency under managed Floating exchange rate regime is less than controlled exchange rate regime. Thus it is suggested to policy makers to continue managed Floating exchange rate regime, so that the fluctuations of output decreases. At the same time, since managed Floating exchange rate regime imposes more price fluctuation on economy it is necessary for the policy makers to pay enough attention to the issue.

Letter of Credit is an international payment instrument whereby the issuing bank undertakes to pay the beneficiary, against presentation of certain stipulated documents, according to the conditions of the Letter of Credit. Discounting of LC for the short-term financing of the seller, due to the independent and irrevocable undertaking of the bank to make payment, is prevalent. Beneficiary gets the amount of the credit immediately (after discount rate deduction) in consideration of the assignment of the credit in discounting practice. Now, the main question is: how will the assignment of rights and proceeds under the Letter of Credit be executable and what will be its consequences? Hence, by surveying different methods of assignment of rights in accordance with LC, we study discounting Acceptance and Deferred Payment LCs as two kinds of deferred LCs. In discounting practices of LCs, if a fraud being discovered after the discounting transaction but before the payment due date, the discounting bank would be able to recover payment from issuing bank or confirming bank. According to our analysis, the most promising way for the assignment of rights and reducing the risk of discounting for the discounting bank is "Negotiation" of LC. Acceptance LC makes a favorable opportunity for discounting purposes because it includes bill of exchange as a negotiable instrument, and there is an organized secondary market for Acceptances.