https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36801 2026-04-04T16:24:33Z 2026-04-04T16:24:33Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/103751 2022-11-18T05:41:02Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Atmospheric pollution and economic development in small states : the role of governance Abstract: This dissertation examines the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and economic development for small states worldwide, focusing in particular on the role played by governance in this regard. More specifically, this dissertation considers an extended Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework that incorporates various facets of good governance, with the purpose of capturing the extent to which such considerations can assist or hinder environmental protection within the context of small states. Panel data analysis is employed for a sample of 34 small states over the period 2002-2015, incorporating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita levels together with six key governance measures, as set out by the World Bank, using both Random and Fixed Effects models. Preliminary results of the conventional EKC model confirm the existence and validity of the hypothesised inverted U-shape relationship between emissions and income for the sample of small states under review. Additionally, results also showed that the rule of law within a country, including protection of property rights and the perceived quality of public institutions, is a key player in environmental protection, manifesting a statistically-significant and negative relationship with CO2 emissions across different econometric specifications. This study also looks at the turning point level of income, which is the average level of GDP per capita beyond which CO2 emissions start to decline in the EKC setting. Results show that while in the traditional EKC regression model the turning point level is around $45,000, which is already beyond the income level of the majority of small states in the sample, the inclusion of the governance indicators increases this turning point to around $115,133, an almost two-fold increase, thus effectively shifting the traditional EKC. The results suggest that governance, and in particular rule of law, is crucial to environmental improvements in small states, as it reduces the level of economic development required to bring about decreases in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the findings also emphasise the importance of private and voluntary initiatives to complement regulation and enforcement, given small states’ well-documented issues with prohibitively-high implementation costs due to indivisibilities and lack of economies of scale. Description: B.COM.(HONS)ECONOMICS

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57112 2020-06-07T05:17:45Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Currency demand approach : is it adequate to estimate the size of the Maltese shadow economy? Abstract: This dissertation looks at various approaches used to estimate the shadow economy, while focusing on the Currency Demand Approach (CDA) and its appropriateness to estimate the Maltese shadow economy. The assessment of the CDA unearthed some key insights. First, the approach gives results that, overall, do not follow with a priori. Second, the majority of CDA estimates differed significantly from MIMIC estimates for Malta. Third, various reasons are identified as to why the CDA is not appropriate to measure the Maltese shadow economy, including the lack of data, and the fact that CDA fails to include variables that capture technological advancement and changes in behaviour. Description: B.COM.(HONS)ECONOMICS

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57111 2020-06-07T05:17:48Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing sectoral price effect of wage increases in the Maltese economy via the Leontief price model Abstract: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of an increase in compensation of employees within various economic sectors and the consequent effects on prices. Within the context of the Maltese economy, the dissertation provides estimates for the input (supply) multipliers and utilises the Leontief Cost-Push Price Input-Output Model for the first time. Description: B.COM.(HONS)ECONOMICS

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57088 2020-06-07T05:17:29Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The euthanasia debate : key issues to consider within the local context Abstract: The study lays down the multiple facades of euthanasia in the context of Malta, investigating its economic benefits and drawbacks. The focus revolves around the option value for choice, in contribution towards an individual’s utility knowing there is control over one’s life decisions till its end. The research compiled has revealed a large gap within the healthcare system with regards to terminal and end-of-life stages, noting that provision for specialised care is lacking. This has been investigated with the use of both a cross-country comparison of socioeconomic factors and in-depth one-to-one interviews with relevant experts in the field. It has been found that for rational decisions to be made that maximise utility with regard to end-of-life choices pertaining to EAS, the system first needs to exhaust all resources in promoting good quality of life in all stages of life. Thus, the shortcomings of the system are here identified and recommendations in promoting these services are given, as such a system will only increase the demand for euthanasia if no alternatives promoting better quality at the end stages are firstly provided. Description: B.COM.(HONS)ECONOMICS

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z