https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79639 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:21:04 GMT 2026-04-15T06:21:04Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/84930 Title: Retirement age is increasing : an assessment of its impact on economic growth in Malta Abstract: The aim of this dissertation is to assess the impact of increasing the retirement age on economic growth in Malta. The global phenomenon of an ageing population has become a growing source of concern. In light of this, several countries are attempting to alleviate the impact of population ageing on labour supply by extending individuals’ working lives, largely by raising retirement ages in the face of falling birth and death rates, as well as rising life expectancy. To some extent, this pension reform will assist in conquering the burden that ageing population poses on pension systems. The dissertation attempts to answer two main questions: (i) whether increasing the retirement age would impact economic growth, and if so, (ii) the size of this impact. This study is inspired by the fact that, while it is widely acknowledged that policies that raise the retirement age are critical for economic growth, population ageing, and the sustainability and adequacy of pension systems remain major challenges for the twenty-first century. The key conclusion of this study is as follows: According to the author's estimates, the rise in retirement age has driven changes in labour supply and economic development. Indeed, a 1% increase in the number of gainfully occupied population translates in about 0.6% rise in real GDP per capita. If just the working population in the age group of 60 and 64 is considered and grows by 1%, real GDP per capita grows by about 0.2%. Description: B.Com. (Hons)(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/84930 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79831 Title: Determinants of demand for a cable car system in Malta Abstract: The road to increased sustainability in transport has led cable cars to be considered as an alternative mode of transport for urban cities. The successful implementation of this pioneering transport in the Latin American cities of Medellin and Bolivia has incentivised European cities to study its application. This study aims to identify the determinants of demand for an urban cable car system in Malta. Data is gathered through an online survey with a total of 316 responses. Respondents answered questions regarding their current travel mode choices and were presented with a hypothetical scenario of an urban cable car in Malta. They answered questions on their willingness to use this system, the extent of such usage and factors that may influence their demand. The study identifies five main significant determinants of demand for an urban cable car in Malta which are: previous use, location, usage of bus, and the enjoyment of landscape. Previous usage of a cable car results in an increased probability of 0.1678 to use a cable car in Malta than another person who has never used a cable car. People residing in localities where the cable car was hypothesised to operate have an 11.81% higher probability of usage. Frequent users of bus have an additional probability of 0.1619 of using the cable car ceteris paribus. Price is also statistically significant with a free price increasing the probability of using the cable car by 0.2277 compared to an increase of 0.1001 if the price is double that of a bus. Enjoying landscape increases the likelihood of using the cable car by 5.01%. Results also indicate a high willingness to use urban cable cars in Malta with an overall positive outlook on the idea of such a system in the local scenario. The study argues that the concept of cable cars used for urban transportation is a relatively new concept and these identified determinants can be used to analyse the demand for such a system in Malta on a larger scale. Description: B.COM.(HONS)ECONOMICS Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79831 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79827 Title: The gender pay gap in Malta : an analysis of the financial and insurance sector Abstract: This dissertation looks at the gender pay gap within the financial and insurance sector in Malta by studying the potential causes of the pay gap and determining whether they have an influence in this specific sector. The pay gap may be determined by differences in labour force participation and labour force segregation, tradition and culture as well as discrimination. Policies are also analysed to determine their target and effectiveness, in order to better understand the current climate. The study was conducted via a survey shared amongst employees within the sector, with questions related to their human capital features, as well as their views on discrimination, traditional gender roles and current policies. The main results obtained verifies the existence of a gender pay gap and portray the primary cause to be childcare responsibilities, as well as other traditional gender norms. Moreover, the results show the limited effect of policies in relation to employment in Malta, creating the necessary argument that more needs to be done. Description: B.COM.(HONS)ECONOMICS Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79827 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79815 Title: An econometric analysis of wellbeing in Malta : a focus on corruption Abstract: The objective of this dissertation is to examine the key factors that predict subjective wellbeing in Malta, with a specific focus on the role of corruption on people's wellbeing. Data on wellbeing is still lacking in Malta so these aims are fulfilled by primary data. This is done by undertaking a questionnaire with a sample of the population aged 18 years and over where 431 observations are gained. The sample has an average life satisfaction of 6.8 out of 10 which implies that they are fairly satisfied with the life they lead. All things being equal, this study finds that the presence of corruption, as well as the severity of corruption, have a significant negative influence on the wellbeing of Maltese people. Ceteris paribus, the other variables that are found to be significant in determining the variation in life satisfaction of the Maltese people are the following: trust in government, ability to make ends meet, ill health, age-squared, safety and social capital. Description: B.COM.(HONS)ECONOMICS Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/79815 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z