Research Paper Information
For your research project you will adapt one of the standard resource models to find the optimal use of a natural resource of your choice. As a starting point, consider the models presented in Conrad’s Resource Economics text that are solved in Excel. You can modify functional forms as needed and then calibrate (find the appropriate parameter values) your model. I will also introduce Matlab as an alternative program for simulating your optimal control problems. Alternatively, you can purchase a 6-month license of STELLA for $60 or PowerSim for free (reduced program). You are required to submit a project proposal and a final paper.
Project Proposal: Provide a short (2 single-spaced page maximum) synopsis of the dynamic model/paper you intend to extend and how you plan to extend it (what methodology will you employ). In addition, please explain whether numerical data is available to calibrate your model, what results you expect to find, and why your proposed paper is an important addition to the literature.
Paper Guidelines: The research project should be written up as a draft of an article with the title page, abstract, introduction, literature review, model section with economic interpretations, empirical/numerical analysis, discussion of results and conclusion. Make sure that the conclusion discusses the weaknesses of the paper as well as the contributions to the literature. The write-up, not including figures and tables, must be at least 15 double spaced pages with 1 inch margins. At most, use two spaces to separate sections.
Important Research Project Dates:
Submit project proposal for project approval October 15th, 2014
Presentation of project proposal October 15th, 2014
Rough draft (peer review) November 12th, 2014
Return peer reviewed papers November 19th, 2014
Final paper/15-20 minute presentation December 10th, 2014
Project Proposal: Provide a short (2 single-spaced page maximum) synopsis of the dynamic model/paper you intend to extend and how you plan to extend it (what methodology will you employ). In addition, please explain whether numerical data is available to calibrate your model, what results you expect to find, and why your proposed paper is an important addition to the literature.
Paper Guidelines: The research project should be written up as a draft of an article with the title page, abstract, introduction, literature review, model section with economic interpretations, empirical/numerical analysis, discussion of results and conclusion. Make sure that the conclusion discusses the weaknesses of the paper as well as the contributions to the literature. The write-up, not including figures and tables, must be at least 15 double spaced pages with 1 inch margins. At most, use two spaces to separate sections.
Important Research Project Dates:
Submit project proposal for project approval October 15th, 2014
Presentation of project proposal October 15th, 2014
Rough draft (peer review) November 12th, 2014
Return peer reviewed papers November 19th, 2014
Final paper/15-20 minute presentation December 10th, 2014
Rubrics
Previous Research Ideas
Mineral extraction and ecosystem services
Impact of drought on the Middle Rio Grande groundwater
Dynamic behavior of solvent water disposal in air, ground, and groundwater
The inclusion of non-consumptive values on the African elephant population and the ivory trade
Optimal harvesting of tuna in the Western Pacific
The effect of an invasive species on ash trees and human health
Incorporating carbon sequestration benefits into the optimal stock of old-growth forest on the Olympic Peninsula
Impact of drought on the Middle Rio Grande groundwater
Dynamic behavior of solvent water disposal in air, ground, and groundwater
The inclusion of non-consumptive values on the African elephant population and the ivory trade
Optimal harvesting of tuna in the Western Pacific
The effect of an invasive species on ash trees and human health
Incorporating carbon sequestration benefits into the optimal stock of old-growth forest on the Olympic Peninsula