Providing researchers in economics, finance, and statistics with an up-to-date introduction to applying Bayesian techniques to empirical studies, this book covers the full range of the new numerical techniques which have been developed over the last thirty years. Notably, these are: Monte Carlo sampling, antithetic replication, importance sampling, and Gibbs sampling. The author covers both advances in theory and modern approaches to numerical and applied problems, and includes applications drawn from a variety of different fields within economics, while also providing a quick overview of the underlying statistical ideas of Bayesian thought. The result is a book which presents a roadmap of applied economic questions that can now be addressed empirically with Bayesian methods. Consequently, many researchers will find this a readily readable survey of this growing topic.

Providing researchers in economics, finance, and statistics with an up-to-date introduction to applying Bayesian techniques to empirical studies, this book covers the full range of the new numerical techniques which have been developed over the last thirty years. Notably, these are: Monte Carlo sampling, antithetic replication, importance sampling, and Gibbs sampling. The author covers both advances in theory and modern approaches to numerical and applied problems, and includes applications drawn from a variety of different fields within economics, while also providing a quick overview of the underlying statistical ideas of Bayesian thought. The result is a book which presents a roadmap of applied economic questions that can now be addressed empirically with Bayesian methods. Consequently, many researchers will find this a readily readable survey of this growing topic.

Complete coverage of the prediction approach to survey sampling in a single resource

Prediction theory has been extremely influential in survey sampling for nearly three decades, yet research findings on this model-based approach are scattered in disparate areas of the statistical literature. Finite Population Sampling and Inference: A Prediction Approach presents for the first time a unified treatment of sample design and estimation for finite populations from a prediction point of view, providing readers with access to a wealth of theoretical results, including many new results and, a variety of practical applications. Geared to theoretical statisticians and practitioners alike, the book discusses all topics from the ground up and clearly explains the relation of the prediction approach to the traditional design-based randomization approach. Key features include:

• Special emphasis on linking survey sampling to mainstream statistics through extensive use of general linear models
• A liberal use of simulation studies, numerical examples, and exercises illustrating theoretical results
• Numerous statistical graphics showing simulation results and properties of estimates
• A library of S-Plus computer functions plus six real populations, available via ftp
• Over 260 references to finite population sampling, linear models, and other relevant literature

This book analyzes the economics of the food industry at every stage between the farm gate and the kitchen counter. Central to the text are agricultural marketing problems such as the allocation of production between competing products (such as fresh and frozen markets), spatial competition, interregional trade, optimal storage, and price discrimination. Topics covered will be useful to students who expect to have careers such as food processing management, food sector buying or selling, restaurant management, supermarket management, marketing/advertising, risk management, and product development. The focus is on real world-relevant skills and examples and on intuition and economic understanding above mathematical sophistication, although the text does draw on the nuances of modern economic theory.

This book analyzes the economics of the food industry at every stage between the farm gate and the kitchen counter. Central to the text are agricultural marketing problems such as the allocation of production between competing products (such as fresh and frozen markets), spatial competition, interregional trade, optimal storage, and price discrimination. Topics covered will be useful to students who expect to have careers such as food processing management, food sector buying or selling, restaurant management, supermarket management, marketing/advertising, risk management, and product development. The focus is on real world-relevant skills and examples and on intuition and economic understanding above mathematical sophistication, although the text does draw on the nuances of modern economic theory.