This article examines the contribution of agricultural exports to economic growth in less developed countries (LDCs). A sources-of-growth equation is developed from a dual economy model where agricultural and nonagricultural sectors are both divided into export and nonexport subsectors. This is then estimated using panel data for 62 LDCs for 1974-1995. Results provide evidence that there are significant structural differences in economic growth between low, lower-middle, and upper-income LDCs. Investment in the agricultural export subsector has a statistically identical impact on economic growth as investment in the nonagricultural export subsector. The marginal productivities in nonexport subsectors are over 30% lower than those in respective export subsectors. From a policy perspective, the results suggest that export-promotion policies should be balanced. Copyright 2005 International Association of Agricultural Economics.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to develop and estimate an integrated empirical model of export performance. The paper aims to adopt an eclectic approach, which synthesises the literature to identify key determinants and then applies the model to Greek food and beverage exporters. Design/methodology/approach -This paper identifies the determinants of export performance from a literature review. An integrated structural equation model is then developed to estimate the directions and magnitudes of their interdependencies. Findings -Results show that the determinants of export performance are the export marketing mix, entrepreneurial orientation, trade barriers and export problems. In turn, the export marketing mix is indirectly determined by export market attractiveness, export competencies, and management. Practical implications -The multidimensional approach of this paper provides for a more integrated understanding of export performance than many of the partial studies found in the literature hitherto. Originality/value -The paper identifies generic factors that are important for successful export marketing. These are incorporated into a structural equation model, which estimates their impacts and interdependencies on export performance simultaneously. The findings can aid Greek food and beverage exporters to formulate effective export marketing strategies.

The hypothesis that fi nancial development promotes economic growth in developing countries is largely supported by empirical studies, though contrary evidence also exists. This relationship is reexamined using annual panel data for 44 developing countries for 1974-2001. Three sources-of-growth equations, which are specifi ed from aggregate production functions, are estimated: two are theoretically consistent, while the third uses a common proxy (DEPTH) for fi nancial development. Results show confl icting evidence: the theoretically consistent models show a positive and statistically signifi cant relationship between fi nancial development and economic growth, whereas the proxy version shows the opposite. Measuring fi nancial development appropriately appears critical for policy advice.

Recent studies of spatial market integration have adopted error correction models to test for its existence and for market dominance. An integrated empirical framework is proposed here which tests for long-run spatial market integration between price pairs using a dynamic vector autoregressive model and cointegration. Hypotheses tests of market integration, perfect market integration, and causality are conducted sequentially. The approach is illustrated using monthly prices from rice markets in Bangladesh since trade liberalisation in 1992. Results show that rice markets are perfectly integrated and that Dhaka dominates near markets but is dominated by more distant markets. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

There has been increasing interest in measuring the productive performance of health care services, since the mid-1980s. This paper reviews this literature and, in particular, the concept and measurement of efficiency and productivity. Concerning measurement, we focus on the use of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a technique particularly appropriate when multiple outputs are produced from multiple inputs. Applications to hospitals and to the wider context of general health care are reviewed and the empirical evidence from both the USA and Europe (EU) is that public rather than private provision is more efficient.