scholarly journals Evaluating Public Programs with Close Substitutes: The Case of Head Start*

2016 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 1795-1848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Kline ◽  
Christopher R. Walters

Abstract We use data from the Head Start Impact Study (HSIS) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Head Start, the largest early childhood education program in the United States. Head Start draws roughly a third of its participants from competing preschool programs, many of which receive public funds. We show that accounting for the fiscal impacts of such program substitution pushes estimates of Head Start’s benefit-cost ratio well above one under a wide range of assumptions on the structure of the market for preschool services and the dollar value of test score gains. To parse the program’s test score impacts relative to home care and competing preschools, we selection-correct test scores in each care environment using excluded interactions between experimental assignments and household characteristics. We find that Head Start generates larger test score gains for children who would not otherwise attend preschool and for children who are less likely to participate in the program.

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debalin Sarangi ◽  
Amit J. Jhala

AbstractDue to depressed corn and soybean prices over the last few years in the United States, growers in Nebraska are showing interest in no-tillage (hereafter referred to as no-till) conventional (non–genetically engineered [non-GE]) soybean production. Due to the increasing number of herbicide-resistant weeds in the United States, weed control in no-till non-GE soybean using POST herbicides is a challenge. The objectives of this study were to compare PRE-only, PRE followed by (fb) POST, and PRE fb POST with residual (POST-WR) herbicide programs for Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf control and soybean injury and yield, as well as to estimate the gross profit margins and benefit–cost ratio of herbicide programs. A field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 at Clay Center, NE. The PRE herbicides tested in this study resulted in ≥95% Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf control at 28 d after PRE (DAPRE). Averaged across the programs, the PRE-only program controlled Palmer amaranth 66%, whereas 86% and 97% control was obtained with the PRE fb POST and PRE fb POST-WR programs, respectively, at 28 d after POST (DAPOST). At 28 DAPOST, the PRE fb POST herbicide programs controlled velvetleaf 94%, whereas the PRE-only program resulted in 85% control. Mixing soil-residual herbicides with foliar-active POST programs did not improve velvetleaf control. Averaged across herbicide programs, PRE fb POST programs increased soybean yield by 10% and 41% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, over the PRE-only programs. Moreover, PRE fb POST-WR programs produced 7% and 40% higher soybean yield in 2016 and 2017, respectively, compared with the PRE fb POST programs. The gross profit margin (US$1,184.3 ha−1) was highest under flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone (PRE) fb fluthiacet-methyl plusS-metolachlor/fomesafen (POST-WR) treatment; however, the benefit–cost ratio was highest (6.1) with the PRE-only program of flumioxazin/chlorimuron-ethyl.


Agrikultura ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Wahyu K Sugandi ◽  
Asep Yusuf

ABSTRACTEconomic analysis reel type cutting machine for elephant grassThe need grass for fodder in the region Lembang has been increasing, but it does not followed byits quality. Therefore, cutting machine which is able to cut the fodder no more than 5 cm size is needed. The Laboratory of Agricultural Machinery and Machinery Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystem FTIP Unpad had been developed an elephant grass enchant machine inaccordance with the requirements of making the silage, but no economic feasibility analysis has been done for the machine. Therefore it was necessary to study the economic feasibility analysis of elephant grass cutting machine. The method used in this study was the economic analysis methodwhich includes the cost of production and the breakeven point, and business feasibility including net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio analysis (BCR), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period analysis (PBP). The results showed that the cost of production of elephant grass enemies was Rp 2,178 / kg with production breakeven 18.769 kg, BC ratio of 1.15, NPV1 of Rp 70,770, - NPV2 of Rp 61.333, - IRR of 27% and payback period during 2 months. So it can be concluded that the use of elephant-type elephant chopper machine was feasible to use.Keywords: Elephant grass, economic analysis, cutting machineABSTRAKKebutuhan rumput gajah untuk pakan ternak (silase) di daerah Lembang terus meningkat. Syarat pembuatan silase tersebut bahwa panjang potongan rumput gajah sebaiknya < 5 cm. Untuk itudiperlukan sebuah mesin pencacah rumput gajah sesuai syarat pembuatan silase. LaboratoriumAlat dan Mesin Pertanian Departemen Teknik Pertanian dan Biosistem FTIP Unpad telah mengembangkan sebuah mesin pencacah rumput gajah sesuai syarat pembuatan silase tersebut, tetapi belum dilakukan analisis kelayakan ekonomi untuk mesin tersebut. Oleh karena itdiperlukan suatu penelitian berkenaan dengan analisis kelayakan ekonomi mesin pencacah rumput gajah. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode analisis ekonomi yang meliputi biaya pokok produksi dan titik impas, serta kelayakan usaha yang meliputi net present value(NPV), benefit cost ratio analysis (BCR), internal rate of return (IRR) dan payback period analysis(PBP). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa biaya pokok produksi mesin pencacah rumput gajah adalah Rp 2.178/kg dengan titik impas produksi 18.769 kg, BC rasio sebesar 1,15, NPV1 sebesar Rp 70.770,- NPV2 = Rp 61.333,- IRR sebesar 27% dan payback period selama 2 bulan. Maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa pengunaan mesin pencacah rumput gajah tipe reel layak digunakan. Kata Kunci : Rumput Gajah, Analisis Ekonomi, Mesin Pencacah


Author(s):  
A. F. Aderounmu ◽  
I. O. Oyewo ◽  
O. O. Oke

This paper reports findings from a study carried out to investigate the profitability of snail marketing in Ibadan North East Local Government area of Oyo State. Structured questionnaires and interview schedules were designed to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics, operational capital and source, years of experience in the business and constraints to snail marketing. Seventy snail marketers, randomly selected from three major markets which are Oje, Agodi gate and Agugu market;. The data collected were analyzed using frequency table, percentage, gross margin, Benefit/ Cost ratio and Marketing Efficiency analyses. Majority (94.3%) of the respondents were female while 5.7% were male. 31.5% were between the ages of 51-60years with mean age of 54.9 years. It was also shown that 50% source their capital through personal savings between N11,000-N20,000 and 47.1% with 5-9years experience. The cost and return analysis revealed that total revenue was N1, 457,700.00k and total cost was N1, 285,320.00k while gross margin    was N172, 380.00k and benefit- cost ratio was 1.13 which implies that for every N1.00 invested the marketer will make a return of N1.13k on every snail sold, Marketing efficiency was 88%. Major constraints to snail marketing in the study area were poor market patronage (87.1%) and seasonality (82.9%). Snail farming is advocated since it is a profitable agribusiness and can be achieved through cooperatives and micro credit facilities. Also, marketing of snail in the area    should be restructured and standardized to command frequent patronage and command higher price value.


Author(s):  
FADHILLAH KUSUMA RAHAYU ◽  
SYARIFAH AIDA

The purposes of this research were to determine the cost, revenue, and profit of fruit seedling marketing and the feasibility of marketing business of fruit seedling at the CV. Flora Chania in Palaran Subcity, Samarinda City. This research was conducted during 3 months from March to May 2019. The data were collected secondary data. The analysis included calculation of cost, revenue, profit, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Benefit Cost Ratio (Net B/C Ratio), dan payback period. The research results showed an average operational cost of IDR248,945,720.00 year-1 or IDR20,745,477.00 month-1, an average revenue of IDR349,900,000.00 year-1 or IDR29,083,333.00 month-1 and the average income of IDR100,818,566.00 year-1 or IDR8,326,547.00 month-1. This research found  the NPV value of IDR37,464,538.00 at a factor discount rate of 10%, IRR value of 4.6%, Net B/C Ratio value of 1.32, while the payback period of 1 year and 4 months. The results of this research  indicate that based on an assessment of technical aspect, management and legal aspects, market and marketing aspects, and financial aspect, the marketing of fruit seedling is feasible to be developed. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-121
Author(s):  
Zannatul Ferdoushi ◽  
Zubaida Parveen Patwary ◽  
Yeasmin Ara ◽  
Masud Rana

The study was conducted to assess the cost and return from tilapia farming. Fifty homestead aquaculture ponds practicing monoculture and polyculture of tilapia (25 farmers from each category) were selected for this study. Data had been collected through face to face interview by using a structured questionnaire during April to September 2015 from the selected farmers of Dinajpur districts. The results from the survey revealed that both the tilapia monoculture and polyculture farming were profitable. However, the average total cost per hectare per production period was found higher (Tk. 332,712.08) in tilapia monoculture than tilapia culture with carps (Tk. 241,722.34). Moreover, the net margin was also found higher in tilapia monoculture with benefit cost ratio 1.51. Whereas, the benefit cost ratio in polyculture farming was 1.34. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 17(1): 117–121, March 2019


2009 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj Kumar Adhikari

During February-April 2008, a study was conducted to compare the yield and economics of organic and inorganic carrot production and its profit volume in Chitwan district of Nepal. Face to face interview method was used to collect the primary information from randomly selected organic and inorganic carrot producers. Among the cost components, per unit cost on female labor and organic fertilizer were found to be higher in organic production system where as higher per unit cost on seed, tillage operation and male labor were found in inorganic production system. Higher cost and higher revenue was found in inorganic production system but higher benefit cost ratio was found in organic production system. This revealed that adoption of organic carrot production system was economically profitable than inorganic production system.  Key words: Benefit cost ratio; Carrot; Cost; Gross margin; Organic agricultureThe Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 27-33


Author(s):  
Tewoderos Meleaku ◽  
Desaly Gebre Tshadike ◽  
Goteom Zenbe

This study aimed to investigate the cost-benefit of sesame production per hectare under (farmers practice, partial package and full package) practice were farmers performed side by side in their plot. Benefit cost ratio analyses of sesame was conducted in western low lands of Tigray. It includes the production year of 2016/17 E.C and bounded of two woredas with six production sites. In the present study 40 respondents of sesame producers were incorporated. Producers were categorized in to full package (row planting, fertilizer and improved seed users), partial package (broadcast, fertilizer and improved seed users) and non package (broad cast and improved seed). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 in terms of percentage, mean, model and others. On the other hand, per hectare yield, return, production cost, and benefit cost ratio of each package were statistically different. The mean productivity per hectare for full package, partial package and non package was 6.55, 5.26 and 3.85 quintal sequentially. The mean return per hectare of full package, partial package, and non package was 26243.75, 21746.25 and 13178.91 birr sequentially. The production cost per hectare of full package, partial package, and non package was 13826.74, 12561.35 and 8681.46 birr respectively. The mean benefit cost ratio was 1.90, 1.74 and 1.50 birr respectively for full package, partial package and non package.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-76
Author(s):  
Theophilus Chinonyerem Nwokedi ◽  
Obed C. Ndikom ◽  
Chigozie Uzoma Odumodu ◽  
Ifiokobong I. Okonko

Abstract The study provided economic justification for private sector investment in developing, revitalizing and making operable, the rail-freight-corridors between hub-seaports and inland container depots in Nigeria. It estimated the operator-benefits and profitability potentials of investment in each of the ten rail-freight-corridors consisting of existing but inoperable and proposed rail routes from the major seaports to the Inland container depots in different geopolitical regions of Nigeria. Secondary data on the import and export (cargo generation) capacities of each of the ICD regions to and from the respectively connected hub-seaport were obtained from the Nigerian ports authority statistical report covering a period of two years (2018 – 2019) based upon which the annual expected revenue earnings of the operators were estimated. The cost of investment was also obtained. Benefit-Cost-Ratio (BCR) and Net Present Value (NPV) were used to estimate the operator-benefits and profitability potentials of each rail route. It was found that six of the rail routes have BCR > 1; and NPV>0; implying higher operator-benefits over costs within the period while four of the rail-routes have BCR <1; and NPV <0; implying higher operator-costs over benefits.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Babajide Saheed Kosemani ◽  
A. Isaac Bamgboye

The economic analysis of input energy in cassava production was considered in this study. Farms were surveyed to collect data on fuel, natural gas, fertilizer, pesticides and chemicals used on the farm for cassava production. The areas of study were Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Kwara States of Nigeria. The data for cost input resources in all the selected farms during cassava production from land preparation to transportation to market or house was obtained using structured questionnaire and oral interviews. Mathematical expressions were developed to evaluate cost analysis for each of the defined unit operations and the cost incurred were then determined. The total cost of production of one hectare of cassava was N82,055 and cost analysis revealed that profit of production of one hectare of cassava was N123,745. Benefit cost ratio was 2.50, which was greater than 1.0, indicating that cassava production is feasible from the economic stand point.


2018 ◽  
Vol 116 (12) ◽  
pp. 5262-5269 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Keiser ◽  
Catherine L. Kling ◽  
Joseph S. Shapiro

US investment to decrease pollution in rivers, lakes, and other surface waters has exceeded $1.9 trillion since 1960, and has also exceeded the cost of most other US environmental initiatives. These investments come both from the 1972 Clean Water Act and the largely voluntary efforts to control pollution from agriculture and urban runoff. This paper reviews the methods and conclusions of about 20 recent evaluations of these policies. Surprisingly, most analyses estimate that these policies’ benefits are much smaller than their costs; the benefit–cost ratio from the median study is 0.37. However, existing evidence is limited and undercounts many types of benefits. We conclude that it is unclear whether many of these regulations truly fail a benefit–cost test or whether existing evidence understates their net benefits; we also describe specific questions that when answered would help eliminate this uncertainty.


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