Governments play a key role in modern economies. However, modern-day governments face several challenges that limit their functioning. Some examples include inadequate conduct of elections, tax evasion, and market failures. Each chapter in this thesis explores a key challenge faced by government and policy intervention that helps address it. Chapter 1 explores the poor turnout of women in India and tests whether increasing security at the polling booths increases women's representation. Chapter 2 explores the role of tax evasion by firms in low revenue collection under a Value Added Tax (VAT) in India. Chapter 3 examines the current housing crisis in major cities across the United States and evaluates the effects of tax incentives designed to encourage new residential investment. To provide robust causal evidence, I use natural experiments combined with novel microdata. Chapter 1 uses a regression discontinuity design arising from the rule used to assign security measures to polling booths during a major state election in India. In particular, polling booths which received more than 75% of votes in favor of one candidate in the previous election received security measures with a higher probability. I use the regression discontinuity design to estimate effects on women's share in total turnout and political outcomes. Chapter 2 uses the staggered roll-out of VAT across states in India to estimate the effect of VAT adoption on vertical integration in firms. Chapter 3 uses a natural experiment in New York City where a delayed implementation of the property tax increase on new construction led to a short-term boom in residential investment as developers rushed to claim expiring tax benefits. I estimate effects on nearby rents, demographics, businesses. The end result is a set of robust policy conclusions. Chapter 1 finds that strengthening security at the polling booths increased women's turnout, which in turn had consequences for political outcomes. For instance, suggestive evidence indicates that non-incumbent and educated candidates received more votes whereas corrupt candidates received fewer votes. Chapter 2 finds that firms integrated vertically to evade taxes under a Value Added Tax. This suggests that low revenue collection in developing countries is possibly a combination of both evasion and real production response of firms. Chapter 3 finds that new tax-exempt residential investment increased rents in existing buildings within 150 meters. This happened because new building attracted high-income residents who increased demand for local businesses, reflected in the entry of businesses that cater to high-income residents. The result highlights potential negative spillover effects of new construction on incumbent low-income residents and suggests that optimal tax policy must incorporate such spillovers when designing incentives that encourage investment.

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine barriers and facilitators to collaboration within compulsory care for substance abusers according to LVM. Furthermore, the aim is to examine how these factors affect the care provided to clients with comorbidity of substance abuse and mental health disorders. The empirical data are based on experiences of professionals who work at the social services, at LVM-institutions and at operations that accept clients according to 27 § LVM. The result is divided into three periods, which are before the institution, during the institution and after the institution. The barriers and facilitators are divided into three theoretical themes in each period. These themes are regulations, organisation and point of view. Different forms of vertical and horizontal integration are used to supplement the analysis and examine what significance each form of integration has on the care provided to clients with comorbidity. The result shows that the barriers and facilitators are relatively similar in each period of the LVM-care. Overall, it seems that it is set up for the collaboration to fail at some point because of the unpredictable barriers, which is why it is important that a high degree of both vertical and horizontal integration exist, since one of them is not enough to bring overall satisfactory care for the clients with comorbidity. A closeness to each other and an organisation that is more coordinated can lead to a high degree of integration on both levels.

Discipline‐based medical curricula face the challenges of promoting horizontal (across course) and vertical (across years) integration, as well as providing opportunities for students to build the skills needed to become “residents‐as‐teachers”. To address these issues, we developed an Integrated Grand Rounds (IGR) series in which cases are co‐presented to M1/M2 students by clinical and basic science faculty. Sub‐topics relevant to the case are expanded upon by means of live patient interviews and small group sessions led by M3/M4 students. IGR effectiveness is measured by comparison of pre‐/post‐test scores and student attitude questionnaires. Overall, student post‐test scores improved by 23% and >; 95% of all students felt that this activity was an effective way to both integrate information across courses and highlight clinical applications of basic science material. Additionally, all M3/M4 students polled felt that the IGR provided a valuable opportunity to review important basic science concepts and practice clinical teaching skills. The IGR series has proven to be a highly successful tool for cross‐course and longitudinal integration and is enthusiastically supported by both faculty and students. Notably, the IGR provides an efficient and cost‐effective vehicle to expand interdisciplinary connections and enhance integration. As a result, we are in the process of expanding its use in our curriculum.

In the rapidly evolving industrial sector, companies must leverage digital technologies to enhanceoperational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. This study investigates the economic evaluationof IT investments, focusing on the integration of digital order processing systems within the supplychain management of Tetra Pak. Driven by the need to understand the direct financial impacts andstrategic benefits of such investments, the research aims to analyze a hypothetical future implementationusing historical data to determine its financial viability. The primary problem addressed in this thesis isthe economic viability and strategic benefits of integrating digital order processing systems in a firm'ssupply chain, specifically within the context of Tetra Pak. The challenge also lies in evaluating theseinvestments when not all data is known or readily available, which necessitates an adaptable evaluationframework. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitativeresearch techniques. Data was collected through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, andanalysis of financial documents. Quantitative models, such as Cost/Benefit (C/B) analysis, DiscountedCash Flow (DCF), and Net Present Value (NPV), were utilized to assess the financial impact and overallvalue of the IT investment. This methodological framework was designed to provide an evaluationdespite incomplete data. The results indicate that the potential IT investment would significantlyenhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. The application of NPV and return on investment (ROI)models demonstrated a positive economic outcome, with an annual net benefit of 457 600 SEK per year,over five years, confirming that the benefits of digital system integration surpass the initial investmentcosts. The findings highlight not only cost reductions but also possible improvements in customersatisfaction and internal process efficiencies. The discussion section addresses the implications of thefindings, emphasizing the relevance of traditional financial models like NPV and DCF whileacknowledging their limitations in handling uncertainties. It suggests that, among other things,incorporating probabilistic methods and scenario analyses can enhance the accuracy and reliability offinancial evaluations. This approach ensures that investment decisions are aligned with strategic goalsand adapt to dynamic market conditions. In conclusion, the developed framework provides a solidfoundation for evaluating IT investments within firms, even when data is incomplete. By integratingC/B analysis, quantitative modeling, and advanced financial evaluation techniques, the studydemonstrates that such investments are economically viable and strategically beneficial and that thereis much future work to be done in economics to better evaluate IT-investments.

Na região de Puno-Peru, existe suficiente recurso hídrico para a criação de trutas arco-íris, mas apesar do potencial não há suficiente exploração da atividade. Existem produtores agrupados dedicados empiricamente, que vêm desenvolvendo a indústria pesqueira, e para isso algumas estratégias industriais são adotadas pelos criadores, para viabilizar sustentabilidade. As estratégias industriais revisadas foram competitivas e cooperativas, de integração horizontal, de integração vertical, supply chain e economia de custos de transação. O método utilizado para desenvolver a pesquisa foi o exploratório, através do estudo de caso, envolvendo quatro empresas pertencentes a quatro agrupamentos, um de cada. Neste estudo constatou-se que os agrupamentos estão conformados por micro e pequenas empresas na sua maioria, cuja rentabilidade não é satisfatória, devido à falta de economias de escala e a escasso recurso financeiro, principalmente. Há relacionamento de parceria formal entre o produtor e o cliente atacadista nas áreas econômica, controle de qualidade e marketing, sob estrito parâmetro de responsabilidade; não há parceria formal com fornecedores de insumos, apenas relações comerciais guiadas pela cultura de responsabilidade e confiança entre os membros deste estágio. Quanto às estratégias competitivas e cooperativas, há como destaque diferenciação na pigmentação da carne e responsividade no atendimento ao cliente, sendo o mercado foco o intermediário regional e empresa exportadora. Ressalta-se a coordenação de atividades de compra e venda conjunta, ajuda mútua e empréstimos entre participantes dos agrupamentos. Foi identificado também apoio efetivo por uma organização não governamental, no processo de criação de peixes, porém falta incentivo por parte das instituições públicas. As informações coletadas permitiram contextualizar a estrutura industrial da truta nessa região. Finalmente, se propõe um modelo de estratégias de organização industrial baseado no relacionamento de agrupamentos de micro e pequenas empresas, como resultado das melhores estratégias utilizadas. Conclui-se que devem ser priorizados: relacionamentos horizontais entre os produtores, sob a filosofia de cooperação e competitividade, relacionamentos verticais com o fornecedor e cliente, em qualidade de parceiros, relacionamento com instituições públicas e privadas, como estratégias de suporte. / In the region of Puno-Peru, sufficient exists water resource for the creation of trouts rainbow, but although the potential does not have sufficient exploration of the activity. They exist empirically producing grouped dedicated, that they come developing the fishing industry, and for this some industrial strategies are adopted by the creators, to make possible support. The revised industrial strategies had been competitive and cooperative, of horizontal integration, of vertical integration, supply chain and economy of transaction costs. The used method to develop the research was the exploratory, through the case study, involving four pertaining companies four groupings, one of each. In this study it was evidenced mainly that the groupings are conformed by micron and small companies in its majority, whose yield is not satisfactory, due to lack of scale economies and the scarce financial resource. It has relationship of formal partnership between the producer and the wholesale customer in the areas economic, quality control and marketing, under strict parameter of responsibility; it does not have formal partnership with suppliers of inputs, only commercial relations guided by the responsibility culture and confidence enters the members of this period of training. How much to the competitive and cooperative strategies, it has as it has detached differentiation in the pigmentation of the meat and responsiveness in the attendance to the customer, having been the market focus the regional intermediary and exporting company. It is standed out coordination of activities of purchase and joint sales, mutual aid and loans between participants of the groupings. Effective support for a not governmental organization was also identified, in the process of creation of fish; however it lacks incentive on the part of the public institutions. As informações coletadas permitiram contextualizar a estrutura industrial da truta nessa região. Finally, if it considers a model of strategies of industrial organization based in the relationship of micron groupings and small companies, as resulted of the best used strategies. One concludes that they must be prioritized: horizontal relationships between the producers, under the philosophy of cooperation and vertical competitiveness, relationships with the supplier and customer, in quality of partners, relationship with public and private institutions, as support strategies.

Este trabalho desenvolve um modelo simples de ganhos de troca na presença custos de medida de atributos relevantes em uma transação econômica. Em particular, mostramos como o modelo pode ser utilizado para uma maior reflexão sobre os custos e benefícios da integração vertical, ou seja, mostramos que a integração vertical pode evitar custos de transação na forma de gastos em excesso de medida de atributos relevantes do insumo intermediário transacionado, não obstante os custos de monitoramento por parte do empresário da firma integrada. Em seguida, este trabalho desenvolve um modelo de escolha de padrões privados numa cadeia vertical, através de uma função de beneficio exclusive os custos de padronização. Finalmente, mostramos as condições em que a escolha do padrão pode ser uma variável do tipo complemento estratégico. / The present thesis develops a simple model of gains from trade when there are costs of measuring of relevant attributes in economic transactions.It´s shown how the model can be applied for the study of costs and benefits of vertical integration. In particular, it´s argued that vertical integration can avoid excessive transaction costs, in the form of costs of measure of intermediate outputs, although the costs of monitoring that the owner of the integrated firm must spend. Next, this thesis develops a model of choice of private standards in a vertical chain. Finally, it´s studied situations where the standards can be strategic complements.

The EU has been promoting unbundling of the transmission grid from other stages of the electricity supply chain with the aim of fostering competition in the upstream stage of electricity generation. At present, ownership unbundling is the predominant form of unbundling in Europe. From a policy perspective, a successful unbundling regime would require that the benefits of increased competition in power generation would at least offset the associated efficiency losses from vertical divestiture. Since evidence on this topic is scarce, this study helps fill this void by empirically estimating the magnitude of economies of vertical integration (EVI) between electricity generation and transmission based on a quadratic cost function. For this purpose we employ unique firm-level panel data of European electricity utilities. Our results confirm the presence of substantial EVI of 14% for the median sized integrated utility. Moreover, EVI tend to increase with firm size.

Understanding how health care markets function is important not only because competition has a direct influence on the price and utilization of health care services, but also because the proper functioning, or lack thereof, of health care markets has a very real impact on patients who depend on health care markets and providers for their personal well-being. In this dissertation, I examine the role of government policies and regulation in health care markets, with a focus on the response of health care providers. In Chapter 1, I analyze the impact of Medicare payment rules on hospital ownership of physician practices. Since the mid-2000’s, there has been a rapid increase in hospital ownership of physician practices, however, there is little empirical research which addresses the causes of this recent wave of integration. Medicare’s “provider-based” billing policy allows hospital-owned physician practices to charge higher reimbursement rates for services provided compared to a freestanding, independent physician practice, without altering how or where services are provided. This “site-based” differential creates a premium for physicians to integrate with hospitals, and the size of this differential varies with the types of health care services provided. I find that Medicare payment rules have contributed to hospital ownership of physician practices and that the response varies across physician specialties. A 10 percent increase in the relative reimbursement rate paid to integrated physicians leads to a 1.9 percentage point increase in the probability of hospital ownership for Medical Care specialties, including cardiology, neurology, and dermatology, which explains about one-third of observed integration of these specialties from 2005 through 2015. Magnitudes for Surgical Care specialties are similar, but more sensitive across specifications. There is no significant response for Primary Care physicians. In combination with other empirical literature which finds that integration between physicians and hospitals typically results in higher prices with no impact on costs or quality of care, I cautiously interpret this responsiveness as evidence that Medicare’s provider-based billing policy overcompensates integrated physician practices and leads to an inefficiently high level of vertical integration between physician and hospitals. In Chapter 2, I analyze the effect of anti-fraud enforcement activity on Medicaid spending, with a particular focus on the False Claims Act. The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal statute which protects the government from making undeserved payments to contractors and suppliers. Individual states have chosen to enact their own versions of the federal FCA, and these statutes have increasingly been used to target health care fraud. FCA statutes commonly include substantial monetary penalties such as “per-violation” monetary fines and tripled damages, as well as a “whistleblower” provision which allows private plaintiffs to initiate a lawsuit and collect a portion of recoveries as a reward. Using variation in statelevel FCA legislation, I find state FCAs reduce Medicaid prescription drug spending by 21 percent, while other spending categories - which are less lucrative for FCA lawsuits - are unresponsive. Within the prescription drug category, drugs prone to off-label use show larger declines in response to the whistleblower laws, consistent with FCA lawsuits being used to prosecute pharmaceutical manufacturers for off-label marketing and promotion. Spending and prescription volume for drugs prone to off-label use fall by up to 14 percent. This effect could be driven by pharmaceutical manufacturers’ changes in physician detailing for drugs prone to off-label use and/or physicians’ changes in prescribing behavior.

The dissertation focuses on the incentives and economic effects of gross receipts taxes (GRTs) versus corporate income taxes (CITs). Conventional wisdom holds that GRTs are very poor tax instruments; however, several states have shown renewed interest in GRTs since 2002. An interesting question to ask is why states are reconsidering GRTs in spite of all criticisms. Are GRTs really as bad as what conventional wisdom says? There is little rigorous theoretical or empirical work on GRTs. My dissertation aims to help fill this gap by providing both theoretical and empirical analysis on the comparative advantages and disadvantages of GRTs versus CITs. Essay one provides the first systematic theoretical analysis to compare and contrast the incentives and economic effects of gross receipts taxes versus corporate income taxes. Specifically, it focuses on the incentives for vertical integration in the sense of make-or-buy decisions, the effects on profit shifting between out-of-state and in-state firms, the incentives to change organizational form for tax purposes, and the incentives for cost-saving innovation under each tax system. Several results contradict conventional wisdom and deepen our understanding of GRTs. Based on Essay one, Essay two empirically tests the theoretical prediction that GRTs eliminate the distortion on organizational form choice, increasing the chance for a firm to incorporate. The analysis uses state-industry panel data from Nonemployer Statistics during the period 2002- 2008. The results show that states with a GRT have a higher share of corporate firms. Further, by replacing the CIT with a GRT, states may promote the real activity of C corporations.

This thesis consists of three independent papers, ordered chronologically with respect to when they were initiated. Empirical research has established that there are large and persistent productivity differences among firms in narrowly defined industries (Bartelsman and Doms, 2000). Other studies, in particular Bernard and Jensen (1999), have shown the existence of a causal link running from ex-ante firm productivity to export decisions. Furthermore, exposure to trade has been found to enhance growth opportunities only for some firms, reallocating market shares and resources toward the more productive ones and contributing thus to aggregate productivity growth (Clerides, Lach and Tybout, 1998; Bernard and Jensen, 2004). These findings have led to the development of new theoretical models emphasizing the interaction between firm heterogeneity and fixed market entry costs in generating international trade and inducing aggregate productivity growth. The first and third chapters of this thesis extend the framework developed by Melitz (2003) to analyze the implications of  firm heterogeneity for old and new issues in international trade. The first paper studies the effect of trade liberalization between countries that differ in their relative endowment of skilled workers when growth-promoting R&D activities are skill intensive with respect to goods production. In particular, the analysis focuses on the changes that falling trade costs induce on consumer welfare and on the number of firms active in the different markets. The third paper uses the heterogeneous firm framework to study the interaction between financial constraints and the market entry behavior of firms. It also analyzes whether the impact of trade liberalization on average firm productivity and on individual welfare is affected by the presence of credit frictions. The second chapter presents an empirical work that contributes to the recent but fast growing literature that studies how different institutions and their level of development affect countries comparative advantage. The analysis presented in this paper focuses on the role of legal and financial institution in driving the specialization in contract-intensive goods and on how the degree of institutional development interacts with the propensity of firms to vertical integrate with their suppliers. / Diss. Stockholm : Handelshögskolan i Stockholm, 2011