This thesis involves construction of input-output models measuring the economic impact of a farming innovation organisation (The Birchip Cropping Group) on the Victorian regional economy of Buloke Shire. The input-output modeling undertaken is of two forms; the first being a simple naïve top-down model, and the second a more sophisticated hybrid model. The naïve top-down model is based on input-output coefficients drawn from the Australian national input-output tables, and is regarded as naïve because these input-output coefficients are not adjusted to take account of local economic factors. The hybrid model uses the same national input-output coefficients as a base, and then modifies these coefficients to better reflect industrial conditions in the Shire using a location quotients-adjustment technique, as well as using original survey data collected from entities operating in Buloke Shire. One of the aims of the thesis is to determine whether the simpler naïve top-down approach produces results consistent with the theoretically more accurate hybrid methodology, and thus whether the naïve top-down approach represents a reliable method of conducting regional economic impact analysis. That is, can such studies be undertaken accurately using a naïve top down approach, or is it necessary to adopt the more resource intensive methodology of a hybrid model. The results of the analysis suggest construction of a hybrid model is advisable, as generally the naïve top-down approach produces over-estimates of the economic effects of the Birchip Cropping Group. That is, it appears the economic impact multipliers estimated with the naïve top-down model are too large, suggesting the time and effort involved in constructing the hybrid model was worthwhile. Using the hybrid model, the conclusion is that the Birchip Cropping Group has a significant affect on the regional economy of Buloke Shire, with the economic impact being estimated at close to $600,000 in additional output, $61,000 in additional income, and 3.5 additional jobs per year.

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The dissertation explores the financial ramifications of US military base closure on local community real estate property values. The dissertation examines an area that has not received sufficient research. Previous works on military base closure by Bradshaw, Kroll, Corley, Kirshenbaum and Harlan (1995); Dardia, McCarty, Malkin, and Vernez, (1996); Hooker and Knetter (2001) and Krizan (1998) examine more generalized economic factors such as employment and macroeconomic activity. More recent published dissertation work by authors Hall (1998) and Poppert (2002) have provided interesting explanatory hypotheses to assist municipal and state leaders in crafting working plans to assist communities where base closure occurs. This dissertation intends to look into the effects on real estate property values in the wake of military base closures. The dissertation expands the study of base closure effects into a relatively new area on the fluctuation of real estate property values. An enhanced understanding of how military base closures affect real estate values will have implications for real estate investors, developers, city and county government planners, and budget directors from local school districts to state government.