title: Does respondent perception of the status quo matter in non-market valuation with choice experiments? An application to New Zealand freshwater streams

authors: Marsh, Dan

subjects: choice experiments

abstract: In environmental valuation studies with stated preference methods, researchers often provide descriptions of status quo conditions which may differ from those perceived by respondents. Ignoring this difference in utility baselines may affect the magnitude of utility changes and hence bias the implied estimates of benefits from the proposed environmental policies. We investigate this issue using data from a choice experiment on a community’s willingness to pay for water quality improvements in streams. More than 60 percent of respondents perceived the description of the quality of water in streams to be better than the one we provided in our scenario. Our results show that respondents who could provide details of their perception of the status quo displayed stronger preferences for water quality improvements - hence a higher marginal willingness to pay - than their counterparts. Respondents who opted for their own status quo description displayed a higher inclination to remain in the status quo, while their counterparts displayed the contrary. We argue this might be linked to the amount of knowledge each group displayed about the status quo: a kind of reluctance to leave what one knows well.

text: Does respondent perception of the status quo matter in non-market valuation with choice experiments? An application to New Zealand freshwater streams In environmental valuation studies with stated preference methods, researchers often provide descriptions of status quo conditions which may differ from those perceived by respondents. Ignoring this difference in utility baselines may affect the magnitude of utility changes and hence bias the implied estimates of benefits from the proposed environmental policies. We investigate this issue using data from a choice experiment on a community’s willingness to pay for water quality improvements in streams. More than 60 percent of respondents perceived the description of the quality of water in streams to be better than the one we provided in our scenario. Our results show that respondents who could provide details of their perception of the status quo displayed stronger preferences for water quality improvements - hence a higher marginal willingness to pay - than their counterparts. Respondents who opted for their own status quo description displayed a higher inclination to remain in the status quo, while their counterparts displayed the contrary. We argue this might be linked to the amount of knowledge each group displayed about the status quo: a kind of reluctance to leave what one knows well.

year: 2010-07

title: Analysis and design aspects of a series power semiconductor array with digital waveform control capability for single phase ac voltage regulators and other applications

authors: Jindasa, Chandani

subjects: Power Conditioners,

abstract: A series connected power semiconductor array, with digital control capability could be used for developing single phase AC regulators or other applications such as AC electronic loads. This technique together with an ordinary gapless transformer could be used to develop a low cost AC voltage regulator (AVR) to provide better or comparable specifications with bulky ferro-resonant AVR types. One primary advantage of the technique is that digital control can be used to minimize harmonics. Commencing with a review of AC voltage regulator techniques for single phase power conditioning systems, an analysis and design aspects of this technique is presented with experimental results for AVRs. Guidelines on how to utilize the technique in a generalized basis is also summarized together with a summary of a technique for achieving harmonic control.

text: Analysis and design aspects of a series power semiconductor array with digital waveform control capability for single phase ac voltage regulators and other applications A series connected power semiconductor array, with digital control capability could be used for developing single phase AC regulators or other applications such as AC electronic loads. This technique together with an ordinary gapless transformer could be used to develop a low cost AC voltage regulator (AVR) to provide better or comparable specifications with bulky ferro-resonant AVR types. One primary advantage of the technique is that digital control can be used to minimize harmonics. Commencing with a review of AC voltage regulator techniques for single phase power conditioning systems, an analysis and design aspects of this technique is presented with experimental results for AVRs. Guidelines on how to utilize the technique in a generalized basis is also summarized together with a summary of a technique for achieving harmonic control.

year: 2011

title: ‘He reka te wai o te hua pango: The darker the berry the sweeter the juice.' The experiences of Māori women in educational leadership in mainstream secondary schools.

authors: Taukamo, Trudy

subjects: New Zealand leadership

abstract: Although there has been a growing interest in Māori women in educational leadership, the research base in New Zealand is still limited. This study provides insights into the challenges and experiences of four Māori women who occupy a formal leadership position in a mainstream secondary school. It used a qualitative kaupapa Māori research framework. Data were collected using semi-structured one-on-one interview with open-ended questions. The four women were selected from Māori women who currently hold a formal leadership position at a senior management level in a mainstream secondary school and who identify as Māori. The reason for the purposive sample was the critical under-representation of Māori women in formal educational leadership roles. This study revealed three important aspects. Firstly, a person’s upbringing and background has a significant impact on the principles and values which underpin leadership. Secondly, it was evident that a support system whether personal or professional was crucial in a leadership position. Finally, the influences of opportunities and appointments to leadership were important in educational leadership. Clearly, the findings point to a need for a stronger mentoring programme and effective networking of Māori women. Tertiary studies and leadership programs can aid the career pathways for aspiring leaders. However, what is clear is the need for more research specific to the New Zealand context and Māori women.

text: ‘He reka te wai o te hua pango: The darker the berry the sweeter the juice.' The experiences of Māori women in educational leadership in mainstream secondary schools. Although there has been a growing interest in Māori women in educational leadership, the research base in New Zealand is still limited. This study provides insights into the challenges and experiences of four Māori women who occupy a formal leadership position in a mainstream secondary school. It used a qualitative kaupapa Māori research framework. Data were collected using semi-structured one-on-one interview with open-ended questions. The four women were selected from Māori women who currently hold a formal leadership position at a senior management level in a mainstream secondary school and who identify as Māori. The reason for the purposive sample was the critical under-representation of Māori women in formal educational leadership roles. This study revealed three important aspects. Firstly, a person’s upbringing and background has a significant impact on the principles and values which underpin leadership. Secondly, it was evident that a support system whether personal or professional was crucial in a leadership position. Finally, the influences of opportunities and appointments to leadership were important in educational leadership. Clearly, the findings point to a need for a stronger mentoring programme and effective networking of Māori women. Tertiary studies and leadership programs can aid the career pathways for aspiring leaders. However, what is clear is the need for more research specific to the New Zealand context and Māori women.

year: 2011