JAQM Volume 8, Issue 3 - September 30, 2013

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Contents

Developing a Psychometric Ruler: An Alternative Presentation of Rasch Measurement Output (p )
Kenneth D. ROYAL, Jennifer Ann ELI

Rasch measurement is one of the most popular analytical techniques available in the field of psychometrics and is quickly becoming the norm for instrument validation studies. The advantages of Rasch modeling have been well documented in the literature (see Wright and Stone, 1979; Wright and Stone, 1999; Smith, Jr. & Smith, 2004; and Bond & Fox, 2007). Despite the advantages of Rasch measurement, many researchers and consumers of information have acknowledged that there is much room for improvement with regard to output reporting. This is not to say measurement software creators have failed by any means, but being able to interpret Rasch output, such as the “item map” (or Wright Map), can be an arduous task. In the authors quest to more effectively convey the valuable information obtained from Rasch analyses, this work is intended to provide an alternative presentation of Rasch output that is more user-friendly and easily interpreted by consumers of research. Particularly, the authors will produce a psychometric ruler comparable to that of the physical sciences that can be interpreted in the same way. This article will begin by providing an overview of objective measurement in the social and behavioral sciences, followed by a brief synopsis of Rasch measurement. A discussion of the psychometric ruler will be presented, followed by an explanation as to how readers can produce one from their own Rasch output. A demonstration will be provided on a universally interesting topic, namely measuring skepticism. A presentation of the psychometric ruler will follow, accompanied by a discussion of how to interpret the results. Strengths, weaknesses and implications of the psychometric ruler will also be discussed.

Revisiting the Relationship between Shadow Economy and the Level of Unemployment Rate. A SVAR Empirical Ivestigation for the Case of United States (p )
Adriana Ana Maria DAVIDESCU, Ion DOBRE

The paper analyses the relationship between shadow economy and unemployment rate using a Structural VAR approach for quarterly data during the period 1982-2011. The size of the shadow economy as % of official GDP is estimated using a Structural Equation Approach with quarterly data for the period 1982-2011.Thus, the shadow economy is modeled like a latent variable using a special case of the structural equation models-the MIMIC model. His dimension is decreasing over the last two decades. The relationship between the two variables is further tested by imposing a long-run restriction in the Structural VAR model to analyze the impact of the shadow economy to a temporary shock in unemployment. The impulse response function generated by the Structural VAR confirms that in the short-run, a rise in the unemployment rate in formal sector will lead to an increase in the number of people who work in the shadow economy.

Simulation Model of a Serial Production System (p )
Dimitri GOLENKO-GINZBURG, Doron GREENBERG, Nitzan SWID

A simulation model describing serial production is outlined. Production process is carried out under random disturbances. The control algorithm of the model is based on the analysis of essential states. Decision-making is based on preference rules. The model can be applied to all types of working shops or sections.

Methods for Assessing the Information Technologies and Communication Impact on Companies (p )
Cornelia NOVAC UDUDEC, Liliana Mihaela MOGA

The determination, identification and evaluation of the impact of Information Technologies and Communication use in companies are complex issues that require quantitative and qualitative approaches that take into account one or at most two parameters. Most of the empirical studies focused on the impact of Information Technologies and Communication on the economy are statistical approaches that take in consideration only one performance criteria of the company, such as Information Technologies impact on productivity or the impact of Information Technologies investments. The impact study approach can have an a priori and a posteriori perspective. Before the introduction of Information Technologies it is necessary to make some predictions or estimates. After the introduction of Information Technologies, the actual assessment takes into account the effects. The research proposes a methodology for assessing the impact of Information Technologies taking in consideration a priori and a posteriori aspects. Also, it is developed a metrics for the evaluation the quantitative impact assessment such as Information Technologies endowment of labor, and efficiency of funds invested in Information Technologies. The methodology consists by an algorithm that can be implemented in companies. The calculating the proposed indicators help quantify the effect of applying Information Technologies and establishing their effectiveness.