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Summarizing Data using Partially Ordered Set Theory: An Application to Fiscal Frameworks in 97 Countries

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  • Bachtrögler, Julia
  • Badinger, Harald
  • Fichet de Clairfontaine, Aurélien
  • Reuter, Wolf Heinrich

Abstract

The widespread use of composite indices has often been motivated by their practicality to quantify qualitative data in an easy and intuitive way. At the same time, this approach has been challenged due to the subjective and partly ad hoc nature of computation, aggregation and weighting techniques as well as the handling of missing data. Partially ordered set (POSET) theory offers an alternative approach for summarizing qualitative data in terms of quantitative indices, which relies on a computation scheme that fully exploits the available information and does not require the subjective assignment of weights. The present paper makes the case for an increased use of POSET theory in the social sciences and provides a comparison of POSET indices and composite indices (from previous studies) measuring the 'stringency' of fiscal frameworks using data from the OECD Budget Practices and Procedures survey (2007/08). (authors' abstract)

Suggested Citation

  • Bachtrögler, Julia & Badinger, Harald & Fichet de Clairfontaine, Aurélien & Reuter, Wolf Heinrich, 2014. "Summarizing Data using Partially Ordered Set Theory: An Application to Fiscal Frameworks in 97 Countries," Department of Economics Working Paper Series 181, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:wiw:wus005:4283
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    Cited by:

    1. Harald Badinger & Aurélien Fichet de Clairfontaine & Wolf Heinrich Reuter, 2017. "Fiscal Rules and Twin Deficits: The Link between Fiscal and External Balances," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(1), pages 21-35, January.
    2. Badinger, Harald & Reuter, Wolf Heinrich, 2015. "Measurement of fiscal rules: Introducing the application of partially ordered set (POSET) theory," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 108-123.
    3. Christoph Hammer & Aurélien Fichet de Clairfontaine, 2016. "Trade Costs and Income in European Regions," Department of Economics Working Papers wuwp220, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Department of Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Partially Ordered Set Theory; Composite Indices; Index Functions; Fiscal Frameworks; Fiscal Rules; Budgetary Procedures;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • H60 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - General
    • E02 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Institutions and the Macroeconomy
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory

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