Are interviews effective screens of job candidates?

This article reports flaws of basing hiring decisions on interviews and offers a couple of alternatives. It is a good introduction to the use of screening in the job market.

WatchESPN, WSJ Feb 2014

This article in WSJ reports ESPN's entry into the streaming business. It is a good example of multi-product pricing and versioning. It also discusses the importance of considering the effects on distibutiors and distribution rights. 

Spectrum trends and auctions, WSJ Feb 2014

This opinion discusses the FCC's recent initiative to redistribute spectrum from broadcast to wireless. He mentions the use of double auctions and proposes the creation of an instantaneous auction market to utilize spectrum more efficiently.  It is a good introduction to spectrum rights, the effect of government policies, and auctions.

Propane prices, WSJ Feb 2014

This article in the WSJ reports that propane prices rose as temperatures fell. It is a good introduction to supply and demand. It links higher prices to higher demand, mentions possible shortages, and has at least one example of a reduction in the quantity demanded.

Obama, Walmart, and screening

This article reports that President Obama has reached an agreement with some large firms to "establish best practices" for firms to follow when people with gaps in their employment history apply for jobs. (I guess. The article does not state exactly what the practices would cover.) "'[F]olks are looking at that gap in the resume and they're weeding them out before these folks even get a chance for an interview,' said Obama."

This article is a good introduction to screening, asymmetric information, and adverse selection.

Here are some interesting questions.

1. Why would employers use employment gaps as a screen?
2. Do you think that the screen is efficient? If not, what is a better way to screen applicants. Remember to consider the cost of applying the screen when measuring efficiency.
3. Do you think that the screen is more effective following periods of high unemployment or periods of low unemployment?
4. Do you think that the screen is more effective for older workers or younger workers?
5. Do you think that the screen is more effective for men or women?

Corruption in Russia

This video describes corruption in Russia associated with the Sochi Olympics. It illustrates one reason why the Heritage Foundation rates the level of economic freedom in Russia as "Mostly Unfree."

Supply and demand for Super Bowl Tickets.

This article reports that the price of tickets to the Super Bowl is falling. The forecast today, 1 week out, is for temperatures between 35 and 30 with a 20% chance of precipitation. Perhaps that forecast makes watching the game (and the commercials) in the comfort of your home on your new big TV look better and better.

The case to make the sale of organs legal

In this essay, Gary Becker and Julio Elias argue that a market for human organs would alleviate the shortage of organs available for transplantation. They estimate the the market price for a kidney is approximately $15K. It is a wonderful introduction to shortages and the role of government in determining what is produced and sold.

Ruling on Net Neutrality

This article from the WSJ reports on the court's ruling that give internet providers authority to charge content providers different prices for different speeds. The links from the article discuss implications and provide more details.

Pig market

This article from the WSJ is a nice example of supply and demand. It discusses the effects of a virus that is killing young pigs and lower grain prices on the price of pork.

Disruptive technology

This article from the WSJ is a good account of how technology disrupts. It discusses the how the rapid pace of change affects strategies. It also discusses briefly the impact the improvements in the markets for information might have on the size of firms. It could be used as to introduce or illustrate Coase's theory of the firm.

Pricey Beef

This article from the WSJ is a good illustration of supply and demand. It traces the effects of drought on feed and grain, cattle, beef, and chicken markets. Instuctors might as students to restate the last sentence in their own words: "'If I could be 'long' chickens right now, that would be the trade of a lifetime,' he said."