Modeling Strategies for Categorical Data: Examples from Housing and Tenure Choice

Models to investigate categorical data can be divided into preprocessing, limited parameterization, and formal logit models. To illustrate the advantages of preprocessing and limited parameterization models they are applied to a data set of tenure and type of housing choice before the data are examined with hierarchical logit and nested logit models. The preprocessing approaches are useful in selecting optimal subsets of independent variables with respect to the dependent variable. The ease of application and interpretation of a limited parameterization approach extends the clarity of the results from the preprocessing approaches. Because some variables are only relevant at specific levels of other independent variables, nonstandard (nested) logit models are necessary to understand the nested relationships.     

A Simple Trade-off Model for Maximal and Multiple Coverage

A natural slack model, which allows for the trade-off of single coverage of demand for multiple coverage, is developed in this paper. Locational options structured within this multiobjective perspective extend from the most dispersed pattern possible (i.e., the maximal covering solution) to the most clustered (i.e., the multiple covering solution). It is believed that this extension of the location covering approach can better inform decision makers who must address questions of spatial and temporal access to services. A numerical example, demonstrating the use of the model and the identification of the noninferior set of siting choices, is suggested and solved.     

Periodicity and Market Interactions

This paper develops two systems of modeling periodic shopping behavior. The first approach uses a system of Volterra equations to define interactions between populations of consumers and firms in a special market. The second approach develops the relationship between trip length, frequency, and time for consumers in the context of the place utility model. The final section investigates ways of integrating the two approaches.     

SPATIAL ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE IN AN URBAN HIERARCHY SYSTEM

ABSTRACT. This paper develops a model to examine the economic interaction between central places and their hinterlands. The model allows interindustry linkages and upward trade flows in an urban hierarchy system. Trade balance equilibrium between hierarchical levels is established by direct mutual interlevel trade, rather than by indirect trade via the rural sector. The economic base multipliers generally increase with city size but occasionally they could be smaller than those of lower places. A continuous urban hierarchy is formed due to their relative location within the system, not to unspecified randomness.     

MONOPSONY AND PLANT LOCATION IN A THÜNEN LAND USE MODEL*

ABSTRACT. Previous work has developed a method for studying noninfinitesimal operational units, called “plantations,” with the Thüen model. In that model, increasing returns to scale generate large operational units, but the potential market power conferred by the scale economies is sidestepped as an issue. The present work introduces finite supply elasticities and examines their locational impacts. The profit-maximizing monopsonistic plantation is smaller, and the shipment distance for its processed output is shorter, than for a comparable competitive plantation. The present approach does not involve spatial competition strategies.