Analytical investigations of real-world, hybrid dynamical systems are technically challenging. Consequently, simulation plays a vital role in their analysis. Simulation typically addresses forward problems though, offering limited insights into parametric influences. The paper addresses this issue, presenting computationally efficient algorithms that extend the capabilities of simulation. The s...

This study examines the theoretical and practical implications of ranking teachers with a one-dimensional metric when teacher effectiveness varies across subjects or student types. We document the empirical failure of standard value-added assumptions of teacher input homogeneity, but demonstrate that previously suggested teacher firing policies still improve student welfare, although they resul...

ii Acknowledgments The authors wish to thank David Sjoquist and Sally Wallace for their valuable comments. All errors or omission, though, remain the responsibility of the authors.

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Agricultural producers have been experiencing significant income pressures, leading to a search for alternative sources of income. One of such is value-added agricultural businesses that allow the farmers to stay on the farm and undertake entrepreneurial ventures to improve their finances. How do farmers make sense of their environment as they consider their options for value-added business ven...