[UK] PhD Studentship Economics at University of Aberdeen
Deadline for applications:- 21st August 2006
Joint ESRC/Department for Transport Collaborative PhD Studentship in Economics
The Labour Supply of Taxi Cab Drivers, Implications for Regulation and Congestion
This project aims to analyse the labour supply behaviour of taxi drivers working in a large city. One objective will be to examine in detail whether drivers follow a target income type rule in deciding their work hours or whether they follow work patterns which are consistent with the intertemporal labour supply hypothesis and work longer when wages are high (when fares are more readily available) and conversely fewer hours when wages are low.
It is intended that the analysis will use two approaches, firstly field data comprising computer records from the despatching system used by a large UK city taxi firm, and secondly an experimental approach, which will analyse by means of an economic experiment the same questions.
The results of this analysis is intended to inform questions regarding the regulation of taxi markets and also will have implications for traffic congestion in cities.
It is anticipated that the student nominated for this studentship would hold a Master’s degree in Economics or Transport Studies (with substantial Economics content), and have good quantitative skills. Knowledge of experimental methods will be desirable but not essential, as appropriate methodological training will be expected to be undertaken.
Supervisors will be Professors Tim Barmby and Joe Swierzbinski, http://www.abdn.ac.uk/business/
Contact :
Application forms and further details may be obtained from Ms Kate Ellis k.ellis @ abdn.ac.uk until Aug 1st and then Ms Anne McPherson a.mcpherson @ abdn.ac.uk subsequently. The grant will be £14,300 (the standard £12,300 ESRC grant studentship award + £2000 enhanced stipend), per annum for 3 years. UK students or non UK EU students with 3 years residency in the UK are eligible to apply.
