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We investigate the effectiveness of online versus paper assignments using final examination scores in three cohorts of Theory of Finance. In particular, two cohorts were exposed to online assignments while another cohort was exposed to traditional assignments. Our central result is that exposure to online assignments robustly leads to higher final exam scores, all else being equal. We also find a lower level of engagement as shown by low assignment completion rates for students exposed to online assignments.

In this article I augment the standard open economy Real Business Cycle (RBC) model with stochastic remittance shocks. The model was calibrated to match broad, stylized facts common across a large set of remittance recipient countries. The calibration exercise reveals that output does not respond as much to remittance shocks relative to technology shocks. The model predicts that temporary inflows of worker remittances positively affect GDP per capita while a permanent increase of remittances does not. Cross country econometric evidence is consistent with the theory: there is a significant and positive correlation between the temporary component of remittances and growth; and permanent component of remittances do not affect output growth.

This paper offers new empirical evidence on the effects of remittance flows on conflict incidence, onset, and duration in recipient countries. It improves on previous studies by controlling for unobserved heterogeneity among remittance recipient countries, serial correlation of conflict, and the possibility of conflict being endogenous to remittances. To motivate the empirical findings, a micro‐founded model of conflict is developed. The model shows that wealth transfers (such as remittances) can raise the opportunity cost of participation in conflicts which can lead to a reduction in both the number of rebels and the force used by the government forces.

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