Public discussion surrounding the depreciating dollar have been one sided, looking only at the negatives associated with the decline. With the exception of Dr. Damian King (Senior Economist, UWI), I'm yet to see a different perspective on the implications. Dr King views in summary: Some Jamaicans (companies, individuals etc.) will lose from the depreciation in the…
Where are you mostly likely to be employed in Jamaica? Which occupations do employers seek most? The following infographics highlight the five hottest occupations in Jamaica, based on demand (advertisement in the Jamaica Observer & Gleaner) from employers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=WwQ5f5h_owY
"It is not every question that deserves an answer." - Pubius Syrus Questionnaire design is imperative to the success of a research project. When all is said and done, the results of your research reflect the questions that were asked. This slide will highlight the following: What questions should be asked Best approaches in phrasing a…
Before embarking on a new research project, the following are considered extremely important to the successful execution of same: Brainstorming: Planning should begin with the brainstorming phase, where the problems/ questions that need answering is verbally aired, reviewed and discussed. A white board is an excellent tool that can be used to capture the information…
Jamaica’s population grew from 2,607,632 (2.608 million) persons in 2001 to 2, 697, 983 (2.698 million) in 2011. This represents a 3.5% increase in the total population size over the period (2001 – 2011). The following shows a breakdown of 2011 population by parish: See full copy of ‘Population and Housing Census 2011: General report’ by clicking here: view…
This discussion presents five ideas which will allow Jamaica to secure an IMF deal in the short-term, reduce Jamaica’s energy cost almost immediately and double Jamaica’s GDP in the next 10 years. 1. Sustainable Community and Skills Development Centre (SCSDC) Description: An actual SCSDC is a combination of a renewable energy (traditional) community center on steroids;…
The Equation: The following outline what I believe to be the most likely economic outcome if an agreement is not reached (soon), between Jamaica and the International Monetary Fund (IMF): Further exchange rate depreciation If the Government of Jamaica is unable to secure a deal - in short order - continued domestic concerns, weakening markets…
Jahangir Mohammed provided the most detailed response to our question on Quora - September 2, 2012. We wanted to find out if there was a systematic process/ method involved in the analysis, collection and presentation of big data. Here is Jahangir's answer: "I am inclined to say the approach is definitely systematic, but there are lots of options and one…
The emergence of 'big data' - the wealth of information being collected daily on customer behaviour and attitude via websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc - will cause a change in research as we know it. Internationally, the 'big data' discourse have gone a far way, however no mention has been made regarding its…
Jamaica is renown for it’s excellence in track & field. In this infographics, we highlight Jamaica’s performance at each Olympics from 1948 to 2012 London games. With Rio 2016 only a few months away, we pause to reflect on our past achievements. What’s your prediction for the total number of medals Jamaica will earn in Rio?
This article seeks to examine the measures that have been put in place to identify and disqualify drug users at the Olympics in London 2012. Hugh Robertson - the UK Minister of Sports and Olympics - stated that "We cannot absolutely guarantee that these will be drug-free games, but we can guarantee that we have…
This study sought to investigate the impact of police population, arrests rates, unemployment, educational attainment, average income, income inequality and degree of garrisonization on the incidence of violent crimes and property crimes in Jamaica. Main Findings: The rate of arrest and average income variables were found to be robust (strong) determinants of violent crime, with…
With the explosion of internet usage globally, it was inevitable that surveys would eventually utilize the online medium to capture required data. The advent of Facebook and Twitter, has further resulted in a paradigm shift - it is now easier to find people on Facebook/ twitter than at a park (base on our informal observations).…
We are often encouraged to eat foods with less fat and sodium, more fiber, more complex carbohydrates and lower in calories. [You can watch the animated video if you don't want to read] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd47lton8OU The foods that are most promoted are usually the imported ones since more is known about them than about our local…
This updated version of our 'Top 10 dancehall/reggae artistes on social media', highlight the inclusion of Gyptian and Jah Cure to our list. Gyptian has entered our ranking in the #3 position and Jah Cure #6. This list is created via information gathered from the Facebook and Twitter accounts of Jamaican Artistes - rankings are based…
What is a survey? It is the systematic/structured gathering of information from a sample/ proportion of individuals for the main purpose of making conclusions/predictions about a larger population/group. Prior to starting a survey, one should... Define a clear purpose for the survey Create research objectives/research questions you intend to answer Decide on a methodology to…
There are four fundamental principles that governs the economics discipline. They are as follows: All economic behaviours can be grouped under one or more of these principles. In the case of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), it could be viewed that opening one’s borders to free movement of people, goods and services should make…
Jamaica, the paradise island that is sometimes referred to as “the land of wood and water,” has great hydroelectric potential due to its topography and climate. Out of 120 rivers, the Island has several that are suitable for hydroelectricity power generation. Prime among them are: 1. Back Rio Grande - located in the parish of…
How much do you really know about Jamaica's premier Schools Athletic Championship? Did you know that: Boys Champs begun in 1910 - Wolmers High School won Girls Champs begun in 1957 - St. Hilda's High School won Boys Champs was held separately from Girls Champs In 1999, Boys and Girls Champs were merged into one event There was…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P2ijySdPUk Jamaica is known for its music, both dancehall and reggae. The fan base of these artists span the globe. The question we seek to examine is: Who really has the most fans online? We examined the Facebook and Twitter accounts of Jamaican Artists, providing a ranking base on the total number of "Likes" and "Followers". N.B. Although…
Top 6 Jamaican financial companies on Social Media
With recent developments surrounding West Indies Cricket, and calls for Jamaica to have its own international team, we have decided to revisit the Caribbean Integration project. Consider this a walk down memory lane, and a nostalgic look at what has been the main impediment to regional integration over the decades. Establishing the Caribbean Court of…
With the Digicel-Claro deal, and Lime's outcry regarding competition, we have opted to use Infographics to review Jamaica's telecommunication industry over the past two decade. Share your views, leave a comment! Data Source: Balcostics Research, World Bank Indicators (Mobile subscription 1991 - 2010)
This is our weekly chart feature, please ensure to leave a comment, and share your views on what is presented! Additional Info: Transparency International (TI) defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. This definition encompasses corrupt practices in both the public and private sectors. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries according…
This is our weekly chart feature, please ensure to leave a comment, and share your views on what the graph is showing. Additional Info: Interest rate spread (lending rate minus deposit rate, %) is the interest rate charged by banks on loans to prime customers minus the interest rate paid by commercial or similar banks…
Balcostics 