During my enrollment in ECON 442: Issues in Economic Development, I had the opportunity to delve into various topics related to global economic disparities, poverty, the consequences of initial inequality, institutional factors, historical influences, recent developmental experiences, as well as labor and credit markets. Through the course, I gained valuable insights into the intricate processes and challenges associated with economic development.
One of the notable assignments in ECON 442 was centered around the paper titled "Market Integration, Demand, and the Growth of Firms: Evidence From a Natural Experiment in India," authored by Robert Jensen and Nolan H. Miller in 2018, which was published in the American Economic Review (108, 12). This assignment required me to replicate and analyze key findings from this influential study.
Jensen and Miller's paper focused on investigating the impact of market integration on firm growth in the context of a natural experiment in India. They examined how the removal of internal trade barriers between Indian states affected the growth trajectories of firms operating within those states. By exploiting the exogenous variation in market integration resulting from this policy change, the authors were able to estimate the causal effects of improved market access on firm expansion.
Engaging with this project allowed me to deepen my understanding of econometric techniques and strengthen my skills in utilizing statistical software. Specifically, I applied my expertise in STATA to reproduce the analysis conducted by Jensen and Miller, implementing their econometric models and conducting various robustness checks. Through this process, I honed my ability to handle large datasets, clean and manipulate data, and employ advanced econometric methods.
Moreover, working on this project provided me with firsthand experience in conducting empirical research and interpreting the results. I learned to critically analyze the econometric outputs, interpret coefficients, and assess the robustness of the findings. Additionally, I gained insights into the practical implications of market integration for firm growth, which further enhanced my understanding of economic development dynamics.
Overall, my experience in ECON 442 and the project based on Jensen and Miller's paper not only showcased my proficiency in using STATA but also reinforced my comprehension of economic development issues and the analytical tools used to study them. This endeavor allowed me to apply theoretical concepts learned in class to a real-world scenario, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of economic development and the role of empirical research in addressing these challenges.
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Through my experience in ECON 442 and working on the project, I learned to independently search for answers using platforms like Google. This skill enhanced my problem-solving abilities and allowed me to expand my knowledge beyond the classroom. It fostered self-reliance, adaptability, and confidence in approaching challenges. Overall, this experience strengthened my ability to find solutions independently in diverse academic and professional settings.