Identifier

etd-05312012-145237

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Agricultural Economics

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Regional classification and labor market study form an important part of any regional development efforts. Successful formation and implementation of developmental policies for a region requires a sound knowledge of the labor market situation and socioeconomic background of the region, which in turn leads ultimately to regional welfare. We find literature in the area of regional classification to be very inadequate. This study classifies Louisiana using a clustering approach in two different ways. First of all, Ward’s method has been used to classify Louisiana into labor markets based on two-way commuting flow between the parishes. Eight geographical clusters are formed and compared with eight Metropolitan Statistical Areas in Louisiana. Secondly, a regional classification for Louisiana is delineated based on four socioeconomic variables using K-means clustering method. Based on goodness-of-fit criteria, nine regional clusters have been formed.

Date

2012

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Mishra, Ashok K

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3279

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