Siban Shahana

Some diseases are more contagious than others, but what determines whether a disease spreads or is contained? Proximity is a factor but some have stronger immunity than others. Even vaccination does not guarantee against infection but if a person does get infected there may be an available antidote. Could the same things be said about financial crises, such as those experienced in Latin America? This article looks at the channels through which economic developments in one country can spill over to others. It discusses interdependence and contagion. However, we suggest that the simple ‘trigger-spillover’ story is deficient in the Latin American context. It would be wrong to view the crisis in Argentina as the root cause of Latin America’s current problems. World economic growth has declined and this has more clearly exposed the deficiencies in Latin America’s economic fundamentals. But how can countries immunies themselves against crisis and contagion and, in the midst of the crisis, is the IMF doctor prescribing the best medicine?

Using data from the University of Surrey’s Economics Department, this paper explores the role of professional placement in degree performance. The list of control variables includes a measure of ability, A-level subject choice, gender and nationality. The statistical analysis offers evidence that participation in the placement scheme significantly increases the chances of obtaining an upper second or higher degree class. Ability, as captured by the student’s second-year average mark, is also related to better academic performance. British students are also predicted to do better than their foreign peers.