This thesis examines China's state-owned enterprise reform and financial reform in the last two decades. I characterize the progress of China's state-owned enterprises reform in two areas: privatization of small SOEs and mass layoffs. I argue that privatization rests on the political economy of China. I also discuss the evolution of the financial system and come up with some strategies of financial liberalization in China. Result from this study suggests that if the necessary reforms of the financial sector and state enterprises are effectively carried out, inevitably this will lead to a significantly slower rate of growth for a period of time. However, these reforms will provide the basis for a period of sustained growth in the long run.

The purpose of this study is to examine housing construction trends in the Denton Independent School District area for the next 5 years estimating impacts on the resulting school district enrollments. Combining enrollment data obtained from the DISD and housing data from the Denton County Appraisal District, it is possible to calculate enrollment multipliers for elementary, middle, and high school students based on predefined categories of single family home values. The study suggests that enrollment multipliers currently used by the DISD over estimate the number of students coming from new single family residences, especially at the elementary school level. Using data from real estate agents, builders, developers, and permitting boards, a map is created showing areas of the DISD that will likely see the largest gains in school-age children during the next 2 to 5 years.

Currently, there are more than 30 million refugees and internally displaced people in the world. Since the 1970s, after the Vietnam War, international organizations and many countries have supported refugees financially, however, they all have different definitions for a refugee. Refugees who desire peace or freedom and resettle in new countries have had remarkable economic, social, and educational achievement, especially Indochinese people in the US. However, refugees who flee from conflicts have often faced new conflicts in their host society. Both refugees and the host countries experience economic and social burden, however, refugees struggle and try to escape from their economic dependency from the local government. If refugee achievements continue, they could exceed the US educational and social norm in the future.