People

Professor Melvyn Coles

Professor
Department of Economics
Professor Melvyn Coles
  • Email

  • Telephone

    +44 (0) 1206 874875

  • Location

    5B.319, Colchester Campus

  • Academic support hours

    Tuesdays 12-12.50pm Thursdays 12-12.50pm Autumn and Summer Terms only

Profile

Biography

After obtaining a first in Mathematics at Cambridge University, Melvyn Coles took the MSc in Economics and Econometrics at Southampton University and then went on to study for his PhD in Economics at Princeton University. He has been professor of Economics at the University of Essex since 1997.During the years2003-2006 he was instead an ICREA research fellow at the IAE (Barcelona).

Qualifications

  • PhD Economics (Princeton University).

Research and professional activities

Research interests

Equilibrium trade with frictions, especially labour

Open to supervise

Marriage markets

Open to supervise

Teaching and supervision

Current teaching responsibilities

  • Methods of Economic Analysis (EC115)

  • Mathematical Methods (EC511)

Previous supervision

Ashley Nicole Burdett
Ashley Nicole Burdett
Thesis title: Essays in Family Economics
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 8/1/2024
Ziyi Huang
Ziyi Huang
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Master of Research
Awarded date: 1/12/2021
Ashley Nicole Burdett
Ashley Nicole Burdett
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Master of Research
Awarded date: 11/7/2019
Federico Sciacca
Federico Sciacca
Thesis title: Labour Market Participation and Frictional Unemployment in Stochastic Equilibria
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 10/12/2018
Elisa Pietrosimone
Elisa Pietrosimone
Thesis title: Firm Growth and Worker Turnover in Frictional Labour Markets
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 4/10/2018
Emil Kostadinov
Emil Kostadinov
Thesis title: Essays on Inequality Under Frictional Labour Markets
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 16/5/2017
Shilan Dargahi
Shilan Dargahi
Thesis title: On the Causes and Consequences of Divorce
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 1/2/2016
Homa Esfahanian
Homa Esfahanian
Thesis title: Three Essays on Search: Optimal Policy with Heterogeneous Workers
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 15/1/2016
Luz Adriana Florez
Luz Adriana Florez
Thesis title: The Economics of the Informal Sector in the Search and Matching Framework
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 1/4/2014
David Richard Drew Deller
David Richard Drew Deller
Thesis title: Three Essays on Economics and Incentives
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 15/3/2013

Publications

Journal articles (43)

Burdett, K., Carrillo Tudela, C. and Coles, M., (2020). The Cost of Job Loss. The Review of Economic Studies. 87 (4), 1757-1798

Coles, MG. and Francesconi, M., (2019). Equilibrium Search with Multiple Attributes and the Impact of Equal Opportunities for Women. Journal of Political Economy. 127 (1), 138-162

Coles, M. and Moghaddasi-Kelishomi, A., (2018). Do Job Destruction Shocks Matter in the Theory of Unemployment. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics. 10 (3), 118-136

Coles, MG. and Mortensen, DT., (2016). Equilibrium Labor Turnover, Firm Growth, and Unemployment. Econometrica. 84 (1), 347-363

Burdett, K., Carrillo-Tudela, C. and Coles, M., (2016). Wage inequality: A structural decomposition. Review of Economic Dynamics. 19, 20-37

Coles, MG. and Mortensen, DT., (2015). The response of employment and wages to aggregate shocks: On-the-job search effect. Research in Economics. 69 (1), 7-17

Coles, MG. and Francesconi, M., (2011). ON THE EMERGENCE OF TOYBOYS: THE TIMING OF MARRIAGE WITH AGING AND UNCERTAIN CAREERS*. International Economic Review. 52 (3), 825-853

Burdett, K., Carrillo-Tudela, C. and Coles, MG., (2011). HUMAN CAPITAL ACCUMULATION AND LABOR MARKET EQUILIBRIUM*. International Economic Review. 52 (3), 657-677

Booth, AL. and Coles, MG., (2010). Tax policy and returns to education. Labour Economics. 17 (1), 291-301

Coles, MG., Jones, P. and Smith, E., (2010). A PICTURE OF STOCK–FLOW UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. Macroeconomic Dynamics. 14 (4), 427-453

Booth, A. and Coles, M., (2010). Education, Matching, and the Allocative Value of Romance. Journal of the European Economic Association. 8 (4), 744-775

Burdett, K. and Coles, M., (2010). Wage/tenure contracts with heterogeneous firms. Journal of Economic Theory. 145 (4), 1408-1435

Coles, M., Jones, P. and Smith, E., (2010). A Picture Of Stock-Flow Unemployment In The United Kingdom. Macroeconomic Dynamics. 14 (04), 427-453

Coles, M., (2009). Corrigendum to “Melvyn Coles, Optimal unemployment policy in a matching equilibrium”, Labour Economics, Volume 15, Issue 4, Pages 537–559 (August 2008). Labour Economics. 16 (1), 120-120

Coles, M., (2009). Corrigendum to ,Melvyn Coles, Optimal unemployment policy in a matching equilibrium', Labour Economics, Volume 15, Issue 4, Pages 537-559 (August 2008). Labour Economics. 16 (1), creators-Coles=3AMelvyn=3A=3A

Coles, M., (2008). Optimal unemployment policy in a matching equilibrium. Labour Economics. 15 (4), 537-559

Coles, M. and Petrongolo, B., (2008). A TEST BETWEEN STOCK‐FLOW MATCHING AND THE RANDOM MATCHING FUNCTION APPROACH*. International Economic Review. 49 (4), 1113-1141

COLES, M., LANFRANCHI, J., SKALLI, ALI. and TREBLE, J., (2007). PAY, TECHNOLOGY, AND THE COST OF WORKER ABSENCE. Economic Inquiry. 45 (2), 268-285

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2007). A microfoundation for increasing returns in human capital accumulation and the under-participation trap. European Economic Review. 51 (7), 1661-1681

Coles, M. and Masters, A., (2007). Re-entitlement effects with duration-dependent unemployment insurance in a stochastic matching equilibrium. Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control. 31 (9), 2879-2898

Coles, M. and Masters, A., (2006). Optimal Unemployment Insurance in a Matching Equilibrium. Journal of Labor Economics. 24 (1), 109-138

Coles, M. and Masters, A., (2004). Duration‐Dependent Unemployment Insurance Payments and Equilibrium Unemployment. Economica. 71 (281), 83-97

Coles, MG. and Muthoo, A., (2003). Bargaining in a non-stationary environment. Journal of Economic Theory. 109 (1), 70-89

Coles, MG. and Eeckhout, J., (2003). Indeterminacy and directed search. Journal of Economic Theory. 111 (2), 265-276

Burdett, K. and Coles, M., (2003). Equilibrium Wage-Tenure Contracts. Econometrica. 71 (5), 1377-1404

Burdett, K. and Coles, MG., (2001). Transplants and Implants: The Economics of Self‐Improvement. International Economic Review. 42 (3), 597-616

Coles, MG., (2001). Equilibrium Wage Dispersion, Firm Size, and Growth. Review of Economic Dynamics. 4 (1), 159-187

Coles, MG. and Hildreth, AKG., (2000). Wage Bargaining, Inventories, and Union Legislation. Review of Economic Studies. 67 (2), 273-293

Coles, M. and Masters, A., (2000). Retraining and long-term unemployment in a model of unlearning by not doing. European Economic Review. 44 (9), 1801-1822

Coles, MG., (1999). Turnover Externalities with Marketplace Trading. International Economic Review. 40 (4), 851-868

Burdett, K. and Coles, MG., (1999). Long‐Term Partnership Formation: Marriage and Employment. The Economic Journal. 109 (456), 307-334

Coles, MG. and Wright, R., (1998). A Dynamic Equilibrium Model of Search, Bargaining, and Money. Journal of Economic Theory. 78 (1), 32-54

Coles, MG. and Smith, E., (1998). Marketplaces and Matching. International Economic Review. 39 (1), 239-239

Burdett, K. and Coles, MG., (1998). Separation cycles. Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control. 22 (7), 1069-1090

Coles, MG. and Muthoo, A., (1998). Strategic Bargaining and Competitive Bidding in a Dynamic Market Equilibrium. Review of Economic Studies. 65 (2), 235-260

Coles, M. and Smith, E., (1998). Strategic bargaining with firm inventories. Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control. 23 (1), 35-54

Burdett, K. and Coles, MG., (1997). Steady State Price Distributions in a Noisy Search Equilibrium. Journal of Economic Theory. 72 (1), 1-32

Burdett, K. and Coles, MG., (1997). Marriage and Class. The Quarterly Journal of Economics. 112 (1), 141-168

Coles, M. and Philippopoulos, A., (1997). Are exchange rate bands better than fixed exchange rates? The imported credibility approach. Journal of International Economics. 43 (1-2), 133-153

Burdett, K. and Coles, MG., (1997). Marriage and class. Quarterly Journal of Economics. 112 (1), 140-168

Coles, M. and Smith, E., (1996). Cross-Section Estimation of the Matching Function: Evidence from England and Wales. Economica. 63 (252), 589-97

Coles, MG. and Treble, JG., (1996). Calculating the price of worker reliability. Labour Economics. 3 (2), 169-188

Coles, MG. and Treble, JG., (1993). The price of worker reliability. Economics Letters. 41 (2), 149-155

Book chapters (1)

Carrillo Tudela, C. and Coles, M., (2016). Quit turnover and the business cycle: a survey. In: Research Handbook on Employee Turnover. Editors: Saridakis, G. and Cooper, CL., . Edward Elgar. 247- 273. 9781784711146

Conferences (1)

Burdett, K. and Coles, MG., (2000). The Simple Analytics of Partnership Formation

Reports and Papers (51)

Coles, MG. and Muthoo, A., Bargaining Equilibrium in a Non-Stationary Environment

Clymo, A., Carrillo Tudela, C. and Coles, M., (2021). Equilibrium Job Turnover and the Business Cycle

Coles, M. and Francesconi, M., (2017). Equilibrium Search and the Impact of Equal Opportunities for Women

Coles, M. and Kelishomi, AM., (2015). Do Job Destruction Shocks Matter in the Theory of Unemployment?

Coles, M. and Mortensen, DT., (2015). Stochastic Unemployment with Dynamic Monopsony

Coles, M. and Francesconi, M., (2013). Equilibrium Search and the Impact of Equal Opportunities for Women.

Coles, M. and Mortensen, DT., (2012). Equilibrium Labor Turnover, Firm Growth and Unemployment

Coles, M. and Mortensen, DT., (2011). Equilibrium Wage and Employment Dynamics in a Model of Wage Posting without Commitment

Coles, M. and Mortensen, DT., (2011). Equilibrium Wage and Employment Dynamics in a Model of Wage Posting without Commitment

Coles, M. and Kelishomi, AM., (2011). New Business Start-ups and the Business Cycle

Burdett, K. and Coles, M., (2010). Tenure and Experience Effects on Wages: A Theory

Burdett, K., Carrillo-Tudela, C. and Coles, M., (2009). Human Capital Accumulation and Labour Market Equilibrium

Coles, M., Carrillo-Tudela, C. and Burdett, K., (2008). Human Capital Accumulation and Labor Market Equilibrium

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2008). Tax Policy and Returns to Education

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2007). The Impact Of Fiscal Policy On Labor Supply And Education In An Economy With Household And Market Production

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2007). The Impact of Fiscal Policy on Labour Supply and Education in an Economy with Household and Market Production

Booth, AL., Coles, M. and Gong, X., (2007). Increasing Returns to Education: Theory and Evidence

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2007). A Microfoundation For Increasing Returns In Human Capital Accumulation And The Under-Participation Trap

Burdett, K. and Coles, M., (2007). Wage/Tenure Contracts with Heterogeneous Firms

Booth, AL., Coles, M. and Gong, X., (2006). Increasing Returns to Education: Theory and Evidence

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2006). A Microfoundation for Increasing Returns in Human Capital Accumulation and the Under-Participation Trap

Coles, M. and Masters, A., (2006). Re-entitlement Effects with Duration Dependent Unemployment Insurance in a Stochastic Matching Equilibrium

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2005). Education, Matching and the Allocative Value of Romance

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2005). Education, Matching and the Allocative Value of Romance

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2005). Education, Matching and the Allocative Value of Romance

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2005). Increasing Returns to Education and the Skills Under-Investment Trap

Coles, M., (2005). Optimal Unemployment Insurance in a Matching Equilibrium: The Role of Congestion and Thick-Market Externalities

Coles, M. and Petrongolo, B., (2005). A test between matching theories

Masters, A. and Coles, M., (2004). Duration Dependent Unemployment Insurance and Stabilisation Policy

Masters, A. and Coles, M., (2004). Optimal Unemployment Insurance in a Matching Equilibrium

Booth, AL. and Coles, M., (2004). Part-Time Employment Traps and Childcare Policy

Coles, M. and Petrongolo, B., (2003). A Test Between Unemployment Theories Using Matching Data

Coles, M. and Petrongolo, B., (2003). A Test between Unemployment Theories Using Matching Data

Coles, M. and Petrongolo, B., (2002). A Test Between Unemployment Theories Using Matching Data

Coles, M. and Muthoo, A., (2000). Bargaining equilibrium in a non-stationary environment

Coles, M. and Eeckhout, J., (2000). Efficient Job Allocation

Coles, M. and Eeckhout, J., (2000). Heterogeneity as a coordination device

Coles, M., (1996). Decentralized Trade, Entrepreneurial Investment and the Theory of Unemployment

Coles, M., (1996). Designing a Cheaper and More Effective Unemployment Benefit System

Coles, M. and Hildreth, A., (1996). Wage Bargaining, Inventories, and Union Legislation

Coles, M. and Philippopoulos, A., (1995). Are exchange rate bands better than fixed exchange rates?

Burdett, K. and Coles, M., (1995). Steady State Price Distributions in a Noisy Search Equilibrium

Coles, M. and Smith, E., (1995). Strategic Bargaining with Firm Inventories

Coles, M. and Smith, E., (1994). Cross-Section Estimation of the Matching Function: Evidence from England and Wales

Coles, M. and Wright, R., (1994). Dynamic bargaining theory

Coles, M. and Smith, E., (1994). Marketplaces and Matching

Coles, M. and Muthoo, A., (1994). Strategic Bargaining and Competitive Bidding in a Dynamic Market Equilibrium

van Ours, JC., Burdett, K. and Coles, M., (1994). Temporal Aggregation Bias in Stock-Flow Models

Burdett, K., Coles, M. and van Ours, JC., (1994). Temporal Aggregation Bias in Stock-Flow Models

Coles, M., (1994). Understanding the Matching Function: The Role of Newspapers and Job Agencies

Coles, M. and Farrow, RJ., (1986). Neo-Classical Adjustment Rules with Time Varying Discount Rates - Theory and Applications

Scholarly Editions (1)

Coles, M. and Francesconi, M., On the Emergence of Toyboys: Equilibrium Matching with Ageing and Uncertain Careers

Grants and funding

2011

Understanding the impact of recession on labour market behaviour in Britain

Economic & Social Research Council

Contact

mcole@essex.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1206 874875

Location:

5B.319, Colchester Campus

Academic support hours:

Tuesdays 12-12.50pm Thursdays 12-12.50pm Autumn and Summer Terms only