People

Professor Marco Francesconi

Professor
Department of Economics
Professor Marco Francesconi
  • Email

  • Telephone

    +44 (0) 1206 872765

  • Location

    5B.328, Colchester Campus

  • Academic support hours

    Tuesday, 11:00-12:00 Wednesday, 11:00-12:00 (or by appointment)

Profile

Biography

Marco Francesconi joined the Department in September 2004. Marco's main area of research is labour economics, with special interest in family economics, socio-genetics, gender, income inequality, early child outcomes, and health. His recent work has appeared in the Journal of Political Economy, Economic Journal, Journal of Health Economics, European Economic Review, International Economic Review, Journal of the European Economic Association, and Journal of Human Resources. Marco has worked for nine years at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex, where he remains a Research Fellow. He is also a Research Fellow of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (London), the Institute for the Study of Labor (Bonn), the CES-ifo network (Munich), and the Centre for Household Income Labour and Demographic economics (Torino). He is an Associate Editor of the European Economic Review and a Co-Editor of Labour Economics.

Qualifications

  • PhD New York University,

  • BSc Economics Bocconi University,

Research and professional activities

Research interests

Labour economics

Gender; income inequality; health; public policy evaluation

Open to supervise

Family economics

Fertility; early child investment; parental leave policies

Open to supervise

Conferences and presentations

Plenary Speaker

Keynote presentation, Second Applied Economics Conference, Second Applied Economics Conference, Moscow, Russia, 14/9/2019

Plenary speaker

Keynote presentation, NBER Cohort Studies Meeting, NBER Cohort Studies Meeting, Cambridge, United States, 4/2019

Teaching and supervision

Current teaching responsibilities

  • Career Skills in Economics (EC123)

  • Project: Economics (EC831)

Previous supervision

Ariya Phaokrueng
Ariya Phaokrueng
Thesis title: The Impact of Technological Change on Inequality, Health and Crime: Evidence From Thailand
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 24/6/2024
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
Aitor Irastorza Fadrique
Aitor Irastorza Fadrique
Thesis title: Essays on Labour Economics: Understanding Structural Changes
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 28/11/2023
Annalivia Polselli
Annalivia Polselli
Thesis title: Essays on Econometric Methods
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 9/1/2023
Mariha Tahsin
Mariha Tahsin
Thesis title: Micro and Macro Indexes of Economic Activity: Multiple Indicators and Multiple Methods Using Bangladesh as a Test Case
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 11/10/2022
Mariha Tahsin
Mariha Tahsin
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Master of Research
Awarded date: 3/10/2019
Ashley Nicole Burdett
Ashley Nicole Burdett
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Master of Research
Awarded date: 11/7/2019
Ludovica Giua
Ludovica Giua
Thesis title: On Immigration, Geographic and Labour Market Mobility
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 27/4/2017
Yiyang Luo
Yiyang Luo
Thesis title: Essays in Family and Labour Economics
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 7/4/2017
Nikita Jacob
Nikita Jacob
Thesis title: Marital Unions and Human Capital Formation
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 3/3/2017
Chiara Cavaglia
Chiara Cavaglia
Thesis title: Intergenerational and Occupational Mobility
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 10/1/2017
Shivani Taneja
Shivani Taneja
Thesis title: Essays on Applied Economics
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 9/1/2015
Ericka Gabriela Rascon Ramirez
Ericka Gabriela Rascon Ramirez
Thesis title: The Role of Parents in Child Development and Adolescent Behaviour
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 22/10/2014
Emanuele Ciani
Emanuele Ciani
Thesis title: Essays in Family and Labour Economics
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 11/7/2013
Gerson Javier Perez Valbuena
Gerson Javier Perez Valbuena
Thesis title: Three Essays on Crime and Security Policies in Colombia's Recent History
Degree subject: Economics
Degree type: Doctor of Philosophy
Awarded date: 8/3/2012

Publications

Journal articles (61)

Corekcioglu, G., Francesconi, M. and Kunze, A., (2024). Expansions in paid parental leave and mothers’ economic progress. European Economic Review. 169, 104845-104845

Francesconi, M., Pollak, RA. and Tabasso, D., (2023). Unequal bequests. European Economic Review. 157, 104513-104513

Francesconi, M. and James, J., (2022). Alcohol Price Floors and Externalities: The Case of Fatal Road Crashes. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. 41 (4), 1118-1156

Ciani, E., Delavande, A., Etheridge, B. and Francesconi, M., (2022). Policy Uncertainty and Information Flows: Evidence from Pension Reform Expectations. The Economic Journal. 133 (649), 98-129

Cavapozzi, D., Francesconi, M. and Nicoletti, C., (2021). The Impact of Gender Role Norms on Mothers' Labor Supply. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization. 186, 113-134

Francesconi, M. and James, J., (2021). None for the Road? Stricter Drink Driving Laws and Road Accidents. Journal of Health Economics. 79, 102487-102487

Corekcioglu, G., Francesconi, M. and Kunze, A., (2020). Do generous parental leave policies help top female earners?. Oxford Review of Economic Policy. 36 (4), 882-902

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

Francesconi, M., Slonimczyk, F. and Yurko, A., (2019). Democratizing Access to Higher Education in Russia: The Consequences of the Unified State Exam Reform. European Economic Review. 117, 56-82

Francesconi, M. and James, J., (2019). Liquid Assets? The Short-Run Liabilities of Binge Drinking. The Economic Journal. 129 (621), 2090-2136

Parey, M. and Francesconi, M., (2018). Early Gender Gaps Among University Graduates. European Economic Review. 109 (C), 63-82

Cozzi, G., Francesconi, M., Lundberg, S., Mantovan, N. and Sauer, RM., (2018). Advancing the Economics of Gender: New Insights and a Roadmap for the Future. European Economic Review. 109, 1-8

Del Bono, E., Francesconi, M., Kelly, Y. and Sacker, A., (2016). Early Maternal Time Investment and Early Child Outcomes. The Economic Journal. 126 (596), F96-F135

Francesconi, M., Ghiglino, C. and Perry, M., (2016). An evolutionary theory of monogamy. Journal of Economic Theory. 166 (C), 605-628

Francesconi, M. and Heckman, JJ., (2016). Child Development and Parental Investment: Introduction. The Economic Journal. 126 (596), F1-F27

Francesconi, M., Rainer, H. and van der Klaauw, W., (2015). Unintended consequences of welfare reform for children with single parents: a theoretical analysis. Review of Economics of the Household. 13 (3), 709-733

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2013). THE EFFECT OF PARENTAL EMPLOYMENT ON CHILD SCHOOLING. Journal of Applied Econometrics. 28 (5), 796-822

Belot, M. and Francesconi, M., (2013). Dating Preferences and Meeting Opportunities in Mate Choice Decisions. Journal of Human Resources. 48 (2), 474-508

Del Bono, E., Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2012). Intrafamily Resource Allocations: A Dynamic Structural Model of Birth Weight. Journal of Labor Economics. 30 (3), 657-706

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., (2011). CONTROL RIGHTS IN COMPLEX PARTNERSHIPS. Journal of the European Economic Association. 9 (3), 551-589

Kelly, Y., Sacker, A., Del Bono, E., Francesconi, M. and Marmot, M., (2011). What role for the home learning environment and parenting in reducing the socioeconomic gradient in child development? Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 96 (9), 832-837

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

Francesconi, M., Sutherland, H. and Zantomio, F., (2011). A Comparison of Earnings Measures from Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Surveys: Evidence from the UK. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A: Statistics in Society. 174 (2), 297-326

Lenton, AP. and Francesconi, M., (2011). Too much of a good thing? Variety is confusing in mate choice. Biology Letters. 7 (4), 528-531

Francesconi, M., Aina, C. and Cappellari, L., (2011). Student performance may not improve when universities are choosier. Evaluation & Research in Education. 24 (4), 231-242

Kelly, Y., Sacker, A., Del Bono, E., Francesconi, M. and Marmot, M., (2011). What role for the home learning environment and parenting in reducing the socioeconomic gradient in child development? Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 96 (9), 827-831

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP. and Siedler, T., (2010). The effect of lone motherhood on the smoking behavior of young adults. Health Economics. 19 (11), 1377-1384

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP. and Siedler, T., (2010). Childhood family structure and schooling outcomes: evidence for Germany. Journal of Population Economics. 23 (3), 1073-1103

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP. and Siedler, T., (2010). The effect of lone motherhood on the smoking behavior of young adults. Health Economics. 19 (11), 1377-1384

Lenton, AP. and Francesconi, M., (2010). How Humans Cognitively Manage an Abundance of Mate Options. Psychological Science. 21 (4), 528-533

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP., Schimeta, Q. and Siedler, T., (2010). Scheidungskinder rauchen mehr. Wochenbericht. 77 (34), 2-7

Francesconi, M., Rainer, H. and Van Der Klaauw, W., (2009). The Effects of In‐Work Benefit Reform in Britain on Couples: Theory and Evidence. The Economic Journal. 119 (535), F66-F100

Brewer, M., Francesconi, M., Gregg, P. and Grogger, J., (2009). Feature: In‐work Benefit Reform in a Cross‐National Perspective ‐ Introduction. The Economic Journal. 119 (535), F1-F14

Francesconi, M., (2008). Adult Outcomes for Children of Teenage Mothers. The Scandinavian Journal of Economics. 110 (1), 93-117

Blundell, R., Brewer, M. and Francesconi, M., (2008). Job Changes and Hours Changes: Understanding the Path of Labor Supply Adjustment. Journal of Labor Economics. 26 (3), 421-453

Francesconi, M. and van der Klaauw, W., (2007). The Socioeconomic Consequences of “In-Work” Benefit Reform for British Lone Mothers. Journal of Human Resources. XLII (1), 1-31

Francesconi, M. and Nicoletti, C., (2006). Intergenerational mobility and sample selection in short panels. Journal of Applied Econometrics. 21 (8), 1265-1293

Ermisch, J., Francesconi, M. and Siedler, T., (2006). Intergenerational Mobility and Marital Sorting. The Economic Journal. 116 (513), 659-679

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP., Siedler, T. and Wagner, GG., (2006). Einfluss der Familienform auf den Schulerfolg von Kindern nicht nachweisbar. Wochenbericht. 73 (13), 165-169

Francesconi, M., (2005). An Evaluation of the Childhood Family Structure Measures from the Sixth Wave of the British Household Panel Survey. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A: Statistics in Society. 168 (3), 539-566

Francesconi, M. and Serrano, CG., (2004). Unions, Temporary Employment and Hours of Work: A Tale of Two Countries. 1

Bardasi, E. and Francesconi, M., (2004). The impact of atypical employment on individual wellbeing: evidence from a panel of British workers. Social Science & Medicine. 58 (9), 1671-1688

Brynin, M., (2004). The Material Returns to Partnership: The Effects of Educational Matching on Labour Market Outcomes and Gender Equality. European Sociological Review. 20 (4), 363-377

Ermisch, J., Francesconi, M. and Pevalin, DJ., (2004). Parental Partnership and Joblessness in Childhood and their Influence on Young People's Outcomes. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A: Statistics in Society. 167 (1), 69-101

Francesconi, M. and Garcia‐Serrano, C., (2004). Unions and Flexible Employment in Britain and Spain: A Descriptive Note. Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society. 43 (4), 874-882

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Zoega, G., (2003). Unions, work-related training, and wages: Evidence for British men. Industrial and Labor Relations Review. 57 (1), 68-91

Booth, AL., (2003). Union coverage and non-standard work in Britain. Oxford Economic Papers. 55 (3), 383-416

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Frank, J., (2003). A sticky floors model of promotion, pay, and gender. European Economic Review. 47 (2), 295-322

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Zoega, G., (2003). Unions, work-related training, and wages: Evidence for British men. Industrial and Labor Relations Review. 57 (1), 68-91

Francesconi, M., (2002). A Joint Dynamic Model of Fertility and Work of Married Women. Journal of Labor Economics. 20 (2), 336-380

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Frank, J., (2002). Temporary Jobs: Stepping Stones or Dead Ends?. The Economic Journal. 112 (480), F189-F213

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2001). Family Matters: Impacts of Family Background on Educational Attainments. Economica. 68 (270), 137-156

Francesconi, M., (2001). Determinants and Consequences of Promotions in Britain. Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics. 63 (3), 279-310

Ermisch, JF. and Francesconi, M., (2001). Family structure and children's achievements. Journal of Population Economics. 14 (2), 249-270

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2000). Cohabitation in Great Britain: Not for Long, but Here to Stay. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A: Statistics in Society. 163 (2), 153-171

Ermisch, J., (2000). The increasing complexity of family relationships: Lifetime experience of lone motherhood and stepfamilies in Great Britain. European Journal of Population/Revue européenne de Démographie. 16 (3), 235-249

Francesconi, M., (2000). Education and the natural rate of unemployment. Oxford Economic Papers. 52 (1), 204-223

Booth, AL. and Francesconi, M., (2000). Job mobility in 1990s Britain: Does gender matter?. Research in Labor Economics. 19, 173-189

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2000). Educational Choice, Families, and Young People's Earnings. The Journal of Human Resources. 35 (1), 143-143

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Garcia-Serrano, C., (1999). Job Tenure and Job Mobility in Britain. ILR Review. 53 (1), 43-70

Francesconi, M., (1999). Labour Force Transitions among Married Women in the USA. LABOUR. 13 (4), 775-796

Books (1)

Francesconi, M., (2002). La Valutazione delle Politiche per il Lavoro. Franco Angeli. 9788846435477

Book chapters (6)

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Zoega, G., (2006). New monopsony, institutions and training. In: Labour Market Adjustments in Europe. 6- 32

(2005). Globalization, Uncertainty and Youth in Society. In: Globalization, Uncertainty and Youth in Society. Editors: Blossfeld, H-P., Klijzing, E., Mills, M. and Kurz, K., . Routledge. 255- 284

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2004). Intergenerational mobility in Britain: new evidence from the British Household Panel Survey. In: Generational Income Mobility in North America and Europe. Cambridge University Press. 147- 189. 9780521827607

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2003). Family structure and children's achievements. In: Family, Household and Work. Editors: Zimmermann, KF. and Vogler, M., . Springer. 151- 172. 3-642-62439-1. 978-3-642-62439-1

Francesconi, M., (2003). Temporary Employment in Britain. In: A Researcher's Guide to the National Statistics Socio-economic Classification. Editors: Rose, D. and Pevalin, DJ., . SAGE Publications Ltd. 53- 64. 9780761973225

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (2000). Patterns of household and family formation. In: Seven Years in the Lives of British Families: Evidence on the Dynamics of Social Change from the British Household Panel Survey. Editors: Berthoud, R. and Gershuny, J., . Policy Press. 21- 44. 9781861342003

Reports and Papers (35)

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., An Economic Model of Child Custody

Belot, M. and Francesconi, M., Can Anyone Be “The” One? Evidence on Mate Selection from Speed Dating

Del Bono, E., Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., Intrafamily resource allocations: a dynamic model of birth weight

Francesconi, M. and Parey, M., (2018). Early Gender Gaps among University Graduates

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

Francesconi, M., Pollak, RA. and Tabasso, D., (2015). Unequal Bequests

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

B�heim, R., Francesconi, M. and Halla, M., (2012). Does Custody Law Affect Family Behavior In and Out of Marriage?

Blundell, R., Francesconi, M. and van der Klaauw, W., (2011). Anatomy of Welfare Reform Evaluation:Announcement and Implementation Effects

Francesconi, M. and Belot, M., (2011). Dating Preferences and Meeting Opportunities in Mate Choice Decisions

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., (2010). Control Rights in Complex Partnerships

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP. and Siedler, T., (2009). The Effect of Lone Motherhood on the Smoking Behaviour of Young Adults

Francesconi, M., Rainer, H. and Van Der Klaauw, W., (2008). Unintended Consequences of Welfare Reform: The Case of Divorced Parents

Francesconi, M., Rainer, H. and van der Klaauw, W., (2008). Unintended Consequences of Welfare Reform: The Case of Divorced Parents

Francesconi, M., (2007). Adult Outcomes for Children of Teenage Mothers

Francesconi, M., Rainer, H. and van der Klaauw, W., (2007). The Effects of In-Work Benefit Reform in Britain on Couples: Theory and Evidence

Francesconi, M., Rainer, H. and van der Klaauw, W., (2007). The Effects of In-Work Benefit Reform in Britain on Couples: Theory and Evidence

Blundell, R., Brewer, M. and Francesconi, M., (2007). Job Changes and Hours Changes: Understanding the Path of Labour Supply Adjustment

Belot, M. and Francesconi, M., (2006). Can Anyone be "The" One? Evidence on Mate Selection from Speed Dating

Belot, M. and Francesconi, M., (2006). Can Anyone be 'The One'? Evidence on Mate Selection from Speed Dating

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., (2006). Control Rights in Public-Private Partnerships

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., (2006). Control Rights in Public-Private Partnerships

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP. and Siedler, T., (2005). Childhood Family Structure and Schooling Outcomes: Evidence for Germany

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP. and Siedler, T., (2005). Childhood Family Structure and Schooling Outcomes: Evidence for Germany

Francesconi, M., Jenkins, SP. and Siedler, T., (2005). Childhood Family Structure and Schooling Outcomes: Evidence for Germany

Ermisch, J., Francesconi, M. and Siedler, T., (2004). Intergenerational Economic Mobility and Assortative Mating

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., (2003). An Economic Model of Child Custody

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., (2003). An Economic Model of Child Custody

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Frank, J., (2002). Labour as a Buffer: Do Temporary Workers Suffer?

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Frank, J., (2002). Temporary Jobs: Stepping Stones or Dead Ends?

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Frank, J., (2000). Temporary Jobs: Stepping Stones or Dead Ends?

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Zoega, G., (1999). Training, Rent-Sharing and Unions

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Frank, J., (1998). Glass Ceilings or Sticky Floors?

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., (1997). Family Matters

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Garcia-Serrano, C., (1997). Job Tenure: Does History Matter?

Scholarly Editions (26)

Francesconi, M., Rainer, H. and van der Klaauw, W., Unintended Consequences of Welfare Reform: The Case of Divorced Parents

Blundell, R., Francesconi, M. and van der Klaauw, W., Anatomy of Welfare Reform Evaluation: Announcement and Implementation Effects

Böheim, R., Francesconi, M. and Halla, M., Does Custody Law Affect Family Behavior In and Out of Marriage?

Francesconi, M., Ghiglino, C. and Perry, M., On the Origin of the Family

Francesconi, M. and van der Klaauw, W., The Consequences of ‘In-Work’ Benefit Reform in Britain: New Evidence from Panel Data

Bardasi, E. and Francesconi, M., The Effect of Non-Standard Employment on Mental Health in Britain

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., The Effect of Parents' Employment on Children's Educational Attainment

Ermisch, J. and Francesconi, M., Intergenerational Social Mobility and Assortative Mating in Britain

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

Francesconi, M. and Muthoo, A., Control Rights in Public-Private Partnerships

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Zoega, G., Oligopsony, Institutions and the Efficiency of General Training

Ermisch, J., Francesconi, M. and Siedler, T., Intergenerational Economic Mobility and Assortative Mating

Booth, AL., Francesconi, M. and Frank, J., Labour as a Buffer: Do Temporary Workers Suffer?

Francesconi, M. and Heckman, JJ., Symposium on Child Development and Parental Investment: Introduction

Francesconi, M. and James, J., The Cost of Binge Drinking

Böheim, R., Francesconi, M. and Halla, M., Does Custody Law Affect Family Behavior In and Out of Marriage?

Francesconi, M., Ghiglino, C. and Perry, M., On the Origin of the Family

Francesconi, M., Ghiglino, C. and Perry, M., On the Origin of the Family

Del Bono, E., Francesconi, M. and Best, NG., Health information and health outcomes: an application of the regression discontinuity design to the 1995 UK contraceptive pill scare case

del Bono, E., Ermisch, JF. and Francesconi, M., Intrafamily Resource Allocations: A Dynamic Model of Birth Weight

Slonimczyk, F., Francesconi, M. and Yurko, A., Moving On Up for High School Graduates in Russia: The Consequences of the Unified State Exam Reform

Francesconi, M. and James, J., The Cost of Binge Drinking

Francesconi, M. and Parey, M., Early Gender Gaps Among University Graduates

Del Bono, E., Francesconi, M. and Best, N., (2011). Health Information and Health Outcomes: An Application of the Regression Discontinuity Design to the 1995 UK Contraceptive Pill Scare Case

Blundell, R., Brewer, M. and Francesconi, M., (2005). Job changes, hours changes and labour market flexibility: panel data evidence for Britain

Blundell, R., Brewer, M. and Francesconi, M., (2005). Job changes, hours changes and the path of labour supply adjustment

Grants and funding

2020

Exploring the interplay of social and genetic factors influencing puberty timing

British Academy

2018

Exploring the interplay of social and genetic factors influencing puberty timing

British Academy

Exploring the interplay of social and genetic factors influencing puberty timing

British Academy

Contact

mfranc@essex.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1206 872765

Location:

5B.328, Colchester Campus

Academic support hours:

Tuesday, 11:00-12:00 Wednesday, 11:00-12:00 (or by appointment)