Inflation,price stops and price controls

It has been quite obvious for several years already that the attempts to achieve the aim of price stability are running into the greatest difficulties. While the rates of inflation are escalating in almost all countries, it is becoming increasingly clear at the same time that the authorities endeavouring to stabilise the level of prices are faced by problems of great complexity.     

Environmental evaluation of agri-environment schemes using participatory approaches: Experiences of testing the Agri-Environmental Footprint Index

The Agri-Environment Footprint Index (AFI) has been developed as a generic methodology to assess changes in the overall environmental impacts from agriculture at the farm level and to assist in the evaluation of European agri-environmental schemes (AES). The methodology is based on multi-criteria analysis (MCA) and involves stakeholder participation to provide a locally customised evaluation based on weighted environmental indicators. The methodology was subjected to a feasibility assessment in a series of case studies across the EU. The AFI approach was able to measure significant differences in environmental status between farms that participated in an AES and non-participants. Wider environmental concerns, beyond the scheme objectives, were also considered in some case studies and the benefits for identification of unintentional (and often beneficial) impacts of AESs are presented. The participatory approach to AES evaluation proved efficient in different environments and administrative contexts. The approach proved to be appropriate for environmental evaluation of complex agri-environment systems and can complement any evaluation conducted under the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The applicability of the AFI in routine monitoring of AES impacts and in providing feedback to improve policy design is discussed.     

Das Verhalten der EZB während der Finanzmarktkrise(n)

Der Lehman-Pleite im Herbst 2008 gingen bereits 2007 Turbulenzen am Geldmarkt voraus. Die EZB hat darauf und auf die immer wiederkehrende Panik an den Finanzm?rkten besonnen reagiert. Allerdings wird es schwieriger, die Entwicklungen einzusch?tzen, denn das Verhalten der Finanzm?rkte l?sst sich nicht mit der Effi cient Market Hypothesis erkl?ren. Inzwischen vertreten viele ?konomen die Auffassung, dass die Marktteilnehmer nicht rational handeln und die Transaktionen nicht effi zient abgewickelt werden.     

Free trade in Western Europe

Independently of the results of the Summit Conference in Paris it can be said that the entry of Great Britain, Ireland and Denmark into the EEC and the Free Trade Treaties between the enlarged Community and the remaining EFTA countries have decisively advanced the integration process in Western Europe.     

Sociomateriality at the royal court of IS: A jester's monologue

The notion of ‘sociomateriality’ has recently gained in popularity among information systems (IS) scholars in their search for providing new ways of investigating and theorizing about IS in organizations and society at large. While some scholars put forward arguments and research accounts that lead to new insights concerning the concept, others expose a cursory treatment and partial appreciation of the idea. In addition, sociomateriality as a new worldview has been criticized for introducing yet more academic jargon monoxide. Although existing research and debates show some potential for progressing the theorizing of ‘man–machine’ reconfigurations, we point to the necessity of a deeper exploration of the term. Inspired by the Alternative Genres Track at the European Conference on Information Systems 2012, the purpose here is to take a fresh look, to evoke new insights and to gain deeper understanding of the notion of sociomateriality and its use in the IS discipline. We invite the reader to attend a prolonged monologue – characterized by honesty, frank observations and wit – at the royal court of IS. The monologue is delivered by the court jester and directed to the two sovereigns who, based on their conceptual contributions, have played a decisive role in the spreading of the idea of sociomateriality in IS. The intention is to contribute with a stimulating debate about sociomateriality that builds on open-minded questions in the pursuit of key reflections to inform our research discipline. Throughout the monologue, the jester uncovers some contradictions and limitations in and between the sovereigns' writings and points to some possible resolutions.     

On the way to the next monetary crisis

The euphorla felt after the monetary decisions in Washington was Justified. A trade war on the international level had seemed to be in the offing and was avoided. With the Immediate threat thus averted, a lasting solution of all monetary problems however is still not in sight.     

Glücksforschung — Konsequenzen für die (Wirtschafts-)Politik

Die Glücksforschung hat sich mittlerweile als Bereich der Wirtschaftswissenschaften etabliert. Ihre Ergebnisse k?nnen zu wirtschaftspolitischen Empfehlungen beitragen, die sich auf die Bedeutung von Gesundheit und Bildung, aber auch auf ein gutes soziales Klima und eine weitreichende Teilhabe der Bürger beziehen.     

Die operative Umsetzung der Geldpolitik: Eurosystem, Fed und Bank of England

Bei der operativen Umsetzung der Geldpolitik hat es in den letzten Jahren einige ?nderungen gegeben. Welche Entwicklungen sind festzustellen? Welche geldpolitischen Instrumente stehen den Zentralbanken grunds?tzlich zur Verfügung? Was ist der zentrale geldpolitische Ansatzpunkt der EZB, des Fed und der Bank of England? Wie setzen diese Zentralbanken ihre Zinspolitik um?