Beyond nudges: Tools of a choice architecture

The way a choice is presented influences what a decision-maker chooses. This paper outlines the tools available to choice architects, that is anyone who present people with choices. We divide these tools into two categories: those used in structuring the choice task and those used in describing the choice options. Tools for structuring the choice task address the idea of what to present to decision-makers, and tools for describing the choice options address the idea of how to present it. We discuss implementation issues in using choice architecture tools, including individual differences and errors in evaluation of choice outcomes. Finally, this paper presents a few applications that illustrate the positive effect choice architecture can have on real-world decisions.     

Should I guess?

Formula scoring, or the use of a correction (or penalty) for guessing, has been commonly practiced on standardized tests for almost 100 years. The correction deducts a portion of the question’s point value for an incorrect response, with no points awarded or deducted for an omitted response. The optimal response strategy is dependent on the student’s risk attitude and is thus difficult to identify and convey, as discussed. This study uses survey data to examine the advice that has been provided (often at some cost) to students facing a test with a correction. The impact of some of this advice as well as explanations for its persistence is discussed. In so doing, the study does provide support for the apparent ongoing abandonment of this scoring practice.     

An exploratory study on the returns management process in an online retailer

The returns management process is gaining increasing importance both in academia and among supply chain professionals, not only as a tool in the practice of sustainability, but also for its strategic role in many economic sectors. Several studies show how efficiently returns management can reduce costs and provide a competitive advantage to companies. Likewise, electronic commerce, or e-commerce, has shown significant growth in many countries and, due to its very nature, it presents much higher return rates than traditional trade. However, despite the importance of returns management operation for electronic commerce, few studies explore this theme in the literature. The aim of this paper is to describe the process of returns management of the largest online retailer of the Brazilian market, showing its evolution and analysing its performance, as well as identifying its main shortcomings. We conclude with suggestions for improvements and the implementation of a more efficient system.     

Teaching International Business as an Opportunity to Develop Cultural Sensitivity

Business program graduates are expected to perform with cultural sensitivity in international and intercultural professional environments. In order to support student development of the necessary mindset, a variety of assignments and activities have been integrated into the undergraduate International Business (IB) course. This article describes several types of exercises that can be used by anyone teaching this course or one where cultural sensitivity is an important component. No quantitative data are presented, nor are any claims made to the efficacy of these assignments. But student comments point to increased cultural sensitivity and a better understanding of the issues of globalization.     

欧洲渔业政策、社会科学研究：21世纪面临的挑战

本文为英国赫尔大学地理学院David Symes发表在Maine Policy2010年第34卷268—275页文章的中泽文。在扩展欧洲渔业政策的科学基础过程中,尽管生态系统方法和经济建模得到显著运用,社会科学对于政策有关的研究作用仍不甚明显。在有关体制结构和渔业管理理论的理解方面虽有进展,但对欧盟第六次研发与技术发展架构（2002～2006年）的分析指出,在多学科项目领域以外,社会科学的运用仍然不足。渔业社会科学的流散性和渔业政策明显缺乏社会目标的特点合理解释了社会科学难以运用到渔业政策的原因。CFP（共同渔业政策）改革预计将在2012年展开,包括中央和区域机构之间责任的重新分配,为跨学科和专业领域的政策相关研究提供更多的机会。为应对这一挑战,将需要在社会科学和跨自然和经济科学界限构建强大的网络建设。     

A comparative analysis of patients’ rights: an international perspective

Consumer rights are used as a framework comparing the patients’ rights of selected countries. Patients’ right documents of geographically dispersed countries, regional coalitions and international organizations were selected for analysis and comparison reflecting health and consumer policy. The content of patients’ rights policies, including populations addressed, basic consumer rights, dignity and privacy or confidentiality were analysed. The inclusion of consumer responsibilities and enforcement of patients’ rights was evaluated. Countries used comprehensive laws and charters to address patients’ rights. The consumer rights most often noted in the patients’ rights analysed were the rights to information, choice and redress. Five countries lacked inclusion of consumer responsibilities and the responsibility for enforcement. Suggestions for action on the part of family and consumer educators and scientists were offered.     

At the Nexus of Human Rights and Development: New Methods and Strategies of Global NGOs

The growing interaction of development and human rights, especially in the work of nongovernment organizations (NGOs), has important implications for NGOs, donor agencies and governments. Three trends––a rights-based approach to development, joint advocacy by human rights and development NGOs, and expanded attention to economic and social rights human rights groups––are the substance of the growing interaction. Human rights offer internationally recognized standards as benchmarks and bases for accountability of NGOs, governments, and corporations; a new source of influence for NGOs’ advocacy; and the first fundamental challenge to a market-dominated view of development that has prevailed since the 1980s. NGOs’ efforts to link human rights and development are examined to reveal both potential and limitations.