trade figures: set fair?

Are the trade figures set to improve? Nick Parsons of Union Discount argues that although the figures are likely to improve, a structural deficit is likely to remain.     

Nicaragua and the Dead Hand of Planning

Daniel Ortega (above), President of Nicaragua, attracted attention after the Sandanista take-over by declaring his intention to allow state and market to co-exist. But his increased emphasis on the role of the state has severely impaired the wealth-creating capacity of the attenuated private sector. Nick Elliott, Editor of The Moderate, surveys the damaging effects of Nicaraguan socialism.     

A Comparative Analysis of Developments in Industrial Democracy

The purpose of this article is to analyze recent developments in industrial democracy (worker participation in management) in a comparative perspective. To give the article focus, the period from the mid-1980s onward is selected for analysis, and four countries (United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and Australia) are targeted for systematic examination. Developments in both indirect and direct participation are explained on the basis of elements in the models that we present. Three particularly strong conclusions emerge. First, there are clearly a number of common forces that have affected developments in each country, but the precise forms of participation that have emerged vary in many key respects. Second, organizational changes at the level of the firm appear to be particularly important in the recent period. And finally, the very complex patterns that are observable reinforce our theoretical arguments of the importance of a complex multivariate approach.     

Bringing Ethical Investment to Account

As the ethical investment industry in Australia matures there is a need for greater scrutiny and understanding of the potential investor's personal beliefs, the investment products on offer and the processes by which the investment universe is determined. The recent introduction of regulation requiring additional information in product disclosure statements is a step in the right direction. However, further disclosure by funds and public exposure is necessary to create a transparent and accountable investment industry.     

Environmental responsibility in SMEs: does it deliver competitive advantage?

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can gain a competitive advantage and create sustainable business by adopting environmental good practices. However, the perceptions of SMEs and their approach to environmental improvements suggest that there are some fundamental misunderstandings and difficulties in achieving this in practice. A questionnaire‐based study of SMEs and their responses to the current requirements of environmental good practice was carried out in South Yorkshire. Follow‐up interviews and factory visits were also carried out. The study aimed to assess the ability of SMEs to create a competitive advantage by adopting environmental good practice and making environmental improvements to their business. The main findings were that most organizations surveyed believed environmental issues to be issues affecting their business. However, the meeting of these requirements was seen as a cost that was not transferable to customers in terms of added benefits and few organizations could show that it led to a competitive advantage. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.     

Soviet agriculture and US-Soviet grain agreement

In August the Soviet government agreed to the second one-year extension of the US-USSR grain agreement, which has regulated grain trade between the two countries since 1976. Although a net exporter of grain for the best part of this century, the USSR has become increasingly dependent on imports since the beginning of the seventies. What are the reasons for this? What should the US be looking for when a new, long-term agreement is negotiated?