Scoping river basin management issues with participatory modelling: The Baixo Guadiana experience

This paper details the design and implementation of a participatory modelling process in the Baixo Guadiana River Basin, in Portugal. A group of stakeholders was involved in a causal mapping exercise that lead to the development of a shared view of the problems, pressures and impacts characterizing the river basin. A simulation model was also developed to support experimentation with alternative management scenarios for the area. The paper looks critically at the evaluation of the participatory modelling outcomes, both at the individual and group levels, discussing the role of this approach in supporting the scoping stages of river basin planning and management processes. On the downside, the unstable group composition seems to have hindered the chances of producing a higher impact in the functioning of the group, and subsequently the capacity to sustain the level of collaboration required to achieve the strategic river basin objectives established during the participatory modelling process. The paper discusses the issue of group stability as well as some options to overcome the limitations of unstable participant groups. The strengths of participatory modelling, as underlined by the Baixo Guadiana experience, include the flexibility to adapt the method to different contexts and participatory designs and the capacity to structure the active involvement of stakeholders, providing an open and shared language for collaborative policy design, fostering learning and knowledge integration.     

Locating the competitive relation of global logistics hub using quantitative SWOT analytical method

Evaluating the competitive position of location develops global logistics hub (GLH) is a multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem and it is important for governor to implement suitable strategies appropriate its environment. SWOT analysis is very important in the process of strategic formulation. Under many conditions, the evaluative criteria (indicators) are mixed with quantitative/qualitative values and the values for qualitative criteria are often imprecisely defined for decision-makers. A quantified SWOT analytical method, that integrates the method of fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, was proposed to provide more detailed and quantified data for SWOT environmental analysis to assess the competitive relation for locations develop different types’ GLH in Pacific–Asian region. Integrating the concept of Grand Strategy Matrix (GSM), a suitable competing strategy could be suggested for location developing GLH in accordance with its competitive position.     

Cross-cultural differences in upward ratings in a multinational company

Differences between countries in the favourability of upward ratings were examined in a multinational corporation. Data were collected from 6,400 subordinates in ten countries. The results showed that the US and European countries were higher than Brazil and Asian countries on a number of items. A discriminant analysis revealed sets of items that maximally discriminated between groups of countries. The results were interpreted post hoc based on Hofstede's (1984) study of country differences in cultural values. Some results indicated changes in values since Hofstede's data were collected twenty years ago, while others indicated that values in some countries have not changed. The results have implications for calibrating upward feedback and evaluating the need for, and likely effectiveness of, interventions to guide how an organization is managed.     

Human resource practices and firm performance of multinational corporations: influences of country origin

Drawing from a cultural values perspective, we investigate the effects of country origins on HR (human resource) practices of firms from the United States, Great Britain, Japan and Hong Kong operating in Hong Kong. In general, results supported hypothesized differences in HR practices of firms from different countries. In addition, results indicated that HR practices, specifically structural training and development and retention-oriented compensation, were related to various measures of firm performance. Of further interest was the finding that country origin moderated relationships of HR practices with firm performance; in general, relationships of structural training and development and retention-oriented compensation were stronger for Hong Kong firms. Implications of the results are discussed.     

马克思劳动价值论的理论新解——对马克思劳动价值论的一点认识

在知识经济条件下,虽然生产中的具体情况发生了改更,只要生产的商品是以销定产,且用来交换,它所包含的劳动量能够得到承认和实现,该商品的个别价值就是社会价值;智能机器作为生产资料,只有在劳动过程中失掉存在于旧的使用价值形态中的价值,才能把旧价值转移到新形态的产品上,而不是创造新价值。     

欧盟研发框架计划项目的组织与管理

欧盟研发框架计划是欧盟主体科技计划。为提高科技资金的使用效率和科技质量,欧委会对项目制订了严格的组织管理办法。欧盟研发框架计划所有项目均实施合同管理,负责计划实施的机构与项目主持单位和个人签订资助协议,其内容涉及项目期限、资金拨付、报告制度以及相关法律等内容,还涉及费用、资金转移、成果使用和获取、成果扩散及产业化等条款。借鉴欧盟研发框架计划项目的管理制度和管理经验,我国在加强科技项目管理方面,应实行规范的合同管理,实施严格的报告制度,充分发挥项目主持人的作用。     

新兴古典视角:区域差距问题的再思考

本文重拾古典分工思想,在新兴古典经济学的分析框架下,对区域差距问题进行重新思考,提出区域经济发展差距源于不同区域间交易效率和分工水平差异的看法,认为交易效率的改进能够提高落后地区的专业化分工水平和总合生产力,有助于区域间经济发展差距的逐步缩小.     

Tobacco Business and Regulation in the Developing Markets

Abstract

This paper compares BAT's business environment in Kenya and Uganda in light of the World Health Organization's (WHO) tobacco control initiative. It also illustrates the use of tobacco tax by Sub-Saharan African countries to address tobacco related conundrums. The comparison revealed elements of government ambivalence towards tobacco business and a possible recourse to tobacco tax to mollify global pressure against big tobacco. The paper uses the partial correlations between tobacco tax and basic economic development indicators across Sub-Saharan Africa and previous World Bank data as indicative of tobacco tax efficacy in controlling consumption in the region. It suggests that Sub-Saharan Africa may find regionally designed tax-based policy guidelines a palatable strategic alternative to global firms (such as BAT) that face a hostile global business environment. A united policy front that fits within the region's institutions can reduce complexity and create efficiencies through lower administrative costs across the region. Such action will make the region relatively more attractive (than it is currently) to foreign investors.     

The Relationship Between Consumer Ethnocentrism and Human Values

Abstract

The study explores the relationship between human values and consumer ethnocentrism. Schwartz's (1992) framework of human values is used as the basis of the study. Hypotheses linking values and consumer ethnocentrism are developed and tested in samples of consumers drawn from Turkey and the Czech Republic respectively. Findings indicated that the values relationship to consumer ethno-centrism varies across the two countries surveyed. The study also confirmed that “conservation” types of values are positively related to consumer ethnocentrism. However, some of the hypotheses put forward are not empirically supported but they provide new avenues for future re-search.     

Changing the marketplace one behavior at a time: Perceived marketplace influence and sustainable consumption

This study introduces the construct of Perceived Marketplace Influence (PMI) and investigates its role in mediating the relationship between environmental concern and sustainable consumption behavior. A nationwide survey shows that Perceived Marketplace Influence plays an important role in mediating the relationship between concern and behavior, providing an explanation for prior inconsistencies in this relationship. Accordingly, Perceived Marketplace Influence plays a purposeful role in transforming environmental concern into behavior. This project extends previous research on the relationship between values, beliefs, and behavior by showing that one's perception of influence on the marketplace behavior of others significantly influences one's own marketplace behavior. Improved understanding of this relationship provides updated guidance to firms and policymakers for projecting and encouraging sustainable consumption behavior.