International briefing 20: training and development in Andorra

This briefing investigates the status of the educational system and, more specifically, of continuing training in companies in the Principality of Andorra. Part of this analysis is based on a field study designed to explore and understand both the current situation and the training needs of the main sectors within the Andorran economy. A proposal for continuing training is posed, with reference to best practice from different countries, in particular Spain and France, which share geographic borders with the principality.     

TESTING FOR PRO-POORNESS OF GROWTH, WITH AN APPLICATION TO MEXICO

This paper proposes techniques to test for whether growth has been pro-poor. We first review different definitions of pro-poorness and argue for the use of methods that can generate results that are robust over classes of pro-poor measures and ranges of poverty lines. We then provide statistical procedures that rely on the use of sample data to infer whether growth has been pro-poor in a population. We apply these procedures to Mexican household surveys for 1992, 1998, and 2004. We find strong normative and statistical evidence that Mexican growth has been absolutely anti-poor between 1992 and 1998, absolutely pro-poor between 1998 and 2004 and between 1992 and 2004, and relatively pro-poor between 1992 and 2004 and between 1998 and 2004. The relative assessment of the period between 1992 and 1998 is statistically too weak to lead to a robust evaluation of that period.     

TESTING FOR PRO-POORNESS OF GROWTH, WITH AN APPLICATION TO MEXICO

This paper proposes techniques to test for whether growth has been pro-poor. We first review different definitions of pro-poorness and argue for the use of methods that can generate results that are robust over classes of pro-poor measures and ranges of poverty lines. We then provide statistical procedures that rely on the use of sample data to infer whether growth has been pro-poor in a population. We apply these procedures to Mexican household surveys for 1992, 1998, and 2004. We find strong normative and statistical evidence that Mexican growth has been absolutely anti-poor between 1992 and 1998, absolutely pro-poor between 1998 and 2004 and between 1992 and 2004, and relatively pro-poor between 1992 and 2004 and between 1998 and 2004. The relative assessment of the period between 1992 and 1998 is statistically too weak to lead to a robust evaluation of that period.     

MAPPING OF AN IDIOSYNCRATIC SCHEMA*

Among researchers interested in organizations and management, some of those who use cognitive mapping share a common objective: to improve organizational action. Some intervene directly at the level of the organization while others prefer to achieve this indirectly, by working at the individual level. Nevertheless those who work at the individual level rely on the ‘emancipatory’properties of a cognitive map, which facilitates reflectiveness. After calling upon the notions of natural logic, schematization, contextuality, representation, knowledge and schema to characterize the cognitive map and its construction, we present a case, that of the idiosyncratic map of the owner-manager of a small business. We describe the mode of construction of the map and its content. A critical discussion follows underlining the traps to avoid, the elements to be improved and those that should be kept for construction of future idiosyncratic maps.     

When excessive cost savings measurement drowns the objectives

This paper presents the dynamics and complexity of implementing a cost savings measurement system in purchasing. It focuses on the technical and strategic aspects of the evolution of such a system in a renowned organisation. Few articles dealing with cost savings in purchasing use an empirical approach. Therefore, this research sheds light on significant issues, often neglected in the literature. Contributions to managers include lessons about the importance of overcoming the complexity of measurements, and recognising that it is easier to begin by measuring hard savings, followed by soft savings when the system is running well. Contributions to the scientific literature include the opportunity to follow the progression of a cost savings measurement system within an organisation, and a discussion about the limitations of such systems.