bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a standard test method for evaluating conductive anodic filament (CAF) growth failure in PCBs
Authors: Navarro Clarissa
Published: July 2002

Increasing board densities, decreasing spacing between holes and features and the growing requirement for printed circuit boards to perform in high temperature/high humidity environments have led to renewed concerns about possible reliability problems caused by the growth of Conductive Anodic Filaments (CAF). To date, there has been a lack of information on standardized test procedures and failure analysis methods for various types of prepregs and laminates.This paper introduces a standard test vehicle design and discusses suitable testing, failure analysis and board manufacturing methods. It also includes the requirements for CAF resistance and there is a discussion of material benchmarking tests with some preliminary results from this testing. These methods should be applicable to boards used in all market segments, including high density interconnect, and automotive applications.
Beef taboo in Chinese society
Authors: Lai Cheng‐chung
Published: July 2002

Beef taboo was generally obeyed among Chinese but it is no longer significant in today’s Taiwan where large amounts of beef are imported from Australia and United States. So is the beef taboo in Chinese society culturally binding? Argues that the rise of this taboo was mainly a result of food constraint, and its fall is a result of food abundance. A notion of “rice/beef competition for land” is advanced to explain this mechanism.
Telecommunications and economic growth
Authors: Madden Gary , Savage Scott J.
Published: July 2002

In an emerging global economy the ability of the telecommunications sector to provide an internationally competitive network for transferring information has significant implications for trade and economic growth. Because of recent large world‐wide investments in telecommunications infrastructure, quantifying the impact of telecommunications in economic growth has received much attention. However, economic analysts, in the absence of investment data for many developing countries, adopt the International Telecommunications (ITU) practice of using main telephone lines to measure the stock of telecommunications capital. The accuracy of this proxy has not been subject to careful statistical scrutiny. This study develops a supply‐side growth model which employs teledensity and the share of telecommunications investment in national income as telecommunications capital proxies. Estimation results suggest a significant positive cross‐country relationship between telecommunications capital and economic growth, when using alternative measures of telecommunications capital.
Labor rights and labor power and welfare maximization in a market economy ‐ Revising the conventional wisdom
Authors: Altman Morris
Published: July 2002

Standard neoclassical theory argues that an economy is negatively affected by increased labor rights and power since it is assumed that economic agents are always x‐efficient; performing at the height of efficiency. However, a behavioral model of the firm suggests that more rights and power, with its positive impact on labor standards, need not produce the deleterious results predicted by conventional economic wisdom, due to their productivity‐efficiency enhancing impact on the firm. This suggests that we should not assess the impact of enhanced labor power and control in terms of a zero sum game. It is possible to have both equilibrium improvements in working conditions and economic prosperity, with the former contributing to the latter.
Chinese cultural values and the Asian meltdown
Authors: Ward Steven , Pearson Cecil , Entrekin Lanny
Published: July 2002

Despite the continuing interest in a concern for relationships between culture, management values and economic activity, there is a lack of empirical evidence about these relationships during the unprecedented economic transformations in Asian nations in the 1990s. This study evaluated variations in values that tapped concerns fundamental to the Chinese world view during the period of the Asian financial crisis of 1997. Data were provided by ethnic Chinese managers from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore prior to and after the meltdown. The study findings demonstrate a number of the values changed significantly, which questions assumptions of the longevity of these values, which were identified in earlier periods of relative economic stability. These findings suggest the emergence of distinct managerial styles in each country, rather than the continuance of more common “Asian” or a Chinese way of doing business.
Communist Prefiguration: The Munster Anabaptists
Authors: O′Neil Daniel J.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on a sixteenth‐century religious movement that bears a striking
resemblance to nineteenth‐twentieth century communism. Before securing
power the movement presented itself as a peaceful, humanistic
denomination that advocated egalitarianism, congregationalism, and
self‐help. It rejected the institutionalization of both church and
state. Securing power the Anabaptists established a totalitarian regime
that exceeded its adversaries in regimentation and coercion. They
totally restructured the economic system with “communism” and the
traditional family system with polygamy. Demonstrates simi‐larity
between Anabaptism and contemporary communism in the original
recruitment pattern, the leadership configuration, the basic ideological
development, the employment of coercion, the control of history, the
reform measures, and the ultimate ramifications. The implication is that
the communist principle may be endemic to the human condition and may
reappear in a different form in the future.
On “small” privatization in the Russian Federation
(1992 to first quarter of 1993)
Authors: Raiklin Ernest
Published: July 2002

Discusses the privatization of state enterprises in the Russian
Federation since 1992. The enterprises scheduled to be sold to the
public were to be small by volume of activities and included those
producing and distributing consumer goods and services. This was called
“small” privatization. Figure show Figure this process has
been very slow and only certain branches of state property have been
bought. Sales have been through auctions rather than conversion to
joint‐stock companies.
Fact and fiction: wage levels and the (re)location of production
Authors: Manders A.J.C.
Published: July 2002

Argues that the influence of developments in production technology
and process innovation on the selection of the location of production
has markedly increased and, as a consequence of this, the role of wage
levels has diminished, in spite of the fact that many of the top
managers of European enterprises stubbornly continue to maintain that
the opposite is true. On the one hand challenges the statement that wage
levels in The Netherlands are too high compared with other European
countries and on the other hand (and more important) argues that the
role of wage levels has diminished in the discussion of how to increase
European employment. To illustrate the shift in industrial strategy, the
actual (re)location behaviour of a large Dutch electronics concern,
namely Philips Electronics, can be given. By examining this
corporation′s behaviour side‐by‐side with the developments in production
technology, demonstrates that, while wage costs played a significant
role in determining the location policy in large‐scale enterprises in
the 1960s and 1970s, the importance of this factor since the 1980s has
diminished. Casts a different light on the constantly reiterated
admonitions by European managers (and economists) that high wage levels
in Europe will lead to the emigration of enterprises to low‐wage
countries with disastrous consequences for the European levels of
(un)employment.
Towards a socio‐economic framework on technological change
Authors: Stein Johan R.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on a central phenomenon of industrialized societies, i.e.
technological change. Synthesizes mechanisms which have an effect on
processes of technological change into three interrelated perspectives:
economic, political and cultural. Applies this interdisciplinary
approach in order to capture the manifold natures and the complexity of
mechanisms involved. Claims that structural tensions across time and
context can both enable and constrain processes of technological change.
Japan′s Shinjinrui: the new breed
Authors: Herbig Paul A. , Borstorff Pat
Published: July 2002

The Shinjinrui are those Japanese who came of age during the 1970s and afterwards. They have had little or no experience with the postwar traumas their parents encountered. Quite the contrary, they have experienced only awareness of Japan as a rich country, success and the easy life. For this generation, hard work, devotion of oneself to the company and country, and the sacrifice of the present for the future are alien concepts. They have travelled abroad and seen other lifestyles, especially American, and they want to live the good life. This generation will be the Japanese leaders of the twenty‐first century. The changes they bring and the demographics of the Japanese society indicate a far different Japan for the twenty‐first century from that which exists today. Examines the Shinjinrui, who they are, why they are the way they are, the resulting social implications for Japan the Shinjinrui will cause, and their effect on the country′s future international competitiveness.
Twentieth century Europe′s moral penury
Authors: Conway O′Brien John
Published: July 2002

Puts forward the view that the atrocities committed in the
twentieth century, particularly in Germany and the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics, were due to widespread acceptance of the Stoic
doctrine that man was the measure of all things, a doctrine made popular
by scholars of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Discusses the move
from belief in original sin, a Supreme Being and the imperfection of man
to man as essentially good and self‐perfectible, directed by his own
reason. Highlights the effects of Communism and National Socialism and
the rejection of traditional morality in favour of secular humanism.
Concludes that this move led to the worst atrocities known to man.
Advocates a return to the law of nature, a code of morality and the
“moral compass” of religion which has perdured the test of
time.
Legal cartels and social contracts
Authors: Mixon Franklin G.
Published: July 2002

A cartel is a group of oligopolistic firms that agree to act collectively as a monopolist in some industry or economic enterprise. Discusses the social contract of the Southwest Conference (a legal cartel) using some of the principles of constitutional economics. Viewed from a contractarian framework (following Sobel and Holcombe), the Southwest Conference represent an inter‐university constitution or social contract, whose successes and failures are analysed with graphic models and historical evidence.
Ecology, environment and resources: contributions of an economist
Authors: Sinden J.A.
Published: July 2002

Professor Clem Tisdell has written widely on the application of economics to resolve ecological, environmental and resource problems. Reviews a selection of his papers to identify how, and how well, an economist can contribute to these problems. Those who read Tisdell’s papers are rewarded by discovering the wide range of ways in which economic principles can be applied, and trade‐offs can be identified. Those who read his papers also gain useful insights into the many roles of an academic economist, and the many useful contributions of one economist in particular.
Estimating environmental health benefits: implications for social decision making
Authors: Hall Jane V.
Published: July 2002

Discusses the measurement and conceptual difficulties of assessing the benefits of environmental improvements in monetary terms, in the context of a study undertaken to evaluate the health‐related benefits of improved air quality in a large, diverse urban population. Describes an interdisciplinary approach methodology to assess health benefits and uses the results from a study based on that approach to illustrate the practical and conceptual difficulties of comprehensively assessing such benefits. Ends with a discussion of the implications of these difficulties for using benefit‐cost analysis in deciding public policy for health‐related environmental improvements, particularly in the case of complex atmospheric changes.
Socio‐economic reforms in China’s rural health sector: Economic behaviour and incentives of village doctors
Authors: Jackson Sukhan , Xili Liu , Jinduo Song
Published: July 2002

The post‐1978 micro‐economic reforms have dismantled China’s community‐funded rural health system, relying on paramedics called “barefoot doctors”. Examines the economic behaviour and incentives of village doctors (formerly “barefoot doctors”) as a response to a deregulated market and the private sector in the 1990s. The investigation of 519 village doctors showed that the occupation was male‐dominated. There was minimal labour mobility ‐ 86 per cent worked in the same village; 87 per cent were allocated land, but the majority spent 25 per cent or less of working hours on farming. Suggests that they should provide free patient services, and income should come from payment for medicine. In practice, monopolistic market situations enabled many to charge fees. To maximize income, 41 per cent of western medicine practitioners also sold Chinese medicinal herbs in competition with Chinese medicine practitioners. However, village doctors wanted more regulations on entry to the occupation and looked to government intervention to solve problems. Concludes with some policy implications drawing on the pursuit of private interests by village doctors.
Public participation and risk taking: a case study of farm households
Authors: Collins Neil , Mack Nicholas
Published: July 2002

Participation in politics or the public domain has often been linked to material benefits. Looks at farm households in Ireland and concludes that those which are the most exposed to economic risks participate more in the public domain. Those most active in the agricultural debate are those whose business interests are the most vulnerable to changes in the political and economic environment surrounding farming.
Transformation process and the J‐curve problem
Authors: Wagner Helmut
Published: July 2002

Notes that most of the reforms in Eastern European countries have been piecemeal and have not constituted a comprehensive programme. Describes what a comprehensive programme consists of, why a J‐curve in output and employment arises and what consequences it has. Discusses the possibilities and limitations of external help to avoid a structural extension of this J‐curve problem. Notes that a comprehensive transformation programme includes institutional innovations as well as monetary disinflation policy, which produces recessionary J‐curve‐like output and employment costs. Also that effects of anticipatory recessions, based on anticipated future expenditures of western countries for rebuilding eastern economies (or for preventing economic decline and political disorder), may arise.
On “relational goods”: strategic implications of investment in relationships
Authors: Gui Benedetto
Published: July 2002

Discusses the concept of “relational goods”, defined as intangible capital assets that inhere in enduring interpersonal relationships and provide both intrinsic and instrumental benefits. They are local public goods that are formed or maintained through non‐contractible, co‐ordinated actions. Presents a simple model of investment in exogenously formed two‐person relationships and discusses the model under different assumptions as to agents’ homogeneity, pair formation and type observability. Discusses the possibility of endogenous type change and interprets it in terms of the evolution of cultural attitudes towards such a peculiar and fragile asset, as are relationships.
Bottom‐up transformation: prerequisites, scope and impediments
Authors: Brezinski Horst , Fritsch Michael
Published: July 2002

Looks at problems and experiences of the so‐called “bottom‐up” transformation of the post‐socialist countries of Eastern Europe. Bottom‐ up transformation stands for the change of economic structures by means of new enterprises and already existing private firms. Discusses the experiences with the performance of small and new firms in the countries of the West, the potential role of small firms in post‐socialist countries as well as the prerequisites and impediments to the establishment of an economically strong small‐firm sector. Based on information on the development of the small‐firm sector in post‐socialist countries during the past years, analyses the relationship between private‐sector share and economic performance. Draws conclusions concerning implications for the future economic policy, the main conclusion being that bottom‐up transformation may be the only viable way for post‐socialist countries of Eastern Europe to transform but this way requires thorough support by government policy.
Subsidizing government hospital services
Authors: Khoman Sirilaksana
Published: July 2002

Governments in developed and developing countries alike typically subsidize social services such as health and education, partly in recognition of the broad social benefits that are generated, and partly to serve broad equity goals. Governments often provide such services themselves, or at least play a major role in provision, and subsidy is often effected by setting prices at government facilities at levels that are considered affordable by the poor. The extent to which redistribution is achieved, however, depends on how well proper targeting is accomplished. Uses a number of public hospitals in Thailand to explore the pricing of hospital services and its effect on provider and user behaviour. A survey of hospital users helps to identify the beneficiaries of the current system. Calculates the degree of cost recovery for each hospital department public facilities and estimates user responses to price and income changes. Compares costs, fees and actual payments to provide an indication of the extent of subsidy and the degree of cost recovery from different groups of patients. Finds that although public hospitals appear to be the only place affordable by the lowest income groups, they also serve middle to high income users as well. Argues that targeting can be improved. Also finds that hospitals charge only about 52‐58 per cent of cost for out‐patients, and 62‐66 per cent of cost for inpatients. In addition, among those who finance their own health care expenses, actual payment varies from 20 to 90 per cent of charges. As for the extent of subsidy, an out‐patient in the North receives an 88 per cent subsidy as in‐patients receive an even higher subsidy of 94 per cent. There is also some evidence that the extent of subsidy is high for the higher income groups. While welfare programmes appreciably benefit the lowest income groups, this is not exclusively so, and many beneficiaries fall into the medium and even high income categories. Government officials, most of whom are classified in the middle to high income groups, turn out to be most heavily subsidized through the civil service reimbursement of medical expenses. On the whole the estimated demand elasticities show that the demand for in‐patient and outpatient care is in general not sensitive to changes in price, money income, or total household income. Recommends further investigation into the possibility of greater selective reliance on user fees, with built‐in safeguards and better targeting of public services to protect the disadvantaged groups. Specifically recommends a closer alignment of user fees with the costs for services utilized by higher income groups (such as private rooms), with provision for continued subsidization of low income groups. Targeting would thus be improved.
Why China has done better than Russia since 1989
Authors: Bucknall Kevin B.
Published: July 2002

Looks briefly at where China has done better than the Russian Federation in the process of transition from a centrally planned to a market economy. Examines various possible reasons for the different degree of success, drawn from such disciplines as economics, political science, international relations and history, as well the administration and processes adopted, and the cultures involved. Finally, considers a cross‐discipline explanation. Concludes that it is neither possible nor desirable to seek a single explanation for such a complex question. Draws some tentative conclusions about what we can learn from the experiences of both.
Pawnshop as an instrument of microenterprise credit in Malaysia
Authors: Ghafar Ismail Abdul , Zakiah Ahmad Nor
Published: July 2002

Reports that poverty alleviation is a particular developmental focus in Malaysian plans. Reveals that for this to be attained microenterprises are encouraged, and that the financing of microenterprises by means of pawnshop loans in small amounts and with low risk is a popular one among the marginal groups. Examines the efficacy of this instrument of microenterprise financing.
Agrarian change and social transformation among the Mizo (the tribal State in North‐East India)
Authors: Thangchungmunga
Published: July 2002

Reports the upheavals occurring in Mizo society as it moves from being agrarian based to being a monetised, capitalist economy. Claims that a great deal of poverty has been caused by the change from the tradition of communal ownership of relatively abundant land to the individual right to land ownership, brought about by the 1955 Agricultural Land Act. As a consequence, title rights to much of the easily accessible, fertile land has come under the permanent possession of an élite, so forcing the tribal communities into villages and towns. Despite the massive efforts of the government to develop the rural areas, a centrally controlled, unresponsive and inflexible administration that is preoccupied with status, has wasted much of its energy and effort on bureaucratic procedures rather than development. Concludes that the present trend of social change indicates that the tribal communities are heading towards acute social stratification and that the society requires an institutional hierarchy which is responsive to its needs if it is to be safeguarded.
Information economics: research strategies
Authors: Lamberton Don
Published: July 2002

Reviews past and present research into the role of information as a public good and states that progress in thinking has not kept pace with events that led theNew York Timesto label the 1980s as “when information accelerated”. Argues that a new perspective on the role of information in the changing extent and pattern of economic growth might be achieved by combining several elements from recent analytical efforts including information as a factor of production, a taxonomy of information, and a broader conceptualization of infrastructure so that it includes institutions and has a focus on competence, both individual and in the learning organization. Warns of a resurgence of Luddism, fuelled by unemployment, in the form of an anti‐change stance which questions whether so much growing inequality is needed to achieve the magical productivity said to give everyone bigger incomes and a better life.
Evaluation of tourism and tourist resources in China
Authors: Wen Jie
Published: July 2002

The evaluation of both tourism and tourist resources in China remains problematic. On the macro‐level, only the positive contributions of tourism have been evaluated, ignoring the aspects of disparities between the east coast and the inland area, inbound tourism and domestic tourism, nature‐based and city‐based tourism, positive and negative effects from tourism and so on. On the micro‐ and site‐ specific level, tourist resources characterised by non‐marketable and non‐use values are not properly evaluated, exposing these fragile resources to the plight of exploitation. Commercialisation of tourist resources, including natural environment and ethnic cultures, threatens further development of tourism in China. The limited applicability of the travel cost and the contingent valuation method in measuring the value of recreation sites in China is discussed.
Issues in resource conservation and sustainable development: Indian situation
Authors: Roy K.C.
Published: July 2002

Higher economic growth is necessary to reduce the level of poverty and improve the living standard of population. But higher economic growth requires greater use of natural resources and environment which in turn leads to their degradation and eventual decay. Increased population pressure on natural resources also contributes to their degradation. Hence, higher growth may not necessarily lead to sustainable development unless it is accompanied by environmental protection. An efficient demand management policy by emphasizing conservation and prudent use of environment can also increase the supply of reserves. One alternative is to attempt to conserve resources via community management of such resources. But community management cannot succeed in absence of appropriate property rights of the community and of women and appropriate institutions to enforce such rights. These in turn require the presence of an activist developmental state which can engage in a participatory system of environmental conservation and management.
On the social value of biological control of weeds
Authors: Auld Bruce A.
Published: July 2002

Weeds are any plants growing where they are not wanted. Their most profound effect is in reducing agricultural production. Chemical weed control is the most common method of attacking weeds. However there are several disadvantages in using herbicides including non‐target damage and environmental contamination. Biological weed control using natural enemies of weeds, insects or microorganisms, offers several advantages over chemical and mechanical control of weeds. The use of exotic organisms, usually insects, which reproduce and spread of their own accord (“classical biocontrol”) and the use of endemic organisms applied in high numbers (“inundative biocontrol”), usually fungi (“mycoherbicides” or “bioherbicides”), is discussed.
Zero prices, equity and natural areas
Authors: Cullen Ross
Published: July 2002

A policy of zero prices for entry to publicly provided parks and reserves treats people equally, but does not result in equitable outcomes. Entry to New Zealand parks and reserves is free, but usage of these areas is only weakly influenced by zero entry price. Travel costs and incomes are major determinants of usage of natural areas. All citizens of a country may receive benefits from the existence of parks and reserves, and the option to visit those areas. But visitors receive disproportionately more benefits than do non‐visitors, and can legitimately be asked to meet a greater share of the costs of these areas. Equity arguments do not provide a convincing basis for continuing with zero prices to users. Recent legislation recognises this argument and will push regional governments to identify beneficiaries of Regional Parks, and levy charges which ensure users meet a greater share of the costs of Regional Parks. Given the weakness of the equity case, alternative explanation must be sought for continued zero entry prices.
Methodological individualism, economic behaviour and economic policy
Authors: Papanikos Gregory T.
Published: July 2002

This paper examines Hayek’s version of methodological individualism in relation to individual economic actions and economic effectiveness (social actions). According to this approach, economic and social order is determined by the myriad atomistic actions that are the result of individual planning taking into consideration the idiosyncratic nature of knowledge. Economic policy is a form of social planning which is not only ineffective but also has cataclysmic long‐lasting effects, creating a disorder in the market system. Two arguments are made in this study. First, methodological individualism should be considered and be accepted as a serous attempt to explain atomistic (economic) behaviour as purposeful actions constrained by scarce resources and limited knowledge. Second, Hayek’s strong version of methodological individualism is very simplistic as it is applied to economic policy issues, contradicting his argument in support of a methodological dualism.
Frédéric Le Play: a forefather of social economics
Authors: Forni Floreal H. , Freytes Frey Ada , Quaranta Germán
Published: July 2002

Presents Frédéric Le Play ‐ French author who lived in the nineteenth century ‐ as a precursor of social economics. In the first place, characterizes this perspective, which is critical of the classical theory. Analyses some of its postulates and reviews some examples of authors and schools sharing this approach. Situates Le Play’s thought in the context of the philosophical traditions of his epoch. Describes the elements in his works which are typical of the social economics currents: the examination of the relationships between economic and social phenomena; the introduction of institutional elements in the economic analysis; the rejection of the market’s “invisible hand” as a mechanism able to generate wellbeing for the entire society; the influence of traditional values and customs in the economic behaviour; and the inductive logic of his methodology. Discusses the suitability of Le Play’s ideas for the present time.
Christianity, John Paul II and the future of work
Authors: Wisman Jon D.
Published: July 2002

Although the Catholic Church has rarely throughout its long history taken stances on socio‐economic issues that might be characterized as socially progressive, its view of work has constituted a notable exception. Its early view not only granted work dignity, but also reinforced an attitude of the fundamental equality of all humans. Most recently, John Paul II’s view of work constitutes one of the most progressive stances on socio‐economic questions ever taken by a pope. This essay describes and assesses the progressive character of Christianity’s attitude toward work. To limit scope, and because the “Protestant work ethic” has been so extensively covered, the focus is on the Catholic tradition. The first section traces the evolution of this view within the context of other traditional views. A second section examines the special contribution of John Paul II. A final section provides a critical assessment of these views in terms of our contemporary self‐understanding.
Papal pronouncements on labor unions and workplace democracy
Authors: Gruenberg Gladys W.
Published: July 2002

The author traces over a century of Catholic social teaching from Leo XIII to John Paul II, emphasizing in particular workplace democracy and labor unions. Until John Paul II, Gruenberg argues, the Church’s teaching on labor organizations was deliberately ambiguous. Leo XIII had the greatest problem because of the extreme diversity among union movements throughout the industrialized world and the drive of Marxism to take the lead in solving workers’ problems. Pius XI saw the Great Depression as a sign that Marx might be right, and did his best to offer an alternative in the form of worker cooperatives and union‐management co‐determination. However, John Paul II stated unequivocally that labor unions are “indispensable” for workplace justice, and collective bargaining is just another name for workplace democracy. Unions are seen by John Paul II as the democratic institutions that form a bulwark against the abuse of workers at the hands of either the employer or the state. A detailed reading list is attached.
Justice and international development from Mater et Magistra to Centesimus Annus
Authors: Thanawala Kishor
Published: July 2002

To understand John Paul II’s vision of the social economy, it is important to put his writings in a historical perspective. This essay offers a brief survey of Catholic social thought on the topic of justice in the context of international development as reflected in several of the important publications from the Vatican during the years 1961‐1991. We have included the views of Pope John XXIII in encyclicals Mater et Magistra and Pacem in Terris, of the Second Vatican Council in Gaudium et Species, Pope Paul VI in Populorum Progressio and Octogesima Adveniens and of Pope John Paul II in the encyclicals Laborem Exercens, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis and Centesimus Annus.
A systems approach to education in the secondary sector
Authors: Richardson Neil
Published: July 2002

The soft systems approach developed by Professor Peter Checkland and colleagues during more than 25 years is introduced here as a means of enquiry into organizational problems. Recursive and engineering participation, the methodology’s philosophy of trial‐and‐error learning, proposes logical models of viewpoints thought likely to clarify complex issues. Like earlier scientific approaches to problem solving, the models should be subjected to tough criticism, though any model is never an attempt to imitate part of the world (in scientific style) but merely to organize quality discussion.
The problem of social cost: the role of the state
Authors: Gillman Max
Published: July 2002

This essay presents a theory of the State as derived from the writings of Coase, Stigler, and Smith. It argues that the state may find a role in (1) lowering the level of transactions costs; and (2) redistributing property rights given the level of non‐zero transactions costs. These tenets suggest an explanation for the secular growth of government. Also, alternative to the Marshallian theory of differing marginal utilities of a dollar of income, the essay offers a more general theory of redistribution in a way consistent with Coase’s (1992) concept of a transactions‐cost‐based, more general, price theory.
The new traditional economy
Authors: Rosser Marina V. , Barkley Rosser J. , Kramer Kirby L.
Published: July 2002

This paper argues that a new economic system is emerging in the world economy, that of the new traditional economy. Such an economic system simultaneously seeks to have economic decision making embedded within a traditional socio‐cultural framework, most frequently one associated with a traditional religion, while at the same time seeking to use modern technology and to be integrated into the modern world economy to some degree. The efforts to achieve such a system are reviewed in various parts of the world, with greater analysis of the Islamic and neo‐Confucian economic systems.
Community service obligations and their implications
Authors: Cook Averil
Published: July 2002

In Australia, Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) are in the process of review so that they may eventually be run on commercial lines in a competitive environment. Some of the services that are provided, particularly by the monopolistic utilities, are non‐commercial but are required under various governments’ social policies. The GBEs that can identify and cost these community service obligations can be recompensed from the budget. The problems and benefits of the identification, costing and funding processes are discussed as well as some concerns raised by the corporatisation process.
Remittances in the South Pacific
Authors: Brown Richard P.C. , Ahlburg Dennis A.
Published: July 2002

For more than a quarter of a century there has been substantial emigration from the smaller island states of the Pacific to metropolitan fringe states, mainly the USA, New Zealand and Australia. Migration reduced unemployment in island states and remittances have contributed to raised living standards. This paper provides a better understanding of the implications of remittances for economic and social development in the Pacific region. It discusses alternative explanations of remittances, estimates of the size of remittance flows, the impact of remittances on the home country, and policies that influence the flow of remittances. Much of the empirical work in this paper is based on Tonga and Samoa, although the findings apply more generally to other Pacific island nations.
Deforestation mechanisms: a survey
Authors: Wibowo Dradjad H. , Byron R. Neil
Published: July 2002

Tropical deforestation continues at a very alarming rate. Certain forms of deforestation are economically desirable, but economic criteria alone are not sufficient for deciding whether a deforestation project is desirable. Previous studies on deforestation mechanisms are grouped into four general categories, i.e. Neo‐Malthusian, government‐failure, microeconomic and macroeconomic approaches. The Neo‐Malthusian approach sees population pressure as the underlying cause of tropical deforestation. The government‐failure approach looks at misdirected policies that result in unintended deforestation and government’s inability to preclude preventable deforestation. The microeconomic approach examines how, under various forms of market failure, an agent’s economic behaviours can lead to deforestation. The macroeconomic approach explores the possible links between debt and deforestation. We also present micro‐level evidence of a case where deforestation can be associated with farmers’ capital accumulation behaviour, and poverty is a deterrent to, not a cause of, deforestation.
Full social cost pricing in the energy sector
Authors: Lawrey Roger
Published: July 2002

The recent interconnection and trade of electricity between NSW and Victoria is likely to exacerbate any misallocation of resources due to inefficient pricing. The aim of this article is to investigate the likely divergence between electricity generation costs using current market prices of coal and natural gas, and those when coal and natural gas are priced efficiently. To do so, the paper applies the concept of full social cost pricing to five different generation technologies in the two states. It concludes that the current movement to privatisation and interconnection in the electricity sector, while it may promote pricing closer to marginal private costs, will not result in efficient outcomes in the presence of external costs and the different tax regimes which currently apply to each generation fuel and in each state.
Essentialism and epochalism within the context of Irish state‐building
Authors: O’Neil Daniel J.
Published: July 2002

This article explores the hypothesis of Clifford Geertz concerning the importance of essentialism (culture) and epochalism (economics) in the creation of new states. It focuses on the Irish state‐building process, examining the thought of the two leaders of the 1916 rising. It finds that Patrick Pearse throughout stressed cultural revitalization and James Connolly stressed economic/social transformation. The article lends support to Geertz’s hypothesis but notes that each leader also came to appreciate the primary concern of the other.
The impact of electronic journals and aggregate databases on interlibrary loan: a case study at Ball State University Libraries
Authors: Calvert Hildegund M.
Published: July 2002

Reports the results of a series of studies conducted at Ball State University Libraries to examine the impact electronic journals and aggregate databases have on interlibrary loan activities. Borrowing and lending were monitored intermittently over a two‐year period to determine the number of requests that could be filled from available electronic journals or aggregate databases. The findings were not significant enough to justify changing current interlibrary loan procedures for searching requests before ordering. Among several follow‐up studies suggested is a recommendation to investigate whether there might be a correlation between recent decreases in the number of interlibrary loan borrowing and lending requests and the increasing amount of full text information researchers have available online.
The provision of European information to the academic community in university libraries: a case study of a European Documentation Centre
Authors: Sargent Claire , Parker Susan , Marcella Rita
Published: July 2002

Details the results of a study of the provision of European information to the academic community in university libraries, via a case study in a European Documentation Centre (EDC). A literature search revealed a lack of research in this area. Results relate to the operation of the EDC, covering the services offered, the provision of information, finance and funding, marketing, challenges and the nature of communication with the Commission and other networks and relays. The needs of the academic community of users of the EDC are discussed, considering aspects such as the service’s target user profile, the nature, frequency and subject coverage of use, enquiries received and users’ satisfaction with the results of enquiries. Major challenges facing the case EDC are identified as: the need to improve marketing; and the impact of likely future changes, such as the reduction in materials provided by the European Commission free of charge, the focus on the EDC as a deposit collection rather than an information service and the move to a greater dependence on electronic media in the publication of European documentation.
Why should public libraries use electronic data interchange?
Authors: Muir Lindsey
Published: July 2002

This article demonstrates the savings that could be made by UK public libraries through the use of electronic data interchange (EDI). The findings stem from a one‐year research project funded by the British National Bibliographic Research Fund during the period December 1998 through to the end of August 1999. The author of this article (who comes from a business/economics background) worked with a prominent academic (in the field of economics, particularly in the book trade) Dr Frank Fishwick, to investigate where cost savings could be made in elements of the library supply chain. The results suggest that wider adoption of EDI could potentially save the sector somewhere in the region of £2 million per annum. Cultural barriers, however, and lack of resources present two major barriers to these savings being achieved. The author acknowledges that further research is needed to qualify such estimates. However, the research does demonstrate that, for those authorities examined, cost savings have been achieved.
Effective library management: issues for managers and subordinates
Authors: Lwehabura Mugyabuso J.F. , Matovelo Doris S.
Published: July 2002

The importance of effective management for a successful and productive organisation is stressed. Considers library and information services managers as having a centre stage role for leading their subordinates in the process of bringing an effective management and good work output for their organisations. Stresses the importance of managers and their subordinates working together through managerial roles and sharing a strategy for an effective management process. Points out self‐management, understanding individual’s behaviour, assertiveness, delegation, empowerment and good relationships as some aspects that could help to harness an effective management process to improve and strengthen productivity.
Make your own luck: a study of people changing career into librarianship
Authors: Deeming Claire , Chelin Jacqueline
Published: July 2002

Studies the reasons why people have changed career in order to become members of the library profession. Focuses on the career change decision process. This includes discussion of drift versus active choice, previous career experiences, context of life as a whole, nature of library work and the influence of other people. Measures the amount and nature of satisfaction to be derived from having made the career change. Offers suggestions for the library profession as a whole in marketing itself in order to recruit and properly remunerate skilled and enthusiastic people.
Stratum continuum of information: scholarly communication and the role of university libraries
Authors: Waaijers Leo
Published: July 2002

As a consequence of digitization, universities have to investigate their scholarly communication process. In fact, this is a quest for values that goes beyond the issues of the day. Once found, these values operate as criteria for assessing competencies, roles and instruments. The communication process must allow for free exchange of ideas and results. In particular, knowledge created in the public domain must be openly accessible. The process must be reliable, lend credibility to authors and give support to users. The respective competencies are logistics, validation and mediation. New technologies not only support these classical aspirations, but also develop their own dynamics when it comes to broadening the communication scope. Publications can be enhanced by including audio‐visuals, executable files and datasets. Linking techniques enable the creation of organically growing bodies of knowledge. Who is the fittest for this scholarly communication job? Is it universities and their libraries and university presses, or could it best remain in the hands of global publishing monopolies?
What Happened to Libraries in Independent Television? And What Might Lie
in Store for Us All ...
Authors: Nicholas David , Pandit Pan
Published: July 2002

Libraries and information units in Independent Television companies have
been subject to enormous pressures over the last couple of years. These
pressures, largely brought about by the Government′s attempt to open out
television and make it more commercial in the way it works, have
resulted in libraries closing down, the shrinkage of existing libraries,
and the development of a strong cost‐conscious and income‐generating
culture. Few libraries in the field now employ more than three or four
people and it is estimated that there has been a reduction of between a
quarter and a third in the library workforce over the last three years.
It is unlikely that the workforce will ever return to its original size.
With the market forces contracting‐out philosophy sweeping other sectors
of the information field there is a lot to be learnt from the dramatic
experiences of the Independent Television libraries. Largely based on a
questionnaire and interview survey of 15 ITV libraries in England and
Wales which was conducted at the University of North London during the
spring of 1993, with some updating of the situation undertaken in the
winter of 1993/94.
Contracting Out
Authors: Lawes Ann
Published: July 2002

There is a strong general trend towards outsourcing specific functions
in modern organizations, both in government and corporate libraries.
Reasons why companies contract out are looked at, and the advantages and
disadvantages. Examines who are the library/information contractors
– specialist information service companies, specialist suppliers,
facilities management companies, management consultants, storage
companies. Looks at the fundamental principles which should be adhered
to – not least, quality requirements and specification. Examines staffing
and management issues, and relationships and benefits of permanent and
temporary staff, and their employer. Managing of contract staff and
communication is extremely important, as is staff development and
training. Long‐term social issues and wide‐ranging implications should
be addressed.
Library‐faculty collaboration: surveying a commuter population
Authors: Williams James , Hunt Caroline C.
Published: July 2002

College library staff must work to bring students and information technology together, especially where college‐wide computer literacy courses are not required. Teaching students to use constantly changing computer technology should start from an assessment of their skills, needs, and preferred training methods. However, surveying a student population with a high percentage of commuters risks inaccuracy; if surveys are distributed by mail or in libraries, the survey‐takers are often self‐selected and thus not representative. One solution is to administer the surveys in the classroom, using a course that most students are required to take. The results of such a survey, conducted at the College of Charleston, reveal a surprising variety of needs and preferences.