bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human capital inflation and unemployment
Authors: Spithoven A.H.G.M.
Published: July 2002

Describes the fear of inflation which has frustrated European
employment policies since the early 1970s. States that the concurrence
of much unemployment with inflation did not elicit new ideas and that
governments postulated that excessive spending, social security payments
in particular, is the main cause of both: this legitimized severe
restrictive monetary and fiscal policies, but expected results failed to
appear. Finds that inflation did indeed abate but the increase in
unemployment did not. Suggests that, because the services required for
improving human capital are a prerequisite for economic progress, it
follows that the state has to guarantee at least minimum conditions for
ready access to services. For a calculating government, this is
difficult to implement. That is why the dominating calculating principle
in politics (a sort of monetarist bookkeeping attitude) undermines the
economic performance of a country and threatens democracy. Yet the
monetarist economic framework persists. Moreover, indicates the
Maastricht Treaty actually establishes a legal and economic framework by
which price stability takes precedence over growth, reduction of
unemployment and social welfare considerations. Feels that a
re‐examination of the true causes of inflation and unemployment has
become imperative.
Muslims in Europe: a critique of occidentalist views
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: July 2002

Undertakes a critical review of the book, Muslims in Europe
, to bring out the localized analysis of Islam and Muslims in
contemporary Europe which is given in much of the occidentalist
literature. Shows that such a localized view does not represent the true
character of the global Islamic revivalism in the post‐Cold War period,
in which the phenomenon of Muslims in Europe is to be examined. Examines
the alternative view of this global approach to the study of Muslims in
Europe. In this context the alternative assumes the presentation of an
Islamic sub‐nation model and its grass‐roots world view. Shows that the
model is a globally interactive system, based on a knowledge‐centred
universality. In the light of this, examines Islamic future in Europe
and its relationship with dominant European governments.
Crosland’s Future: the first edition
Authors: Reisman D.A.
Published: July 2002

C.A.R. Crosland (1918‐1977) was a British politician and a Cabinet Minister. He was also a former lecturer in economics at Oxford. His interests in Labour politics and in the mixed economy led him to write The Future of Socialism. Published in 1956, it is a contemporary classic of political economy and social economics. Abridged when it was reprinted in 1964, however, the edition of the Future which readers today will know is significantly different from the original edition that exercised so much influence in the 1950s. Attempts to provide a variorum that identifies the differences between the editions. Finds that 172 pages were subject to alteration and deletion. Suggests the ways in which the changes might have altered the message that the author intended to convey.
Wealth: the forgotten aspect of welfare in Ireland
Authors: Reeves Eoin , O’Sullivan Eoin
Published: July 2002

The distribution of personal wealth in the Republic of Ireland has not been estimated since the 1970s. While the publication of those estimates did lead to governmental attempts to redistribute wealth, the attempts were stifled by the opposition of powerful interest groups. Highlights the dearth of information on the distribution of wealth in Ireland since then and draws attention to the underlying social, political and economic reasons. Postulates that the reasons for this paucity of information are: the perceived irrelevance of the wealth distribution as an indicator of welfare; the problems normally associated with the available estimation techniques; consequent search costs; and inevitably strong opposition to the governmental attempts to redistribute should evidence of high inequality be produced. In the tradition of Tawney and Titmuss, argues that it is in the interest of a healthy society that the facts regarding such an issue be known.
Traditional production activities and resource sustainability
Authors: Asafu‐Adjaye John
Published: July 2002

Undertakes a survey of traditional and non‐traditional production activities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Cape York Peninsula, North Queensland, Australia. Ecologically sustainable development issues in relation to indigenous people have not been paid much attention following the release of the Bruntland Report in 1987 and the Rio de Janeiro “earth summit” in 1992, which put forward a programme of action for achieving ESD by the year 2000 and beyond. Concludes that traditional methods of production practised by the indigenous societies are inherently sustainable but recognizes that population growth and poor economic prospects could exert pressure on the region’s fragile ecosystem. Efforts must be made to involve local people in resource management and planning, and social justice issues such as land and sea rights, unemployment, and the provision of basic infrastructure need to be resolved.
Deregulation and the welfare of the less well off
Authors: Nevile J.W.
Published: July 2002

Deregulation in Australia has had adverse effects on the income of those at the bottom end of the income distribution. Over the 1980s the share in private income of the top quintile rose and that of every other quintile fell. Except in the case of couples without children, the average real private income of the bottom quintile fell for every category of income unit. This increasing inequality seems to have been due to deregulation, not to the effects of technological change, and the increasing integration of the Australian economy into the world economy. One of the effects of deregulation has been an increase in unemployment. Policies to reverse this and to offset other adverse effects of deregulation are necessary. Increased levels of taxation will be required to finance them.
Reciprocity, redistribution and exchange in US management thought
Authors: Larry Reynolds R. , Skoro Chuck
Published: July 2002

Presents some of the economic forces which are shaping the transformation of management thought. Examines the views of Polanyi and Anderson, stating that the reciprocal aspects of community and social relationships are necessary if the benefits of exchange are to be realized. Concludes that the idea that a simple, new concept will enable managers to control and optimize commercial endeavours is a myth.
The creation of a growth‐oriented society in Korea
Authors: Müller A.L.
Published: July 2002

Outlines the process, which commenced at least a century ago, during which appropriate prerequisites for rapid growth were established. Explains that, by 1960, Korea already possessed a semi‐developed economy, in terms of physical infrastructure, economic and financial institutions and human resources, and that, given the country’s paucity of natural resources, its human capital had to be the main fount of economic growth. Notes that, in this respect, it was well‐endowed with both a substantial body of vigorous entrepreneurs and an abundant supply of industrious workers, and that levels of education and training were also rising rapidly. Describes how the population’s receptivity to change and desire for modernization had been kindled by various foreign influences, including the long period of Japanese colonization, the Second World War, the post‐war American presence and the Korean War. Details how, after this war, the continued military threat from the north underlined the need for rapid industrialization, and how, against this background, President Park triggered rapid growth based on export‐oriented industrialization.
Equity effects of microeconomic reforms: competition policy in Australia
Authors: Kolsen H.M.
Published: July 2002

States that assessment of competition policy in Australia shows that the policy is focused on competition regardless of any imbalances of market power or of its effects on income distribution. Describes briefly the policy and its background and argues that it: ignores established economic theory; that there is inadequate recognition of constraints; and that there is unsupported aversion to expert, industry‐specific regulators. Shows that acceptance of crudely defined economic efficiency as the dominant objective is likely to result in significant and frequently inequitable effects on income distribution.
Must protectionism always violate rights?
Authors: Block Walter , McGee Robert W.
Published: July 2002

Explores the question of whether protectionist policies must always violate someone’s rights, or whether it is possible to have a protectionist policy that does not violate rights. Discusses the weaknesses of a utilitarian approach to trade theory, then goes on to examine the major forms of protectionism, including tariffs, quotas, anti‐dumping laws, and the deliberate manipulation of exchange rates. Discusses rights and makes a distinction between positive and negative rights. Applies rights theory to trade policy and concludes that protectionism necessarily violates someone’s rights to property, contract or association ‐ unless it is done on a voluntary basis.
Effects of shifting cultivation on the environment
Authors: Lianzela
Published: July 2002

Outlines the natural features of Mizoram ‐ climate, flora, fauna. Describes the cultivation systems employed and the problems generated ‐ erosion, burning, harm to indigenous plants and animals. Concludes by addressing the need to protect and conserve the natural forests and wild life.
Level of living and Gandhian economic theory
Authors: Sen Raj Kumar
Published: July 2002

Argues for a stricter compliance with Gandhian economics to promote more effective economic development in India and other developing countries. Copying Western economic practices has not helped India. The application of the more socialist Gandhian principles would produce a more even standard of living for all ‐ no one would want for the basic necessities.
Human agents and rationality in Max Weber’s social economics
Authors: Oakley Allen
Published: July 2002

Suggests that, contrary to his neo‐Kantian methodological intentions, there is much textual evidence that Weber was not consistent in following through the non‐realist epistemology involved. In his search for the methodological bona fides of the empirical social sciences, he focused on the distinctive ontological nature of phenomena that originate in human action. Weber rejected the Homo oeconomicus concept of the agent required by exact theoretical economics. He espoused instead a deeper subjectivist understanding of individual human agents whose actions are shaped by the social complex that confronts them. It was this ontological emphasis that led him to devise the concepts of agent rationality and ideal types as foundations for his empirical inquiries. In these seminal endeavours, though, he understated the contingency of human agency that must be contended with and he fell short in understanding the full extent and influence of the situations within which agents must operate. Nonetheless, it is this focus on the fundamental role of subjective but situated human agency that could still find more of a place in the foundations of social economics.
Negligence and the marginal utility of engineering safety
Authors: Stillman R.H.
Published: July 2002

Addresses modelling liability for legal negligence and the marginal cost of accidents, with special reference to the ageing and maintenance of the components of electric transmission and distribution lines. The methodology, which is based on the formula‐tion suggested by Judge Learned Hand, considers the use of a conditional failure distribution related to the age and degradation of a component to define the accident probability. Discusses issues of engineering risk, cost‐benefit and limited resources in the context of a “reasonable standard of care” and the common law question of “how safe is safe enough”?
Christian Democracy in Western Europe: an idea whose time has passed?
Authors: Rutan Gerard F.
Published: July 2002

Christian Democracy as an ideology and as a political movement has been ascendant in Western European states for half a century, forming the governing party or a major part of the governing coalition of parties in many of them over numerous decades up to the present. Yet the study of Christian Democracy, its general ideology and general programmatic elements across Western Europe, has been singularly lacking. Centrist establishment parties and economic programmes seem not to have the same appeal to academic investigators as the more exciting and ideologically demarcated ones. Also the future seems bleak for some Christian Democratic parties in Western Europe. The focuses are on the general ideology of the movement and the shared programmatic commonalities among the parties. Advances a consideration of the future for CD parties in the short term and the problems confronting Christian Democracy in the future. Also assesses the role and prospects for Christian Democracy in the European Union, particularly as they relate to the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament.
The global sustainability crisis
Authors: Trainer F.E.
Published: July 2002

Begins with a summary of the limits to growth analysis of the global situation, identifying over‐production and over‐consumption as the basic causes of ecological damage, resource depletion, Third World deprivation and social breakdown. Gives attention to the destructive effects of market relations on community and the social bond. States that if this analysis is valid some inescapable implications follow for the form that a sustainable society must take. Finally, outlines a general strategy for the building of sustainable communities and makes reference to the global ecovillage movement beginning to undertake this task.
The concept and measurement of social wellbeing
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul
Published: July 2002

Undertakes a historico‐theoretical study to outline the constitutional and developmental predicament of the Native Indian people in Canada against the hegemonic models instituted by the Federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Analyses a factual survey done by Statistics Canada to highlight the various kinds of socio‐economic problems being faced by Native Indians and to point out the prospects before them. Recommends an ecological alternative in the light of the new land rights being signed between the Federal Government and the Native Indians in Canada. Introduces a concept of social wellbeing and formalizes this as a criterion for evaluating the economic, social and political factors in an interactive and consensual way to generate better futures with conflict resolution.
The ignored question of workplace democracy in political discourse
Authors: Wisman Jon D.
Published: July 2002

Reports that although there has been significant progress towards greater worker participation and even fuller forms of workplace democracy in recent decades, its potential is all but ignored in modern political discourse. Addresses the compelling reasons why it should receive greater attention. States that greater workplace democracy offers the only viable and sustainable strategy for transcending the divergence of interests between capital and labour. Reveals that this conflict of interests slows productivity growth in a number of ways, most especially underinvestment in human capital, and problems of worker motivation. Also, explains that because of capital’s ever‐increasing mobility, this conflict heightens the pace of community disintegration.
The Mondragon co‐operative complex: an application of Kantian ethics to social economics
Authors: Lutz Mark A.
Published: July 2002

Remarks that Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative, admonishing us not to treat others as mere means, can be seen to pave the way for an ethics of worker ownership, where the staff decides and assumes the role of residual claimant. Could large corporations convert worker ownership and still prosper and grow? It is in trying to answer this type of question that scholars all over the world have been interested in the development of what is generally regarded as the world’s most famous and most successful worker co‐operative: the Mondragon Co‐operative Complex. After reviewing some of the major reorganizations at Mondragon, summarizes the co‐operative’s economic performance up to 1995. Assesses the prospects of maintaining economic democracy while competing with large transnational corporations which have access to low‐cost labour in the Third World.
The experience of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh in community development
Authors: Kabir Hassan M. , Renteria‐Guerrero Luis
Published: July 2002

Examines critically the Grameen Bank (GB) experience in Bangladesh in order to understand the essential elements of its operations. Reports that this unique financial institution developed the important factors needed to help the poor and that GB has replaced physical collateral requirements with group responsibility. States that by organizing poor people into groups, it has created the social and financial conditions enabling them to receive loans; it has demonstrated that the poor are bankable, capable of making good business decisions in utilizing their loans and repaying them on time. Explains that GB showed the possibility to develop a viable and self‐reliant credit programme for the poor. Concludes that the GB approach also proves that financial intermediation is a viable device to fight poverty, and an excellent vehicle for community development.
Chanakya: the pioneer economist of the world
Authors: Jha L.K. , Jha K.N.
Published: July 2002

Reviews the content of the scholar Chanakya’s treatise, Arthasastra (economics). Written in the period 321‐296bc, it sets forth a framework for the economic management of India. Examines the Arthasastra’s teachings in the areas of agriculture, forestry, wildlife, mining and industries, and transport and trade. Reports that the economy was based on a system of coinage that had made barter of secondary importance and lists the prescribed sources of revenues such as taxes and fines and at the main heads of expenditure such as the maintenance of an army, a bureaucracy, social security measures and the upkeep of the King, his family and his court. Concludes that Chanakya’s Arthasastra is a monumental treatise of the ancient world that possesses great importance in the history of economics.
An information economics perspective on innovation
Authors: Mandeville Thomas
Published: July 2002

Introduces the information theoretic or economics of information approach, shows how this relates to innovation and illustrates an example of an information economics model of innovation. Attempts to demonstrate that an information economics perspective, both generally and in the context of a simple model, improves understanding of and provides new insights into innovation, compared to a more conventional economic approach.
Direct foreign investment and inter‐regional economic disparity in China
Authors: Sun Haishun , Chai Joseph
Published: July 2002

Discusses the pattern of the regional distribution in the Chinese economy of Direct foreign investment (DFI) in the context of the open‐door policy and the regional difference in investment environments. Presents a regression analysis on the effects of DFI on the economic growth in the eastern and western regions, using pooled time‐series and cross‐section data for 16 provinces over a seven‐year period (1986‐92). Discusses other important factors influencing regional economic development including rural industry development, differential growth of fixed capital investment and exports, and domestic capital flow from the western region to the eastern region. A case study of the effect of DFI on the intra‐provincial economic inequality in Guangdong Province is presented and some conclusions and policy implications are drawn.
Gender issues in poverty alleviation: a case study of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique M.A.B.
Published: July 2002

Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world. In 1988‐89, 48 per cent of rural and 44 per cent of urban households had a daily per capita consumption of less than 2,122 calories ‐ the cut‐off point for absolute poverty in Bangladesh. Although poverty is prevalent amongst men as well as women, far more women suffer from poverty due to their low socio‐economic status. Social customs and religious beliefs play a dominant role in shaping a society’s attitudes towards women. At the household level, their status significantly varies between educated and uneducated, between employed and unemployed, and between rural and urban women. If one excludes the very small numbers of successful women who are educated and/or active in the workforce, most women have an inferior status to that of men. They are economically dependent on men even for the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, clothing and medicine. They are bound by various social customs made by men and every facet of life including decision making is determined by men. The central purpose of this paper is to examine the issues relating to the poverty of women in Bangladesh: to analyse the dimensions of poverty in Bangladesh; to evaluate the steps taken by various governmental and non‐governmental agencies to alleviate the poverty of women; and to examine the impact of such steps on the changing status of women in Bangladesh.
Adam Smith’s three strikes against commercial society
Authors: Alvey James E.
Published: July 2002

It is commonly held that Adam Smith is a prophet of capitalism. There is a good deal of evidence pointing towards his optimism about commercial society. This article claims to show the pessimistic side of Smith’s view of commercialism. While some of Smith’s pessimism is obvious, some emerges only after considering his six ends of human nature. We show that according to Smith’s own criteria, commercial society is not good. We also show that Smith considers commercial society to be neither inevitable nor permanent. In other words, Smith says that commercial society fails on three counts. Rather than a prophet of capitalism as the end of history, Smith emerges from this analysis as a major critic.
WORK AS SUCH ‐ The social teaching of the Church on human work
Authors: Gaburro Giuseppe , Cressotti Giancarlo
Published: July 2002

Traditionally, one of the most central themes of the social teaching of the Church has been the ethical value of the human person as a creature endowed with an original personality. As a person, man works for a particular purpose, in a pragmatic and rational way, with the ability to decide for himself and to achieve fulfilment. For this reason, work is conceived as an essential element of the person, and needs to be performed in freedom. Our principal source will be the social teaching of John Paul II, and in particular his encyclicalLaborem Exercens, since this devotes special attention to the issue of human work. Indeed the focus of this encyclical is human work, that is, the individual who achieves fulfilment in his work. It is man himself who gives his work sense and meaning. By working he fulfils his vocation and his very being. Therefore man’s work is “both a destiny and a calling, but above all, work is for man, not man for work” (Laborem Exercens, No. 6). In other words, man’s duty is to work, not only in order to produce and possess, but to achieve fulfilment.
Does economics have an ethical component?
Authors: Mayer Henry C.
Published: July 2002

This essay raises the following question “Does economics have an ethical component?”. In this regard, Mayer finds that two distinct perspectives have unique and continuing significance: the instrumentalist and the personalist. The first, he says, traces its origins to the very beginnings of economics as a discipline, has dominated economic thought ever since, and denies there is a place for ethics in the science of economics. The second is of more recent origin, has been far less influential in shaping economic thought, and insists that economics indeed has an ethical component because economic affairs are human affairs. Mayer states that John Paul II has contributed to the development of the personalist perspective by insisting that humans are more than mere instrumentalities in the process of production. They are human persons first and foremost, with a moral agency which they bring with them to the workplace and the marketplace.
Beyond Pareto optima, efficiency and the “free market”
Authors: Nitsch Thomas O.
Published: July 2002

The author in this essay surrounds John Paul II with professional economists from the past and the present, such as Taussig, Keynes, Richard and Peggy Musgrave, and Stiglitz, all of whom have very similar reservations concerning the social beneficence of the “free market”. As with these professionals, John Paul II’s vision of the social economy embraces and transcends Pareto efficiency and optimality. Those who seize selectively on John Paul II’s acceptance in his 1991 encyclical Centesimus Annus of the market mechanism for its efficiency in allocating resources, and those who think that such a one as John Paul II without formal training in economics is a voice crying alone, Nitsch contends, have further reading and more thinking to do.
Some random thoughts concerning the symbiotic relationship between social and institutional economics
Authors: Hill Lewis E.
Published: July 2002

An intellectual symbiosis exists between social economics and institutional economics because the strengths and weaknesses of these two leading schools of heterodox economic thought are complementary. Axiology and goals are the strength of social economics and the weakness of institutional economics. Epistemology and methodology are the strength of institutional economics and the weakness of social economics. The rationalistic and metaphysical axiology of the social economists can be effectively merged with the empirical and pragmatic epistemology of the institutional economists. The resulting symbiotic synthesis will certainly provide the basis for a creative integration of social and institutional economics into a new and improved school of heterodox economic thought.
Economic reforms, public transfers and social safety nets for the poor
Authors: Roy K.C. , Chai J.C.H.
Published: July 2002

Increased economic insecurity helps to spur individuals to work harder and be more efficient according to the theory of work incentive. However, in a civilised society, the society has a moral obligation to provide basic needs and social safety nets for its poor and unfortunate members who, due to factors beyond their own control, have not been able to earn a living. This paper analyses the trade‐off between economic reforms and economic and social security in India and China. The findings show that both countries’ attempts to minimise the social costs of economic reforms have not been successful. The policy implications are also discussed.
The Multilateral Ozone Fund
Authors: Biermann Frank , Simonis Udo E.
Published: July 2002

The “Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer” obliges industrial countries to reimburse developing countries ‐ through new and additional resources ‐ all agreed incremental costs incurred by them in their efforts to save the ozone layer. To this end, a multilateral fund was established in 1990. The fund’s decision‐making procedures grant developing countries the same voting powers as industrial countries ‐ an almost revolutionary precedent in North‐South relations. In this article, the work of the Multilateral Ozone Fund is being analysed, with special emphasis on the development and implementation of the notion of “all agreed incremental costs” between industrial and developing countries. Since comparable institutional settings have been stipulated in the more recent treaties on climate change and biological diversity, in the concluding section five “lessons” are drawn from ozone politics for other international environmental agreements, in particular the emerging climate regime.
Promotion and development of Japan’s spinning industry as seen from a Japanese statesman’s life in the early Meiji era
Authors: Ishida Hiroshi
Published: July 2002

What were the spinning industries like in the initial stage in Japan? From which class did the founders of these industries come, ex‐warrior or commoners (merchants or farmers)? This will interest readers. Viewed from a capital investment, it was most significant in Japan whether the government financed an industry or not. This article deals with Tanigawa Tatsumi, the founder president (presidency 1885‐1911) of Okayama Cotton Spinning Company (an enterprise for employing ex‐warriors). Whereas cotton spinning companies for employing ex‐warriors played an important role in the initial stages of the development of the cotton spinning industry, these became bankrupt before long. Under such circumstances, Tanigawa’s Spinning Company weathered many years. An examination of a brief history of Okayama Spinning Company with special reference to Tanigawa’s life history will reveal the significance of the entrepreneur’s learning and virtue, organizing ability, and leadership. Furthermore, it will make clear what otherwise might have been overlooked about the initial nature of industrialization in Japan.
The fairness of minimum wages in South Africa
Authors: Lotriet R.A.
Published: July 2002

Although the debate on minimum wages is far from new it remains a controversial issue for all role players in South Africa, for instance with the research done by the government on the laying down/introduction of national minimum wages in 1994. Much research has already been done on the economic merits of certain aspects regarding minimum wages. However, very little, if indeed any, has been done on the ethical side of minimum wages. This article therefore addresses the issue of minimum wages from an ethical point of view. From the Scriptures we learn that “A worker should be given his pay” – (Good News Bible) or “a worker deserves his wages” (New International Version). Unless otherwise stated, all Bible quotations in this article are taken from the NIV. The discussion therefore suggests that minimum wages or any type of wages for that matter, cannot be paid without considering the productivity levels of the workers concerned. There should certainly not be any “free lunch” – especially not in a low‐productivity economy such as South Africa.
A framework for creating an export society in South Africa
Authors: Viviers Wilma , Calof Jonathan
Published: July 2002

How do you create a strong and growing cadre of successful exporters? As will be demonstrated in this article, the current direction towards more open trading policies provides a small part of the solution, but does little to stimulate non‐exporters or develop new exporters. This article proposes a framework which could help all exporters reach their maximum potential and in doing so lay the groundwork for economic growth and prosperity. To ensure that South Africa’s economy reaches its fullest potential requires that the government follow up on the RDP and the DTI White Papers focus on exports with solid action. This would require a concerted effort on the part of the government to develop, manage, execute and evaluate programmes to the different needs of the firms at different stages of export development. By using the proposed framework, programmes can be created to help non‐exporters to become exporters, help new exporters to become committed exporters and eliminate the barriers to achieve more export successes.
New options for environmental policy in central and eastern Europe
Authors: Jolanta Welfens Maria
Published: July 2002

The discussion of sustainable development focused attention on new environmental goals and raised the issue of improving resource productivity. A first step towards sustainability would be to slow‐down and reduce the man‐induced movements of materials: this is the focus of dematerialization approach which emphasizes what socialist countries used to neglect most – minimizing the use of scarce input factors. This paper applies the dematerialization approach to the discussion on sustainable development in central and eastern Europe. In the early 1990s all countries in eastern Europe have developed new environmental programs which mainly focus on reducing pollution. Environmental strategies focusing on reducing emissions are important but not sufficient for reaching sustainability. A new orientation in the environmental policy in the young market economies is required. Dematerialization approach can be a new option for environmental policy in central and eastern Europe. Dematerialization requires a mix of instruments. Important role can be played by an ecological fiscal reform which covers ecological tax reform and the restructuring of subsidies.
Economic transition: what can be learned from China’s experience
Authors: Harvie Charles
Published: July 2002

The last decade of this century has witnessed the transition of the formerly centrally planned economies of Europe and Asia to market economies, a process affecting some 1.7 billion people in 28 countries. While much agreement exists on the sorts of reform measures required, disagreement exists over their sequencing. The economic and social performance of these transition economies has varied considerably and for a variety of reasons, however China’s performance, in particular, has been outstanding. The paper reviews the reform measures required for economic transition, and alternative sequencing approaches to these reforms. It conducts an overview of the performance of the transition economies, with focus placed upon the experience of the Chinese economy. An analysis of China’s approach to economic reform, its key components, major outcomes and outstanding issues are discussed. Key lessons to be derived for other transition economies from China’s experience are also presented.
Unequal federalism and regional inequalities: the case of the coffee policies in Brazil
Authors: de Arroxelas Galvão Olímpio J.
Published: July 2002

This work has as its main objective to discuss the nature of Brazilian Federalism and makes considerations on the origins and deepening of regional inequalities in Brazil. The approach of the work is the consideration that, from the perspective of spatial development, the interference of the Central Government in the economy may follow, in principle, four courses of action. First, the state may interfere in the free play of the market by directing its actions to counteract the automatic operation of the market forces, in order to prevent the trend towards increasing spatial inequality; second the state may adopt a neutral position, leaving market forces to follow their natural course; third, the state may pursue a course of action consistent with the natural trend of the market forces, but without biasing the allocative process; and fourth, the state, finally, may interfere in the free play of the market forces, in such a way as to distort the market‐price mechanism in the wrong direction – and thus, at variance with the precepts of market economic efficiency, without, however, pursuing any objective related to social justice or spatial equity. By analysing the Brazilian federalism in the light of these four possible forms of government actions, the work attempts to unveil the dominant nature of the Brazilian Central Government policies and their spatial implications, in critical moments of the history of the country.
Methodological controversies in economics and political economy
Authors: Hall Thomas W. , Elliott John E.
Published: July 2002

After a clarification of definitions important in methodological discussions, a brief history of early methodological thought in economics and political economy is presented. The development of “orthodox” methodology is traced, and the fundamental assumptions underlying neoclassical economic methodology are enumerated. Philosophical positions – both critical of and sympathetic to the orthodox assumptions – are presented. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of various heterodox positions are surveyed. Throughout the paper, methodological justifications for the emphasis on primarily deductive, complex mathematical models in contemporary economics as practiced in the USA – especially in light of the relevance and importance of primarily verbal, interpretive methodologies in the realm of applied and policy‐oriented economics – are examined.
Community based urban development: a strategy for improving social sustainability
Authors: O’Hara Sabine U.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents an alternative approach to urban development which emphasizes broad based citizen participation in identifying neighbourhood needs and skills as the basis for neighbourhood based development. Process and results of a survey of 444 urban households in Schenectady, New York, affirm the role resident participation can play in identifying development strategies which support social connections, despite existing communication and institutional barriers.
Testing the “natural rate of suicide” hypothesis
Authors: Virén Matti
Published: July 2002

This paper analyses the economic determinants of suicide. More specifically, we test the hypothesis that suicide is related to shocks or news concerning income growth. Testing is based on an error correction model of suicide in which the long‐run part takes into account various demographic and structural variables. Empirical analysis is based on Finnish time series data covering the period 1878‐1994. Some cross‐country data are also used. The empirical results strongly support the “natural rate” hypothesis.
The issue of professional liability
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: July 2002

In recent years, awareness of liability for information products and services appears to have grown. Driving this are impulses as distinct as professionalism and fear of getting caught out. Legal and ethical issues are discussed. It is suggested that a commercialised information marketplace is one where individuals are more and more likely to have to take personal responsibility for what happens, good or bad.
Perception of continuing education for librarianship in Ghana
Authors: Alemna A.A.
Published: July 2002

Attempts to look at continuing education from the viewpoint of the library practitioner in Ghana. This is compared with the views of the library educator. It is found that although there were a few variations in their priorities, both groups agree that continuing education is important in professional development. Suggestions are made towards the improvement of continuing education in Ghana.
Redeveloping the library at LSE
Authors: Wade Maureen
Published: July 2002

The Library of the London School of Economics and Political Science is the largest library in the world devoted to the social sciences, with some four million items. In a major redevelopment project, the library’s building, which also houses the LSE Research Laboratory, has been radically re‐designed by Foster and Partners. Key features of the re‐design include a central atrium with a glass dome and stepped helical ramp as well as a double height space on the lower ground floor. During the building programme, the library operated from temporary premises nearby, remaining open throughout two book moves. Describes the planning process involved in the redevelopment, the maintenance of services and the book moves. User reaction to the re‐designed building has been positive and there has been a great deal of interest from librarians and members of the public.
The library as congenial space: the Saint Mary’s experience
Authors: Lefebvre Madeleine
Published: July 2002

The author, appointed University Librarian in 1999, saw that the library was not fulfilling its potential from the perspectives of congenial environment and student awareness. She used student marketing projects to examine perceptions of the Patrick Power Library, and develop ways of raising its profile within the university community. The tired‐looking building, a product of the 1970s, undermined the quality of staff and services. She used the information gathered through the projects to enhance services as well as make the library a more welcoming and vibrant space to attract students, without a major infusion of funds. This article charts the development of the library over a two‐year period.
Nasties in the Net: children and censorship on the Web
Authors: Allbon Emily , Williams Peter
Published: July 2002

Focuses specifically on children’s experiences of the Internet, including the extent of their exposure to sexual, racial or other unpleasant material, how teachers view this problem, and what action schools are taking. The questionnaire survey found a higher number of children with Internet access at home than previous studies; this was regardless of the socio‐economic group. Figures of those who had seen unpleasant or offensive material were also higher than previous research has shown. Teachers’ views were also canvassed. Many staff were unaware of their schools’ Internet use policies, and had little or no training in using the Internet with children. The study concludes that more needs to be done to both meet government online targets and to address the issue of free Internet use with children’s protection. Suggestions regarding the role of librarians are offered.
What’s the use? The value of e‐resource usage statistics
Authors: Peters Thomas A.
Published: July 2002

E‐resource usage statistics contain a wealth of information, but mining that information from the massive amounts of data can be time consuming, expensive, and dangerous. Focuses on the practical aspects of getting some use out of usage statistics. Recent national studies in the USA and efforts to standardize the gathering and interpretation of e‐resource usage statistics show promise for accelerating the adoption and diffusion of reliable, meaningful usage information. The article concludes with some speculation about the overall value and long‐term potential for e‐resource usage statistics.
Mentoring: a personal reflection
Authors: Long Sarah
Published: July 2002

Explores the concept of mentoring – a process that allows leaders in a field to share their experience, vision and enthusiasm for the profession with colleagues who have exhibited leadership qualities and the potential for greater productivity and achievement. The mentoring relationship involves the sharing of experience and the investment of time and caring in helping to develop a future leader’s growth, knowledge and skills. It is a beneficial experience both for parties and for the profession. The article includes tips for mentors and mentees/protégés.
Who Needs Equal Opportunities? – Libraries Do!
Authors: McDermott Elizabeth
Published: July 2002

Describes women′s position in libraries and in the Western workforce at
large. Outlines the changing nature of the labour pool as it is affected
by demographic changes and the demand for skills. Describes the social
and attitudinal changes taking place, the role of feminism and the
importance of image. Suggests that the latest developments in management
style present libraries with the opportunity to make the most of their
women employees and to provide a better service. Finally, suggests that
social attitudes of men and women change male and female roles at work
and in the family.
Career Opportunities for Library and Information Science Professionals
in Africa
Authors: Afolabi Michael
Published: July 2002

Identifies the various careers associated with library and information
science. Apart from the existing information careers described, also
identifies new related areas. Notes that a re‐training programme is
necessary if library and information science graduates are to fit into
the new information‐related jobs and that African departments of library
and information science should review their training objectives and
curricula to cater for information‐related jobs other than the training
of librarians. Submits that library jobs are becoming increasingly
difficult to come by and points out the need to prepare the library and
information science graduate for other equally profitable and exciting
areas.
The business information market in Hungary
Authors: Huszár Hedvig , Nagy Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2002

Aims to map the Hungarian business information market emerging in the wake of the deep structural changes in the country’s economy. Uses the results of a questionnaire survey conducted among business information providers in 1992‐93 in outlining the actors of the market and their behavioural patterns. States that the demand side of the market consists mainly of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and big, private companies with foreign interests. Notes that large, state‐owned enterprises rarely use business information, and the supply side is represented by government institutions, by chambers, associations and foundations, and by private enterprises providing business information. Observes that many SMEs do not consider business information important and others are unaware of providers and sources. Explains that the type of business information services most in demand is consulting on legal, tax and accounting matters, followed by market and company information. Notes an increasing number of Hungarian business databases, some of them up to standard, and some needing improvement in quality and coverage. Argues that because of their resources and information skills, libraries should play an important role in the Hungarian business information market, not only as service providers, but as intermediaries as well, directing customers to the appropriate suppliers.
The UNIverse Project: state‐of‐the‐art of the standards, softwares and systems which will underpin the development. Part 2: record syntax conversion, result set de‐duplication, and multilingual thesauri
Authors: Clissman C. , Murray R. , Davidson E. , Hands J. , Sijtsma O. , Noordzij A. , Moulton R. , Shanawa S. , Darzentas J. , Pettman I.
Published: July 2002

Provides a brief introduction to the UNIverse Project and its major objectives. Continues the overview of the international standards, softwares and systems which will enable bibliographic searching of multiple distributed library catalogues. Part 2 reviews three further areas: record syntax conversion which covers UNIMARC, SGML and Dublin Core; result set de‐duplication, covering International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), the Universal Standard Bibliographic Code (USBC), Serial Item and Contribution Identifier (SICI), Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) and Uniform Resource Names (URN); and multi‐lingual thesauri.
The infoshop: the alternative information centre of the 1990s
Authors: Atton Chris
Published: July 2002

This article introduces the infoshop movement, a network of independent information centres run by political activists throughout Europe and the USA. The article defines and describes the nature of the infoshop, the services it provides and the nature of its organisation. It then goes on to present a theoretical model for the infoshop, based in particular on Hakim Bey’s concept of the “temporary autonomous zone”. It examines the significance of the infoshop as a node in the complex networks of information‐exchange and activism that constitute the contemporary “alternative public sphere”. It notes the autonomous, non‐hierarchical nature of infoshops and how they might be thought of as “free spaces” connected by complex, though informal, communications networks. Finally, it proposes that infoshops play a key role in developing autonomy, solidarity and reflexivity in the creative processes of activist politics.