bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer satisfaction and the marketing‐quality interface
Authors: Bond Edward U. , Fink Ross L.
Published: December 2003

Despite long‐standing interest in the quality movement by marketing scholars, marketing managers have not seized opportunities to provide leadership as the quality movement has centered attention on customer satisfaction. Significant corporate investments in quality programs suggest that the recent revision of the ISO 9000 standards to focus on collection and use of customer satisfaction data may provide marketing managers an invitation to meaningfully enter the quality dialogue. Collaboration between marketing and quality management is problematic because the two functions are highly differentiated. This article draws on work in organizational learning and organizational behavior to identify criteria for successful collaboration between marketing and quality management and to propose a process for meeting the new ISO 9000 requirements.
Organizational memory: a new perspective on the organizational buying process
Authors: Eun Park Jeong , Bunn Michele D.
Published: December 2003

Although there is increasing interest in the organizational learning process appearing in the marketing literature, there is relatively little research that relates these concepts to the organizational buying process. In particular, the concepts involving organizational memory may provide a new perspective on the information search activities of organizational buyers. We provide a brief background on organizational memory and propose a conceptual framework to delineate key variables and relationships. Using two company case studies, we provide examples of eight buying situations defined by differing levels of complexity, physical memory, and cognitive memory and discuss the implications for information search and the type of judgment used.
CASES Segmentation and promotional strategies for selling CARB bearings in China
Authors: Lee Don Y.
Published: December 2003

SKF Group is one of the largest bearing manufacturers in the world, well known for its innovations and high quality bearings. One of its innovations is the CARB bearing, which functions particularly well under severe working conditions where traditional bearings break down easily. Compared to traditional bearings, CARB saves costs and creates value because it requires less maintenance, has a longer life, and simplifies machine structure. SKF launched CARB in 1995 and acquired a patent for a period of ten years. CARB bearings, which are manufactured in Sweden, have been widely used in Western markets and become almost standard parts. SKF started to export the new bearings to China in 1997. CARB bearing markets, in China, could be classified into two parts, the new installation (OEM) market and maintenance market, which mainly consisted of the replacement of the CARB bearing for the Chinese‐made conventional bearings on numerous machines. The SKF Shanghai Office was in charge of devising a marketing strategy to sell the CARB bearings to the maintenance markets, the majority of which were large‐scale state‐run companies. But the China market is huge, culture and influences from the West vary across regions, styles of doing business are also different. The first task of the SKF Shanghai Office was to segment the maintenance market and select the segment which was least difficult to enter.
CASES Vodafone and the wireless industry: a case in market expansion and global strategy
Authors: Tariq Anwar Syed
Published: December 2003

This illustrative case discusses and evaluates Vodafone Group and its overseas expansion and diversification in global business. Vodafone is a UK‐based company that was established after a spin‐off from Racal Electronics Group in 1982. The primary objective of this case is to examine Vodafone’s changing focus and international expansion in the world wireless industry. The case intends to look at Vodafone’s future expansion, growth and global strategies within the concept of internationalization and competitive advantage issues.
Organizational culture and job satisfaction
Authors: Lund Daulatram B.
Published: December 2003

This empirical investigation examines the impact of organizational culture types on job satisfaction in a survey of marketing professionals in a cross‐section of firms in the USA. Cameron and Freeman’s (1991) model of organizational cultures comprising of clan, adhocracy, hierarchy, and market was utilized as the conceptual framework for analysis. The results indicate that job satisfaction levels varied across corporate cultural typology. Within the study conceptual framework, job satisfaction invoked an alignment of cultures on the vertical axis that represents a continuum of organic processes (with an emphasis on flexibility and spontaneity) to mechanistic processes (which emphasize control, stability, and order). Job satisfaction was positively related to clan and adhocracy cultures, and negatively related to market and hierarchy cultures.
Participation in alternative retail channels: a choice or necessity?
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: December 2003

The view that alternative retail channels (i.e. informal and/or second‐hand modes of goods acquisition) are used out of economic necessity by disadvantaged consumers has been recently opposed by cultural theorists who instead read such channels in agency‐oriented terms as places of fun, sociality, distinction, discernment, the spectacular and so forth. To evaluate these contrasting perspectives, this paper reports data from 350 interviews conducted in rural England. Finding that the agency‐oriented view of alternative retail channels is valid amongst higher‐income populations but economic necessity remains the principal motive amongst lower‐income populations, this paper concludes that, for a fuller understanding to be achieved, the dualistic “either/or” debates between those promulgating economic necessity and those emphasising choice need to be replaced by a “both/and” approach sensitive to the variations in the meanings of such channels.
The food‐shopping experience: a satisfaction survey of older Scottish consumers
Authors: Hare Caroline
Published: December 2003

The growing numbers of older people represent an important market segment for retailers, particularly the food retail sector. The dominance of the food multiples and their growth strategies have been criticised for contributing to some older consumers being disadvantaged. This paper considers the satisfaction levels of older consumers in Scotland, with their food‐shopping experience. Drawing upon previous work by the author which identified the factors influencing satisfaction, 220 volunteers were recruited from various locations in Scotland and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The survey focused on the main shopping trip. Results indicate that, whilst there is a general trend towards satisfaction, there are key areas of dissatisfaction, such as aspects of the products for sale (merchandise), the practices and procedures of the retailer (retail practices) and factors in the community which affected the shopping trip (external shopping factors). This suggests that policy‐makers seeking to encourage the participation of food retailers in health promotion need to recognise vulnerable sub‐groups of the older population and recognise that not all older consumers can signal their preferences in the marketplace.
The battle for Safeway
Authors: Poole R. , Clarke G.P. , Clarke D.
Published: December 2003

The bid for Safeway announced by Morrisons in January 2003 ended months of speculation as to the next victim in the battle for power in the UK multiple food market. The Morrisons bid provided the catalyst for other major food retailers to express their interest in the Safeway company and its stores (also joined by a number of non‐food retailers). There is little doubt that this battle raises important geographical issues. First is the spatial fit of each of the bidders and the Safeway stores. The key question is who will gain most new regional market share from the purchase of the Safeway stores? The second is the implication for local spatial monopolies in different parts of the UK depending on the likely winner. This will almost certainly be investigated by the UK Competition Commission. The aim of this paper is to examine both these geographical issues and present some what‐if scenarios concerning future amalgamations of store networks.
Logistics development in China
Authors: Goh Mark , Ling Charlene
Published: December 2003

The accession of the People's Republic of China to the World Trade Organisation should provide greater access to an erstwhile‐untapped market. Trade and foreign investments are expected to increase rapidly. Under this setting, an enormous challenge is posed to the logistics industry as it endeavours to meet the increased demands of the market. Based on the secondary data, this paper finds that despite the improvements and advancements undertaken by the Government and other agencies, the current logistics infrastructure, particularly those of transportation networks, telecommunications systems, warehousing facilities and customs procedures are still lacking. Future developments are also highlighted to portray an accurate assessment of the logistics situation in China.
A cold chain network for food exports to developing countries
Authors: Salin Victoria , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: December 2003

This article examines the business relationships in the cold chain used for exporting food to new markets in developing countries. The American Potato Trade Alliance, a cross‐network alliance that includes all levels of the value chain, is the subject of case study research involving participant observation and fieldwork in the Philippines and Thailand. Multinational restaurant companies manage technical challenges in target markets with tight specifications and exclusive supply chains, while smaller firms use extensive networks to supply imported frozen potatoes. Pricing strategies for cold chain services are closely related to quality and potentially affect the availability of outsourced cold chain services. Opportunistic behavior by buyers could reduce incentives for private investment in cold chain infrastructure, while long‐term commitment by chain partners would strengthen the potential for private markets to provide cold chain services in newly developing markets.
The Korean Government’s role in women’s career growth
Authors: August Rachel A. , Tuten Tracy L.
Published: December 2003

The need for greater representation of women in the Korean workforce is a critical issue, as evidenced by the scarcity of women in managerial positions. Women make up only 7 per cent of the managerial and executive workforce. Using the notion of opportunity structures, suggests that the Korean Government has played a key role in limiting the progress of Korean women workers. Examines that role empirically via a sample of employed Korean women. The data indicate that some government acts, such as ratification of laws including a quota system and maternity leave, have expanded Korean women’s career opportunities. Yet the lack of numerous other laws including those promoting equal employment opportunities, equal pay, denouncing sexual harassment, and more, have limited women’s opportunities. Highlights the Korean Government’s role in women’s career growth and discuss actions the Government could take to increase women’s opportunities and enable them to reach managerial levels.
What does it take to get to the top: do middle and senior managers agree?
Authors: Wood Glenice
Published: December 2003

Women constitute only approximately 3‐5 per cent of Australian senior managers. One possible explanation of their failure to enter senior management in greater numbers is that women in management may have differing perceptions of the necessary prerequisites for promotion to senior roles. This study explored this possibility with 351 male and 156 female Australian middle managers, whose views were contrasted with senior managers’ perceptions. Gender differences in perception were found between middle managers and middle and senior managers in terms of the importance placed on personal qualities such as attractiveness, deference to superiors, likeability, personality, popularity and powerful allies (perceived charisma) as attributes considered necessary for achieving senior management promotion. In particular, female middle managers believed more strongly than their male counterparts, that senior managers would value the personal qualities encompassed in perceived charisma when considering middle managers for further promotion. However, senior managers did not consider this group of attributes to be important in promotion‐seeking behaviour.
Women in international management: an international perspective on women’s ways of leadership
Authors: van der Boon Mary
Published: December 2003

A pervasive myth is that European women are not capable of assuming managerial positions in Asia, because of the ongoing exclusion of women from these positions in Asian countries. In reality, European women are often more effective than men as managers in Asia because they frequently utilise intuitive and empathetic skills that are highly valued in that region. Research shows that women handle emotions and relationships differently than men. Women’s empathy and insight is receiving boardroom attention as companies realize that in an ever‐globalising world these skills are indispensable. Multinationals are incorporating elements of interpersonal and intercultural expertise into their workforce, but may be overlooking a key resource. Female managers have reported the biggest barriers coming from within the corporation, rather than from situations actually encountered during foreign assignments. This case study compares management styles and career strategies utilised by women internationally, and analyses the lessons to be learned from their relative failure or achievements.
“She says, he says”: women’s and men’s views of the composition of boards
Authors: Sheridan Alison , Milgate Gina
Published: December 2003

While women have continued to increase their representation in the paid workforce, their representation on corporate boards in Australia remains very low. In this paper, the views of men and women board members of publicly‐listed companies in Australia concerning the adequacy of the composition of boards and the factors contributing to women’s low representation are explored and contrasted. It seems that these “successful” men and women have significantly different views on the benefits of homogeneity or diversity of board membership. While the men believe the current composition is generally adequate, the women are concerned about the lack of diversity of board membership. These findings are considered in the context of existing work on masculinity and identity politics that suggest that those who are part of the hegemonic group do not question the structures that sustain that hegemony.
Attitude toward women and managerial ability of African Americans
Authors: Tomkiewicz Joseph , Bass Kenneth , Vaicys Cheryl
Published: December 2003

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between attitudes toward women and managerial ability of African Americans. African American males were compared with African American females on both the Attitudes Toward Women Scale and the Supervisory Ability Scale. No differences were found between the groups regarding supervisory ability. However, significant differences were found between males and females on the AWS scale. According to their score on the AWS scale, males were divided into those who had traditional views of the roles of women and those who held liberal views of the roles of women. Those characterized as liberal had a significantly higher score on the Supervisory Ability Scale than those characterized as traditional. These findings imply that as more able African‐American males advance in management, African‐American females may fare better than at present.
Boeing – a case study example of enterprise project management from a learning organisation perspective
Authors: Szymczak Conrad C. , Walker Derek H.T.
Published: December 2003

This paper helps explain the impact and potential for companies to better leverage knowledge and organisational learning from their portfolio of projects. It offers a model based on analysis of the development of the Boeing Company and from change management theory of a way to achieve an enterprise project management culture through organisational learning. The paper provides insight into and a rationale for improvement of project management practice for organisations that currently possess the ability to intelligently use knowledge gained from many projects to service their stakeholders. This ability provides the feedstock for organisational reinvention that can be a survival mechanism in reacting to changed circumstances as well as providing a proactive mechanism for developing new markets. In doing so, the paper draws attention to both the requisite enterprise knowledge management infrastructure and the required organisational culture that supports commitment and enthusiasm.
An empirical study about the effect of cultural problematic on organizational learning in alliances
Authors: Dasí Rodríguez Sonia , Martínez Pérez Juan Francisco , Pardo del Val Manuela
Published: December 2003

In an environment where favoring organizational learning is imperative, the option of business cooperation is considered an optimal means to transmit knowledge between companies and to encourage the generation of new ones. But differences in organizational cultures of the cooperation partners can make this process difficult. Through an empirical study of small and medium‐sized companies that had established international cooperation agreements during 1997 and 1998 in the Valencian community (Spain), the influence of the differences in size and in national culture of the partners in organizational learning is observed.
Diversity and learning in groups
Authors: Driver Michaela
Published: December 2003

This paper examines how groups respond to diversity. Specifically, a framework is developed that integrates prior research on diversity in groups within a learning perspective. The value of the framework is that it seeks to integrate various dimensions of group diversity with the intent of highlighting critical characteristics of groups that effectively manage diverse member contributions. Within this framework, the focus is on cognitive rather than demographic diversity and on how groups use diverse ideas and approaches to learn collectively. Based on this framework, it is suggested that groups manage cognitive diversity in three distinct ways, through accommodation, elaboration and transformation. These responses to diversity may represent different levels of group learning along a continuum ranging from routine, exploitative to non‐routine, exploratory learning. An exploratory study is presented in which this framework is used to understand how groups manage cognitive diversity. Preliminary study results suggest that most groups seem to respond to diversity by accommodating or elaborating while very few groups seem to engage in transformation. Specifically, few groups seem to invest the necessary resources to capitalize on diversity and create opportunities for non‐routine learning. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Organizational learning and product design management: towards a theoretical model
Authors: Chiva‐Gómez Ricardo , Camisón‐Zornoza César , Lapiedra‐Alcamí Rafael
Published: December 2003

Examines the relationship between organizational learning and product design management while, at the same time, analysing the repercussions they may have on performance, in the Spanish ceramic tile sector. A comparative case study of four companies from this sector enabled the construction of a theoretical model, which linked the factors that facilitate organizational learning, in the context of product design management, with the activities of this practice. In this model, 14 factors are seen as being essential to the existence of organizational learning and may be divided into two groups: one related to the activities that have to do with the conceptual‐analytical phase of the product design process, and the other linked to the activities related to the creative‐technical phase. All these factors are positively associated with efficient product design management and with improved business performance.
Learning in the workplace – an instrument for competence assessment
Authors: Lantz Annika , Friedrich Peter
Published: December 2003

The presented instrument for competence assessment is used in an attempt to make a systematic assessment of what and how much has been learned by an individual employee at a certain point of time in his/her career within an enterprise. Competencies in different work areas are treated: handling functional work tasks, managing disturbances, prioritising, co‐operating, organising, and achieving quality and environmental targets. All competencies are assessed on a scale measuring level of competence as cognitive complexity. Application of the instrument involves conducting a structured interview where the means‐goal relationship in different work activities is investigated in detail. A quantitative analysis of level of competence in each work area, ranging from behavioural routines to the extent to which an individual contributes to developing and changing his/her task, is then performed. The results of two different tests of inter‐rater reliability and six tests of validity (content, face and criterion validity) are presented. It is concluded that the instrument is adequately valid and reliable.
Australia: an under performing knowledge nation?
Authors: Wood Jack
Published: December 2003

Understanding the concept of a knowledge‐based economy; having a vision to make a new knowledge economy competitive; and creating and implementing a strategy to achieve that vision, would all seem to be fundamental steps for any economy striving to compete in the new global knowledge marketplace. While such issues may appear obvious, how many economies have actually responded effectively to these challenges? This paper first examines the concept of a knowledge‐based economy and then evaluates the relative performance of Australia across a profile of key knowledge‐based performance indicators. Finally, the paper addresses some key challenges facing Australia, and most other OECD economies, as they try to compete in this knowledge race in the new millennium.
IC measurement and reporting: establishing a practice in SA mining
Authors: April Kurt A. , Bosma Paul , Deglon Dave A.
Published: December 2003

This paper presents findings from an investigation of intellectual capital measurement, reporting and management in the South African mining industry. The research methodology employs a combination of content analysis of annual reports for the 20 largest listed companies in South Africa, combined with interviews with senior individuals in mining companies. Data is analysed in accordance with a selected intellectual capital framework consisting of 24 indicators across the three categories of internal, external and human capital. Results show that mining companies tend to report on fewer intellectual capital attributes than other companies and tend to focus more on external attributes such as business collaborations and favourable contracts. Results show that mining companies rate intellectual capital highly, but appear to be lacking in the measurement and reporting of intellectual capital. From these findings it is concluded that mining companies value intellectual capital but lack the appropriate systems and structures to manage intellectual capital meaningfully.
Measurement and reporting of knowledge‐based assets
Authors: Rodgers Waymond
Published: December 2003

This article provides a framework of classifying and valuing knowledge‐based assets for possible future presentation along with the historical‐cost basis financial statements. Further, this paper provides a definition and classification for knowledge‐based assets, provides reasons for including knowledge‐based assets with historical‐cost basis financial statements, and provides a three‐way classification system for knowledge‐based assets.
Valuing intellectual capital using game theory
Authors: Chen Stephen
Published: December 2003

Although many schemes for valuing intellectual capital have been suggested in recent years, existing methods are difficult to link to stock market valuations and to business strategy. This paper illustrates how options theory and game theory may be usefully combined to value intellectual capital in strategic scenario planning. First, illustrations are given of how option theory and game theory can help assess the “hidden” value of intellectual capital in different strategic scenarios. Second, some game theoretic scenarios are used to suggest ways in which intellectual capital may be used strategically. This suggests that intellectual capital has particular characteristics that need to be considered in developing a strategy based on intellectual capital as opposed to a strategy based on other firm resources.
The nature and role of IC
Authors: Rastogi P.N.
Published: December 2003

Current formulations of the concept of intellectual capital (IC) are seen as flawed. They equate IC with intangible assets and intellectual property, or, with knowledge management (KM) activities. They also do not explain its genesis and development. IC is here conceptualised as the holistic and superordinate capability of an enterprise to create value through a creative orchestration of its knowledge resources, under conditions of constant change. It is the result of the dense dynamic nexus of a firm's social capital (SC), human capital (HC), and KM. It is manifested in the form of a firm's sustained profitable growth. It, thus, also represents a firm's overarching capability to meet challenges and exploit opportunities in its continual efforts to generate wealth. The essence of the concept is seen to lie in Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety. Requirements for its development toward sustained value creation and growth of enterprises are outlined briefly.
The measurement of intangible assets in public sector using scaling techniques
Authors: Serrano Cinca Carlos , Mar Molinero Cecilio , Bossi Queiroz Alexandre
Published: December 2003

This paper discusses the identification and measurement of intangible assets in the public sector. A discussion of intellectual capital theory identifies and classifies a number of intangible assets of relevance to the public sector. Multidimensional scaling and related multivariate techniques are proposed for their detection and quantification. The methodology is illustrated with a case study: the provision of council services through the Internet by Spanish municipalities. The technique identifies three intangible assets related to external structural capital: service, image and transparency. Five strategic groups reveal the different objectives, strategic use of the Internet, and actions taken by the various Spanish councils.
Environment, race and nation reconsidered: reflections on Aboriginal land claims in Canada
Authors: Usher Peter J.
Published: December 2003

The course of development in Northern Canada has been transformed in the last 30 years by the comprehensive land claims process. For much of the twentieth century, the settlement and development of northern Canada was experienced by Aboriginal people as a continuing process of encroachment on (and sometimes transformation of) their traditional territories, and of restriction of their customary livelihood. Examples of this process included the alteration of river systems by impoundment and diversion, the pollution and contamination of river systems, government restrictions on hunting and fishing and population relocation and sedentarization. Aboriginal political and legal action led, in the 1970s, to the establishment of a formal process for resolving Aboriginal land claims, and to revised judicial interpretation of Aboriginal and treaty rights. The paper describes how geographers have contributed to documenting those claims, and how land claims settlements have altered the land and resource regimes in northern Canada, and concludes with some observations on the effectiveness of those remedies, and on the changes in Canadian perspectives on Aboriginal northerners, the northern environment and northern development.
Rediscovering place: experiences of a quadriplegic anthropologist
Authors: Gold Gerald
Published: December 2003

Cyberspace is an ‘archetypal place’(Lifchez) for disabled fieldworkers enhancing opportunities for fieldwork. This article uses a concept of place similar to that used in French‐speaking Louisiana. In this approach, ‘place’ overcomes barriers of accessibility through extended ‘weak’ networks and transnational diaspora. In cyberspace, ‘invisible’ communities are defined only by text and narrative. Yet the boundaries of cyberspace communities are culturally constructed or imagined differences. In this way, fieldwork is independent of a physical definition of place. For example, research with MSN‐L, allows daily fieldwork with an international community, without personal relocation. In this way, cyberspace fieldwork became my first link to disability studies where the stigma of the disabled as ‘damaged’ persons becomes my own.
Natural resources and ‘gradual’ reform in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Authors: Auty Richard
Published: December 2003

Among low‐income transition reformers, natural resource rents are an important initial condition that helps explain choice of reform strategy. Resource‐rich Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and resource‐poor China and Vietnam all claim to pursue gradual reform, but their strategies differ. In China and Vietnam, low resource rents have nurtured developmental political conditions and encouraged efficient resource use, which initially promoted agriculture as a dynamic market sector, capable of absorbing labour from the lagging state sector. In contrast, the scale and ease of natural resource rent extraction in the Central Asian countries has consolidated authoritarian governments that postpone reform. Despite high energy rents, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan still extract agricultural rents in ways that repress farm incentives, perpetuate environmental degradation and liquidate irrigation assets. Uzbekistan uses its rents to subsidize a manufacturing sector, that is neither dynamic nor competitive. As its dynamic sector, Turkmenistan promotes natural gas exports that depend on volatile markets. Resource‐driven development models suggest that reform is required in both countries to avert a growth collapse. Turkmenistan's large energy rent‐stream may postpone a collapse for some years, but Uzbekistan's position is already precarious: it has run down its rural infrastructure and accumulated sizeable foreign debts and will require external assistance to recover from a growth collapse. Such assistance should be made conditional on accelerated economic and political reform.
Risk attitudes and mitigation among gold miners and others in the Suriname rainforest
Authors: Heemskerk Marieke
Published: December 2003

This article analyses the question: do attitudes towards risk influence participation in small‐scale gold mining, a hazardous activity that generates uncertain income? This question is examined by measuring and comparing the risk attitudes of gold miners and non‐mining community members in the rainforest of Suriname, South America. The author presents a multivariate model to predict the duration of work in mining areas as a function of risk tolerance, age, education, and household demographics.

The results suggest that a greater tolerance to risk increases the duration of a person's mining career. However, attitudes explain only a fraction of the variation in occupational choices. Qualitative data suggest that these choices are primarily shaped by local barriers to human capital development and by national economic volatility. Given their marginal position in society and the multitude of mining risk mitigation strategies, it is questionable whether gold mining exposes Suriname forest peoples to greater risks than other subsistence alternatives. The author argues that sensitivity to local historical and cultural conditions would improve the efficiency of policies aimed at developing a more sustainable mining industry. By zooming in on the daily lives of miners, anthropology can complement macro‐scale analyses and contribute to policy interventions in the small‐scale mining sector.
Universal access to water and sanitation: Why the private sector must participate
Authors: Lee Terence , Floris Vinio
Published: December 2003

Against the background of the current state of provision of drinking water and sanitation in the world — with one billion lacking safe water, and 2.2 billion not having adequate sanitation — this article argues that private participation is necessary. The most important issues for the management of water utilities in the 21stcentury are identified as mobilizing investment for the highly capital intensive operation of water supply and sanitation infrastructure, and achieving efficiency in the delivery of services. The article highlights the issues that need to be raised if private investment is to be seriously considered as an alternative. Case studies, especially from Latin America (Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia), illustrate different modes of private participation, and possible reasons for successes and failures are discussed.

The article stresses that regardless of the modality of private sector involvement, on‐going government regulatory responsibility in the water sector is crucial. It suggests that regulatory policy must go beyond just setting tariffs, to develop standards for drinking water quality and waste treatment, as well as other standards. In conclusion, the article recognizes that numerous and increasingly difficult challenges face utilities in fulfilling their responsibility to deliver drinking water of adequate quality, in sufficient quantity, and at affordable prices, as well as safe and sustainable disposal of wastewaters for members of urban and rural communities.
Nigerian Supreme Court and ownership of offshore oil
Authors: Ebeku Kaniye S.A.
Published: December 2003

This article discusses the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the constitutional provision dealing with the sharing of revenues derived from natural resources located within the states of the Federation, the ‘derivation principle.’ Although the case relates to the interpretation of a constitutional provision, the arguments of the parties suggest that the real battle was — and still is — about the ownership and control of Nigeria's offshore oil. The article details the legal history and precedents as well as constitutional provisions relevant to the case. Disagreements arose over legal questions such as the seaward boundaries of littoral states (from which oil revenues are derived), and whether a distinction can be made between offshore and onshore oil revenues in applying a 13% constitutionally prescribed derivation principle. The article shows that, in its judgment, Nigeria's Supreme Court relied heavily on rules of international law, while failing to apply existing Nigerian laws and constitutional provision, and argues that the decision might have been different had the court investigated and invoked the legislative history of the provision in question, as required in Nigerian law. Furthermore, it is argued that the court was wrong to disregard the provision of the law which had abolished any distinction between onshore and offshore natural resources in the application of the derivation principle. The article concludes that the legal tug of war is set to continue for some years.
Tropical deciduous forests and the adivasi. Indigenous traditions as response to leaf fall in Bastar, India
Authors: Ramnath Madhu
Published: December 2003

This article draws attention to the crucial link between the tropical deciduous forest ecosystem and the lifestyle of the adivasi (indigenous) people. Taking the case of Bastar District in Chhattisgarh, Central India, an analysis is made of the various commonly used wild plants, their deciduous habit, and the adivasi calendar that regulates the peoples’ use of these plants. By examining the specific seasonal patterns of leaf fall of plants and the dates set for the commencement of their use, the article shows that there is an implicit relation between adivasi festivals and the deciduous character of Bastar's forests.
Preventive home visits for community‐dwelling frail elderly people based on Minimum Data Set‐Home Care: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yamada Yukari , Ikegami Naoki
Published: December 2003

Background:  Although preventive home visits for the elderly are mandatory in Japan, there has been little research into their effectiveness. The present study used the Minimum Data Set‐Home Care (MDS‐HC) as the basis for assessing community‐dwelling frail elderly persons.

Methods:  The present study was a randomized controlled, community‐based investigation of 368 elderly people aged 65 years and older who were dependent in the instrumental activities of daily living, but independent in activities of daily living. The participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (184) or a control group (184). For 18 months, the intervention group received scheduled home visits by public health nurses who had been instructed that the primary objective of these visits was human interaction. The MDS‐HC was used to assess the elderly person at each visit. The primary outcome was the EQ‐5D score of the EuroQol and secondary outcomes were five items constituting the EQ‐5D, self‐rated health, and health behaviors. The types of advice given and subject compliance were also analyzed.

Results:  Intervention had no effect on the EQ‐5D score, and positive results were limited to some aspects of health behavior. Subgroup analyses showed that the home visits were effective for elderly people who perceived their own health as poor at baseline, and for participants who complied with advice.

Conclusions:  The preventive home visits based on the MDS‐HC were effective in selected groups of frail elderly people. Further modification in the use of the MDS‐HC and more focused targeting are needed to make the visits more effective.
Rapid Human‐Assisted Creation of Bounding Models for Obstacle Avoidance in Construction
Authors: McLaughlin J. , Sreenivasan S. V. , Haas C. , Liapi K.
Published: December 2003

Abstract: State‐of‐the‐art construction equipment control technology creates the opportunity to implement automated and semiautomated object avoidance for improved safety and efficiency during operation; however, methods for constructing models of local objects or volumes in real‐time are required. A practical, interactive method for doing so is described here. The method: (1) exploits a human operator's ability to quickly recognize significant objects or clusters of objects in a scene, (2) exploits the operator's ability to acquire sparse range point clouds of the objects quickly, and then (3) renders models, such as planes, boxes, and generalized convex hulls, to be displayed graphically as visual feedback during equipment operation and/or for making proximity calculations in an obstacle detection system. Experiments were performed in which test subjects were asked to model objects of varying complexity and clutter. These models were then compared to control models using a ray‐tracing algorithm to determine the operator's ability to create conservative models that are critical to construction operations. To demonstrate the applicability of the modeling method to obstacle avoidance, a scripted motion robot simulation was conducted using an artificial potential formulation that monitors position (closest point on manipulator link to nearest obstacle) as well as velocity (link inertia). Experimental results indicate that bounding models can be created rapidly and with sufficient accuracy for obstacle avoidance with the aid of human intelligence and that human‐assisted modeling can be very beneficial for real‐time construction equipment control.
Public Pension Reform in Europe: Policies, Prospects and Evaluation
Authors: Disney Richard
Published: December 2003

This paper describes the demographic and economic factors underlying the reform of public pension programmes in Europe. It examines the policy response, both at the Europe‐wide level and within individual European countries. Several programme reform strategies that have been implemented are evaluated. These strategies are the greater pre‐funding of public pensions and expanded second‐tier private pension components, ‘parametric’ reforms to existing programmes, and the development of formula‐driven ‘actuarially fair’ public programmes. Efforts to provide greater incentives for individuals to postpone retirement are also discussed.
Ageing, retirement and pension reforms
Authors: Pestieau Pierre
Published: December 2003

The gist of this paper is that the financial problems of pensions arise not only from the ageing of the population but also from the progressive reduction of the retirement age. It shows that social security systems explain in part such a reduction and indicates why reforms encounter so many political obstacles even though they would benefit most retirees, particularly those with few resources.
The Distributional Impact of Health Financing in Europe: A Review
Authors: De Graeve Diana , Van Ourti Tom
Published: December 2003

This article summarises, extends and updates previous empirical work on the distributional implications of alternative health care financing arrangements in a selection of European countries and the US. On the one hand, total health care payments are almost proportional to ability to pay in most countries. This is predominantly driven by a high reliance on public financing. On the other hand, private payments – out‐of‐pocket payments as well as private insurance premiums – are highly regressive. More extended reliance on private financing may therefore endanger the equitable nature of financing systems. In addition, private payments put a heavy burden on unfortunate households.
Conflict Resolution and Social Protection in an Era of Globalisation: External Dimensions to Europe's Social Policy
Authors: Murshed S. Mansoob
Published: December 2003

Globalisation has marginalised many nations in the South, there are systematic mechanisms via which this occurs. It has also raised inequality between nations, and polarised the world into rich and poor nations. Accompanying international economic marginalisation, a simultaneous growth in violent internal conflict has taken place in developing countries. From both the standpoint of common humanity and security considerations, the marginalising and unequalising effects of globalisation need to be abated via measures to protect the vulnerable. This will also help to stem the tide of internal conflict in the developing world. In this connection Europe, along with its policies and interventions, can be of value.
CHINA, GMOS AND WORLD TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS
Authors: Anderson Kym , Yao Shunli
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  China's rapid industrialization and recent accession to the WTO makes it difficult for the country to maintain self‐sufficiency in agricultural products. Genetic modification technology could ease the situation, but is not without controversy. This paper focuses on the implication of GMO controversy for China. It explores the potential economic effects of China's not adopting versus adopting GMOs when some of its trading partners adopt that technology. The effects are shown to depend to a considerable extent on the trade policy stance taken in high‐income countries that are opposed to GMOs, and/or on the liberalization of China's trade in textiles and apparel.
IMPACT OF JOINING THE WTO ON CHINA's ECONOMIC, LEGAL AND POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Chow Gregory C.
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  This essay applies a historical–institutional approach to assess the impact of WTO membership on China's economic, legal and political institutions. In each case historical and institutional trends are described, and the effects of WTO membership on these trends are examined. The topics include changes in economic structure and the rate of growth of GDP, formal legal institutions and the legal behavior of the Chinese people, and the forces contributing to the development of democratic political institutions in China.
GAME‐THEORETIC ANALYSIS OF CHINA's WTO ACCESSION
Authors: Bond Eric W. , Ching Stephen , Lai Edwin L.‐C.
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  This paper studies the determination of split of total surplus among the negotiating parties (member countries and the acceding country) in a WTO accession negotiation using a sequential bargaining model. In particular, we are interested in the effect of the most‐favored‐nation (MFN) principle on the negotiation outcome. The MFN principle says that any tariff reduction offered by the applicant for accession has to be automatically granted to all existing members. The model suggests that it is quite plausible that China's share of surplus is more when MFN is in place.
WTO ACCESSION AND CHINA's DOMESTIC REGIONAL LIBERALIZATION: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Anming
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  This paper examines the implications of China's WTO accession for its domestic regional liberalization. We find first that, without WTO membership, regional liberalization might create a trade diversion that benefited only low‐protection regions while harming high‐protection regions, and it might or might not benefit the country as a whole. Second, we find that WTO entry will benefit the whole country, whether there is regional liberalization or not. Third, we find that WTO entry will facilitate domestic regional liberalization.
TRADE REFORM, THE WTO AND CHINA's FOOD ECONOMY IN THE TWENTY‐FIRST CENTURY
Authors: Huang Jikun , Rozelle Scott
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  The main goal of the paper is to address the policy changes that accompany China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and evaluate the various impacts of the agreement. To do so, we review the contours of past policies and describe the nature of the promises it has made to the WTO. We show that China's WTO commitments are very much an extension of past policies. Second, we show that most impacts will be relatively minor and in most cases the positive effects will outweigh the negative ones. Various institutions will buffer producers from suffering too much.
LAND DISTRIBUTION INEQUALITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: TRANSMISSION CHANNELS AND EFFECTS
Authors: Mo Pak Hung
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  Land reform in Asian countries is often mentioned as one explanation for the successful economic performance of several Asian countries. Latin American countries did not have land reform and therefore have had lower economic growth. However, this legitimate guess has only scarce evidences. We use a new analytical method to investigate some plausible channels and effects, and we find supportive evidences that part of the regional differential in economic performance of the East Asian and Latin American regions can be explained by their difference in land distribution inequality.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INCREASING HOUSE PRICES
Authors: Leung Charles Ka Yui
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  Several cities and countries in Asia and North America have experienced large increases in housing prices. We extend the 1991 paper by S. Rebelo to simulate this situation. We show that growth in real housing prices can result as economic growth persists, even when population growth is zero. Another finding is that reported increases in housing prices might be underestimated. In particular, the growth rate of a relative price index may converge to zero even when house prices in real terms display sustained growth.