bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How large are welfare’s work disincentives?
Authors: Caniglia Alan S.
Published: July 2002

The conventional economic analysis of welfare programmes is based on the work disincentive issue. This has become a leading justification for recent discussions of welfare reform in the USA that emphasize getting recipients off the rolls and back into productive employment. The presumption is that recipients are rational and selfish agents, and that welfare is sufficiently attractive as to provide substantial work disincentives. Questions that view. This questioning is motivated by the surprisingly high attachment of welfare recipients to the labour force, and is based on the development of a more general framework for viewing the motivations behind economic behaviour. By allowing for diversity of personality types, we are led to a less pessimistic scenario regarding the possibility of designing a system with adequate benefits and without inappropriately high work disincentives.
Aspects of government and governance in Northern Ireland
Authors: McNutt Patrick
Published: July 2002

Considers a political economy dimension to government and governance in Northern Ireland. Political economy looks at the interrelationship between politics and economics in a more complex political system as with devolved government in Northern Ireland. Written prior to the elections of May 1996, offers a background to the intriguing task of how to unravel the circumstances under which the citizens of Northern Ireland will confer legitimacy, that is, the circumstances under which they as citizens and voters do things because they think them right, correct, justified or worthy. The possibility of a prolonged and protracted period of negotiations is now a reality. Like so many other troubled places on earth, Northern Ireland needs politicians with vision. Asks if the representatives of the paramilitaries, the parapoliticians, can deliver that vision.
A comparison of labour market performance in central Asian and European republics of the former Soviet Union 1989‐1992
Authors: Klinov Ruth
Published: July 2002

Notes that in most of the republics of the former USSR transition to a market economy is accompanied by a rise in unemployment and stagnation in job creation, but the degree to which these occur differs among countries. In order to compare their labour market performance, subgroups republics by gross domestic product per capita level into high, intermediate and low. Uses two indicators to characterize performance: one is an index of unemployment, which is suggested here instead of official unemployment figures. The other index is of changes in employment. Based on these, and with some exceptions, shows that during the first years of transition, 1989‐1992, the poorer republics were better off than the others on both accounts. Out of the factors suggested as possible explanations to the better performance of group III countries, three seem important: the higher rate of substitution between private and public sector employment generated by the agricultural sector; a larger labour demand elasticity, and a more moderate rate of increase in labour supply, caused by very little reduction in state sector employment.
A roller coaster of reliance
Authors: Marabella Santo D. , West James P.
Published: July 2002

Examines the “roller coaster of reliance” of the US government sector on the voluntary sector from colonial times to the present. Emphasizes the question of how this roller coaster has been affected by the emergence of the globalizing economy, the neoliberal state and more specifically by the new directions taken on by the Clinton administration. Offers some policy recommendations for stabilizing this important relationship in order to meet the heightened challenges that are developing in the USA and abroad.
Chinese and Western behavioural differences: understanding the gaps
Authors: O’Keefe Hsu , O’Keefe William M.
Published: July 2002

Explores the nature and Confucian roots of selected conflicts identified by Chinese and Westerners when working together in China‐based business joint ventures. Highlights, in particular, that the passive and polite Chinese communication practices are in direct contrast to the Western tendency to be direct and articulate with co‐workers regarding business issues; the proactive, risk‐taking behaviour of the foreigners to identify and resolve problems early enters into conflict with the Chinese preference to maintain harmony and peace by avoiding initiative taking; and Chinese respect for authority and seniority conflicts with the Western preference for competency‐based business practices. Also assesses the different approaches to the treatment of information. Advocates that both Chinese and Westerners should work to understand one another’s behaviour from the other’s point of view, suggesting that a better understanding of the roots of these differences in behaviour can help to reduce avoidable conflicts in the operation of joint ventures.
Moral responsibility and economic choice
Authors: Zsolnai Lászlo
Published: July 2002

Presents a normative model of responsible choice which is consistent with the main psychological theories of human choice behaviour. Identifies different aspects of complex economic choices, namely a deontological aspect, a goal achievement aspect, and a stakeholder aspect. Defines responsible choice as choosing the least worst alternative in the multidimensional space of deontological, instrumental, and external values. Demonstrates that the responsible choice model elaborated falls into the rational choice model under specific circumstances.
An abbreviated autobiography: saint or devil? Or neither?
Authors: Tisdell Clem
Published: July 2002

Begins by considering whether the economic theory of the supply, nature and demand for biographies developed by James M. Buchanan and Robert Tollison might apply to this autobiography. Outlines Tisdell’s experiences in his pre‐school years (1939‐1945), at school (1946‐1956) and as a university student (1957‐1963). Covers the period of his first appointment as a temporary lecturer at the Australian National University (1964) and of his postdoctoral travelling scholarship (1965) which took him to Princeton and Stanford and the period of his employment from 1966 onwards. His family and its history are given particular attention.
Science policy and technology policy in a competitive economy
Authors: Metcalfe J.S.
Published: July 2002

In the past 15 years there have been major changes in the conduct of science and technology policy in advanced industrial countries. Recognizing that this is an area where Clem Tisdell has made notable contributions, reviews the recent developments around three themes: the nature of science and technology as distinctive bodies of knowledge arising in different institutional contexts; the market failure approach and its development into an evolutionary rationale for science and technology policy; and the UK Technology Foresight Programme as a specific example of the shift in the focus of science and technology policy.
Economics and ecologically sustainable futures
Authors: Rapport D.J.
Published: July 2002

Economic thought has had considerable influence on ecology and environmental management. This has been by and large to the detriment of ecology for two reasons: first, much of the neo‐classical economics (the economics of resource allocation) is based on untested and highly improbable assumptions about behaviour in the real world. Efforts to validate this theory in ecological contexts have not been very successful and, further, have themselves been based on inadequate methods. Second, applications of economic theories of optimization to natural resource allocations have led to depletion rather than conservation of resources because they are based on unfounded assumptions about the natural world and the capability for self‐renewal of natural resource systems. Further, viewing nature as a “commodity” focuses on only one aspect of nature’s services and even here is inadequate, for it fails to account for renewal over long time horizons. Emerging conceptual frameworks based on ecological economics hold more promise in forging the much needed integration of economics and ecology. Their value may be realized if some of the “blinders” that govern economic thought can be shed in meeting the critical challenge of an ecologically sustainable and ethical future.
Managing God’s estate: current environmental policies and the Biblical tradition
Authors: Szenberg Michael
Published: July 2002

Examines the Biblical positions concerning humankind’s relationship to nature. The Biblical ecological system is a hierarchical system with human beings at the pinnical of nature and the animal and vegetative worlds below to serve humans. The same hierarchical structure prevails in human relations. Reviews the all‐embracing principal “Do not wantonly destroy”, which encompasses both humans and animals. Provides a Biblical perspective on environmental regulations Suggests that environmental agencies should focus less on rules and much more on prudential judgement. Regulatory activities should then require a balancing of benefits and costs.
A perspective on US and German socioeconomic policies
Authors: Karsten Siegfried G.
Published: July 2002

“Socially‐oriented” socioeconomic policies for the USA and Germany have both “meaning” and “validity” in that they would address themselves to socioeconomic concerns and could be implemented. Narrowly oriented socioeconomic policies are neither politically nor socially acceptable in the long run. In a mature socioeconomic system, such as the USA or Germany, the focal question centres not only on efficiency and productivity but also on human values, especially the rights for freedom, for a productive and creative life, and for a life in dignity. The basic question each country faces is what kind of socioeconomic policies it should actively pursue in order to strengthen the market system and to maximize social welfare as effectively as possible.
The logic of economic discourse: beyond Adam Smith and Karl Marx
Authors: Armour Leslie
Published: July 2002

Economic discourse has two interesting properties. It tends to be all‐encompassing and it tends to shape the reality which it sets out to describe. Systems of economic theory can become very powerful and those based on ideas from Adam Smith and Karl Marx are good examples. Each of these has produced serious problems which are difficult to cope with because of their tendency to be rooted in a reality which they have helped to create. What is needed is a logic which is open to constant revisions and which ties closely to human experience and a notion of economics which makes this possible. Suggests a “logic of continuous discourse” and an information‐based economy aimed at maximizing the availability of a range of human experience and minimizing the expenditure of energy.
Islamic finance and ethical investment
Authors: Wilson Rodney
Published: July 2002

Reports that there are lessons which can be learned from the Western ethical “green” finance industry for Islamic investors. States that these are that the criteria for investment selection are different, and the modes of permissible financing may also differ, but there are screening and reporting techniques which are of potential importance to both groups of investors. First addresses ethical fund management issues, which should shed some light on the dilemmas facing Islamic investors. Goes on to consider criteria for haram and halal investment, as well as the implications of company capital gearing or leverage for riba. Covers investment specific issues, including the treatment of capital gains in Islam and the evaluation of the conduct of market participants. Finally, surveys emerging markets in the Islamic world, as these are of obvious interest to Muslim investors wishing to broaden their portfolios.
Local communities, conservation and sustainability
Authors: Tisdell Clem
Published: July 2002

Globalization has been accompanied by disintegration of local communities and loss of sense of community. These changes have entailed considerable socio‐economic cost. Kant’s moral imperative raises questions about communal values. Points out that due to dynamic changes, governance and institutions sometimes have to change if local communities are to survive. Unfortunately, co‐evolution often is so difficult or so slow that the sustainability of communities is endangered. Gives examples. There is significant conflict between Kantian social philosophy and that of the Libertarians and the Utilitarians. Explores aspects of this conflict.
A policy‐theoretic analysis of sample survey of the Mi’kmaq People of Cape Breton in the light of the knowledge‐based world view
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul , Mohammad Noor Hanapi
Published: July 2002

Carries out a statistical and economic analysis of socio‐economic survey results on the Mi’kmaq People of Cape Breton in the light of the criterion of the social wellbeing function. Focuses on studying the social wellbeing criterion with the socio‐economic variables involved in the surveys in a relational perspective among alternatives. Points out that this approach is distinct from the neoclassical resource substitution method. Instead, the relational perspective is shown to be premissed on a system of universal complementarities.
Socio‐economic and political aspects of biodiversity conservation in Nepal
Authors: Wells Michael P. , Sharma Uday R.
Published: July 2002

Although a very poor country, Nepal has established an extensive protected area system. Many visitors are attracted by some of these parks, helping to make tourism the top foreign exchange earner. Landmark events for wildlife conservation during recent Nepalese history are identified, especially the 1961‐90 rule of the monarchy and the present decentralized democratic system which succeeded it. Although many problems remain, Nepal has gone further than most countries towards reconciling: the needs and aspirations of local people with protected area management, and the economic opportunities offered by nature tourism with its ecological threats. Innovative projects have emphasized the socio‐economic aspects of conservation and legislation has recently been passed to formalize the status of park buffer zones. The future of Nepal’s protected areas may depend on how effectively these initiatives can be implemented and how effectively their lessons can be applied on a broader front.
Coming out of their homesteads?
Authors: Akhter Hamid M. , Alauddin Mohammad
Published: July 2002

Bangladesh has experienced a rapid expansion of shrimp farming in the coastal regions in recent years. The increase in both area and production has been influenced by the financial profit motive of rural farmers coupled with high international demands for shrimps and ecological congeniality for shrimp aquaculture. In the past the traditional farming systems in the coastal belts of Bangladesh centred around rice crop. In contrast, the introduction of shrimp aquaculture on a larger/commercial scale has developed shrimp‐based farming systems. Shrimp farming itself is less labour‐intensive than rice cultivation, especially when extensive methods of shrimp culture are practised. Hence, it has reduced on‐farm employment opportunities for rural landless. Nevertheless, shrimp production requires a substantial volume of labour in off‐farm ancillary activities, namely shrimp fry collection, shrimp feed collection, and shrimp processing and packaging for export. Most of this off‐farm work is performed primarily by rural women. This process has engendered a major shift in rural employment and occupational structure in the shrimp belt. Shrimp production has enabled rural women to earn more cash income and to become more active income‐earning members in rural households. While they used to contribute to their share of agricultural work in the homestead before the shrimp cultivation was introduced, now they work mostly outside their homes. This has forced them to stay outside of their homes for longer hours, which limits their time for household duties, more specifically looking after children. All these factors together have implications for the socio‐economic changes in the rural society. The findings that emerge indicate that a range of factors including rural power structure, centre‐periphery issue, rural‐urban migration determine the pattern and extent of employment. It is unclear whether greater employment opportunities for rural women have empowered them or have helped extricate them from various forms of discrimination and exploitation.
Convict labor at the Sumitomo Besshi copper mine in Japan
Authors: Hatakeyama Hideki
Published: July 2002

Convict labor which the Sumitomo family rounded up in order to carry charcoal from the charcoal kiln to the smelting hearth on the steep mountain paths, began in 1881 at the Besshi copper mine. When one local newspaper scooped cruelties to miners at the Takashima coal mine in 1887, the Sumitomo family was socially criticized for using convict labor at the Besshi mine. The prefectural governor of Ehime asked Sumitomo to stop it in 1888, and then abolished it in March, 1889. Officially,we can understand the abolition of convict labor at the Besshi mine as a political process. However, it is assumed that without the technical advancement and the good condition of the economy in this period, the abolition of convict labor would not have been possible. The author suggests that it was the major reason why Sumitomo accepted the prefectural governor’s request to abolish it.
Privatization in Russia: some micro‐evidence based on housing markets
Authors: Maddala G.S. , Toda Yasushi , Nozdrina Nadezhda
Published: July 2002

Examines the importance of the role of economic incentives in privatization using data collected at the micro level from auctions of state‐owned apartments in Moscow. Describes the nature of the auctions, the data collected and the estimated hedonic price functions. Concludes that the auction prices are very well explained by economic factors, particularly after the price liberalization that happened in 1992.
Eucken’s instability thesis revisited ‐ the case of China
Authors: Karsten Siegfried G.
Published: July 2002

The People’s Republic of China, as a progressively developing economy, is subject to dynamic structural changes, which are potentially de‐stabilizing in nature. Since the end of the 1970s China had abandoned Mao Zedong’s socioeconomic theories and policies and instituted profound socioeconomic reforms. Her more pragmatic approach has increasingly emphasized economic freedom and individualism. The pursued “pragmatism” involves a revolutionary mixture of both a planned and a market economy with greater economic but not political freedom. Essential socioeconomic reforms were not complemented by requisite political reforms. According to Walter Eucken’s “instability thesis,” this may de‐stabilize China’s socioeconomic and political structures. The challenge which China continues to face is how to reconcile two sets of conflicting principles, economic freedom and Marxist‐Leninist‐Maoist control of politics and society, resolving Eucken’s hypothesis of potential long‐term instability. This paper addresses this challenge in terms of ethical and economic perspectives.
Ageing labour force in a labour shortage economy: the case of Singapore
Authors: Kalirajan K.P. , Shantakumar G.
Published: July 2002

The effects of ageing on incomes, taxes, social protection and labour productivity will be important considerations in Singapore’s future economic policy, while posing strong challenges for the country, which has become more global in outlook. This paper briefly discusses some of these important issues concerning ageing in Singapore.
The woes of economic reform: poverty and income inequality in Fiji
Authors: Prasad Biman C.
Published: July 2002

Amongst the major development problems facing many of the developing countries is the increasing levels of poverty and income inequality. Economic growth in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s was seen as a panacea for reducing poverty. While the key to development progress is still achieving economic growth, the means to do so is based on the ability of governments to move towards a free market type economy. The concern today is the impact of economic structural adjustment policies (SAPs) on the levels of poverty and inequality. In most cases the evidence on the impact of SAPs shows that despite sustained economic growth the poverty level has increased in many developing countries and Fiji is not an exception. The move towards free market reforms is being increasingly questioned as a policy measure and its ability to have positive impact on the reduction of poverty and income inequality. The criticism of the free market approach is its failure to take account of institutional, social and political factors which in many cases are the real causes of poverty and income inequality. The debate on the applicability of SAPs and the evidence of the impact of SAPs is reviewed in the case of developing countries. The level of poverty and income inequality in Fiji are discussed.
The accounting‐economics interface: where the market fails
Authors: Gordon Irene M. , Boland Lawrence A.
Published: July 2002

The conclusion of this paper is that market prices fail to reflect the information required to provide meaningful accounting measurements that are used in real‐life decision making. This failure is due to the employment of an “ideal” economic world’s assumptions that do not, and cannot, fit the real world of business. The argument in the paper begins with a discussion of the ideal market as envisioned by the Chicago School and outlined in Tisdell (1995). From this ideal market characterization, it is argued that even Adam Smith recognized the existence of external effects resulting from certain social undertakings. In addition to externalities, two other market failures are discussed: the use of efficiency measures while ignoring effectiveness measures; and the emphasis on the short‐term time horizon at the expense of the longer term.
J. Zijlstra (b. 1918)
Authors: Spithoven A.H.G.M.
Published: July 2002

J. Zijlstra was Dutch Minister of Economics (1952‐1958), Minister of Finance (1959‐1963, 1966‐1967), Prime Minister (1966‐1967), and President of the Central Bank of The Netherlands (1967‐1981). During his terms of office he followed a Keynesian policy that placed on the government the responsibility for sustaining full employment. His policy involved not only the finance of the public sector but also the maintenance of equilibrium between production and expenditure. To achieve this he introduced a standardization of budget policy ‐ structural finance. The essence of this budgetary policy, which the Dutch Government pursued from 1960 to 1978, was to manage the national expenditure in a designed manner. The article deals with this approach and suggests an explanation why it eventually failed to produce the expected results.
Markets and biodiversity loss: some case studies and policy considerations
Authors: McDaniel Carl , Gowdy John M.
Published: July 2002

Resource use policy based on standard (neoclassical) economic theory is driven by the assumption that “getting the prices right” is the key to sustainable resource use. Although most neo‐classical economists now agree that market prices may substantially undervalue biological features, the prevailing view is that “correct” market prices can be established through enlightened intervention in private markets. Using the examples of the Atlantic bluefin tuna, the American bison, and the passenger pigeon, we show that neither very high nor very low prices can ensure the survival of a particular species. With these cases as background, we compare and contrast three policy approaches to sustainability: weak sustainability, strong sustainability and Georgescu‐Roegen’s concept of a viable technology.
Prolegomena to any future study in economics and finance as a science
Authors: Rugina Anghel N.
Published: July 2002

The economic science is again in a crisis and a new solution prolegomena to any future study in economics, finance and other social sciences has just been published by the International Institute of Social Economics in care of the MCB University Press in England. The roots of the major financial and economic problems of our time lie in an open conflict between theory and practice. In the 1930s and before the conflict was between classical theory and given realities. In the 1990s the conflict appears between the now prevailing modern, Keynesian theory and the actual realities. In addition during the twentieth century a great argument developed between the two schools of thought, argument which is not yet settled. In one sentence, the prolegomena tried and was successful to solve the conflict between theory and practice and the big doctrinal dispute of the twentieth century. It was a struggle of research and observation over half a century between 1947 and 1997.
Man and work according to the social doctrine of the Church, particularly in the thought of John Paul II
Authors: Tondini Giovanni
Published: July 2002

In this essay, the author explores John Paul II’s thought on human work, and argues that, just as the Jesuit Henrich Pesch and members of his study group contributed directly to the preparation of Pius XI’s Quadragesimo Anno in 1931, Pietro Pavan helped advance John Paul II’s own thinking about man and work. Tondini draws our attention to Dignitatis Humanae from the Second Vatican Council wherein, he asserts, there is to be found a cultural harmony between Pavan and John Paul II.
John Paul II’s vision of the social economy from an urban perspective
Authors: Zech Charles E.
Published: July 2002

Pope John Paul II has been a prolific writer on social economic issues. In particular, three encyclicals, Laborem Exercens, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis and Centesimus Annus directly address that topic. While John Paul, as leader of a global church, tends to address these issues from a global perspective, much of what he writes can be applied to the local, urban level of analysis. This essay applies many of John Paul’s premises to the urban poverty problem, including: the preferential option for the poor; the principle of the common use of goods; solidarity; and subsidiarity. It concludes that all of these principles can be used to analyze the problem of urban poverty, especially its spatial elements, and their application suggests a major re‐thinking of the relationship between suburbs and inner cities.
MARKET ECONOMY ‐ John Paul II’s passage to the market economy
Authors: McKee Arnold
Published: July 2002

This essay develops four points. First, two basic reasons led to John Paul II’s advocacy of the market economy in Centesimus Annus ‐ the creativity of labour, and the failures of socialism and excessive state intervention to ensure basic welfare, especially in underdeveloped countries. Second, the implications of this new‐found support for the market system, its institutions and their working require some clarification. Third, essential qualifications remain: private and social morality must guide economic freedom, just legal framework is required, and government surveillance must remain especially of distribution. Fourth, today’s market system, now operating globally, has given rise to new needs for ensuring adequate employment with security of tenure. Firms and public agencies should see themselves as “communities of persons” concerned with the welfare of their employees. Finally, this discussion of the market economy takes issue with those who confuse a morally directed version with one reflecting automatic forces, and with others who think a desirable economic system and policy and the premises of economic science cannot be influenced by Christian thought.
A Christian perspective on Neoclassical rational choice theory
Authors: Beed Clive , Beed Cara
Published: July 2002

The Neoclassical approach to analysing personal choice is compared with an approach contained in a Biblical Christian mode of analysis. This paper compares the Neoclassical and Christian positions via analysis of characteristics of the Neoclassical rational choice model. The main characteristic examined is a basic assumption of the rational choice model that human choice is explained as the optimisation of utility via rational self‐interest. The two positions are compared in terms of how they treat self‐interest and rationality, the degree to which basic assumptions about human behaviour are specified, the importance they attach to the realism of assumptions underlying their models, and the explanatory and predictive purposes for which the models are used. The conclusion of the comparison is that the Biblical Christian perspective encompasses the variables regarded as important in Neoclassical explanation, but presents them in the context of a more embracing worldview perspective than the Neoclassical. This Christian belief perspective is applicable to human behaviour in both “economic” and “non‐economic” domains.
Augustinianism and the social service state
Authors: O’Neil Daniel J.
Published: July 2002

This article explores the thought of St Augustine and its relevancy to acceptance or rejection of the social service state. It notes Augustine’s emphasis on the transitory nature of modernity and the primacy of the spiritual. It examines Augustine’s pessimistic scenario concerning the secular state and its accomplishments. It suggests that Augustinianism would be fare less receptive to the social state and its strengthening of secular power than the more optimistic and more “incarnational” Thomism.
Capitalism, rivalry and solidarity
Authors: Keizer P.K.
Published: July 2002

A welfare state can be interpreted as an institution that tries to materialize the idea of solidarity. To get a better understanding of the functioning of a welfare state and its competitiveness, this article discusses the concept of “solidarity” and its counterpart “rivalry”. In orthodox ethics solidarity is interpreted as a moral imperative; in orthodox economics eventual transfers are costs that must be justified by utilities derived from it (through the avoidance of social unrest for instance). By applying the usual investment formula to decide whether an investment would be profitable, this article shows that decisions about solidarity transfers are influenced by morality, mentality, rationality and the apparent belief systems of the decision takers. Because “modern” sociology does not pay adequate attention to the sources of human rivalry, the contributions of the linguist and anthropologist Girard are discussed to see whether this offers a valuable approach.
Mining taxation in Fiji
Authors: Grynberg Roman , Fulcher Peter , Dryden Peter
Published: July 2002

The paper considers the development of the unique fiscal relationship that exists between the government of Fiji and Emperor gold mines. Over a period of 40 years Emperor has not only paid negligible amounts of taxes and royalties it has frequently been directly subsidised by the state. In 1983 the government signed the Vatukoula tax agreement which effectively gave new mines a tax holiday for over 20 years. At the time of writing, Emperor regularly declares a dividend, is profitable in comparison to similar mines and pays no corporate taxes. The tax agreement stands as unique among developing countries in terms of allowing all potential rents from the mine to pass directly to the mine owners and almost nothing to the resource owner.
Socioeconomic characteristics of rural urbanization in Southern Jiangsu, China
Authors: Wang De
Published: July 2002

Rural urbanization in China has been discussed by many scholars since the 1980s. In this paper, Wuxi and Jiangyin, two counties in China’s most developed area of southern Jiangsu, were selected as target areas. Four characteristics of rural urbanization, namely, multilevel transfer of rural population into urban population; dispersed spatial pattern; urbanization lagging behind industrial development; and important role of towns in rural urbanization, were analyzed. Through an analysis of the socioeconomic development of Wuxi and Jiangyin, three trends in future development of rural urbanization can be predicted: rural population will continue to progress from lower to higher level and from incomplete to complete form; small towns will continue to develop rapidly and differentially; and rural migrants in regional cities will gradually increase.
Minimum wages, training wages and youth employment
Authors: Mangan John , Johnston John
Published: July 2002

High rates of youth unemployment, worldwide, have led governments to advocate a range of policies designed to increase job offers to young workers. For example, the Australian Government is currently introducing a system of “training wages” which will see effective youth wages set well below adult award wages for a designated training period. This policy is designed to simultaneously increase the human capital of young workers as well as help to overcome the initial barriers to entry into the labour market. However, youth‐specific wages have been criticized on the basis of age discrimination and on equity grounds. Also, some US data question the employment‐boosting potential of reduced minimum youth wages. In this paper recent international findings on the relationship between youth wages and employment are presented and compared with empirical tests of the relationship using labour market data for Australia as a whole as well as the State of Queensland. The results are used to examine the likely impact of the introduction of the training wage on the youth labour market in Australia and to provide further generalizations on the wider issue of employment and youth‐specific wages.
Aboriginal people, spirituality and the traditional ownership of land
Authors: Rigsby Bruce
Published: July 2002

Aboriginal people have property rights and interests in land and waters arising from traditional law and custom. Their traditional relationship to land is dual in character, having spiritual and material dimensions; i.e. they belong to the land and they own it too. The root of their traditional aboriginal title is found in the creative acts of the ancestral Stories in the Story‐Time and from the unbroken links of spirit which connect them and their deceased ancestors with specific land and sea country.
Population and rural‐urban environmental interactions in developing countries
Authors: Jegasothy K.
Published: July 2002

The link between population proliferation and environmental degradation continues to be a critical issue in many developing countries. Such a link has dented the development process and produced unpleasant marks on the socio‐economic fabric of the society. These marks are quite distinct to rural and urban regions. Any efforts to rectify the situation first require regional‐wise identification of the problems and the causal socio‐economic factors. Based on this information a sustainable development approach can be formulated, with environmental concerns such as protection of natural resources from depletion and degradation and ensuring an adequate resources base to secure a decent standard of living. Further, implementation of this kind of integrated strategy needs commitment from institutions ranging from local to international level.
Economics and civilisation
Authors: Armour Leslie
Published: July 2002

The globalisation of the world economy has left governments less powerful and threatened cultures with homogenisation. The Huntington thesis – that the world is now divided into rival civilisations and that they are likely to be the source of the next round of world conflicts – may seem weak in the light of this. In fact many people fear that economic efficiency will produce a single culture and, because it will be dominated by hotly competing corporations with little restraint, will threaten civility itself. R.G. Collingwood even argued that economics as a practical science threatens civilisation by its very existence. This paper argues that, if one takes seriously Collingwood’s own distinction between wealth and riches, and if a co‐operative economy can be made to flourish, civilisation can readily survive. Wealth in these terms is a community resource which frees up human possibilities, riches are personal barricades and a source of power, and we can understand how to maximise wealth without creating unnecessary riches. In these terms the three main competing civilisations – that of the West, that of Islam, and the Chinese civilisation which is exemplified, for instance in Taiwan, may well survive and remain distinct. They represent basic human choices. For one can have societies in which the major focus is on individuals, societies in which it is on the community as a whole, and societies in which it is on families, social groups, churches and other institutions which comprise civil society.
Boris Yeltsin and Russia’s rocky road to capitalism: the early years
Authors: Elliott John E. , Hall Thomas
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the origins and the institutions, strategies, and policies of the shift to transition toward capitalism and democracy as the aspired system of political economy of Boris Yeltsin and his supporters in Russia in the early 1990s. The paper argues that this process of radical change is very “rocky”, and that its outcome is not yet clear. The shift from socialist democratization under Gorbachev to capitalist transformation under Yeltsin had multiple origins; but a core element in the process was the very likely abandonment of the ancien régime by party, state, and industrial élites themselves. Key factors in the transition in the early 1990s were: continuity amid change in political leadership and governance institutions; the absence of a developed political party system that could have united Yeltsin and the new Russian parliament; and the underlying socioeconomic conditions and attitudes of the Russian population.
Beyond Adam Smith and Karl Marx: visions and versions of future society
Authors: Nitsch Thomas O.
Published: July 2002

Marx and Smith share the accusation of musing about future society, but of being much too vague about the form. At the same time, there is no glaring dearth of those who hailed the collapse of the Soviet economy as proof positive of the failure of Marxism, of Marx’s system. This boils down to the question of whether or not Marx in any way foresaw/espoused/advocated central planning as such; and, in particular, as it materialised in the USSR. There is a key passage – indeed, a mere phrase – in Das Kapital which is (or could be) seized upon to answer that question in the affirmative with conviction.
Digital developments in higher education: theory and practice – a review
Authors: Revill Don
Published: July 2002

The reviewer comments on the philosophical issues, lesson learned, the costs and quality considerations, in information and communications technology‐mediated learning discussed in these essays. Particular attention is given to the opportunities digitisation now presents to course designers in offering students choice in sequencing learning materials, the importance of objectives and the problems still presented by collaborative efforts.
Winds of change: research libraries
Authors: Bang Tove , Harbo Karen
Published: July 2002

The article takes its starting point in new trends and paradigm shifts in scholarly research methods and discusses how research libraries must act in relation to this. Various innovative initiatives at the Library of the Aarhus School of Business (LASB) are described, especially within the areas of electronic dissemination and presentation. A line of projects on development of a software for the sharing of knowledge are in focus, a “metro map” used for navigating the electronic information resources made available in the Learning Resource Centre, at the Aarhus School of Business (ASB). This software is the result of exchange of knowledge between professional departments at ASB and a software company. The LASB is positive towards and will continue working with this method. Finally, the investment in future library services is discussed and a tangible offer is put into perspective: electronic reference services.
Electronic Mail in Academic Libraries: Is It Worth the Investment?
Authors: O′Donoghue Michael , Dickey William
Published: July 2002

Academic libraries′ attempts to react positively to changes take many
forms. Libraries have been adept at investing in new technology in
attempts to cater for their users′ increasingly sophisticated
information needs. In some cases, as with electronic mail for example,
investment has been made without clear idea of applications or
consequences. Looks at the nature of electronic mail, how it differs
from other information technologies, and its role in bringing academic
libraries into much closer contact with curriculum delivery as opposed
to curriculum support. Describes some of the experiences of students and
staff at Preston College within this area. Concludes that despite
initial difficulties in managing this facility the investment has paid
back in many unanticipated ways.
Two false dogmas of information science
Authors: Marco Guy A.
Published: July 2002

Announces and discusses two false beliefs about information science: that there is a distinct discipline of information science; and that librarians need to study it. Finds several definitions of information science to be defective in the sense of what a definition ought to be. Shows that information science is no more than a gathering of findings from communication, computer science and librarianship ‐ it is not interdisciplinary, since it uses only products of the other fields, not their principles and methods. Concludes that library study requires only a knowledge of computer products that will enhance library service, and that information subjects are a distraction from fundamentals.
Leading at work
Authors: Bellman Geoffrey M.
Published: July 2002

This article offers alternative ways of looking at your work. It embraces the troubling reality that you are not in charge and helps you to see how you might be effective from where you sit. The article helps you look at what you have and what you want at work. It helps you identify the people that are important to you and bring yourself more fully to the work before you. The author believes that the “secret” of your success is in using work to pursue life goals, in finding life meaning through the work you do. Briefly said, leading at work is best done by conscientiously leading your life.
The knowledge smiths: librarianship as craftship of knowledge
Authors: Mizrachi Yonathan
Published: July 2002

Considers some of the reasons why we can no longer assume a progressive‐linear transition from facts and information provided by “the library” or by the “information professional” to a clearly focused (in terms of information needs) user as the “default” user‐library encounter. Examines why librarians and information specialists can no longer maintain their traditional, relatively passive role, and should aspire to become active participators in knowledge seeking. Librarians and information professionals may be called to intervene and assist users in context of higher levels of information processing (knowledge, understanding, reflection, and application). The main, and perhaps the somewhat revolutionary, implication of this paper is that the centre of gravity in the information professional’s practice and training should move from data and information retrieval and mediation to nothing short of acting as knowledge seekers, editors, and interpreters. Web‐like syntopicons and digital knowledge maps are presented and discussed as two promising intellectual instruments that librarians can implement in their quest for knowledge generation.
Libraries find profitable partnerships in the commercial sector
Authors: Manley S.D.J.
Published: July 2002

Details the partnership between the County Reference Library in Buckinghamshire, UK, and Dun & Bradstreet. It enables the library to provide better information services to its much more sophisticated public. The library is also providing services to local businesses, which generate revenue to fund much‐needed resources such as new books, CD‐ROMs and memory upgrades for the library’s computers. Dun & Bradstreet gain feedback about their products direct from consumers, which means problems can be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
Getting more from the Internet
Authors: Rowland Glyn
Published: July 2002

Discusses recent developments in the Internet and World Wide Web, with details of current users and their use of the Web. Summarises the problems of searching the Web, giving general advice on the search process, with examples of the facilities available and use of the major search directories, guides and search engines.
Towards open government: official information on the Web
Authors: Chandler Helen E.
Published: July 2002

Governments over the 1990s have been moving towards public accountability and accessibility of official information. Based on a seminar presentation and workshop at Liverpool John Moores University, examines the extent of the development of United Kingdom (UK) national and local government and European Union (EU) official information on the World Wide Web from the perspective of the ordinary citizen. Focuses on the access points of the award‐winning Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) Government Information Service and the Europa pages with particular focus on the UK parliament, HMSO and The Stationery Office, and the UK European Commission sites. Findings from a small‐scale study of four UK local government sites suggest that much more information needs to be mounted to meet expectations, whereas national and supranational government sites are quite advanced in the information provision.
The ISO 11620 standard and library automated systems
Authors: O’Farrell Jack
Published: July 2002

This paper is based on research carried out in Liverpool John Moores University, and investigates the capability of three library automated systems to generate datasets necessary to form the ISO 11620 draft standard on performance measurement in libraries. Gives background to the standard and details how the Talis, Dynix Classic and Innopac systems can generate the datasets. Concludes that the systems are weak in generating the necessary management data.
Slovene public libraries
Authors: Karun Breda
Published: July 2002

The article describes the intensive development of Slovene public libraries in the last eight years. Unlike in most of the other European countries where the automation process and development of information technology run gradually, Slovene public libraries made this step in a scant few years by joining the COBISS system. COBISS (Cooperative Online Bibliographic System) connects all types of Slovene libraries (national, university, special, school and public) via online cataloguing and uniform database access system, supports the automation of the local functions and enables access to various databases via Internet. The needs of customers and the possibilities given by a high level of technical base, including access to Internet, caused the development of many new public information services in public libraries.
Universal information service and increasing tasks of libraries
Authors: Karnitis Edvins
Published: July 2002

The evolution of information processing and deep integration of social structures and information systems are raising the significance of information and knowledge to a new higher level. The availability of information for everyone is the essence of the universal information service and the basic objective for the national information policy. An analysis of the market for information services shows that libraries remain the major information brokers and a significant guarantee for general availability of information. Tasks and usage of libraries are increasing, therefore the strategy of their development should be elaborated on a state scale. The Concept of Provision of Scientific and Technical Information for Latvia is based on integrated usage of printed and electronic information sources and services, wide application of virtual library strategy and the development of electronic information technologies.