...This article is a copy of the one published in New Society Magazine No.237, January-February 2012, ISSN 0251-3552, www.nuso.org A major transition for a great transformation Reflections from the Yasuní-ITT Initiative René Ramírez Gallegos1 When discussing the development of a political project from the Left there are two opposing positions or aspects: those which promote the idea of better managing and regulating capitalism – that is, striving for “good capitalism” – and those who hold anticapitalist positions. The author of this article argues that a Left that does not give up on the generation of alternatives to capitalism but at the same time is responsible for governing, should think about a “great transition” without losing sight of the horizon of a “great transformation”. This article analyzes the Yasuní-ITT Initiative and presents it as an example of how to merge concrete and innovative proposals (transition) and utopias which go beyond capitalist development (transformation). Key words: Left, Capitalism, Good Living/Sumak Kawsay, Yasuní-ITT The world does not need alternatives for development, but alternatives to development. The world does not need to “better” use capitalism, but to transform it. That is the great historical challenge that the Left should take on, both intellectually and politically. The concept of “development” has been recycled and reborn again and again for all its critics and detractors. However, in a strict sense it has never been questioned...
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...3 UK banana imports 2002 – 2013 4.4 Changes in banana supply chain operations 4.5 The impact of supermarket price wars on producers 4.6 Producer prices vs costs of sustainable production 22 22 23 5 The market environment for bananas 5.1 Evolution of the global banana trade 5.2 Consolidation of retailer power and UK price wars 5.3 The impact of competition law on banana prices 38 6 Fairtrade’s alternative approach 6.1 General background to the Fairtrade system 6.2 Fairtrade bananas – scope and scale 6.3 airtrade: the benefits and F constraints for farmers and workers 2 3 About this report 3.1 Fairtrade’s involvement in bananas 3.2 Research objectives and approach 3.3 Methodological note 7 Achieving a sustainable banana industry 7.1 inclusive market An for smallholders 7.2 Thriving banana farming communities 7.3 Decent work 7.4 Living wages 7.5 Workers’ rights to unionise 7.6 Taking full account of externalities 7.7 A new approach to pricing 56 8 Conclusions and recommendations 66 9 Appendices 9.1 Appendix 1 Methodological note 9.2 Appendix 2 Description of banana production and...
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...MIGRATION, MAINSTREAMING, EDUCATION AND HEALTH 1 ***Draft 2B*** Introduction If well-managed, migration has been recognized by the UN System-wide Task Team’s report Post 2015 Agenda: Realizing the Future We Want for All as an important tool “to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world’s peoples of present and future generations”. Migration can be an enabler of human development by enhancing people’s income, health and education. An improved standard of education and of physical, mental and social wellbeing not only empowers migrants, but also allows them to substantially contribute towards the social and economic development of their home communities and host societies. However, this can only happen when the rights and wellbeing of all those affected by migration are fulfilled and they are recognized as “positive agents of innovation with human rights.” The post-2015 development agenda concerns more than anyone the generation being born now. Healthy, safe and well-educated children are the cornerstone of thriving societies, sustainable growth and proper management of natural resources. For over a decade, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have widely benefited children, both boys and girls, and young people. However, “there is major unfinished business as well as emerging and neglected issues that must be addressed boldly in the post-2015 development agenda, to ensure a world fit for children”. 2 One of the flaws of the MDGs is that by relying...
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...Medicinal Plants Medicinal Plants Medicinal Plants An Expanding Role in Development Jitendra Srivastava, John Lambert, and Noel Vietmeyer WORLD BANK TECHNICAL PAPER NUMBER 320 RECENT WORLD BANK TECHNICAL PAPERS No. 246 Plusquellec, Burt, and Wolter, Modern Water Control in Irrigation: Concepts, Issues, and Applications No. 247 Ameur, Agricultural Extension: A Step beyond the Next Step No. 248 Malhotra, Koenig, and Sinsukprasert, A Survey of Asia's Energy Prices No.249 Le Moigne, Easter, Ochs, and Giltner, Water Policy and Water Markets: Selected Papers and Proceedings from the World Bank's Annual Irrigation and Drainage Seminar, Annapolis, Maryland, December 8−10, 1992. No.250 Rangeley, Thiam, Andersen, and Lyle, International River Basin Organizations in Sub−Saharan Africa No.251 Sharma, Rietbergben, Heimo, and Patel, A Strategy for the Forest Sector in Sub−Saharan Africa No.252 The World Bank/FAO/UNIDO/Industry Fertilizer Working Group, World and Regional Supply and Demand Balances for Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash, 1992/93−1998/99 No.253 Jensen and Malter, Protected Agriculture: A Global Review No.254 Frischtak, Governance Capacity and Economic Reform in Developing Countries No.255 Mohan, editor, Bibliography of Publications: Technical Department, Africa Region, July 1987 to April 1994 No.256 Campbell, Design and Operation of Smallholder Irrigation in South Asia No.258 De Geyndt,...
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...1. Executive summary: The main purpose of the following report is to provide information about the profile of The Bolivarian Republican of Venezuela; in order to study the current situation of the country for further investigations in the future that may help to understand the opportunities and risk involve in importing and opening new markets in Venezuela. The analysis includes reviews and an extensive research about: First the geography and global information to introduce the country; second, the History since the arrival of the Spaniards. The Political analysis will be explained as much detailed as possible due to its specifics characteristics in the recent decades with the Hugo Chavez’s government. He report draws special attention in the Social analysis is one of the main issues to be reviewed due to its importance at the time of making any decision. The economic aspect of course will be in consideration with both: the Official’s figures and the international observer’s ones, the graphics will be analyzed. It will be also mentioned the Business environments and the principal sectors to invest or that could be interesting to sell. To support all the information in the report before any conclusion, it will be used THE SWOT tool to demonstrate why Venezuela is an interesting place to import, especially in the last 5 years. It is not just a country of striking natural beauty, which ranges from the snow-capped Andean peaks in the west, through the Amazonian...
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...International Trade Theory Chapter Outline OPENING CASE: The Ecuadorian Rose Industry INTRODUCTION AN OVERVIEW OF TRADE THEORY The Benefits of Trade The Pattern of International Trade Trade Theory and Government Policy MERCANTILISM Country Focus: Is China a Neo-Mercantilist Nation? ABSOLUTE ADVANTAGE COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE The Gains from Trade Qualifications and Assumptions Extensions of the Ricardian Model Country Focus: Moving U.S. White Collar Jobs Offshore HECKSCHER-OHLIN THEORY The Leontief Paradox THE PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE THEORY Evaluating the Product Life Cycle Theory NEW TRADE THEORY Increasing Product Variety and Reducing Costs Economies of Scale, First Mover Advantages and the Pattern of Trade Implications of New Trade Theory NATIONAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: PORTER’S DIAMOND Factor Endowments Demand Conditions Related and Supporting Industries Firm Strategy, Structure, Rivalry Evaluating Porter’s Theory Management Focus: The Rise of Finland’s Nokia FOCUS ON MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS Location First-Mover Advantages Government Policy SUMMARY CRITICAL THINKING AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS CLOSING CASE: Trade in Information Technology and U.S. Economic Growth Learning Objectives 1. Understand why nations trade with each other. 2. Be familiar with the...
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...Abstract Developing countries can generate effective solutions for today’s global health challenges. This paper reviews relevant literature to construct the case for international cooperation, and in particular, developed-developing country partnerships. Standard database and web-based searches were conducted for publications in English between 1990 and 2010. Studies containing full or partial data relating to international cooperation between developed and developing countries were retained for further analysis. Of 227 articles retained through initial screening, 65 were included in the final analysis. The results were two-fold: some articles pointed to intangible benefits accrued by developed country partners, but the majority of information pointed to developing country innovations that can potentially inform health systems in developed countries. This information spanned all six WHO health system components. Ten key health areas where developed countries have the most to learn from the developing world were identified and include, rural health service delivery; skills substitution; decentralisation of management; creative problem-solving; education in communicable disease control; innovation in mobile phone use; low technology simulation training; local product manufacture; health financing; and social entrepreneurship. While there are no guarantees that innovations from developing country experiences can effectively transfer to developed countries, combined developed-developing...
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... Previous publications in this series include: Pharmaceuticals Pharma 2020: The vision Which path will you take?* Published in June 2007, this paper highlights a number of issues that will have a major bearing on the industry by 2020. The publication outlines the changes we believe will best help pharmaceutical companies realise the potential the future holds to enhance the value they provide to shareholders and society alike. Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences Pharma 2020: Challenging business models Which path will you take? Fourth in the Pharma 2020 series and published in April 2009, this report highlights how Pharma’s fully integrated business models may not be the best option for the pharma industry in 2020; more creative collaboration models may be more attractive. This paper also evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative business models and how each stands up against the challenges facing the industry. *connectedthinking Pharma 2020: The vision # Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences Pharma 2020: Virtual R&D Which path will you take? This report, published in June 2008, explores opportunities to improve the R&D process. It proposes that new technologies will enable the adoption of virtual R&D; and by operating in a more connected world the industry, in collaboration with researchers, governments, healthcare payers and providers, can address the changing needs of society more effectively. 1 Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences Pharma 2020: Taxing...
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...responsibility as implemented in Latin America Nestec_latin_cover_GB.indd 1 9.2.2006 12:04:25 Nestec_latin_cover_GB.indd Sec1:2 9.2.2006 12:04:26 Contents An introductory discussion 2 A framework for Creating Shared Value 5 Nestlé’s philosophy: a long-term perspective 7 Latin America: challenges and opportunities 9 Overview: Nestlé in Latin America 1 1 Agriculture and sourcing 12 Sourcing practices for quality, safety and sustainability Research and development for better yields Knowledge transfer and farm assistance Partnerships for sustainable agriculture 16 17 20 23 Manufacturing and distribution 26 Food safety through improved standards of operations Risk management for food safety — Early Warning System Developing people Labour policies for mutual benefit Creation of development and employment opportunities in the community Improved environmental standards Managing water sustainably 30 31 33 34 Research for consumer benefit Consumer nutrition, health and wellness Knowledge and education for healthy nutrition and lifestyles 52 54 58 Nestlé’s future in Latin America 62 Products and consumers 48 Front, inside and back covers: Farmer Rufino Chindicué (front cover) and son Luis (inside back cover) supply milk to Nestlé. Three decades ago, Nestlé created a milk district in Caquetá, Colombia, to ensure a reliable, high quality supply and create opportunity for area...
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...Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences Global pharma looks to India: Prospects for growth Table of contents Introduction 03 Background 04 A fast growing economy An expanding pharmaceutical market Government-provided healthcare improving, but private healthcare dominates Domestic market overview 09 Background Consolidation underway, despite challenges Contract manufacturing Vaccines Over the counter market holds significant potential Reaching the untapped rural market Growing Research & Development 15 Overview Clinical trials Biotech and biosimilars on track for growth Other growth areas Bioinformatics 20 Stem cell research Medical devices Global Pharma’s evolving business models and options in India 23 Background Export-oriented business (Contract Research and Manufacturing Services) Licensing Franchising Joint ventures Wholly-owned subsidiaries Practical concerns 27 Infrastructure Tax environment Counterfeiting Intellectual property Conclusion 30 Related reading: Pharma 2020 31 References 32 Acronyms 38 Introduction The pharmaceutical industry’s main markets are under serious pressure. North America, Europe and Japan jointly account for 82% of audited and unaudited drug sales; total sales reached US$773 billion in 2008, according to IMS Health. Annual growth in the European Union (EU) has slowed to 5.8%, and sales are increasing at an even more sluggish rate...
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...Environmental, Institutional, and Cultural Context of Colombia Michael N. Yuede Missouri State University Abstract This paper studies the Colombian culture and how it affects business relations. First, the Colombian country is explored, examining the geographical location and environment, demographics, economy, religion, and the historical, legal and ethical, and social context. Geert Hofstede’s, Fons Trompenaars’, and GLOBE’s models of national culture infer ways to behave in any given culture, and in this case, Colombia. Differences can be seen between the United States’ and Colombia’s culture after exploring the models, suggesting ways to adapt to the new culture and act appropriately in a business environment. After studying the models, the cultural descriptions and aspects, including Colombia’s collectivistic and high power distance nature, give future managers and expatriates the implications necessary to become legitimized in the eyes of other businesses and the government. Additionally, the implications help predict employee behaviors and motivators, as well as human resource management policies that should be implemented into the business. However, in order to fully understand the Colombian culture, an individual must live in that country for a period of time to experience the culture first hand. Environmental, Institutional, and Cultural Context of Colombia In order to better understand how to interact in a business environment in Colombia, it is important...
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...MBA LEARN MORE, DO MORE, BECOME MORE 90 exceptional people who will shape the future of business The IMD MBA Class of 2011 Developing your future global leaders The IMD difference Why recruit at IMD? Find truly global experienced leaders able to address your company’s challenges in today’s complex environment 90 talented pre-screened participants Besides strong academic ability, we assess the leadership potential with a focus on real management capacity in a multi-cultural and complex environment. In total we spend at least 10 manhours per candidate to make sure each one is right for the program. The admission process consists of: - an online application with 12 essays - letters of recommendations - a full day assessment center Once accepted, each candidate goes through a full background check conducted by an independent agency. International and experienced In a class of 90, you will find 40+ different nationalities and 90% of the participants will have spent at least 6 months outside their home country. With a minimum of 3 years of work experience, our participants have on average 7 years of experience prior to IMD. Trained to become truly global hand-on leaders Besides strong academic business fundamentals, our intensive one-year program is designed to constantly push our MBAs beyond their comfort zone. A diversity of hands-on projects takes them through various settings: - a 6-week startup project - a 9-week international consulting project with medium to...
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...BRAIN DRAIN Human capital flight, more commonly referred to as "brain drain", is the large-scale emigration of individuals with technical skills or knowledge. The reasons usually include two aspects which respectively come from countries and individuals. In terms of countries, the reasons may be social environment (in source countries: lack of opportunities, political instability, economic depression, health risks; in host countries: rich opportunities, political stability and freedom, developed economy, better living conditions). In terms of individual reasons, there are family influences (overseas relatives, and personal preference: preference for exploring, ambition for an improved career, etc. Although the term originally referred to technology workers leaving a nation, the meaning has broadened into: "the departure of educated or professional people from one country, economic sector, or field for another, usually for better pay or living conditions". Brain drain is usually regarded as an economic cost, since emigrants usually take with them the fraction of value of their training sponsored by the government or other organizations. It is a parallel of capital flight, which refers to the same movement of financial capital. Brain drain is often associated with de-skilling of emigrants in their country of destination, while their country of emigration experiences the draining of skilled individuals. The term brain drain was coined by the Royal Society to describe the emigration...
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...Longitudinal Study of market and Firm Level Factors Influencing ERP Systems’ Adoption and Post-Implementation System Enhancement Options. 7th Annual International Conference on Enterprise Systems, Accounting, and Logistics. Rhodos: ICESAL. Behara, R., Bhattacharya, S. (2008). DNA of a successful BPO. Journal of Service Science, 1(1), 111-118. Premuroso, R., Bhattacharya, S. (2008). Do Early Members of XBRL International Signal Superior Corporate Governance and Future Operating Performance? International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 9(1), 1-20. Nicolaou, A., Bhattacharya, S. (2008). Post-Implementation Quality and Performance Outcomes of Enterprise Resource Planning System Use. Enterprise Resource Planning: Teaching and Research, 45-56. Nicolaou, A., Bhattacharya, S. (2008). Sustainability of ERPS Performance Outcomes: The Role of...
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...Traditional Home Remedies Of Guyana By Dmitri Allicock “A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his thought to derive benefit from his illnesses” [Hippocrates -father of Western Medicine] If you grew up in Guyana you would certainly be acquainted with some of these common over the –counter- medicines and remedies that brought relief for various afflictions and ailments. Corner stores carried a wide array of medicines found only in the Caribbean and Guyana. These were augmented with herbal medicines and treatments before a visit to the doctor was attempted. Home remedies have been around for thousands of years. Even these days about 30 per cent of prescription drugs are still synthesised from plants. In fact, the word 'drug' comes from an old Dutch word, drogge, which means 'to dry' - which is how many plant medications were prepared. However, it is always wise to remember, just because something is "naturally" growing from a tree, doesn't mean it's safe to consume. Our grandparents and older folks would swear of the healing properties of herbs, leaves, roots and seeds that cured diseases which they contracted. The fact that our ancestors survived proved that some of the many remedies used then, did work and have increasing practical applications today. Arrowroot is a common plant of Guyana. Napoleon supposedly said the reason for the British love of arrowroot was to support the commerce of their...
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