...Services Knowledge and Practice (BDS K&P) research initiative. The AMAP BDS initiative’s major objective is “integrating micro and small enterprises into productive value chains to create wealth in poor communities.” The research draws on experience and insights from: • Interviews with leading handicraft buyers in the United States, the European Union, and the Caribbean, including importers and retailers currently sourcing from Haiti, those who have done so in the past, and those who source handmade products from other destinations; • Interviews with market experts, such as product development consultants, designers, enterprise development consultants, and marketing specialists who work with handicraft producers in developing countries; • Discussions with market experts and USAID at a roundtable conducted in Washington, D.C., on April 12, 2006; and • Existing literature on the handicraft market and home accessory industry. This study provides an overview and analysis of the global market for handicrafts and the key trends that affect producers in developing countries, with the ultimate objective of offering practical recommendations for the Haitian handicraft sector. This paper represents...
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...Working Time Around the World John Maynard Keynes once made the bold prediction that the three-hour work day would prevail for his grandchildren’s generation. Seventy years later, the question of working time is as pertinent as it was at the inception of the 40-hour week. Not until now, however, has there been a global comparative analysis of working time laws, policies and actual working hours. Despite a century-long optimism about reduced working hours and some progress in legal measures limiting working hours, this book demonstrates that differences in actual working hours between industrialized and developing countries remain considerable – without any clear sign of hours being reduced. This study aims to offer some suggestions about how this gap can begin to be closed. Lee, McCann and Messenger trace the theoretical background of the concept of working time before examining recent trends in working time laws in developing countries and countries in transition. The study then shifts its focus to developments in selected countries, considering both broad trends in working time at a national level and the structure and dynamics underlying these trends. The authors provide a remarkable set of policy suggestions that preserve health and safety, are ‘family-friendly’, promote gender equality, enhance productivity and facilitate workers’ choice and influence over their working hours. This book will be of great interest to policy-makers engaged with working conditions or health...
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...Why has world trade grown faster than world output? By Mark Dean of the Bank’s International Economic Analysis Division and Maria Sebastia-Barriel of the Bank’s Structural Economic Analysis Division. Between 1980 and 2002, world trade has more than tripled while world output has ‘only’ doubled. The rise in trade relative to output is common across countries and regions, although the relative growth in trade and output varies greatly. This article attempts to explain why the ratio of world trade to output has increased over recent decades. It provides a brief review of the key determinants of trade growth and identifies proxies that will enable us to quantify the relative importance of the different channels. We estimate this across a panel of ten developed countries. This will allow us to understand better the path of world trade and thus the demand for UK exports. Furthermore this approach will help us to distinguish between long-run trends in trade growth and cyclical movements around it. Introduction In the past few decades there has been an increasing integration of the world economy through the increase of international trade. The volume of world trade(1) has increased significantly relative to world output between 1980 and 2002 (see Chart 1). Some of this increase can be accounted for by the fact that traded goods have become cheaper over time relative to those goods that are not traded. However, even in nominal terms the trade to GDP ratio has increased over this...
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...COURIER: A courier delivers messages, packages, and mail. Couriers are distinguished from ordinary mail services by features such as speed, security, tracking, signature, specialization and individualization of express services, and swift delivery times, which are optional for most everyday mail services. Considering it as a premium service, couriers are usually more expensive than standard mail services, and less typically faster delivery. Courier services operate on all scales, from within specific towns or cities, to regional, national and global services. Large courier companies include DHL, FedEx, EMS International, TNT, UPS, and Aramex. These offer services worldwide, typically via a hub and spoke model*. *NOTE: The hub and spoke model is a system which makes transportation much more efficient by greatly simplifying a network of routes. It is extensively used in commercial aviation for both passengers and freight, and the model has also been adopted in the technology sector as well. SOME TYPES OF COURIER SERVICES: 1. International Courier: The name of the service somewhat gives it away, but the International Courier service is all about providing customers with a solution to get their package from one country to another no matter the requirement for transportation by air or sea. 2. Same Day Express Courier: This service includes the delivery of the parcel/freight/mail within one working day. This service can often come in different disguises...
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...FROM THE EDITOR Anthony Goerzen 1 THE DUTCH BUSINESS SYSTEM IN TRANSITION: AN APPLICATION OF WHITLEY’S BUSINESS SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR THE USE OF EXECUTIVES, MANAGERS, AND POLICY MAKERS Eric Brewis 2 SWENSEN’S MUST ENGAGE IN MARKET PENETRATION AND DIVERSIFICATION TO RETAIN ITS LEADING POSITION IN THE THAILAND MARKET Kailee Douglas 13 DISNEYLAND PARIS: EUROPEANIZING A RESORT Amanda Louie 22 IKEA: A STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS Garret Luu 31 COMPULSORY LICENSING IN THAILAND Simran Mann 38 CHANGING POVERTY AND INEQUITY THROUGH BUSINESS Matthew R. Tanner 47 SWEDEN IS A NESTING GROUND FOR YOUNG START-UP ENTREPRENEURS James Whyte 56 Note from the Editor In business today, “globalization” is a key concept with the firms across nations intertwined as never before. With overseas customers, suppliers, operations, and competitors, today’s managers need an international outlook. Therefore, the mission of the University of Victoria’s Bachelor of Commerce program is to give students the essential knowledge and skills they need to be effective and successful managers in the global economy. At UVic Business, we ensure that our students develop an international perspective through direct experience with issues in management and organization. In fact, UVic Business has one of the largest international exchange programs in Canada with 55 active partnerships...
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...transparency as the fundamental principle in its relationship with society, Inditex has followed the Global Reporting Initiative indicators since it published its first Sustainability Report attempts to provide detailed, organised access to the information on its activity to all its stakeholders. Within the general indicators, specific indicators for the textile and footwear sector have been included, identified in the following way: Specific indicator for the sector Specific indicator comment for the sector 6 Inditex Annual Report 2009 Pages 14-15 267-273, 20-25 1. Strategy and analySiS 1.1 Statement from the most senior decision-maker about the relevance of sustainability to the organisation and its strategy. 1.2 Description of key impacts, risks, and opportunities. Apparel and Footwear Sector Specific Commentary: Where applicable, this should include an assessment of supply chain performance. 2....
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...Richard Attias Become a fan Email The Development Factor: The Challenge of Sport in the 21st Century Posted: 10/21/2014 8:39 am EDT Updated: 10/29/2014 9:59 Sport occupies a peculiar place in world dynamics in that it surpasses the limitations of geographical boundaries and social classes. Still, a gap remains between developed and developing nations when it comes to sport. In the industrialized world, sport as an economic sector represents approximately 2% of GDP. For developing economies, though, the challenge remains making sport a factor of economic development, and a driver for social change, so it benefits all citizens in the long term. UNESCO's 1978 International Charter of Physical Education and Sport classified sport as "a fundamental right for all." But the low place sport occupies in the developing world's priorities shows that its importance as an educational and social tool is not yet universal. Everyone agrees that sport contributes to economic development by creating jobs and stimulating business activity. The organization of a major sporting event, for example, is a great opportunity for the local economy. The thousands of people who attend will spend money on food, lodging, transportation and other, related tourist activities. However, in recent years, we see these economic benefits are obvious only the short term. If we take the example of South Africa in 2010, the positive impact of the World Cup was, in terms of job creation and reduced crime...
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...Global Business Management Foreign Direct Investment Terms to Know: 1. Foreign Direct Investment An investment made by a company or entity based in one country, into a company or entity based in another country. Foreign direct investments differ substantially from indirect investments such as portfolio flows, wherein overseas institutions invest in equities listed on a nation's stock exchange. 2. Greenfield Investments Refers where a parent company starts a new venture in a foreign country by constructing new operational facilities from the ground up. In addition to building new facilities, most parent companies also create new long-term jobs in the foreign country by hiring new employees. 3. Acquisitions and Merger A general term used to refer to the consolidation of companies. A merger is a combination of two companies to form a new company, while an acquisition is the purchase of one company by another in which no new company is formed. 4. Gross fixed capital formation Includes spending on land improvements (fences, ditches, drains, and so on); plant, machinery, and equipment purchases; the construction of roads, railways, private residential dwellings, and commercial and industrial buildings. 5. Exporting In International Trade, "exports" refers to selling goods and services produced in the home country to other markets. Export of commercial quantities of goods normally requires involvement of the customs authorities in both the...
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...socio-psychological domain is more pronounced. While combating the menace of terrorism, the psychological dimension assumes great significance, as terrorists use violence as a psychological weapon by terrorising the multitude, rather than physically affect a few, and in this sense, they fight a psychological war also. The relevance of psychological operations is much greater than the successful conduct of tactical operations. This article is an attempt to conceptualise the term PSYOPs in the Indian context. The changed dynamics of international relations following the end of the Cold War and changes in the South Asian strategic landscape, postSeptember 11, have made PSYOPs more relevant for the region. It is also important to know that differences between various related concepts like Propaganda, Information Warfare, and Perception Management are waferthin, and may lead to contested perceptions amongst various agencies working under the overall ambit of national security, if not viewed in the current perspective. Therefore, clarity of the concept will set the stage for an effective implementation of policies and help in setting up of a policy structure in India (which does exist today in loosely knit shape) for national level coordination of PSYOPs. Alongside the need for a disciplined, trained, and well-equipped manpower to combat national security challenges, it is also essential to have a comprehensive and effective machinery to conduct psychological operations. Such a machinery...
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...ideas, languages, or popular culture. Definitions An early description of globalization was penned by the American entrepreneur-turned-minister Charles Taze Russell who coined the term 'corporate giants' in 1897. However, it was not until the 1960s that the term began to be widely used by economists and other social scientists. It had achieved widespread use in the mainstream press by the later half of the 1980s. Since its inception, the concept of globalization has inspired numerous competing definitions and interpretations. The United Nations ESCWA has written that globalization "is a widely-used term that can be defined in a number of different ways. When used in an economic context, it refers to the reduction and removal of barriers between national borders in order to facilitate the flow of goods, capital, services and labour... although considerable barriers remain to the flow of labour.... Globalization is not a new phenomenon. It began in the late nineteenth century, but its spread slowed during the period from the start of the First World War until the third quarter of the twentieth century. This slowdown can be attributed to the inwardlooking policies pursued by a number of countries in order to protect their respective...
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...MP A R Munich Personal RePEc Archive Attracting Microfinance Investment Funds: Promoting Microfinance Growth through Increased Investments in Kenya Jeffrey Ben Matu Duke University, International Development Program 18. April 2008 Online at http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/12084/ MPRA Paper No. 12084, posted 12. December 2008 17:42 UTC Attracting Microfinance Investment Funds: Promoting Microfinance Growth Through Increased Investments in Kenya Master’s Project Master of Arts in International Development Policy Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy Duke University Jeffrey Ben Matu Principal Policy Advisor Dr. Graham Glenday April 18, 2008 Acknowledgements This paper could not have been written without Dr. Graham Glenday who not only served as my policy advisor, but also encouraged and challenged me to do my best. I would also like to thank my other committee members; Dr. Cory Krupp and Dr. Rosemary Fernholz for patiently guiding me through the writing process and for their suggestions and continued support. To my family and friends, I thank you for your encouragement with reading and commenting on the paper. And to my wife Sharon, for believing in me and encouraging me to never accept less than my best efforts. Finally I would like to thank Jennefer Sebstad, Leila Webster, Stefan Staschen, and Jerry Grossman for reading and making comments on my drafts. Thank you all. 2 Table of Contents List of Acronyms…………………………….…………………………………………….……………………...
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...main argument in the globalization debate. 4. Identify the types of companies that participate in international business. 5. Describe the global business environment and identify its four main elements. A LOOK AT THIS CHAPTER This chapter defines the scope of international business and introduces us to some of its most important topics. We begin by presenting globalization—describing its influence on markets and production and the forces behind its growth. Each main argument in the debate over globalization is also analyzed in detail. We then identify the key players in international business today. This chapter closes with a model that depicts international business as occurring within an integrated global business environment. A LOOK AHEAD Part 2, encompassing Chapters 2, 3, and 4, introduces us to different national business environments. Chapter 2 describes important cultural differences among nations. Chapter 3 examines different political and legal systems. And Chapter 4 presents the world’s various economic systems and issues surrounding economic development. 24 Emirates’ Global Impact DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—The Emirates Group, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Dubai, is one of the world’s leading commercial air transportation service providers. Emirates has built up a strong brand name as a leader in the aviation industry, particularly in terms of its excellent customer service and its very rapid growth. It provides passenger...
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...Chapter 12: The African Diaspora in the Caribbean and Europe from Pre-emancipation to the Present Day by Roswith Gerloff Caribbean history of Christianity can be divided, with overlaps, into four main periods: the rather monolithic form of Spanish Catholicism from 1492, and of the Church of England from 1620; the arrival of the Evangelicals or nonconformist missionaries, Moravians, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians from the mid-eighteenth century; consolidation and growth of various European denominations in the region in uneasy tension with the proliferation of independent black Christian groups and African religions in the post-emancipation era from 1833; the contest for political, economic and religious independence after 1870, including the shift from British Imperial intervention and influence to those from North America, and national independence after 1962. Contemporary studies in anthropology and sociology of religion speak of 'religions on the move', or the process of transmigration and transculturation, as it refers to dynamic, reciprocal, transitory and multidimensional creations in shaping a 'poly-contextual world'. This implies that religions have to be regarded as cultural and spiritual phenomena whose 'taken-for granted' essence1 has resulted from transcultural and transnational processes of mutual 1 Klaus Hock, University of Rostock, abstract for an essay on the African Christian Diaspora in Europe, January...
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...Democracy index 2010 Democracy in retreat A report from the Economist Intelligence Unit www.eiu.com Democracy index 2010 Democracy in retreat The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Index of Democracy 2010 Democracy in retreat This is the third edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s democracy index. It reflects the situation as of November 2010. The first edition, published in The Economist’s The World in 2007, measured the state of democracy in September 2006 and the second edition covered the situation towards the end of 2008. The index provides a snapshot of the state of democracy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories—this covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority of the world’s independent states (micro states are excluded). The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Index of Democracy is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; and political culture. Countries are placed within one of four types of regimes: full democracies; flawed democracies; hybrid regimes; and authoritarian regimes. Free and fair elections and civil liberties are necessary conditions for democracy, but they are unlikely to be sufficient for a full and consolidated democracy if unaccompanied by transparent and at least minimally efficient government, sufficient political participation and a supportive democratic political culture. It is not easy to...
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...Annals of Tourism Research, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 345±370, 2000 Pergamon 5 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved Printed in Great Britain 0160-7383/00/$20.00 PII: S0160-7383(99)00073-0 CARIBBEAN CRUISE TOURISM Globalization at Sea Robert E. Wood Rutgers University-Camden, USA Abstract: Caribbean cruise tourism provides a particularly illuminating vantage point for understanding the processes of globalization in the world today. After documenting the rapid expansion of this business, the paper explores three central manifestations of globalization at work in the Caribbean cruise industry: the restructuring of the industry in the face of global competition, capital mobility, and labor migration; new patterns of global ethnic recruitment and strati®cation, including their incorporation into the product marketed to tourists; and deterritorialization, cultural theming, and simulation. The paper asserts that this ``globalization at sea'' illustrates the contradictions, ambiguities, and unchartered course of contemporary globalization processes. Keywords: globalization, tourism, cruise industry, Caribbean, migration, ethnicity. 5 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. ReÂsumeÂ: Le tourisme de croisiÁere aux CaraÈõbes: la globalisation en mer. Le tourisme de croisiÁere aux CaraÈõbes fournit un point de vue particuliÁerement appropriÂe pour comprendre le processus de globalisation dans le monde d'aujourd'hui. AprÁes avoir passÂe en revue la rapide expansion de ce...
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