Search results

Agent‐based modelling is a bottom‐up approach to understanding systems which provides a powerful tool for analysing complex, non‐linear markets. The method involves creating artificial agents designed to mimic the attributes and behaviours of their real‐world counterparts. The system’s macro‐observable properties emerge as a consequence of these attributes and behaviours and the interactions between them. The simulation output may be potentially used for explanatory, exploratory and predictive purposes. The aim of this paper is to introduce the reader to some of the basic concepts and methods behind agent‐based modelling and to present some recent business applications of these tools, including work in the telecoms and media markets.

In much of philosophy and social theory since classical antiquity, human belief and reason have been placed in the driving seat of individual action. In particular, social theory has often taken it for granted, or even by definition, that action is motivated by reasons based on beliefs. In contrast, a minority has criticized the adoption of this ‘folk psychology’ that explains human action wholly in such ‘mind first’ terms. Critics point out that such explanations are a mere gloss on a much more complex neurophysiological reality. These dualistic and ‘mind-first’ explanations of human behavior are unable to explain adequately such phenomena as sleep, memory, learning, mental illness, or the effects of chemicals or drugs on our perceptions or actions (Bunge, 1980; Churchland, 1984, 1989; Churchland, 1986; Rosenberg, 1995, 1998; Kilpinen, 2000).

Although the debate about Internet governance has cooled off as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)’s ambitions have narrowed, there remains a broad variety of regulatory issues that will require an international approach. Apart from ICANN, a diverse set of institutions is already involved in setting standards, allocating resources, and resolving conflicts. This paper looks at how the operations of these institutions, together with the experiences of ICANN, could serve as a starting point for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges the Internet will face in the years to come.

The purpose of this article is to provide techniques for distinguishing and analyzing privileges. With privileges revealed and categorized, the article provides an analysis of the impact different kinds of privileges have on free markets, equality‐under‐the‐law, and environmental sustainability. From this analysis arise recommendations for public policy aimed at improving efficiency and equality‐of‐opportunity in markets while encouraging more environmentally sustainable corporate behavior.

The article calls upon a technique from sociology (“unpacking a knapsack”) to begin this exploration of privilege. It then uses the Harris‐Twomey typology to categorize various kinds of privilege and analyze their impact on free markets, equality‐under‐the‐law, and sustainability. The article uses examples to illustrate the importance of understanding the impact of privileges in developing effective public policy.

It is difficult to distinguish otherwise “invisible” privileges; having methods for identifying and categorizing privileges make them more visible. Second, the illustrative examples and accompanying analysis suggest that reducing the number of privileges granted by the state, especially those that are economically inefficient, will improve performance and equity across an economy. Where privileges are necessary for efficient resource use or market development, the state would improve efficiency and equality by charging fees equal to the opportunity costs borne by others or the cost imposed on others by the privilege‐holder.

Using the techniques of analysis and following guidelines for public policies consistent with the principles explored here would be likely to improve access to and efficiency of free markets (making them more “free”), create a more level playing field (greater equality under the law) and diminish the negative environmental impacts of corporate activity by changing the incentive systems that currently encourage monopolistic tendencies in markets, concentration of power, and transference of environmental costs from corporations to the public.

This paper combines analytic techniques from Sociology, Economics, and Management to gain a fresh perspective on the existence and impact of privileges on markets, society, and the environment. This fresh perspective reconciles tensions between equality and efficiency and provides guidelines for effective public policies.

This article investigates personal value systems in Iraq, in a sample of managers. The results indicate that the dominant values are those that compose the outward‐directed category: tribalistic, conformist and socio‐centred. In comparison American managers score high on manipulated values and the inner‐directed category is dominant. The results are discussed in relation to changes in Iraqi society and the functions of management.

Airports are the portals where international air transport networks, which are increasingly important in a globalized, services-oriented economy, intersect with regional and metropolitan ground transportation networks. Our hypothesis is that, at this nexus, the degree of international connectivity at an airport and distance from the airport manifests itself in the value of commercial properties. As such airports are shaping the urban form around them and highlight the importance of integrated metropolitan and airport planning. Looking at Canada’s two largest international airports at Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, BC, and controlling for other factors, we see evidence that commercial properties decrease in value as distance to the airport increases and increase in value as the range of international frequencies and destinations available at the airport increase. We introduce a new concept of land-use at and around airports of “aviation-dependent” which would include hotels and corporate head offices, in addition to the traditional “aviation-related” and “aviation-compatible” uses. We see the effects of distance and connectivity are particularly pronounced on commercial properties occupied by aviation-dependent uses.

This evaluative research represents the first report in the literature to date in which a group mentoring programme has been evaluated using a quasi‐experimental research design. Results indicated that the programme was effective in one domain of professionalism, the main outcome variable; and that career‐development outcomes were significantly higher in programme participants. In addition to the previously established functions of mentoring (career and psychosocial development), the research suggests that the conceptual basis of mentoring should be expanded to include the function of professionalism. This has implications for both the practical aspects of mentoring programme development and for future evaluative research. Data were collected by means of pre‐ and post‐test questionnaires and analysed by multiple regression analysis.

Provides a review of the gap between student's entrepreneurial needs and aspirations and the entrepreneurship education offerings within higher education institutions (HEIs) in Leicestershire, UK. Utilises data from three surveys of university fresher students, held in 2001. Uses the findings as the basis to assess the gap between fresher students' entrepreneurial needs and aspirations and the capability of HEIs to meet them. Draws on multiple surveys from universities in Leicestershire and so will be of relevance to other HEIs with similar student demographics. Fulfils a need to take a strategic review of how HEIs can develop the capability to meet the entrepreneurial needs of new students in supporting their future aspirations.