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The purpose of this paper is to analyze those conditions which determine whether the state will be developmental or predatory.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze those conditions which determine whether the state will be developmental or predatory.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model is developed to analyze those factors influencing state policy towards agriculture. Then the historical experiences of China, Japan, and Sub‐Saharan Africa are used to illustrate the workings of the model.
Findings
A necessary condition for growth promoting (poverty reducing) policy reforms, with respect to agriculture, is that a technological backlog must exist in agriculture.
Practical implications
International organizations can play an important role in helping to create the necessary condition for effective reform. Significant investment in regional agricultural research institutions must be made so as to create a technological backlog in agriculture.
Social implications
Investment in agricultural research has been declining. Thus, the availability of new technology has lessened. This poses an obstacle to rapid growth and poverty reduction. This paper seeks to refocus the attention of policy makers on agriculture.
Originality/value
This paper develops a theory to explain how and when states in developing countries are likely to become developmental. The ideas are illustrated by the experiences of parts of Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. These results will be useful to domestic policy makers in developing countries as well as the policy makers in international organizations.
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The foundations of quality management have been laid throughout the history of civilization. Since the dawn of industrialization, as a consequence of an increasing division of…
Abstract
The foundations of quality management have been laid throughout the history of civilization. Since the dawn of industrialization, as a consequence of an increasing division of labor, the approach has evolved dramatically in terms of analytical tools and organizational practices. This evolution is outlined in this chapter. Starting from an overview of the different possible meanings of quality, the phases characterizing modern quality management (e.g., quality control, quality assurance, etc.) are described. Geopolitical and macroeconomic considerations are factored in to account for an uneven development across countries (e.g., Japan vs US). A general trajectory is traced as the scope of quality has constantly broadened to encompass not only the product, but also interorganizational processes and the impact on the environment and the society of the company activities. Against this backdrop, the current phase is seen as a polarization between a “classic” engineering approach and a more holistic view, questioning the same boundaries of the discipline.
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The discussion of sustainable development focused attention on new environmental goals and raised the issue of improving resource productivity. A first step towards sustainability…
Abstract
The discussion of sustainable development focused attention on new environmental goals and raised the issue of improving resource productivity. A first step towards sustainability would be to slow‐down and reduce the man‐induced movements of materials: this is the focus of dematerialization approach which emphasizes what socialist countries used to neglect most – minimizing the use of scarce input factors. This paper applies the dematerialization approach to the discussion on sustainable development in central and eastern Europe. In the early 1990s all countries in eastern Europe have developed new environmental programs which mainly focus on reducing pollution. Environmental strategies focusing on reducing emissions are important but not sufficient for reaching sustainability. A new orientation in the environmental policy in the young market economies is required. Dematerialization approach can be a new option for environmental policy in central and eastern Europe. Dematerialization requires a mix of instruments. Important role can be played by an ecological fiscal reform which covers ecological tax reform and the restructuring of subsidies.
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An-Chi Tung and Henry Wan
In the Jones–Kierzkowski world of fragmented production, we address a strategic trade issue for development: how to industrialize under the WTO regime. One solution is to generate…
Abstract
In the Jones–Kierzkowski world of fragmented production, we address a strategic trade issue for development: how to industrialize under the WTO regime. One solution is to generate cross-border externalities, such as becoming the hub of a network of countries, so as to attract foreign investment with collective comparative advantage. Thus the small, remote and pre-industrial Singapore managed to organize a hub–spokes game: achieving a win-win solution for all and gaining the most as the hub. In servicing the spokes for fee, Singapore has earned First World income levels, by the twin patterns of the flying geese and the triangular accord.
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This paper examines India’s tryst with welfare/dis-fare with a specific focus on Modi Sarkar's (2014–2019) dirigiste style reforms. In the welfare regime research, Esping-Andersen…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines India’s tryst with welfare/dis-fare with a specific focus on Modi Sarkar's (2014–2019) dirigiste style reforms. In the welfare regime research, Esping-Andersen (1990) classified advanced economies into three ideal-types of liberal, conservative-corporatist and social-democratic welfare states by government-led welfare provisions and levels of decommodification. The classical typology discussions include countries such as India which is classified as informal-insecurity regime due to a large informal economy with no social security for workers. Based on theoretical standpoints of the political economy of welfare states, comparative historical institutionalism and critical junctures this article examines Modifare has expanded formal welfare to its citizens.
Design/methodology/approach
The article uses crisp-set analysis to examine the social policy developments under Modi's regime in India.
Findings
This paper examines if the centre-right Modi government did bring about a radical departure from UPA I and II lacklustre welfare approach to the more strategic use of welfare reforms as a political weapon on a national scale. It concludes that Modi-fare falls short in being transformatory.
Originality/value
The article is an original contribution to the field of comparative welfare regimes.
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Irina Farquhar and Alan Sorkin
This study proposes targeted modernization of the Department of Defense (DoD's) Joint Forces Ammunition Logistics information system by implementing the optimized innovative…
Abstract
This study proposes targeted modernization of the Department of Defense (DoD's) Joint Forces Ammunition Logistics information system by implementing the optimized innovative information technology open architecture design and integrating Radio Frequency Identification Device data technologies and real-time optimization and control mechanisms as the critical technology components of the solution. The innovative information technology, which pursues the focused logistics, will be deployed in 36 months at the estimated cost of $568 million in constant dollars. We estimate that the Systems, Applications, Products (SAP)-based enterprise integration solution that the Army currently pursues will cost another $1.5 billion through the year 2014; however, it is unlikely to deliver the intended technical capabilities.
Reviews a project undertakn at the University of Oregon involvingexporting uniform title authority records to disk. Shows that a backlog,be it of books, maps, or authority…
Abstract
Reviews a project undertakn at the University of Oregon involving exporting uniform title authority records to disk. Shows that a backlog, be it of books, maps, or authority records, need not always be a negative and can in fact provide further opportunities for learning. Suggests a means of retrieving authority records, stockpiled as a result of backlogging, into a local system in a timely fashion.
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The purpose of the article is to present the organizational, logistic, and technological problems in reengineering established real estate library business processes to inform…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the article is to present the organizational, logistic, and technological problems in reengineering established real estate library business processes to inform other practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
The article is based on the approach taken in one organisation. This paper presents the organizational, logistic, and technological problems in reengineering established real estate library business processes by considering a real case study, although the identify of the firm is not revealed.
Findings
The information management literature is strewn with bits and pieces on document imaging and its perceived benefits through increased technology. The business process is more complex than the sales literature suggests. Imaging projects begin with a paper backlog that requires preparation, organization, taxonomy, and elimination of redundancy through document analysis. Personnel, budget, and administration need to be allocated. Simultaneously, a document management system must be selected, data warehouse space allocated, and a design storyboard constructed.
Research limitations/implications
The case study is from the private sector, but there may be other aspects to consider in developing the return on investment argument in other sectors.
Practical implications
How will the paper backlog be eliminated forever? The answer lies in reengineering the entire real estate library business process, transforming the real estate document library into an information management decision‐making tool for those managers involved in selling, buying, and managing property assets
Originality/value
This paper reflects practical lessons learned and will help other professionals who are considering digitization.
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This paper describes a comprehensive approach to examine how technological innovation contributes to the renewal of a firm’s competences through its dynamic and reciprocal…
Abstract
This paper describes a comprehensive approach to examine how technological innovation contributes to the renewal of a firm’s competences through its dynamic and reciprocal relationship with R&D and product commercialization. Three theories of technology and innovation (the R&D and technological knowledge concept, product‐process concept, technological interdependence concept) are used to relate technology and innovation to strategic management. Based on these theories, this paper attempts to identify the dynamic relationship between product innovation and process innovation using system dynamics by investigating that aspect of the dynamic changes in the closed feedback circulation structure in which R&D investments drive the accumulation of technological knowledge.
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