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Interest Representation and Europeanization of Trade Unions from EU Member States of the Eastern Enlargement
by Christin Landgraf Heiko PleinesThis book examines the integration of major trade unions from the six biggest countries of EU's Eastern enlargement into EU governance structures. Based on extensive empirical research, including more than 150 in-depth interviews, comprehensive data, document research, and eight detailed case studies, the contributions describe the activities and perceptions of the trade unions under investigation and the different levels of engagement, including European umbrella organizations, interregional cooperation, and European Works Councils. The book thus contributes to political science research on interest representation and Europeanization as well as sociological research on labor relations.
Interest Representation and Europeanization of Trade Unions from EU Member States of the Eastern Enlargement (Changing Europe #11)
by Christin Landgraf Heiko PleinesThis book examines the integration of trade unions from the six biggest countries of the EU's Eastern enlargement of EU governance structures. Based on more than 150 in-depth interviews, comprehensive data, document research, and eight detailed case studies, contributions describe the activities and perceptions of the trade unions under investigation and different levels of engagement, including European umbrella organizations, interregional cooperation, and European Works Councils. The book contributes to political science research on interest representation and Europeanization, as well as sociological research on labor relations.
Interest Theory: Financial Mathematics and Deterministic Valuation
by Joe Francis Chris RuckmanThe ActuarialBrew Interest Theory textbook explains the concepts underlying the Society of Actuarial Financial Mathematics (FM) exam. The textbook includes over 300 exam-style questions and almost 200 worked examples. An answer key to the questions is provided in the textbook. Full solutions can be downloaded from ActuarialBrew.com.
Interest and Prices: Foundations of a Theory of Monetary Policy
by Michael WoodfordWith the collapse of the Bretton Woods system, any pretense of a connection of the world's currencies to any real commodity has been abandoned. Yet since the 1980s, most central banks have abandoned money-growth targets as practical guidelines for monetary policy as well. How then can pure "fiat" currencies be managed so as to create confidence in the stability of national units of account? Interest and Prices seeks to provide theoretical foundations for a rule-based approach to monetary policy suitable for a world of instant communications and ever more efficient financial markets. In such a world, effective monetary policy requires that central banks construct a conscious and articulate account of what they are doing. Michael Woodford reexamines the foundations of monetary economics, and shows how interest-rate policy can be used to achieve an inflation target in the absence of either commodity backing or control of a monetary aggregate. The book further shows how the tools of modern macroeconomic theory can be used to design an optimal inflation-targeting regime--one that balances stabilization goals with the pursuit of price stability in a way that is grounded in an explicit welfare analysis, and that takes account of the "New Classical" critique of traditional policy evaluation exercises. It thus argues that rule-based policymaking need not mean adherence to a rigid framework unrelated to stabilization objectives for the sake of credibility, while at the same time showing the advantages of rule-based over purely discretionary policymaking.
Interest in Islamic Economics: Understanding Riba (Routledge Islamic Studies Series)
by Abdulkader ThomasWith Islamic banking gradually becoming a more influential factor in the West, an analysis of the concept of riba – a definition of which is not given in the Qur’an – is long overdue. This text presents readers with various interpretations of this Islamic economic concept – generally perceived as ‘interest’. Thomas provides a framework for understanding riba by examining: linguistics classical judicial analysis the historical context modern economics. Including contributions from prominent international scholars, the book fills a gap in the existing literature and will be welcomed by academics and professionals with an interest in Islamic studies, economics and legal history.
Interests and Behaviours of Real Estate Market Actors in Commercial Property Valuation (Routledge Studies in International Real Estate)
by Alina NichiforeanuThis book is a theory-led conceptual account of the Principal-Agent problem and related concepts of Behavioural Real Estate economics, a decade after the real estate crisis of 2008. Data from 52 qualitative interviews undertaken with appraisers, real estate brokers, and property owners is used to argue that the reality is more nuanced and influenced by the interests of the different real estate market actors. The book provides a sketch of the relationship dynamics between real estate investors and service providers in the markets of Austria and Central and Eastern Europe. While the investors manage real estate portfolios and have to deal with particular legal systems, regulations, and norms, they often appoint service providers who have a comprehensive understanding of the local context. This work aims to highlight that this relationship between the real estate market actors creates an information asymmetry that may constitute the basis of conflicts of interest as well as Principal-Agent problems. Furthermore, the work underlines that the services provided by appraisers and real estate brokers to investors may strongly influence the profit the investor can generate from a transaction. It could be therefore inferred that the investor inclines towards a certain type of result from a service provider over the others. The present research has revealed that the investors are guided by certain interests and undertake to steer the service providers in a favoured direction. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the nuances of Behavioural Economics and real estate.
Interests and Integration: Market Liberalization, Public Opinion, and European Union
by Matthew J. GabelIntegration in Europe has been a slow incremental process focusing largely on economic matters. Policy makers have tried to develop greater support for the European Union by such steps as creating pan-European political institutions. Yet significant opposition remains to policies such as the creation of a single currency. What explains continued support for the European Union as well as opposition among some to the loss of national control on some questions? Has the incremental process of integration and the development of institutions and symbols of a united Europe transformed public attitudes towards the European Union? In this book, Matthew Gabel probes the attitudes of the citizens of Europe toward the European Union. He argues that differences in attitudes toward integration are grounded in the different perceptions of how economic integration will affect individuals' economic welfare and how perceptions of economic welfare effect political attitudes. Basing his argument on Easton's idea that where affective support for institutions is low, citizens will base their support for institutions on their utilitarian appraisal of how well the institutions work for them, Gabel contends that in the European Union, citizens' appraisal of the impact of the Union on their individual welfare is crucial because their affective support is quite low. This book will be of interest to scholars studying European integration as well as scholars interested in the impact of public opinion on economic policymaking.
Interface's Evergreen Services Agreement
by James Quinn Rogelio OlivaIn an attempt to reduce its ecological footprint, Interface Americas, a leading manufacturer of commercial carpet tile, has launched the Evergreen Services Agreement (ESA)--a lease agreement that provides would-be carpet purchasers with comprehensive floor-covering services (color, texture, warmth, beauty, acoustics, and safety). Under ESA, Interface retains ownership of all carpet material, thereby ensuring proper recycling. Despite active media attention and a lot of interested calls from potential buyers, Interface is having difficulty selling ESA. CEO Dan Hendrix is at a crossroad and must decide whether to continue support for ESA or to focus on other initiatives. This case, grounded in a failed negotiation with the University of Texas, Houston, details a discussion of the difficulties of structuring a long-term lease agreement, defining a new service value proposition for the customer, and developing a sustainable business model for product-related services.
InterfaceRAISE: Sustainability Consulting
by Robert G. Eccles Michael W. Toffel Casey TaylorInterfaceRAISE is a sustainability management consulting firm created to leverage the capabilities of its parent company Interface Inc., a carpet manufacturer recognized as a global leader in corporate environmental sustainability. This case illustrates the challenges of turning an internal capability into a client facing revenue stream. This is made especially difficult by the fact that the parent company is a manufacturing firm and InterfaceRAISE is a professional services firm (consulting). InterfaceRAISE is not being staffed by a traditional consulting firm model, relying instead on the part time availability of employees in the parent company. At the time of the case, InterfaceRAISE was grappling to identify the appropriate business model for the type of consulting firm it wants to be, to determine what its client portfolio should look like, and to set its pricing structure. InterfaceRAISE needed to decide how to accelerate its growth while better achieving its three objectives: improving its clients' sustainability performance, enhancing its parent company's brand image and sales, and increasing operating profits.
Interfaces between Science and Society
by Ângela Guimarães Pereira Sofia Guedes Vaz Sylvia TognettiThe project of science has been to provide answers to questions about the world and how it works. Often, this lofty role has been characterised by a narrow and dogmatic scientific training, an unwillingness to communicate to differing stakeholder needs, a refusal to accept and to manage uncertainty, complexity and value commitments, and the reduction of knowledge assessment to colleague peer review on narrowly technical issues. Times have changed. As the world faces increasingly disparate challenges, science is subjected to increasingly vehement demands from a society calling for transparency, openness and public participation in science policy. Science is going through an evolutionary process. Perhaps the most painful process it has ever encountered. Research on the interfaces between science and society is a burgeoning area. A new conception of knowledge now appears to be emerging, based on the awareness of complexity, uncertainty and a plurality of legitimate perspectives and interests. Democracy is extending into the previously quite exclusive scientific realm, and science must now submit to public scrutiny and participation in the governance of knowledge. This book provides much-needed reflections on the methods and tools for knowledge quality assurance, particularly on its inputs to extended policy and decision-making processes. The overall aim is to improve the relationship between science and society. The discussion involves six themes: communicating between plural perspectives; accepting and learning how to manage uncertainty, complexity and value commitments; acknowledging new conceptions of knowledge; implementing transparency, openness and participation in science policy; valuing community-based research; and exploring how new ICT can support inclusive governance. Taken together, these themes provide both a framework and vision on how to conceive, discuss and evaluate the changes that are occurring. The chapters cover theory, practice, approaches, experiences, ideas and suggestions for a move beyond "talking the talk" to "walking the walk". Science and policy interfaces are dynamic processes needing to permanently redefine themselves and their roles. This book contributes to the enrichment and deepening of our understanding of these important new trends in the social relations of science, which are fundamental to our understanding of the prospects for further progress. The book will be essential reading for scientists, policy-makers, managers and the public.
Interfaith Leadership: Bringing Religious Groups Together
by Eboo Patel Noah Silverman April KunzeThe need for effective leadership that promotes positive intergroup relations is particularly salient when the groups define themselves along religious lines. Human history and contemporary events suggest that conflict between groups divided across religious identities can be particularly violent, owing to the nature of religious motivation. However, recent history also speaks to religious motivation as a vast resource for improving intergroup dynamics and confronting social ills. This chapter explores the role of leadership in determining whether the future will be overcome by those who would divide and destroy on the basis of religious difference or will be constructed by those who will create a balance of mutual respect and cooperation. The authors present a pluralistic framework for positive interfaith relations and identify competencies that make effective interfaith youth leaders. This chapter was previously published as chapter 17 of "Crossing the Divide: Intergroup Leadership in a World of Difference."
Interfaith Marketing: A Cross-Religious Approach (Routledge Studies in Marketing)
by Stefan Müller Katja Gelbrich Frank G. CabanoReligious affiliation and religiosity of consumers can give rise to a differentiation of marketing strategy and marketing mix. They influence the values, habits and attitudes of consumers as well as their decision-making and consumption behavior. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge of comparative religious research.The authors discuss the basic concepts and approaches of this interdisciplinary field. They describe central concepts of religious studies (e.g. intrinsic vs. extrinsic religiosity) and the various world religions. Then, they analyze how religiosity and religious affiliation influence consumer behavior, and what consequences this has for companies that operate across borders. How can or should they take into account the religious characteristics of their target groups?This original book will be a valuable resource for scholars of international marketing and business, consumer behavior and religious studies.
Interferon: The Science and Selling of a Miracle Drug (Routledge Studies in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine)
by Toine PietersThis innovative study charts the beginnings, history and fate of Interferon - one of modern medicine's most famous and infamous drugs. Interferon is part of the medical profession's armoury against viral infection, cancer and MS. The story of its development and use is one of survival in the face of remarkable cycles of promise and disappointment as a miracle drug. By telling this story, Toine Pieters' book provides insight into the research, manufacture, and marketing of new bio-molecules that mark modern medical science. Pieters' closely argued book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach in seeking to trace the extraordinary voyage of interferon. Through the lens of interferon's voyage, the book explores the interaction of the broad range of actors driving medical science: *biological and clinical researchers *the pharmaceutical industry *high-powered government agencies *doctors and patients *the media. The book demonstrates how research on interferon led to new clinical definitions of cancer and a new rationale for therapeutic use of the drug. Interferon provides a marvellous insight into the development of one of the most controversial drugs of our time. It enhances our understanding of how medicine manufacture and marketing all played a part in pushing back the boundaries of research, from the post-penicillin era to the genetics revolution in medicine. This study is of particular interest to undergraduates and postgraduates in the fields of History of Medicine, Pharmacology, Medical Genetics and History of Science.
Interfirm Alliances: International Analysis and Design
by Bart NooteboomChallenging the current flood of mergers and acquisitions this book presents an alternative, more efficient strategy of inter-firm alliances. In the context of recent developments in international business, the discussion takes in alliances between buyers and suppliers, between competitors and between firms in different industries. This theory is illustrated and elaborated with empirical detail from a variety of international case-studies. These studies include the car industry in the US, Europe and Japan, the Dutch photocopier industry and ten European electronic suppliers ... Inter-firm Alliances combines resource-based views, transaction-cost analysis and institutional economics to develop an original and comprehensive theory of inter-firm alliances and a coherent method for managing them.
Interfirm Networks
by Gérard Cliquet George Hendrikse Josef Windsperger Thomas EhrmannThe organization of interfirm networks, such as alliances, cooperatives, franchise and retail chains, has become an important research topic in the field of economics, marketing, strategic management, and organization theory. This book contributes to the literature on formal and informal inter-organizational governance by providing new insights on contract design, ownership, evolution of cooperation, role of social capital and performance in franchising networks; includes topics of loyalty, reputation and organizational form as well as performance of cooperatives, and discusses the relationship between formal and relational governance in alliances, governance structures of innovation activities, dynamics of interfirm conflicts, and network externalities and alliance formation.
Interfirm Networks: Organization and Industrial Competitiveness (Routledge Studies In Business Organizations And Networks Ser.)
by Anna GrandoriThis volume examines the nature of interfirm networks and their role in promoting industrial competitiveness. Where previous work in this area has tended to be descriptive, the distinguished contributors to this volume present a balanced theoretical and empirical approach to interfirm networking drawing on a variety of international case studies. I
Interfirm Relationships and Trade Credit in Japan
by Souichirou Kozuka Hirofumi Uchida Arito Ono Makoto Hazama Iichiro UesugiThis is the first book to report the details of the current status of interfirm relationships in Japan. Based on a unique data set of firms, the authors describe the characteristics of interfirm transactions in a manner unprecedented in the literature. Special emphasis is placed on the nature of payment/collection between firms. Payment for interfirm transactions is usually made on account, or by payment after delivery, rather than by immediate payment. Thus, most interfirm transactions are accompanied by a provision of credit (i. e. , lending/borrowing) from a seller to a buyer, referred to as trade credit. Although trade credit is used all around the world and accounts for a large portion of firms' balance sheets, researchers, lacking detailed data, have long encountered serious difficulty in clarifying how and why firms use trade credit. In this work the authors use a huge, unique data set of about 380,000 firms in Japan during the 2007-2010 period. To grasp the entirety of this enormous data set, which is tantamount to a picture of all firms currently operating in Japan, this brief summarizes descriptive statistics and conducts univariate analyses of the data. Also provided is the legal background of trade credit practice in Japan from the "law and economics" perspective. In this manner, the book furnishes vital information that can be used as a reference for future theoretical and empirical analyses of trade credit and interfirm relationships.
Intergenerational Income Mobility in China: Implications for Education Policy and Practice (Education and Society in China)
by Yuna HouIntergenerational income mobility is of great societal importance due to its relevance to equal socio-economic opportunity and future economic efficiency. In her book Dr Hou explores the potential role of education policy in reducing intergenerational transmission of poverty and promoting intergenerational income mobility in China. Her research investigates the extent to which intergenerational income persists in China, the mechanisms behind intergenerational inequality, and premises for policy intervention. The interaction between families, labour markets, and public policies that structure a child’s opportunities and determine the extent to which income is related to family background are discussed in detail. The book comprises of three separate empirical studies examining the relationship between parents’ income and the long-term welfare of their children for two birth cohorts; the role education plays in the intergenerational income relationship; and possible policy intervention channels to facilitate intergenerational income mobility. The lessons learnt from the empirical studies in this book offer the basis for a discussion of current educational policies and provide guidance for developing more appropriate public policies to promote intergenerational income mobility in China in the future. This book contributes to the international discussion by providing evidence in Chinese context, and also provides guidance for policymakers attempting to develop more appropriate public policies to promote intergenerational income mobility in China.
Intergenerational Mobility
by Rajarshi MajumderDiscrimination and exclusion in the process of capability formation and the labor market transcend the boundaries of the current generation and spill over to successive generations as well. Though a plethora of work has been done at the international level, the area has not been the focus of Indian economic research despite social exclusion and disparity having been quite substantial in India, especially the division along caste lines. The book addresses this research gap and explores the issue of intergenerational mobility across different social classes in the Indian context, analyzing the spheres of both education and occupation. We contend that parental education and occupation have a significantly greater impact on educational attainment and occupational choice for socially excluded groups compared to the advanced groups. In the labor market, intergenerational mobility is low and most of it is lateral and not vertical, increasing the possibility of discrimination in the labor market. This book highlights the fact that the long history of social exclusion has had a lasting effect and it is very difficult to come out of this inertia.
Intergenerational Pathways to a Sustainable Society
by Jaco Hoffman Matthew Kaplan Mariano SanchezThis volume explores intergenerational practices and their impact on social sustainability, with an emphasis on developing programmatic efforts to address profound social challenges such as underperforming educational and work-related systems, failing support systems for dependent or vulnerable populations, and community renewal and regeneration efforts. To this end, the core argument is to present issues related to age, aging, and generations, not only as problems, but as catalysts to facilitate improved quality of life for all generations. For societies to be sustainable, all generations must coexist at any given time and across time (non-contemporary generations). Hence, the ultimate vision presented here is one of intergenerational sustainability as both a conceptual tool and as a call for action. Intergenerational pathways are introduced as strategies for improving health and well-being across the lifespan, strengthening families, improving under-performing educational and work-related systems, and helping to build more cohesive, caring communities. Reviewing some of the historical factors and developments influencing intergenerational studies, as well as presenting regional case studies and comparative research, this book presents successful models that may be applied to everyday multigenerational practices in institutions such as education, family life, housing, healthcare, employment, and community development. The result is an accessible resource for students, academics, policymakers, community leaders, and citizens concerned with creating opportunities amidst challenging demographic and social changes.
Intergenerational Wellbeing and Public Policy: An Integrated Social, Environmental, And Economic Framework
by Girol Karacaoglu Jacek B. Krawczyk Anita KingThe distinctive contribution of this book is the formulation of an integrated social, environmental, and economic framework for public policy. This contribution is realised through investigations and conclusions in the following four domains: a formal stylised model that provides a platform for an integrated approach to public policy; a policy-informing simulation model that can be used to operationalise the public policy insights proposed in the stylised model; the implications of introducing fundamental (or radical) uncertainty and complexity into the policy framework; and the use of viability theory to demonstrate how one can think of and implement public policy in an uncertain and complex world, when the focus of policy needs to shift to building resilience to systemic risks. The book’s stylised model is constructed by weaving together threads from the wellbeing, human needs, complex systems, sustainable development, endogenous economic growth, directed technical change, and credit-based-money literatures. Throughout, the perspective is that of a policy adviser to a "wellbeing state", as distinct from a "welfare state". The key linkages or relationships in the model are supported by empirical evidence that draws on the wider literature in related fields.
Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations
by Mathew Kurian Reza Ardakanian Linda Gonçalves VeigaThis book examines and analyzes issues related to public finance in subnational governments, along with a discussion of case studies on decentralization. Most of the analysis applies to all public goods and services provided by subnational governments, with some placed on the role of subnational governments in the management of environmental resources, notably water and waste Coverage includes optimal arrangements for sharing fiscal responsibilities among different levels of government, the potential impact of decentralization on the quality of public goods delivery, local governments' expenditure and revenue choices, and the effect of decentralization on accountability, governance and policy outcomes. The scope of discussion extends to both public finance theory and applied policy debates. The first chapter, on trends in financing of public services, opens with an explanation of the how and why of government intervention in the economy, the nature and purposes of transfers between and among governments and trends in decentralization. Case studies examine the impact of decentralization in such areas as service delivery, water and sanitation, education and health, and on poverty and income inequality. Chapter 2 examines public budgets: governance structures, norms and organizational practices, building up understanding of budgets, budget cycles, fiscal revenues from fees and taxes, expenses, debt and political economy issues, rules mandating balanced budgets in government and more. Chapter 3 discusses issues of accountability and policy outcomes, offering important lessons from recent international experience, including ways to strengthen political, administrative and financial accountability. The concluding chapter recounts lessons from recent international experience and surveys implications for the nexus approach to management of environmental resources. The information, analysis and expert advice presented here is particularly relevant for developing and emerging countries, where well designed decentralization reforms have a higher potential to improve efficiency in the provision of public services, and to enhance the development of integrated and sustainable strategies for the use of water, soil and waste resources and applications that advance the nexus approach.
Intergovernmental Reforms in the Russian Federation: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
by Migara O. De Silva Natalia Golovanova Elena Andreeva Galina KurlyandskayaThis study is a comprehensive review of fiscal federalism in the Russian Federation. It presents a strong case for greater decentralization. By succinctly surveying the literature on fiscal decentralization and clearly spelling out the main concepts, the volume sets the stage for the subsequent description of the fiscal system in Russia and its evolution through a succession of reforms guided by a desire on the part of Russian policymakers to craft a workable system of fiscal federalism. The authors not only describe the state of fiscal federalism in Russia at its key turning points, but they also provide insightful critical assessments of the reforms introduced at each stage. The book is rich with examples, which makes it an easy and exciting reading. The book's analysis of the history gives perspective to the authors' assessment of the current state of Russia's federalism. The authors make a strong case for greater decentralization in Russia based not only on the traditional economic benefits of fiscal federalism but also on the political benefits from local government competition. The richness of detail and the careful tracing of the reforms over the past nearly two decades also mean that this study will be an invaluable guide to both current observers with academic and policy interest in the recent fiscal federalism reforms as well as Russia's fiscal evolution since the early 1990s and its current fiscal challenges.
Interim Management erfolgreich gestalten: Ein Praxisratgeber für Unternehmen (essentials)
by Manfred Faber Thomas TillManfred Faber und Thomas Til thematisieren die professionelle Gestaltung von Interim Management Projekten. Sie geben einen Überblick darüber, wann der Einsatz sinnvoll ist und wie man Projekte so aufsetzt, dass man den größtmöglichen Erfolg hat. Zielgruppe sind vor allem Unternehmen, die dieses Instrument einsetzen wollen. Es ist aber auch für Interim Manager als Handlungsanweisung geeignet und für Menschen, für die Interim Management eine mögliche neue Arbeitsform sein könnte.
Interior Design Masters
by Mark Hinchman Elyssa YonedaInterior Design Masters contains 300 biographical entries of people who have significantly impacted design. They are the people, historical and contemporary, that students and practitioners should know. Coverage starts in the late Renaissance, with a focus on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The book has five sections, with the entries alphabetical in each, so it can serve as a history textbook and a reference guide. The seventeeth- and eighteenth-century section covers figures from Thomas Chippendale to Horace Walpole. The nineteenth-century section includes William Morris and Candace Wheeler. The early twentieth-century section presents modernism’s design heroes, including Marcel Breuer, Eileen Gray, and Gilbert Rohde. The post-World War II designers range from Madeleine Castaing to Raymond Loewy. The final contemporary section includes Ron Arad and the Bouroullec brothers. These are the canonical figures who belong to any design history. The book also contains less well-known figures who deserve attention, such as Betty Joel, the British art deco furniture designer; Paul Veysseyre, the Frenchman active in China in the 1930s; and more recently Lanzavecchia-Wai, the Italian-Singaporean duo whose work ranges from health care to helicopters. Global in its coverage, the book is richly illustrated with over 600 black-and-white and color photographs.