This innovative book provides a greater understanding of the relationships between transnational corporations and the economic development of host economies. In the age of globalisation, awareness of the mechanisms through which foreign firms impact on host countries is crucial. The emphasis lies on backward linkages and knowledge transfer to local firms. The book offers a theoretical framework for the activities of TNCs and a review of their impacts on South East Asian economies. The author conveys in-depth information, using extensive data collected from transnational corporations in the Malaysian electrical and electronics sector. A unique approach is adopted by presenting factors explaining the existence as well as the degree of knowledge transfer through backward linkages. To date, no other study has provided a full range of data - qualitative and quantitative - on the existence, as well as the degree, of backward linkages' transfer. Academics, practitioners and students of international business studies, international development and Asian studies will find Transnational Corporations, Technology and Economic Development of great interest, as will business school libraries in European, North American and Asian universities.

This book is about law, but it is not a law book. It is aimed at all interested contemporaries, lawyers and non-lawyers alike. Richly seasoned with personal memories and anecdotes, it offers unique insights into how European courts actually work. It is generally assumed that independence is part and parcel of the role and function of a judge. Nevertheless, European judges sometimes face difficulties in this regard. Owing to their being nominated by a government, their limited term of appointment, and the possibility of being reappointed or not, their judicial independence can be jeopardized. Certain governments have a track record of choosing candidates who they believe they can keep on a leash. When this happens, private parties are at risk of losing out. The EFTA Court is under even more pressure, since the EEA/EFTA states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway essentially constitute a pond with one big fish (Norway) and two minnows. For quite some time now, certain Norwegian protagonists have sought to effectively transform the EEA into a bilateral agreement with the EU. This attitude has led to political implications that have affected the author himself. The independence of the EFTA Court is also endangered by the fact that it operates alongside a large sister court, the Court of Justice of the European Union. And yet the EFTA Court has established its own line of jurisprudence and its own judicial style. It has remained faithful to specific EFTA values, such as the belief in free trade and open markets, efficiency, and a modern view of mankind. During the first 24 years of its existence, it has even had an over-proportionate influence on ECJ case law. Since EEA Single Market law is economic law, the importance of economics, an often-overlooked aspect, is also addressed. In closing, the book explores Switzerland's complicated relationship with, and Britain's impending departure from, the EU. In this regard, it argues that the EFTA pillar should be expanded into a second European structure under British leadership and with Swiss participation.

This up-to-date study of the contribution of women and men to changing European economic activity patterns, covers 15 members states. Based on the work of the European Commission's network of experts on women's employment, it draws on both national and European data sources. The book links trends in the structures of employment with new comparative data on the role of systems of welfare provision in order to explore economic activity patterns by gender. Participation patterns of women still vary widely within Europe, so much attention is paid to the institutions - both in the labour market and welfare - which help to explain these variations. The apparently contradictory tendency for women's employment and unemployment to rise is analyzed, taking into account changes in industrial/occupational structure and trends at the European, national and regional level. Many countries continue to pursue inconsistent and discriminatory labour market policies; many still base welfare policies on the nation of a single male breadwinner family. This text considers how such policies affect women as workers.

Will "making a living" remain a dream for the deprived and excluded? Jobs are one of Europe's most important problems. Employment provides the basic means of distributing wealth in society, in providing for families, and ensuring pensions for the elderly. Yet unemployment, and increasingly "non-employment", continues at near record levels in the European Union. This text shows how the culture of work has been transformed in the industrialized nations of the EU. Exploring the relationship between employment change, society and economic restructuring, the shift toward "flexible" work for women in services, away from traditional industrial jobs for men, is demonstrated within three key sectors - business services, retailing and tourism. The outcome of change is discussed in terms of shifts of people and jobs from urban to rural areas. Europe must be understood in the context of the new Europe, of change in the USA and of global change. Drawing on examples from UK and European regions and USA, the author challenges long-standing assumptions about changes in economy and society and highlights the need for stronger local and European policies to reduce inequality at large and contribute

Will "making a living" remain a dream for the deprived and excluded? Jobs are one of Europe's most important problems. Employment provides the basic means of distributing wealth in society, in providing for families, and ensuring pensions for the elderly. Yet unemployment, and increasingly "non-employment", continues at near record levels in the European Union. This text shows how the culture of work has been transformed in the industrialized nations of the EU. Exploring the relationship between employment change, society and economic restructuring, the shift toward "flexible" work for women in services, away from traditional industrial jobs for men, is demonstrated within three key sectors - business services, retailing and tourism. The outcome of change is discussed in terms of shifts of people and jobs from urban to rural areas. Europe must be understood in the context of the new Europe, of change in the USA and of global change. Drawing on examples from UK and European regions and USA, the author challenges long-standing assumptions about changes in economy and society and highlights the need for stronger local and European policies to reduce inequality at large and contribute

Based on new archival research, this is the first comprehensive study of the failure of international co-operation to combat the Great Depression. The book explores the impact of protectionism, reparations and war debts, as well as the more well known disagreements on monetary issues which, together, helped to prolong the most profound economic depression of the twentieth century. The economic and diplomatic lessons drawn from this period by the major powers - particularly German intelligence as to the deep divisions in Anglo-American economic relations - also provide an important contribution to understanding the origins of the Second World War and the diplomatic and economic order created in its aftermath.

Looking at all sides of the globalization debate, Suranovic analyzes how international economic policy is made and how it has become so controversial. He offers a solution to the debate between free trade/unregulated markets and the push for greater government involvement that is consistent with both economic efficiency and social justice.

This book brings into sharp focus the problems of development under conditions of structural adjustment and their relation to democratic change in Africa. Contributors to this volume are interested in specific countries such as Kenya, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, etc., but do bring to bear a rigorous comparative method which uses a political economy approach to the study of democracy, gender, industrialization, agriculture and the state. Its comparative approach in revisionist political economy allows for issues such as the new international division of labor to become central to the analysis of the relationship between developed and underdeveloped countries.

The state-centric approach, although useful, may have missed important undercurrents in civil society. An analysis of development through the state's lenses has predominated the study of Africa. The approach by contributors in this volume is equally interested in the state but is also concerned with non-state actors. This dynamic approach characterizes few texts on Africa. This work should attract those who are concerned with African development, specifically, and international political economy in general.

In an era of rapid and extensive economic reform, what is the appropriate role for fiscal policy? Is there a residual role of government after socialism and dirigisme? Following Macroeconomic Dimensions of Public Finance, this is the second volume of essays in honour of Vito Tanzi. It focuses on the importance of fiscal policy on the wholesale economic reforms that are sweeping the advanced, less developed and formerly communist countries. Issues analysed include: the role of fiscal and budgetary policies in the process of reform; the impact of privatization on the exchequer and the dilemmas for social policy in times of fiscal austerity; the paradox of post-socialism and post-dirigisme that an efficient and harmonic move to a decontrolled, liberal market economy involves active state intervention; and the methodological aspects relating to the proper assessment of selected fiscal policy mechanisms. This collection of essays will contribute to understanding the channels and transmission mechanisms of fiscal policies in the context of major economic reforms.

Series Information:
European Institute of Japanese Studies East Asian Economics and Business

In an era of globalization, private markets are expected to dominate the distribution of goods worldwide. Yet surprisingly little empirical work is conducted on them. The sensitive and secret nature of trading information, the complexity of real markets and the lack of official data other than that on price can all cause problems. This book seeks to overcome these in examining arguably the most difficult markets of all - agricultural markets under conditions of underdevelopment. Case-studies from nine countries covering all three underdeveloped continents offer a comprehensive overview of the lessons to be learnt from field experience.

Have you ever wondered why we can afford to buy far more clothes than our grandparents ever could . . . but may be less likely to own a home in which to keep them all? Why your petrol bill can double in a matter of months, but it never falls as fast? Behind all of this lies economics.; It's not always easy to grasp the complex forces that are shaping our lives. But by following a dollar on its journey around the globe, we can start to piece it all together.; The dollar is the lifeblood of globalisation. Greenbacks, singles, bucks or dead presidents: call them what you will, they are keeping the global economy going. Half of the notes in circulation are actually outside of the USA - and many of the world's dollars are owned by China.; But what is really happening as our cash moves around the world every day, and how does it affect our lives? By following $1 from a shopping trip in suburban Texas, via China's central bank, Nigerian railroads, the oilfields of Iraq and beyond, The Almighty Dollar reveals the economic truths behind what we see on the news every day. Why is China the world's biggest manufacturer - and the USA its biggest customer? Is free trade really a good thing? Why would a nation build a bridge on the other side of the planet?; In this illuminating read, economist Dharshini David lays bare these complex relationships to get to the heart of how our new globalised world works, showing who really holds the power, and what that means for us all

The Bretton Woods system ensured a quarter of a century of relative stability on the world's financial markets. The quarter of a century which has followed has brought financial chaos and excessive financial volatility. Exchange Rate Chaos: 25 Years of Financial and Consumer Democracy describes and compares US and British financial history during this period. It highlights: * similarites in financial developments between the two countries * consumer democracy: Have the wishes of consumers dominated exchange rate policy? * The decline of the small investor and the hegemony of financial institutions * How the floating exchange rates are manipulated to government advantage One of the few financial histories to deal with the postwar period, this book shows how financial developments have shaped contemporary society and politics.

This important book presents an in-depth analysis of the neo-liberal viewpoint on globalization and its impact on labour relations. The policies of states and multinational corporations as well as their effects are analysed from the perspectives of international political economy, institutional economics, cultural studies and industrial relations. The authors analyse the trade union critique, labour market segmentation and the erosion of regulatory practices and standards which give labour some degree of protection. This innovative book combines theoretical analysis with empirical detail and focuses on various sectors of industry such as mining, home appliances, logistic services and the media as well as the main regional blocks of the global economy - Europe, Australia-Asia and America.

This book brings together policymakers, high-level practitioners, academics, and experts from central banks and international institutions in order to review key policy challenges for convergence in the region of central, eastern and south-eastern Europe. Contributions focus especially on inflation, growth, migration and the balance of payments.

Rich and informative case studies throughout bring this book to life for professionals and students alike. Written by one of the leading competitive experts in the world. Tackles a complex issues in a lively and engaging way.

This timely book examines the legal and policy challenges in international, regional and national settings, faced by developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change. With contributions from over 20 international scholars from developing and developed countries, the book tackles both long-standing concerns and current controversies. It considers the positions of developing countries in the negotiation of a new international legal regime to replace the Kyoto Protocol and canvasses various domestic issues, including implementation of CDM projects, governance of adaptation measures and regulation of the biofuels industry. Through a unique focus on the developing world, this book makes a significant contribution to understanding current challenges and future directions of climate law. It will prove a stimulating read for legal academics, undergraduate and graduate law students as well as policymakers interested in the role of developing countries in climate change law. The book originates from an international conference on Climate Law in Developing Countries Post-2012, co-sponsored by the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and Osgoode Hall Law School. The book is part of the ongoing mandate of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law to generate collaborative research on the most pressing issues in environmental law.

In the present text the author deals with both conventional and new approaches to trade theory and policy, treating all important research topics in international economics and clarifying their mathematical intricacies. The textbook is intended for undergraduates, graduates and researchers alike. It addresses undergraduate students with extremely clear language and illustrations, making even the most complex trade models accessible. In the appendices, graduate students and researchers will find self-contained treatments in mathematical terms. The new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the latest research on international trade.

This text sets out to describe the emergence of economics in the period of Japanese Enlightenment, or the first two decades of the Meiji era. At this time, there was general agreement for the need to modernize the country by abolishing all remaining feudalism, and opening up to Western economic thought. The author examines the main characteristics of economic thought at this time, in particular, the predominance of nationalism among both proponents of protectionism and free-trade.

Over the past two decades, emerging market multinationals have become an important force in international business. This book provides a better understanding of the actions and strategies used by firms from mid-sized emerging markets to upgrade their capabilities and become successful multinationals. It is the first book to provide an in-depth look at Mexican multinationals, or 'Multimexicans'. These include some of the leading firms in the world, such as the construction materials producer Cemex and the tortilla maker Grumasa, as well as smaller but innovative firms such as the theme park Kidzania and the cinema multicomplex Cinepolis. This comprehensive analysis contains case studies written by local industry experts on these and other firms, across twenty-two industries. The lessons drawn will be of interest to researchers, students, and consultants, as well as managers and executives of firms in other emerging markets looking to upgrade capabilities and expand abroad.

This book tells the story of Holocaust survivor and prominent banker Marcel Goldman, born in Krakow in 1926. Goldman started his studies in economics in Krakow and completed them in Israel, where he became a respected banker. In telling his story, this book analyzes Israel's social and economic development, its causes and circumstances. Following Goldman as our main character, we take a close look at the birth of the private banking sector and the building of modern economy in Israel. The book also describes the life of Polish Jews in Israel in general, the way in which they settled there, and built the prosperity of the state. The story of Marcel Goldman is an example of how Israel's success is the sum of its citizens' successes.

This work explores the problems arising from dynamic information technology in its application to intellectual property rights. In a global marketplace of ideas, political boundaries and the sovereignty of the nation state seem to be disappearing because of the increasing difficulty of scrutinizing the infringement of intellectual property. That is particularly true of computer software, the focus of this book. The work analyzes the legal and political economy implications of investment in the software programming industry and the near-futility of monitoring protection of intellectual property in industry. The book begins by exploring the current state of copyright laws for computer software. It analyzes the economic theories of demand elasticities, public choice, clubs, and the concept of public goods as those theories apply to intellectual property, particularly computer software. This analysis is followed by a discussion of prevailing legislation in the United States, Europe, Japan, Asia, and China. The analysis is fortified by a comprehensive coverage of the Uruguay Round. The work concludes in favor of the free flow of information, which yields overwhelming benefits to a globally integrated market.

The West has long been ignorant of cultural and political processes in China. Today, a growing number of Westerners are becoming aware of China's real and giant potential as a player in the international business arena. As business becomes increasingly international, it is vital to understand the concrete nature of business and underlying attitudes in the world's most populated country.
This volume presents a unique view of the major facets of international business in China. It examines the workings of finance and accounting, law, management, and marketing as well as trade, foreign direct investment, and the management of foreign subsidiaries. Discussion of such functional areas is placed firmly in the context of developments in China in recent years, with special emphasis placed on implications for firms doing business in or with China. Succinct, up-to-date analysis is combined with practical guidelines and recommendations for the business person.
This highly international bookis an important step towards demystification of the workings of international business. The material presented is from leading experts in business from around the world who write from direct experience of business in China.

This timely and highly relevant book refocuses the discussion on supply chain innovation for an era of unprecedented challenges and opportunities in global supply chain operations. This third edition builds upon the ideas explored by the author in Competitive Supply Chains (2007, 2016), featuring new content and analysis, new case studies and a complete reassessment on the impact of new technologies, ESG requirements, and geopolitical challenges. Featuring case studies from European and Asian companies, this book is an essential resource for researchers and students of supply chain and operations management.

The economics and history of the closing years of the 20th century may turn out to mark the era of transformation when the nation-states lose most of their ability to maneuver in economics as finance and investment become transnationalized. In the European Community and similar associations, the nation-state loses some formal powers and has to modify its policies to fit those of its neighbors and the association. An economically sustainable social democracy may be beyond the reach of any one nation, and reforms based in a single middle-sized country may be impossible.