This original book explores how the principles of circularity, considered a law of nature but neglected within the materialistic orientation of the industrial age, are becoming attractive again in business and society. Investigation reveals enterprises small and large delivering a stimulating message, from changes in entrepreneurial mindsets to the inclusive use of new technologies and a push for innovation. Zucchella and Urban explore the novel concept of circular enterprise, showing how, with their capacity to innovate, these firms are becoming the most powerful actors of a new, sustainable social order. They examine two fundamental questions: why is this revolution occurring now, and how is it being implemented? Focusing on the most innovative practices, they demonstrate the potential of circular enterprise for industry and wider society, making clear that a new world is emerging.

Die Globalisierung der Markte zwingt Europa nicht nur zu einer intensiven Auseinandersetzung mit den daraus erwachsenden Problemen, sondern auch zur Ausgestaltung geeigneter Wettbewerbsstrategien, um im Kampf um Marktvorteile bestehen zu koennen. Namhafte Experten aus Wissenschaft und Praxis analysieren in diesem Buch Starken und Schwachen der Europaischen Union und diskutieren ihre Rolle im globalen Wettbewerb aus unterschiedlichen Blickrichtungen. Es werden u.a. folgende Themen behandelt: - Europa im globalen Wettbewerb - Interkulturelles Management zwischen Universalismus und Relativismus - Das Konzept der Marktwirtschaft und das Prinzip der Gemeinschaft (

The current work is the third volume in the se ries "Europe's Economic Future," edited by Strasbourg's Robert Schuman University, under the direction of Professor Sabine Urban, head of the CESAG-IECS research center. This series intends to analyze the European situation -not through idealized models of operation or abstract schemas - rather based on concrete observations, equally elose to the actions and the life of the European citizen as of Europe's corporations and institutions. The studies that are presented here are not, however, simply descriptions; they refer to precise conceptual frameworks and nourish a long-term reflection. This volume, like its predecessors, reflects the diversity which characterizes Europe, rich and stimulating but, at the same time, difficult to manage. Spectacular advances are followed by moments of hesitation. With European construction, new processes of adaptation and new competitive strategies must be implemented by businesses. Public authorities must respect the convergence constraints imposed by the European Union (Maastricht I) and imagine a modified institutional framework for the European Intergovernmental Conference of 1996 (Maastricht II). The citizens of the fifteen countries involved need themselves to be enlightened about the future, to understand how - between independent markets and coordinated policies - a desirable economic and social cohesion in the European area will be realized. Furthermore, the area itself is not fixed; it is evolving between the strengthening of links and the opening of new horizons.

This original book explores how the principles of circularity, considered a law of nature but neglected within the materialistic orientation of the industrial age, are becoming attractive again in business and society. Investigation reveals enterprises small and large delivering a stimulating message, from changes in entrepreneurial mindsets to the inclusive use of new technologies and a push for innovation. Zucchella and Urban explore the novel concept of circular enterprise, showing how, with their capacity to innovate, these firms are becoming the most powerful actors of a new, sustainable social order. They examine two fundamental questions: why is this revolution occurring now, and how is it being implemented? Focusing on the most innovative practices, they demonstrate the potential of circular enterprise for industry and wider society, making clear that a new world is emerging.

Das Buch setzt sich mit der allgemeinen Problematik des durch die neuen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien ausgelosten Organisationswandels auseinander. Weitere, vornehmlich den Informations- und Kommunikationssektor betreffende Veranderungen sind zu erwarten. Der Einsatz der neuen Informationstechnologien wird nicht nur die Organisationsstrukturen (Markt, Hierarchie, Netze etc.) verandern, sondern auch die Managementprozesse eines Unternehmens (z.B. im Bereich der Entwicklung der Unternehmensstrategien, auf der Ebene des operativen Geschafts oder im Bereich Controlling).
(Buch erscheint in englischer Sprache)
Verzeichnis: Das Buch setzt sich mit der allgemeinen Problematik des durch die neuen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien ausgelosten Organisationswandels auseinander."

Das Phanomen strategischer Allianzen gewinnt weltweit zunehmend an Bedeutung. Unternehmen mit klar definierten Organisationsstrukturen geben ihre Entscheidungsautonomie auf und bilden zusammen mit auslandischen Unternehmen Netzwerkorganisationen, um auf diese Weise Wettbewerbsvorteile im globalen Markt zu gewinnen. Fuhrt diese Entwicklung zu einem neuen Kapitalismus oder zu einem Allianz-Kapitalismus? Was bedeutet dies fur die sozio-okonomischen Systeme der beteiligten Lander? Renommierte Wissenschaftler aus sechs Landern nehmen zu diesen Fragen Stellung.

Introduction Europe in Progress, Model and Facts is the second volume in the series Europe's Economic Future launched in 1994. It is in keeping with the will expressed by the University Robert Schuman and implemented by CESAG, the research centre of IECS Strasburg, to observe and to analyse European reality; not through idealized models or abstract diagrams but out in the real world, close to the lives and actions of Europe's citizens and companies. This research, undertaken by leading academic figures of different countries, offers a wide spectrum of reality in evolution and Europe's characteristic diversity. This diversity appears to be both a blessing and a handicap because the adaptation process linked to European integration and the definition of global competitive strategies demands unequal efforts. It is therefore understandable that uncertainties arise, that tensions appear amongst partners who, in some areas of social economic or financial life, stand together but refuse a constraining solidarity in other areas. However one thing is certain: Europe's construction progresses step by step. This deep-seated reality is enhanced by cross-border investments, by the setting up of common rules and standards, by the creation of collective, common instruments, by factor mobility, by intensified exchanges of goods and services, by improved understanding of behaviours and cultures and by learning from others. Europe, with twelve members or more, has a socio-economic life "per se" which, with the adjustment of varying difficulties, is on the road to improvement.

The present work is the first volume in a series devoted to an evolving Europe; it is the expression of a political will, expressed by Strasbourg's Robert Schuman University (and implemented by one of its components, the center for research (CESAG) of the IECS - Strasbourg), whose aim is to observe and analyze European realities, not based on idealized models of operation or on abstract patterns, but rather on observations made in the field, close to the action and to the life of the European citizen, as well as to that of the corporate world. In this light the IECS has decided to invite each year twelve personalities with differing competencies, cultures and nationalities. Strasbourg is one of the capitals of a multiform and multipolar de facto Europe; it is also at the center of leading scientific networks. In this light, the present publication is especially interesting and original: it is the reflection, not of the ideas of a few specialists integrated into the system of the European Community, but of observers and researchers in close contact with everyday reality, a reality marked, doubtless, by severe constraints, but at the same time suggesting an escape towards a stimulating vision of the future. Aspirations and realities are in perpetual conflict; it is important that the former not be crushed by the latter. The testimonies presented herewith are, first of all, the reflection of the diversity to be managed differently depending on country, sector of activity and managerial function.

This timely book offers a series of lively essays debating the topic of globalization-our increasingly integrated and interconnected world. Globalization and Multicultural Societies argues that the globalization process is a major catalyst in transforming contemporary society. Focusing primarily on Europe, this collection brings together writings by renowned intellectual, cultural, and political figures, such as Romano Prodi, Pierre Boulez, Jacky Mamou, and Franco Modigliani, that reflect on the key features and problems of globalization. Essays range across broad topics, including multinational corporations, technology, the arts, science, information flow, finance, unemployment, and the environment.Part 1 of the book is devoted to an analysis of contemporary society's evolution toward globalization. Part 2 focuses on the restructuring of the systems that produce and distribute goods and services around the world. Part 3 explores the effect of globalization on culture. Taken in their entirety, these essays offer a deeply and meaningfully multidisciplinary volume in which each piece contrasts and contextualizes the other. As most of the contributors are European, the text also offers a fascinating snapshot of contemporary European consciousness, and reveals how much of a "great experiment" the European Union really is.This significant book makes a timely and learned contribution to the debates over globalization that are currently raging not only in the academy, but also on the nightly news and in daily political life. It will appeal to anyone who wishes to better understand the evolution of the world in which we live.

This timely book offers a series of lively essays debating the topic of globalization—our increasingly integrated and interconnected world. Globalization and Multicultural Societies argues that the globalization process is a major catalyst in transforming contemporary society. Focusing primarily on Europe, this collection brings together writings by renowned intellectual, cultural, and political figures, such as Romano Prodi, Pierre Boulez, Jacky Mamou, and Franco Modigliani, that reflect on the key features and problems of globalization. Essays range across broad topics, including multinational corporations, technology, the arts, science, information flow, finance, unemployment, and the environment.Part 1 of the book is devoted to an analysis of contemporary society’s evolution toward globalization. Part 2 focuses on the restructuring of the systems that produce and distribute goods and services around the world. Part 3 explores the effect of globalization on culture. Taken in their entirety, these essays offer a deeply and meaningfully multidisciplinary volume in which each piece contrasts and contextualizes the other. As most of the contributors are European, the text also offers a fascinating snapshot of contemporary European consciousness, and reveals how much of a “great experiment” the European Union really is.This significant book makes a timely and learned contribution to the debates over globalization that are currently raging not only in the academy, but also on the nightly news and in daily political life. It will appeal to anyone who wishes to better understand the evolution of the world in which we live.