International Business Commons^™

Knowledge Flows And Economic Development Through Microenterprise Collaboration In Third-Sector Communities, Raymond M. Jones, Roger J. Kashlak, Audra M. Jones

New England Journal of Entrepreneurship

"The U.N. once dealt only with governments. By now we know that peace and prosperity cannot be achieved without partnership involving governments, international organizations, the business community and civil society. In today’s world we depend on each other.” Kofi Annan, UN Secretary (1999).

As emphasized by Secretary Annan’s quote, the global community is increasingly concerned with economic development and promotion of democracies is focusing on developing programs to stimulate partnerships among three distinct sectors: government sector, civil society and private sector, including locally based and international entrepreneurs. The modern organization is becoming increasingly informed in its strategies and practices by …

Transnational Labor Mobilizing In Two Mexican Maquiladoras: The Struggle For Democratic Globalization, Victoria Carty

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

The struggle to improve workers' rights in Mexican maquiladoras and export processing zones elsewhere in the world is central to the politics of global economic integration. State-centered development is increasingly compromised by supranational institutions and trade agreements. Meanwhile, multinational corporations are relocating at an unprecedented rate to overseas locations. Export processing zones are notorious for poor working conditions and result in a "race to the bottom." The maquila sector in Mexico is a prime example of this phenomenon. This article uses two case studies to examine ways in which grassroots organizing has successfully resisted low wages and poor working conditions …

Building A Better World, Pierre Landell-Mills

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

The Global New Deal: Economic and Social Rights in World Politics by William Felice. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2002. 204pp.

Monetary Convergence And Risk Premiums In The Eu Accession Countries, Lucjan Orlowski

WCBT Faculty Publications

This study examines the impact of various monetary policy regimes on the ability to lower inflation and exchange rate risk premiums in the EU accession countries as they undergo monetary convergence to the eurozone. It proposes a monetary policy framework of flexible targeting of relative inflation risk premium that is believed to be credible and useful for managing these two categories of risk. A model of inflation and exchange rate risk premiums within the context of inflation targeting is developed. Recent trends in these risk premiums in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland are tested by employing the threshold ARCH …

Monetary-Policy Targeting In The Central European Transition Economies, Lucjan T. Orlowski

WCBT Faculty Publications

This chapter examines the monetary-policy-targeting systems, in the second half of the 1990s (until 1998), of three Central European EU-accession candidates—the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland--and advocates the potential benefits of applying a direct-inflation-targeting (DIT) system in them. For the purpose of the analysis presented here, DIT is defined as "a monetary policy framework that is based on the assumption of long-term price stability as the official policy goal and on the designation of the official inflation forecast as intermediate policy target" (Orlowski, 2000). Section 1 is a brief overview of monetary-targeting practices in the Czech Republic Hungary, and Poland. …

New Social Movements And The Struggle For Worker’S Rights In The Maquila Industry, Victoria Carty

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

"Campaigns to improve worker’s rights in export processing zones (EPZs), also referred to the maquila industry in Latin America, is an important topic analytically and politically. On theoretical and practical levels, the co-existence of market economies with effective means to ensure adequate working conditions for workers is a critical question. Underlying the issue is a vigorous debate regarding how the global economy should be governed; who or what should govern it, and whose interest is should serve (Faux, 2002)."

Can World Poverty Be Eliminated?, William F. Felice

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

World Poverty: New Policies to Defeat an Old Enemy edited by Peter Townsend and David Gordon. Bristol: The Policy Press, 2002. 454pp.

and

World Poverty and Human Rights: Cosmopolitan Responsibilities and Reforms by Thomas Pogge. Malden, MA: Blackwell/Polity, 2002. 264pp.

and

There is an Alternative: Subsistence and Worldwide Resistance to Corporate Globalization edited by Veronica Benholdt-Thomsen, Nicholas Faraclas, and Claudia von Werlhof. New York: Zed Books. 2001. 288pp.

Investing In Hedge Funds: Risks, Returns And Pitfalls, Dong Hong, David Kuo Chuen Lee, Kok Fai Phoon

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Hedge funds are collective investment vehicles fast becoming popular with high net worth individuals as well as institutional investors. These are funds that are often established with a special legal status that allows their investment managers a free hand to use derivatives, short sell, and exploit leverage to raise returns and cushion risk. Given that that they have substantial latitude to invest, it is instructive to examine the performance of hedge funds compared to other forms of managed funds. This paper provides an overview of hedge funds and discusses their empirical risk and return profiles. It also poses some concerns …

The Implications Of China's Entry To World Trade Organization (Wto) : Perceptions Of Malaysia Managers In Electronic Industry, Hong Nian Gan

Student Works (2000-2009)

No abstract provided.

Total Factor Productivity And Performance Of Resource-Based Industry In Malaysia, Rozilee Asid

Student Works (2000-2009)

The development of Resource Based Industries (RBIs) in Malaysia since it was first launched in 1984 has seen as turning point of the industry to gain momentum in line with the corresponding industrial policy. By using the two inputs Cobb-Douglass model specifically growth accounting model, this study tries to estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) growth for the periods of 1981-1997 in collaboration to review its development and resilient performance. Using the 3-digit-level industrial classification, it was found that six (out of 14) of the RBIs show a positive gain of TFP growth. In broad categories (5-digit-level classification), 30 industries …

Strategies To Market Malaysian Palm Oil Overseas, Teck Chaii Lim

Student Works (2000-2009)

Malaysia is the world's largest producer and exporter of palm oil. With the growing volume of production of palm oil and other vegetable oils and fats throughout the world, competition for these oils including palm oil has intensified and will become more intense in the future. With the more competitive environment, Malaysia's palm oil industrial players has to put up a number of good strategies in order to maintain its position as the world's number one exporter and sustain its market share in the world's oils and fats trade. This increased competitiveness has triggered much concern and attention ought to …

Feeling The Heat Of Human Rights Branding: Bringing Transnational Corporations Within The International Human Rights Fence, Robert Mccorquodale

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

Human Rights Standards and the Responsibility of Transnational Corporations edited by Michael K. Addo. The Hague: Kluwer Law International, 1999. 384pp.

Non-Oil Exports Promotion. Concepts, Issues And Prospects., Kola D.

Bullion

The most recent data available on the structure of the Nigerian ^ economy are those for year 2000, which reflect the current structure and the main features of the economy. (see Annex 1) They indicate that the agricultural sector accounted for 41 .5o/o of the nation's GDP, while manufacturing contributed 5.95%, finance and insurance, 9.59%, crude petroleum, 10.42%, wholesale and retail trade, 11.58%, and government services 9.35%. It is a well-known fact that primary non-oil products dominated Nigeria's export trade and formed the bedrock of her economy in pre and immediate post-independence era. The issues discussed include the definition of …

Emerging Trends In External Reserve Management, Nnadi C. Ben

Bullion

This paper tries to identify some of the main trends in central Banks reserve management in recent years. lt describes some significant changes, which have taken place, with regard to the objectives and investment policies of central banks, while pointing out some elements that could noticeably slow or even reverse the trends identified. The study reveals reserve management has continued to evolve broadly in the areas of securitisation, return maximization, use of derivates and performance measurement. Secondly, in response to the increasing volatility of financial variables, central banks have at the same time continued to place emphasis on liquidity constraints.

Export Performance Of Malaysian Frozen Shrimp Industry Against Selected Asean Countries, Chai Fong Lim

Student Works (2000-2009)

The recent liberalisation of trade in A SEAN has promoted more regional trade in shrimp among the ASEAN countries as well as trade with countries outside the region. An important issue arising from the liberalisation of trade concerns the increased pressure of competition and direct rivalry among Malaysia and the other ASEAN countries for the export of shrimps in the international markets. This paper analyses the export performance and competitiveness of Malaysian frozen shrimp against three other ASEAN countries, that is Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, in the Japanese market. Four different methods, namely constant­ market-share analysis, shift-share analysis, revealed …

The Impact Of Selective Capital Controls On The Malaysian Economy, Tengku Rethwan Tengku Mansor

Student Works (2000-2009)

The capital control policy adopted by Malaysia is a radical approach towards restoring its battered economy during the financial crisis of 1997. Such stance was taken by the Malaysian government to combat currency speculators from causing further damage to its economy as the earlier IMF-like prescription had failed. It may be an unpopular approach especially, to the advocates of the free market, nevertheless it provides an alternative solution for other countries to emulate in the event of facing such onslaught on their currency. It is also hoped that this study will serve as a reference on the subject of selective …

The Impact Of Foreign Direct Investment On Manufacturing Growth In Malaysia, Ah Hoon Lee

Student Works (2000-2009)

It is generally perceived that FDI (foreign direct investment) plays an important role in economic development especially in the industrialisation process in Malaysia. The extent of FDI's contribution to manufacturing growth remains uncertain. By using econometric models, this study attempts to analyse the impact of FDI on manufacturing output, manufacturing exports, manufacturing imports and manufacturing employment generation. The empirical results showed that the impact of FDI on manufacturing output growth is not as critical as expected. However, a positive link emerges where an increase in FDI flows will increase the output growth in the next period. The study revealed that …

Enslaved To Fashion: Corporations, Consumers, And The Campaign For Worker Rights In The Global Economy, George Demartino

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of Levi’s Children: Coming to Terms with Human Rights in the Global Marketplace by Karl Schoenberger. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2000. 288pp.

Levi’s Children presents a sobering account of the tribulations of a transnational corporation with a heart trying its best to navigate honorably the polluted moral waters of the global economy. San Francisco-based Levi Strauss and Company, maker of the iconic Levi’s jeans and other apparel, sought to maintain a commitment to social responsibility in the face of intensifying financial pressures to do otherwise. Author Karl Schoenberger puts this account to good effect, illuminating the extraordinary …

Chapter 10: Upper-Middle-Class Politics And Policy Outcomes: Does Class Identity Matter?, Herman L. Boschken

Faculty Publications, School of Management

This chapter in Clark and lipset's book on class in American politics resulted from a multi-day workshop at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars in the summer of 1999. The piece reverses the normal causality of class politics. It does not analyze citizens in elections, but government officials creating policies. It asks why policies differ across localities (specifically public transit decisions in 42 U.S. metropolitan areas). It probes how some government officials work with an "upper-middle-class" citizenry in mind, while others do so less. The chapter then tests for differences across localities and finds quite distinct patterns. The chapter …

Nationalism In The People's Republic Of China: A Consequential Chameleon, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article describes how nationalism among political leaders in the People's Republic of China (PRC) can be the linchpin of divergent views on the desirability of the PRC's future in a globalized economy.

Trends. Licit And Illicit Human Trafficking: The Ultimate Violation Of Human Rights, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article discusses human trafficking for economic reasons and its context.

Comparative Advantage In Production And Trade In Nigeria., Emmanuel U. Ukeje

Bullion

The Nigerian economy is generally large and very diverse. The country is endowed with a highly productive agricultural base and generally favourable climatic conditions, which provide the potential for intensive production, both for domestic consumption and for exports. This paper reviews the production and trade pattern in Nigeria with a view to identifying major structural changes with regard to the relative comparative advantage enjoyed by the sectors, the other parts of the paper focuses on some theoretical and conceptual issues. The rest of the paper is divided into five sections. Section 2 focuses on some theoretical and conceptual issues. Section …

Trends. The People's Republic Of China And Permanent Normal Trading Relations: A Run-Up And Aftermath Of More Smoke Than Fire?, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article discusses the vote of the United States (US) House of Representatives to approve permanent normal trading relations (PTNR) with the People's Republic of China (PRC). Human rights violations are discussed.

Trends. Labor And Environmental Standards And Human Welfare: Global Prescriptions, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article discusses the human consequences - labor and environmental impacts - of free trade, and the impact of possible standards for addressing those consequences.

Lessons From The Malaysian Financial Crisis And The Tough Road Ahead For Proton, Ming Fong Khoo

Student Works (2000-2009)

The economic crisis contagion from Thailand had imposed a serious impact on Malaysia economic. In Malaysia, the currency and financial crisis became a crisis of a real economy. The Malaysia Government undertook many policies to tum around its economy. The more significant policies are capital control and fixed exchange rate implemented in September 1997. The economic and currency crisis had severe impact on automobile industry in Malaysia. All the automobile companies had implemented various strategies to overcome the economy turmoil. However, most of these strategies are reactive action and the automotive companies implement these activities to resolve immediate problem when …

The Exchange Rate Mechanism And The Ruble Devaluation Of 1998, Philip Porter

University Avenue Undergraduate Journal of Economics

I will first examine what I see as the common sense fundamentals of the exchange rate mechanism, noting as I go, the relationship with the current Russian crisis. In my examination, I will take the simplest approach, assuming free trade, unrestricted capital movements and negligible transaction costs. Concluding, I will delve into the quagmire of the Russian situation.

Multinationals And Subsidiaries, Rishikesha T Krishnan

IIMB Management Review

K Ramachandran, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Philips India, a subsidiary of the Dutch electronics giant Philips Electronics NV, shares the Philips experience as he speaks on the post-liberalisation scenario and its effects on the Indian market, aspects of the parentsubsidiary relationship and the nuances of restructuring. Opining on business education, he stresses the need to distinguish between 'skills' and 'education'.

Relative Gains Problem And Case Studies Of Economic Cooperation In East Asia, Ping Deng

Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations

Relative gains problem basically means unequal cooperative payoffs disproportionately favoring partners. With the relative gains problem widely accepted as a serious impediment to international cooperation, some scholars have theoretically argued or modeled several conditions that are most likely to foster a state's sensitivity to relative gains and thus substantially affect the prospects for cooperation. But little empirical work has been done to date. The central objective of this dissertation is to test whether those theoretical propositions can be supported by empirical evidence. For this purpose, we have deducted three hypotheses: (1) If a state faces military threat and zero-sum political …

Exchange Rate Regimes And International Trade, Reuven Glick, Clas Wihlborg

Business Faculty Books and Book Chapters

The existing evidence on the volume effects of exchange rate risk and exchange rate regime choice is examined. The analysis involves estimating the effects of cross-country differences in exchange rate regime on export and import elasticities using a continuous measure of the degree of exchange rate flexibility. It is argued that risk for firms involved in international trade tends to decrease with greater exchange rate flexibility. In formulating our hypotheses we argued that the cross-country variation in U.S. export elasticities with respect to the real exchange rate and foreign GDPs is primarily attributable to the cross- country variation in bilateral …

An International Survey Of Free Banking Periods: Us, California, France, Australia, Switzerland, And Scotland, Frank Doti, David Cassell

Economics Faculty Articles and Research

This article studies free banking periods worlwide.