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El mercat provisional d’Horta s’instal·la en un espai verd a la confluència dels carrers de Porto i de Lisboa. Els arquitectes Pere Joan Ravetllat i Carles Enrich van dissenyar una gran estructura de fusta de 1.400 m2 per allotjar-hi el mercat. Adreça: c. Lisboa, 34.

Purpose This study focuses on the triadic multilevel psychic distance (MPD) between the firm, target market and bridge-maker and its consequences for firm internationalization. Specifically, it spotlights the triadic psychic distance between firms, the levels of psychic distance in the target market (country and business) and the bridge-maker. Therefore, this study examines the triadic MPD among these three entities and its impact on firm internationalization. Design/methodology/approach This study uses qualitative and case study research approaches. It is based on 8 case companies and 24 internationalization cases. Secondary data were collected, and interviews with bridge-makers and industry experts were conducted. Findings The study found that MPD appeared in the triad. The MPD between firms and markets is related to country-specific differences and business difficulties. The MPD between the firm and the bridge-maker is based on the latter's lack of knowledge vis-a-vis bridging the firm's MPD. Finally, the MPD between bridge-makers and the market is based on the former's lack of knowledge of the home country's business difficulties. Originality/value This is the first study to develop and adopt a triadic multilevel psychic distance conceptualization that provides evidence for and sheds light on the triadic MPD and its effect on firm internationalization. This study identifies the reasons behind triadic MPD in connection to firm internationalization. Notably, firm internationalization is interdependent on the triadic MPD setting between the firm, bridge-maker and target market. It has theoretical value and contributes to the recent advancement in the understanding of MPD in international marketing literature.

To support increasing renewable capacity for a net-zero future, energy storage will play a key role in maintaining grid stability. In this paper, all current and near-future energy storage technologies are compared for three different scenarios: (1) fixed electricity buy-in price, (2) market-based electricity buy-in price, and (3) energy storage integrated into a fully renewable electricity system. In the first part of this study, an algorithm is devised to simulate strategic buy-in of electricity for energy storage. This analysis yields a qualitative decision-making tool for a given energy storage duration and size. Building upon the first part’s findings, an integration study gives insight into expected power prices and expected storage size in a typical northwestern European fully renewable energy system. The integration study shows significant need for electricity storage with durations spanning from one to several days, typically around 40 h. Pumped Hydro Storage and Pumped Thermal storage surface as the best options. The overall levelized costs of storage are expected to be in the USD 200–500/MWh range. Integration of storage with renewables can yield a system-levelized cost of electricity of about USD 150/MWh. Allowing flexibility in demand may lower the overall system-levelized cost of electricity to USD 100/MWh., Energy Technology

El mercat, inaugurat el 1968, és un edifici de planta rectangular fet de formigó, projectat per Bonaventura Bassegoda Musté. Fou remodelat el 2013. Adreça: Plaça de Joaquim Folguera

Edifici projectat per Ramon Térmens i Mauri; inaugurat el 1951. Adreça: Carrer Tajo, 75-79

This research addresses the development of crypto assets throughout history and their current relevance in international financial markets. It focuses on how they have been implemented in the Costa Rican market, as well as their impact on the current economy. Based on this economic framework, the issue of applicable legal regulation is addressed, especially whether they are subject to economic regulation by the State, either as an equivalent to money or as an investment mechanism. It is concluded that they have a relevant existence in the Costa Rican financial market, but despite this, there is no current legal framework that extends to their regulation., Esta investigación aborda el desarrollo de los criptoactivos, a través de la historia, y su relevancia actual en los mercados financieros internacionales. Se concentra en cómo se han implementado en el mercado costarricense, además de sus repercusiones en la economía actual. A partir de este marco económico, se aborda la problemática sobre el marco legal aplicable, especialmente, si son objeto de regulación económica del Estado, sea como equivalente al dinero o como mecanismo de inversión. Se concluye que tienen una existencia relevante en el mercado financiero costarricense, pero, a pesar de ello, en Costa Rica, no existe un marco jurídico vigente que alcance para su regulación.

Lobbyorganisaties trekken aan de bel en demissionair minister Piet Adema van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit liet al weten wakker te liggen van de mestcrisis. Melkveehouders kunnen mest niet kwijt of betalen twee keer zoveel. De afbouw van derogatie, opnieuw een nat voorjaar en minder mestplaatsingsruimte zorgen ervoor dat de al overvolle mestmarkt verder vastloopt. Grote woorden klinken om de huidige financiële situatie van de melkveesector in Nederland te duiden. Is dit grootspraak, lobbytaal om wat gedaan te krijgen of is de situatie echt zo ernstig?

The continuous growth of the aquaculture industry implies increased demand for efficient sources of aquafeed, such as fishmeal. Pelagic fish are a desirable source of fishmeal due to their high nutritional content. Nevertheless, several pelagic stocks that have been exploited extensively for fishmeal production face ecological limits due to commercial exploitation, and the aquaculture industry is now seeking novel, efficient, and sustainable sources of aquafeed. The mesopelagic zone, an ecosystem with many scientific uncertainties, is being considered as a potential source for fishmeal, largely owing to the abundance of mesopelagic fish and their robust nutritional profile. However, both the ecological and economic viability of commercial exploitation of mesopelagic fish are not yet well understood. To understand the conditions that would make such an endeavor economically viable in the context of global fishmeal production systems, we use a bioeconomic model that assesses the economic consequences of including mesopelagic fish as a fishmeal source. Through simulations, we assess the economic implications of this hypothetical mesopelagic fishery on major pelagic fishmeal production systems. The mesopelagic fishery can be economically profitable for harvesters, and its addition to global fishmeal production reduces fishmeal market price, thus making it more accessible to aquaculture farmers and less profitable for pelagic fishers. While this may reduce fishing pressure on pelagic forage‐fish stocks, the implications of commercial exploitation of mesopelagic on key ecosystem services remain a concern.

This thesis aims to contribute to the policy debate on the complexity of passenger rail markets and to provide recommendations for the Dutch market. An extensive literature review has been conducted to identify the policy issues that must be discussed when dealing with passenger rail markets. These issues are structured in a theoretical framework to describe market structures and understand market complexity. The framework classifies the policy issues into three levels of decision-making, influenced by causal factors and resulting in system performance measured by three categories of indicators. The approach to passenger rail market analysis proposed in this thesis can be useful for researchers and policymakers to assess passenger rail markets in a structured way. The relevance of the policy issues was identified through a Delphi study involving 13 experts and stakeholders. As a result of the study, the role of different levels of government in market coordination, coordination of investments, timetables and incidents, and the level of transition costs were identified as key policy issues. An analysis of the Dutch market resulted in a recommendation to continue direct award to Nederlandse Spoorwegen on the main rail network. However, it is also recommended that Dutch policymakers prepare for the introduction of competition to strengthen their coordinating role and be ready for the eventuality of competition., Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics

Background: The economic performance of any sector is measured by the level of its competitiveness against its competitors. The South African sugar industry, as a member of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), faces stiff competition and is therefore challenged to improve its production and export performance to survive and dominate in the market in the long term. Aim: This study aimed to assess the competitiveness of the South African sugarcane industry by looking at the economic drivers of sugar production and export. Methods: The study employed Michael Porter`s Diamond Model to assess the competitiveness of the South African sugarcane industry, using primary data collected from a total of 123 sugarcane farmers and 100 key stakeholders. A 7-point Likert scale was applied to indicate the degree to which each of the determining factors is perceived to affect the performance and resulting competitiveness of the sugar industry. Results: The findings revealed that the major constraints experienced by respondents are the availability of skilled labour; cost of doing business; level of infrastructure development; cost of infrastructure; water availability; climatic conditions; rainfall patterns; availability of financial services; access to credit; crime; and HIV/AIDS. In terms of exports, tariffs were found to be the major constraint along with some of the aforementioned factors. Several factors that are experienced as having a positive effect on competitive success also emerged. These include product design; packaging; labelling and pricing; manager’s willingness to export; level of education and training; length of time in the business; experience; and language.

Aquest treball final de carrera tracta de la realització d'un pràcticum a la empresa "As tecnics", el qual es tracta d'un despatx de arquitectes tècnics. Les principals tasques realitzades són: 1. Assistència en la labors de Direcció d’Execució d’Obres d’edificis unifamiliars, plurifamiliars, 2. Visites d’obra, redacció d’actes de visita, supervisió de programa de control de qualitat... 3. Coordinació de Seguretat i Salut de l’Obra: redacció d’actes de visita, seguiment documental i de deficiències detectades, etc. 4. Redacció de documents complementaris a projecte: Estudis de Seguretat i Salut, Plec de Prescripcions tècniques, Programa de Control de Qualitat, etc. 5. Redacció d’estat d’Amidaments i pressupostos 6. Assistència en labors de Project i Construction Management. 7. Realització d’ITEs, Certificacions Energètiques i Llibres de l’edifici per a una gestió responsable a Badia del Vallés.

Markets are increasingly perceived as malleable systems constituted by actors that endogenously generate and shape the market. This view extends the traditional market view beyond the buyer-seller dyad and encompasses both directly market-related actors such as companies, suppliers, and buyers but also nonmarket actors such as regulators, lobbyists, journalists, activists, and the wider public. This alternative view has led to the emergence of market-shaping strategies, which refer to a focal company’s deliberate efforts to alter market characteristics, such as price levels or nonmarket elements, such as regulations, in its favor. Most descriptions of market-shaping strategies suggest that they influence both the market and nonmarket environments synergistically, and thus resemble the concept of an integrated strategy. However, given the systemic nature of markets, a company shaping a market may need to combine intended actions aimed at realizing the focal company’s market-shaping vision and emergent actions as response to emerging system dynamics. This implies that a market-shaping strategy may be constituted by different strategies with different but synergistic goals unified by the overarching goal of realizing the focal company’s market-shaping goal. In other words, a market-shaping strategy may be a strategy of strategies – a meta-strategy. Moreover, previous research has indicated the significant potential of market-shaping strategies to improve the financial performance of companies as well as the overall market performance by increasing market size, market growth and value creation. However, despite this potential, the notion of market-shaping strategies has remained conceptually and empirically underdeveloped. This dissertation seeks to improve our understanding of market-shaping strategies by analyzing the constituent dimensions of market-shaping strategies and by presenting new empirical insights into how such strategies are employed. Hereby, two pape, Marknader uppfattas alltmer som formbara system som består av aktörer som skapar och formar marknaden. Detta synsätt utvidgar det traditionella perspektivet på marknader till att omfatta både direkt marknadsrelaterade aktörer som företag, leverantörer och kunder samt icke-marknadsaktörer som tillsynsmyndigheter, lobbyister, journalister, aktivister och allmänheten. Detta alternativa synsätt har lett till framväxten av forskning om marknadsskapande strategier, som avser ett fokusföretags avsiktliga ansträngningar att förändra marknaders egenskaper, t.ex. prisnivåer, eller regleringar, till sin fördel. De flesta beskrivningar av marknadsformande strategier antyder att de påverkar både marknads- och icke-marknadsmiljön på ett synergistiskt sätt, och liknar därmed begreppet integrerad strategi. Med tanke på marknadernas systemiska karaktär kan ett företag som formar en marknad dock behöva kombinera avsedda åtgärder som syftar till att förverkliga det centrala företagets marknadsformande vision och framväxande åtgärder som svar på framväxande systemdynamik. Detta innebär att en marknadsformande strategi kan bestå av olika strategier med olika men synergistiska mål som förenas av det övergripande målet att förverkliga det centrala företagets marknadsformande mål. Med andra ord kan en marknadsformande strategi vara en strategi av strategier - en metastrategi. Tidigare forskning har dessutom visat att marknadsformande strategier har en betydande potential att förbättra företagens ekonomiska resultat och den totala marknadens resultat genom att öka marknadsstorleken, marknadstillväxten och värdeskapandet. Trots denna potential har begreppet marknadsformande strategier förblivit konceptuellt och empiriskt underutvecklat. Denna avhandling syftar till att förbättra vår förståelse av marknadsskapande strategier genom att analysera strategiernas ingående dimensioner samt genom att presentera nya empiriska insikter om hur sådana strategier används. I två artiklar sammanfattas de, 2023-04-11: ISBN (PDF) has been added in the E-version.

Sweden was a major exporter of iron during the early-modern period, but there was also an important domestic steelmaking. We analyse the Swedish iron and steel trade in a long perspective in a European context. Our approach departs from recent discussions on industrial and scientific developments, in which the spheres of “Hand” and “Mind” are brought together, and where artisanal skills and natural resources are highlighted. We emphasise how the migration of people, and movements of materials and knowledge, influenced a process of gradual change. A key feature was the ongoing interactions between working people and educated savants. Our conclusion points to the perseverance of artisanal skills well into the nineteenth century, but also towards new links between work, technology, and markets.

Climate packages envisage decarbonization of the power system and electrification of the wider economy via variable renewable energy (VRE). These trends facilitate the rise of aggregator-enabled prosumers and engender demand for flexibility. By exploiting conducive geography, e.g., in the Nordic region, hydro reservoirs can mitigate VRE's intermittency. Nevertheless, hydro producers may leverage this increased need for flexibility to exert market power through temporal arbitrage. Using a Nash-Cournot model, we examine how aggregator-enabled prosumers with endogenous loads and VRE capacity interact with other agents to affect market outcomes. Based on Nordic data, we find that hydro producers enhance their market power by shifting their production away from periods in which prosumers are net buyers and "dumping" their output during periods in which prosumers are net sellers. Hence, jurisdictions that rely upon (hydro) storage to integrate VRE from prosumers will need to be wary of incumbent firms' incentives to manipulate prices.

Sweden was a major exporter of iron during the early-modern period, but there was also an important domestic steelmaking. We analyse the Swedish iron and steel trade in a long perspective in a European context. Our approach departs from recent discussions on industrial and scientific developments, in which the spheres of “Hand” and “Mind” are brought together, and where artisanal skills and natural resources are highlighted. We emphasise how the migration of people, and movements of materials and knowledge, influenced a process of gradual change. A key feature was the ongoing interactions between working people and educated savants. Our conclusion points to the perseverance of artisanal skills well into the nineteenth century, but also towards new links between work, technology, and markets.

This research project represents a collaborative effort between E&C Consultants, an international energy procurement consultancy, and aims to address the increasing demand for guidance on scope 1 emissions reduction strategies expressed by their clients. From a procurement perspective, companies are actively seeking alternative commodities, such as biomethane or hydrogen, to substitute their natural gas consumption. In response to this growing trend, multinational corporations are displaying an increased interest in voluntary emission reduction initiatives, including the Science Based Targets initiative and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Subsequently, the research project encompasses an investigation into the sustainability plans adopted by companies. Furthermore, an analysis of the European biomethane and hydrogen markets is made. Most of the information is derived from interviews conducted with diverse stakeholders, including multinational companies, energy traders, an energy supplier, a gas market expert, and a carbon removal expert. The findings of this research project indicate that multinational corporations have established robust short-term sustainability plans, yet encounter challenges in formulating long-term strategies, primarily due to legislative ambiguities and limited resources and expertise. The implementation of REPowerEU [1] is expected to significantly augment the production levels of both biomethane and hydrogen by 2030. The biomethane market is predominantly characterised by supply constraints, owing to the high demand it experiences, resulting in elevated prices. Conversely, the hydrogen market is less mature and exhibits comparatively lower demand as companies have to implement alternative technologies that are required for hydrogen adoption. Eventually, both biomethane and hydrogen possess the potential to emerge as cost-competitive alternatives to natural gas, depending upon the maturation and development of their respective markets., Detta forskningsprojekt representerar ett samarbete mellan E&C Consultants, en internationell energiupphandling, och syftar till att möta den ökande efterfrågan på vägledning om scope 1-strategier för minskning av utsläppen uttryckt av deras kunder. Ur ett upphandlingsperspektiv söker företag aktivt alternativa råvaror, såsom biometan eller väte, för att ersätta deras naturgas konsumtion. Som svar på denna växande trend visar multinationella företag ett ökat intresse för frivilliga initiativ för att minska utsläppen, inklusive initiativet Science Based Targets och Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Därtill omfattar forskningsprojektet en utredning av antagna hållbarhetsplaner av företag. Dessutom görs en analys av den europeiska biometan- och vätemarknaderna. Merparten av informationen kommer från intervjuer med olika intressenter, inklusive multinationella företag, energimäklare, en energileverantör, en gasmarknadsexpert och en expert på koldioxidinfångning. Av denna studie indikerar att multinationella företag har etablerat robusta kortsiktiga hållbarhetsplaner, men stöter på utmaningar i att formulera långsiktiga strategier, främst på grund av oklarheter i lagstiftningen och begränsade resurser och expertis. Implementeringen av REPowerEU [1] förväntas avsevärt förstärka produktionsnivåer av både biometan och väte till 2030. Biometanmarknaden kännetecknas övervägande av utbudsbegränsningar på grund av den höga efterfrågan, vilket resulterar i förhöjda priser. Omvänt är vätgasmarknaden mindre mogen och uppvisar jämförelsevis lägre efterfrågan eftersom företag måste implementera alternativa tekniker som krävs för att använda väte. Så småningom kan båda biometan och väte ha potential att vara konkurrenskraftiga alternativ till naturgas, beroende på deras mognad och utveckling de respektive marknaderna.

Sweden was a major exporter of iron during the early-modern period, but there was also an important domestic steelmaking. We analyse the Swedish iron and steel trade in a long perspective in a European context. Our approach departs from recent discussions on industrial and scientific developments, in which the spheres of “Hand” and “Mind” are brought together, and where artisanal skills and natural resources are highlighted. We emphasise how the migration of people, and movements of materials and knowledge, influenced a process of gradual change. A key feature was the ongoing interactions between working people and educated savants. Our conclusion points to the perseverance of artisanal skills well into the nineteenth century, but also towards new links between work, technology, and markets.

This research project represents a collaborative effort between E&C Consultants, an international energy procurement consultancy, and aims to address the increasing demand for guidance on scope 1 emissions reduction strategies expressed by their clients. From a procurement perspective, companies are actively seeking alternative commodities, such as biomethane or hydrogen, to substitute their natural gas consumption. In response to this growing trend, multinational corporations are displaying an increased interest in voluntary emission reduction initiatives, including the Science Based Targets initiative and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Subsequently, the research project encompasses an investigation into the sustainability plans adopted by companies. Furthermore, an analysis of the European biomethane and hydrogen markets is made. Most of the information is derived from interviews conducted with diverse stakeholders, including multinational companies, energy traders, an energy supplier, a gas market expert, and a carbon removal expert. The findings of this research project indicate that multinational corporations have established robust short-term sustainability plans, yet encounter challenges in formulating long-term strategies, primarily due to legislative ambiguities and limited resources and expertise. The implementation of REPowerEU [1] is expected to significantly augment the production levels of both biomethane and hydrogen by 2030. The biomethane market is predominantly characterised by supply constraints, owing to the high demand it experiences, resulting in elevated prices. Conversely, the hydrogen market is less mature and exhibits comparatively lower demand as companies have to implement alternative technologies that are required for hydrogen adoption. Eventually, both biomethane and hydrogen possess the potential to emerge as cost-competitive alternatives to natural gas, depending upon the maturation and development of their respective markets., Detta forskningsprojekt representerar ett samarbete mellan E&C Consultants, en internationell energiupphandling, och syftar till att möta den ökande efterfrågan på vägledning om scope 1-strategier för minskning av utsläppen uttryckt av deras kunder. Ur ett upphandlingsperspektiv söker företag aktivt alternativa råvaror, såsom biometan eller väte, för att ersätta deras naturgas konsumtion. Som svar på denna växande trend visar multinationella företag ett ökat intresse för frivilliga initiativ för att minska utsläppen, inklusive initiativet Science Based Targets och Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Därtill omfattar forskningsprojektet en utredning av antagna hållbarhetsplaner av företag. Dessutom görs en analys av den europeiska biometan- och vätemarknaderna. Merparten av informationen kommer från intervjuer med olika intressenter, inklusive multinationella företag, energimäklare, en energileverantör, en gasmarknadsexpert och en expert på koldioxidinfångning. Av denna studie indikerar att multinationella företag har etablerat robusta kortsiktiga hållbarhetsplaner, men stöter på utmaningar i att formulera långsiktiga strategier, främst på grund av oklarheter i lagstiftningen och begränsade resurser och expertis. Implementeringen av REPowerEU [1] förväntas avsevärt förstärka produktionsnivåer av både biometan och väte till 2030. Biometanmarknaden kännetecknas övervägande av utbudsbegränsningar på grund av den höga efterfrågan, vilket resulterar i förhöjda priser. Omvänt är vätgasmarknaden mindre mogen och uppvisar jämförelsevis lägre efterfrågan eftersom företag måste implementera alternativa tekniker som krävs för att använda väte. Så småningom kan båda biometan och väte ha potential att vara konkurrenskraftiga alternativ till naturgas, beroende på deras mognad och utveckling de respektive marknaderna.

El presente proyecto llamado “propuesta para la renovación urbanística de la central de abastos (LLANABASTOS)” de Villavicencio” propone una alternativa de mejora de los espacios para la recepción, distribución y almacenamiento de todo tipo de productos, pensando en la necesidad de los clientes y usuarios buscando potencializar la economía, la cultura y gastronomía de la región. En la primera fase del proyecto está enfocada en la caracterización de la zona de Villavicencio haciendo énfasis en su estructura vial, detallando las vías principales, la división política de la ciudad y demografía. Para la segunda fase, se analiza más a detalle la zona a intervenir donde se incluye información detallada de la localización del proyecto, procedentes históricos, identificación de usos de suelo de la ciudad. Para la tercera fase, se toman como referencia proyectos a nivel mundial donde se evidencia como se ha implantado la renovación urbanística en distintas plazas de mercado siendo estas de gran atractivo turístico. Entre estos proyectos se destacan: El mercado San Jose (Barcelona), el mercado San Miguel (Madrid) y la plaza de mercado la perseverancia en (Bogotá). Finalmente se presenta la propuesta final del proyecto donde mediante renders explicativos se evidencian las zonas más importantes del proyecto, adicionalmente se estima un presupuesto con base en el mobiliario urbano y equipamientos.

It is frequent to hear artisanal fishers criticizing a regulatory system that is not aligned with the reality of the territory, and that is defined by civil servants without the appropriate knowledge of the field and whose decisions respond to pressures that have nothing to do with the health of the ecosystems, the wellbeing of fishers, and the optimal supply of food.The commercialization of local fishery products in Tenerife is an excellent example. The European legislation allows the acquisition of small quantities by final consumers, but the different transpositions of the member states have resulted in regulatory frameworks with diverse implications depending on the side of the border where the fishing gear are used. In Tenerife, the applicable law and the market structure of local fishery products have generated certain shortages in the coastline, so consumers must travel to the few fishmongers remaining in distant urban areas or buy in their communities as they have traditionally done, either from professional fishers selling their products, now unlawfully, or to poachers, promoting black market in both cases. This paper analyses the regulatory framework regarding direct sales in Tenerife and its consequences., Es frecuente escuchar a pescadores artesanales criticar regulaciones que no se ajustan a la realidad del territorio, definidas por funcionarios desconocedores del terreno y cuyas decisiones responden a presiones que poco tienen que ver con la salud de los ecosistemas, el bienestar de los pescadores o el suministro óptimo de alimentos. En la comercialización de productos pesqueros locales en Tenerife tenemos un claro ejemplo. La normativa europea contempla la posibilidad de vender pequeñas cantidades a consumidores finales, pero las transposiciones de los países miembros han generado marcos regulatorios con diferentes implicaciones, dependiendo de si un pescador cala sus artes a un lado u otro de la frontera, o incluso en una región u otra del mismo país. En Tenerife, la legislación vigente y la estructura del mercado de productos pesqueros locales han generado cierto desabastecimiento en el litoral, por lo que los consumidores deben desplazarse a las pocas pescaderías que quedan en distantes núcleos urbanos, o adquirirlo en su comunidad, como tradicionalmente han hecho, a pescadores profesionales que venden ahora su producto de forma ilegal, o a pescadores furtivos, fomentando en ambos casos el mercado negro. Este trabajo analiza la normativa que enmarca la venta directa en Tenerife y sus consecuencias.

Documento vinculado con el proyecto de I+D+i “La producción social de la comunicación y la reproducción social en la era de la globalización” (ref. CSO2010-22104-C03-01). Este proyecto ha sido financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (convocatoria competitiva del Plan Nacional de I+D+i 2008-2011 - Programa de Proyectos de Investigación Fundamental) y realizado por el grupo de investigación de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid “Identidades sociales y comunicación” desde el año 2011 al 2014. En E-Prints se han depositado los trabajos relacionados con el proyecto (véase “Trabajos relacionados con el proyecto de I+D+i La producción social de la comunicación y la reproducción social en la era de la globalización” (http://eprints.ucm.es/24131/)., Las tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación (TIC) suelen asociarse a mejoras socioeconómicas y se han vinculado con la creación de empleo o con aumentos en la calidad y retribución del trabajo. Sin embargo a nivel macroeconómico llama la atención que mientras el proceso de digitalización aumenta, el empleo y los salarios están deteriorándose en términos generales. Se exploran, con datos referidos a la UE-15, algunos usos de estas tecnologías en relación con el paro y los salarios, en un contexto económico marcado por problemas crecientes de rentabilidad y por el auge de los mercados financieros. [ABSTRACT] Information and communication technologies (ICT) are often related to economic and social improvements. They have been associated with job creation as well as increases in the quality of work and remuneration. However, at a macroeconomic level, it is noteworthy that while the digitization process increases, employment and wages are generally deteriorating. Referencing EU-15 data, this article explores some uses of these technologies in relation to unemployment and wages, within an economic context marked by increasing problems of profitability and by the rise of financial markets., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (convocatoria competitiva del Plan Nacional de I+D+i 2008-2011 - Programa de Proyectos de Investigación Fundamental), Grupo de Investigación UCM (940324) “Identidades Sociales y Comunicación”, Fac. de Ciencias de la Información, TRUE, pub

Ante la situación que vivimos con una duración no previsible, y unas consecuencias no cuantificables en estos momentos, debemos atender a la caracterización y conocimiento profundo y pormenorizado del sector para poder ayudar en la toma de decisiones de las cooperativas, teniendo en cuenta las necesidades de profesionalización que tienen que acometer. Es por ello que los autores siguen afirmando que el sector cooperativo necesita de una reestructuración que conlleve una profesionalización de sus cuadros de mando. La realización de este análisis DAFO ayuda a la determinación de las debilidades y las oportunidades que surgen en los momentos de crisis. Si la concepción que tenemos del término crisis es negativa, en otras culturas tiene una connotación perfectamente entendible como positiva por ser la apertura a nuevas oportunidades. El desarrollo rural de los municipios en los que están implantadas estas cooperativas agroalimentarias tiene mucho que ver con las decisiones que tomen los cuadros de mando que las dirigen. Toda vez que se realiza este tipo de análisis, los cuadros de mando van a tener una mayor disposición de información para llevar a cabo su labor de toma de decisiones, lo que conllevará una mejor situación a la hora de encarar las dificultades que ya acontecen en los mercados., Given the situation we live with a duration unpredictable and unquantifiable consequences at the moment, we must look to the characterization and depth of insight and industry to assist in decision-making cooperatives, taking into account the needs of professionalism they have to undertake. After many years of insisting on this point, the authors continue to argue that the cooperative sector, requires a restructuring that will lead to a professionalization of its dashboards. The realization of this SWOT analysis helps to determine the weaknesses and the opportunities that arise in times of crisis. If the conception we have of the word crisis is negative, in other cultures has a connotation perfectly understandable as positive for being open to new opportunities. Rural development in the municipalities in which they operate these agribusiness cooperatives has much to do with the decisions taken by the dashboards that run them. Every time you perform this type of analysis, scorecards will have a greater availability of information to carry out their work of making decisions, which will result in a better position when facing the difficulties which occur in markets., Escuela de Estudios Cooperativos, Fac. de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, TRUE, pub

Cooperativism is a viable alternative to enhance the productive inclusion of family farmers by providing in-novation in production, distribution and commercialization in markets. The aim of this study is to analyze the perception of social mediators regarding the contribution of cooperatives to the productive inclusion of family farmers in the state of Tocantins. To this end, two data collection techniques were used: document analysis and semi-structured interviews. It is concluded that the affiliation of family farmers in a cooperative enterprise makes it possible to achieve better results than would be achieved individually, acquiring more conditions to be included productively when accessing markets, public policies and rural extension services. This is in line with the idea of productive inclusion aimed at the “production of novelties” in which the emphasis is on the socio--technical network of cooperatives, by promoting environmental sustainability actions, enhancing reciprocity ties between members and promoting the emergence of technical and organizational., O cooperativismo é uma alternativa viável para potencializar a inclusão produtiva de agricultores familiares ao proporcionar inovação na produção, distribuição e comercialização em mercados. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a percepção de mediadores sociais quanto à contribuição do cooperativismo para a inclusão produtiva de agricultores familiares no estado do Tocantins. Para tal, utilizou-se de duas técnicas de coleta de dados: análise documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Conclui-se que a filiação de agricultores familiares em um empreendimento cooperativo possibilita lograr melhores resultados do que se alcançaria individualmente, adquirindo mais condições de se incluírem produtivamente ao acessarem mercados, políticas públicas e serviços de extensão rural. Isto vai de encontro com a ideia de inclusão produtiva voltada para a “produção de novidades” em que o destaque está na rede sociotécnica do cooperativismo ao propiciar ações de sustentabilidade ambiental, potencializar laços de reciprocidade entre os cooperados e promover o surgimento de novidades técnicas e organizacionais., El cooperativismo es una alternativa viable para potenciar la inclusión productiva de los agricultores fami-liares al brindar innovación en la producción, distribución y comercialización en los mercados. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la percepción de los mediadores sociales sobre la contribución de las cooperativas a la inclusión productiva de los agricultores familiares en el estado de Tocantins. Para esto, se utilizaron dos técnicas de recolección de datos: análisis de documentos y entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se concluye que la afiliación de los agricultores familiares a una empresa cooperativa permite lograr mejores resultados de los que se obtendrían individualmente, adquiriendo más condiciones para ser incluidos productivamente en el acceso a mercados, políticas públicas y servicios de extensión rural. Lo anterior se corresponde con la idea de inclusión productiva orientada a la producción de novedades en la que se destaca el entramado socio-técnico del cooperativismo por brindar acciones de sostenibilidad ambiental, potenciar los lazos de reciprocidad entre los socios y promover el surgimiento de procesos técnicos y organizacionales.

Postprint (published version)

In the face of an increasing world population and a subsequent need for an increase in sustainable and healthy food production, low trophic species, such as oysters, emerge as a promising alternative. However, regional variations in oyster production techniques, market dynamics, and consumption patterns create challenges for both the global and local industry’s growth. In this study, a descriptive qualitative analysis of oyster markets across seven Atlantic regions was carried out. The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was found to be farmed in most Atlantic regions except the US but is classified as invasive in Sweden and potentially invasive in South Africa. Other farmed and/or harvested species include native species (C. gasar and C. rhizophorae) in Brazil, the American cupped oyster (C. virginica) in the US, and the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) in France, Sweden, and the US. In Irish farms, Pacific oysters are primarily for export to European markets. The marine aquaculture sectors of Sweden, South Africa, and Namibia, as well as Brazil’s farming for C. gasar, were found to be underdeveloped. This study also observed a variation in licensing, property rights, and regulatory frameworks. Financial challenges for small businesses, ecological implications of seed production techniques, biosecurity risks, and public health considerations are emphasized as critical areas for attention. This study offers valuable insights into the selected markets and can serve as a useful resource for policymakers, aquaculture practitioners, and stakeholders in optimizing global shellfish industry strategies.

This course surveys American political thought from the colonial era to the present. Required readings are drawn mainly from primary sources, including writings of politicians, activists, and theorists. Topics include the relationship between religion and politics, rights, federalism, national identity, republicanism versus liberalism, the relationship of subordinated groups to mainstream political discourse, and the role of ideas in politics. We will analyze the simultaneous radicalism and weakness of American liberalism, how the revolutionary ideas of freedom and equality run up against persistent patterns of inequality. Graduate students are expected to pursue the subject in greater depth through suggested reading and individual research.

This course examines the politics of international economic relations. We begin with a discussion of the analytical "lenses" through which we can view the global economy. We then examine the politics of trade policy, multinational corporations, and international monetary and financial relations. We will also examine third-world development, communist transition, and the debate over "globalization." Finally we will explore the fight against terrorist financing and money laundering, the proper role of international financial institutions (including the IMF), and the impact of the global economy on the ability of governments to make policy within their own borders.

This course surveys American political thought from the colonial era to the present. Required readings are drawn mainly from primary sources, including writings of politicians, activists, and theorists. Topics include the relationship between religion and politics, rights, federalism, national identity, republicanism versus liberalism, the relationship of subordinated groups to mainstream political discourse, and the role of ideas in politics. We will analyze the simultaneous radicalism and weakness of American liberalism, how the revolutionary ideas of freedom and equality run up against persistent patterns of inequality. Graduate students are expected to pursue the subject in greater depth through suggested reading and individual research.

This course surveys American political thought from the colonial era to the present. Required readings are drawn mainly from primary sources, including writings of politicians, activists, and theorists. Topics include the relationship between religion and politics, rights, federalism, national identity, republicanism versus liberalism, the relationship of subordinated groups to mainstream political discourse, and the role of ideas in politics. We will analyze the simultaneous radicalism and weakness of American liberalism, how the revolutionary ideas of freedom and equality run up against persistent patterns of inequality. Graduate students are expected to pursue the subject in greater depth through suggested reading and individual research.

This course examines in comparative prospective the health care policy problems facing the United States including providing adequate access to medical services for all, the control of rising health care costs, and the assurance that the quality of health care services is high and improving. It explores the market and regulatory policy options being debated politically in the United States to solve these problems and compares possible foreign models for reform including those offered by the Canadian, British, Japanese, and German systems. The course shows how the historical development of the American health care system limits greatly policy options that can be considered and creates pressures that favor a continuing emphasis on technology and structural decentralization. The course also examines important health risks and the political and organizational factors that distort the public's understanding of these risks.

Onion is the third most important staple vegetable in South Africa, due to the gross value of vegetable production and export revenues. Almost all of South Africa's provinces grow onions, but the Western Cape (Ceres), Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Limpopo provinces are the main producers. Fresh Produce Markets (FPMs) are the primary distribution channel for onions. Onion producers are concerned about the high degree of onion price variations in the FPMs. Markets are essential for the delivery of fresh goods as well as for price development and discovery. The study aims to analyse onion market integration in Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Durban and Johannesburg Fresh Produce Markets. The study investigated spatial market integration among geographically separated onion markets in South Africa using average monthly prices from January 2009 to December 2019. The Augmented Engle-Granger Cointegration and Error Correction Model (ECM) were employed to examine the presence of market integration among the onion producing and onion consuming markets in the country. The time series analysis revealed that average monthly onion prices in Johannesburg move in together with those in Cape Town, Durban, and Bloemfontein over time, indicating the existence of a cointegration relationship. The ECM findings show that after a shock that causes disequilibrium, it takes economic agents around a month to get back to equilibrium. Price signals are transmitted within a month, which suggests that certain onion markets are well integrated.

Kenners van de markt denken dat er tientallen procenten minder mest zijn afgezet dan gebruikelijk rond deze tijd. De hoop is gevestigd op nog een paar goede weken.

Markets are increasingly perceived as malleable systems constituted by actors that endogenously generate and shape the market. This view extends the traditional market view beyond the buyer-seller dyad and encompasses both directly market-related actors such as companies, suppliers, and buyers but also nonmarket actors such as regulators, lobbyists, journalists, activists, and the wider public. This alternative view has led to the emergence of market-shaping strategies, which refer to a focal company’s deliberate efforts to alter market characteristics, such as price levels or nonmarket elements, such as regulations, in its favor. Most descriptions of market-shaping strategies suggest that they influence both the market and nonmarket environments synergistically, and thus resemble the concept of an integrated strategy. However, given the systemic nature of markets, a company shaping a market may need to combine intended actions aimed at realizing the focal company’s market-shaping vision and emergent actions as response to emerging system dynamics. This implies that a market-shaping strategy may be constituted by different strategies with different but synergistic goals unified by the overarching goal of realizing the focal company’s market-shaping goal. In other words, a market-shaping strategy may be a strategy of strategies – a meta-strategy. Moreover, previous research has indicated the significant potential of market-shaping strategies to improve the financial performance of companies as well as the overall market performance by increasing market size, market growth and value creation. However, despite this potential, the notion of market-shaping strategies has remained conceptually and empirically underdeveloped. This dissertation seeks to improve our understanding of market-shaping strategies by analyzing the constituent dimensions of market-shaping strategies and by presenting new empirical insights into how such strategies are employed. Hereby, two pape, Marknader uppfattas alltmer som formbara system som består av aktörer som skapar och formar marknaden. Detta synsätt utvidgar det traditionella perspektivet på marknader till att omfatta både direkt marknadsrelaterade aktörer som företag, leverantörer och kunder samt icke-marknadsaktörer som tillsynsmyndigheter, lobbyister, journalister, aktivister och allmänheten. Detta alternativa synsätt har lett till framväxten av forskning om marknadsskapande strategier, som avser ett fokusföretags avsiktliga ansträngningar att förändra marknaders egenskaper, t.ex. prisnivåer, eller regleringar, till sin fördel. De flesta beskrivningar av marknadsformande strategier antyder att de påverkar både marknads- och icke-marknadsmiljön på ett synergistiskt sätt, och liknar därmed begreppet integrerad strategi. Med tanke på marknadernas systemiska karaktär kan ett företag som formar en marknad dock behöva kombinera avsedda åtgärder som syftar till att förverkliga det centrala företagets marknadsformande vision och framväxande åtgärder som svar på framväxande systemdynamik. Detta innebär att en marknadsformande strategi kan bestå av olika strategier med olika men synergistiska mål som förenas av det övergripande målet att förverkliga det centrala företagets marknadsformande mål. Med andra ord kan en marknadsformande strategi vara en strategi av strategier - en metastrategi. Tidigare forskning har dessutom visat att marknadsformande strategier har en betydande potential att förbättra företagens ekonomiska resultat och den totala marknadens resultat genom att öka marknadsstorleken, marknadstillväxten och värdeskapandet. Trots denna potential har begreppet marknadsformande strategier förblivit konceptuellt och empiriskt underutvecklat. Denna avhandling syftar till att förbättra vår förståelse av marknadsskapande strategier genom att analysera strategiernas ingående dimensioner samt genom att presentera nya empiriska insikter om hur sådana strategier används. I två artiklar sammanfattas de, 2023-04-11: ISBN (PDF) has been added in the E-version.

Sweden was a major exporter of iron during the early-modern period, but there was also an important domestic steelmaking. We analyse the Swedish iron and steel trade in a long perspective in a European context. Our approach departs from recent discussions on industrial and scientific developments, in which the spheres of “Hand” and “Mind” are brought together, and where artisanal skills and natural resources are highlighted. We emphasise how the migration of people, and movements of materials and knowledge, influenced a process of gradual change. A key feature was the ongoing interactions between working people and educated savants. Our conclusion points to the perseverance of artisanal skills well into the nineteenth century, but also towards new links between work, technology, and markets.

Markets are increasingly perceived as malleable systems constituted by actors that endogenously generate and shape the market. This view extends the traditional market view beyond the buyer-seller dyad and encompasses both directly market-related actors such as companies, suppliers, and buyers but also nonmarket actors such as regulators, lobbyists, journalists, activists, and the wider public. This alternative view has led to the emergence of market-shaping strategies, which refer to a focal company’s deliberate efforts to alter market characteristics, such as price levels or nonmarket elements, such as regulations, in its favor. Most descriptions of market-shaping strategies suggest that they influence both the market and nonmarket environments synergistically, and thus resemble the concept of an integrated strategy. However, given the systemic nature of markets, a company shaping a market may need to combine intended actions aimed at realizing the focal company’s market-shaping vision and emergent actions as response to emerging system dynamics. This implies that a market-shaping strategy may be constituted by different strategies with different but synergistic goals unified by the overarching goal of realizing the focal company’s market-shaping goal. In other words, a market-shaping strategy may be a strategy of strategies – a meta-strategy. Moreover, previous research has indicated the significant potential of market-shaping strategies to improve the financial performance of companies as well as the overall market performance by increasing market size, market growth and value creation. However, despite this potential, the notion of market-shaping strategies has remained conceptually and empirically underdeveloped. This dissertation seeks to improve our understanding of market-shaping strategies by analyzing the constituent dimensions of market-shaping strategies and by presenting new empirical insights into how such strategies are employed. Hereby, two pape, Marknader uppfattas alltmer som formbara system som består av aktörer som skapar och formar marknaden. Detta synsätt utvidgar det traditionella perspektivet på marknader till att omfatta både direkt marknadsrelaterade aktörer som företag, leverantörer och kunder samt icke-marknadsaktörer som tillsynsmyndigheter, lobbyister, journalister, aktivister och allmänheten. Detta alternativa synsätt har lett till framväxten av forskning om marknadsskapande strategier, som avser ett fokusföretags avsiktliga ansträngningar att förändra marknaders egenskaper, t.ex. prisnivåer, eller regleringar, till sin fördel. De flesta beskrivningar av marknadsformande strategier antyder att de påverkar både marknads- och icke-marknadsmiljön på ett synergistiskt sätt, och liknar därmed begreppet integrerad strategi. Med tanke på marknadernas systemiska karaktär kan ett företag som formar en marknad dock behöva kombinera avsedda åtgärder som syftar till att förverkliga det centrala företagets marknadsformande vision och framväxande åtgärder som svar på framväxande systemdynamik. Detta innebär att en marknadsformande strategi kan bestå av olika strategier med olika men synergistiska mål som förenas av det övergripande målet att förverkliga det centrala företagets marknadsformande mål. Med andra ord kan en marknadsformande strategi vara en strategi av strategier - en metastrategi. Tidigare forskning har dessutom visat att marknadsformande strategier har en betydande potential att förbättra företagens ekonomiska resultat och den totala marknadens resultat genom att öka marknadsstorleken, marknadstillväxten och värdeskapandet. Trots denna potential har begreppet marknadsformande strategier förblivit konceptuellt och empiriskt underutvecklat. Denna avhandling syftar till att förbättra vår förståelse av marknadsskapande strategier genom att analysera strategiernas ingående dimensioner samt genom att presentera nya empiriska insikter om hur sådana strategier används. I två artiklar sammanfattas de, 2023-04-11: ISBN (PDF) has been added in the E-version.

The restoration of precolonial authorities in contemporary Uganda has inspired the revival of practices constitutive of local identities. The article focuses on the role of (re)distribution in the formation of Ganda identity in the Buganda kingdom, by exploring the moral conundrums lived by workers in Kisekka Market (Kampala). The article describes two principles underpinning economic relations. First, it explores culturally approved patronage and downwards distribution which, given the pyramidal structure of society, translates simultaneously into forms of redistribution and the upward submission of subjects to a higher order (clans and kingdom). This two-way process is called 'nested redistribution'. Second, it shows how culturally approved forms of (re)distribution conflict with individual accumulation, culturally condemned but paradoxically key to afford redistribution itself. The ethnography describes how tensions between these principles are resolved, making use of the same categories (culture, morality) that engender them in the first place.

Seaweed has been receiving increasing attention as a novel food source worldwide. To optimally develop seaweed's food provisioning potential, the seaweed value chain requires further understanding. To this end, we used the Food System Approach to review the existing knowledge on seaweed as food source. We identified opportunities, constraints and knowledge needs relevant to fulfilling the potential of seaweed to contribute to food security. Thereby, we especially focus on optimizing and upscaling seaweed production and environmental sustainability. Our review shows that although progress has been made in solving technological issues in seaweed production, major knowledge gaps regarding social and economic factors remain. More attention to these issues can help realize the food potential of seaweed.

Using two lab-in-the-field experiments, we study whether initial transgression promote subsequent anti-social behavior. In the first stage subjects participated in an experimental market game. In the second stage, subjects were given an opportunity to participate in antisocial experiment. We find that subjects who impose a negative externality on uninvolved third parties in the market game are also more likely to burn their partner's income in the second experiment. This finding is consistent with a conscience-numbing effect but could possibly also be explained by participants' preferences for consistency.

This study investigates the effect of exposure to markets on farm households' agricultural investment decisions. We assess whether and how market experience affects farmers' adoption of risky but profitable technologies and explore the role of plausible demand-side barriers therein. Specifically, we hypothesize that risk preferences and locus of control change with market experience and as such may explain the relationship between market experience and investment decisions. We use surveys and incentivized experimental data, collected from the Tigray regional state of Ethiopia and use an Endogenous Switching Probit and IV-Probit models to attenuate endogeneity issues. Our findings suggest, first, that market exposure induces farmers to adopt agricultural technologies, such as chemical fertilizer, improved seeds, manure, and row planting and second, that market experience attenuates risk aversion and, although less robustly so, leads to a more internal locus of control. Policies to in crease farmers' investments may thus not be confined to providing access to technologies and information but should perhaps be complemented with interventions that attend to lowering psychological barriers.

Twenty-twenty represented one of the most volatile periods of history for the oil market. This volatility was reflected in market prices, with oil futures going negative in April 2020 and ending the year closer to pre-pandemic levels. As the year progressed, geopolitical tensions, a global pandemic, price wars, hurricanes, and vaccine innovation all contributed to the fluctuations in global demand and supply for oil. The year opened in January with oil prices rising following U.S. airstrikes targeting an Iranian high-ranking military official. February and March saw the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, which ushered in a dramatic demand shock unprecedent in market history. April’s negative futures prices were the result of an oversupplied market meeting this historic demand deficit. May and June saw the continuation of the Covid-19 demand trend. However, July and August were met with a significant resurgence in Covid-19 in many parts of the world and hurricanes that battered U.S. oil production. September and October saw both economic and political development, particularly in the United States, dampen projections for future demand. Finally, the last two months of the year saw renewed hope that demand challenges would eventually be solved with the emergency authorization of Covid-19 vaccines.