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In spite of high capital expenditures, the development of state-owned sugarcane estates in Ethiopia's southwestern lowlands did not bring the desired success in terms of sugar revenues, employment creation, or the socio-economic development of the local agro-pastoralist population. Yet, the radical and capital-intensive transformation of the Omo River basin was by no means without impact. This paper shows that the Kuraz Sugar Development Project (KSDP) entails 'side effects' which manifest themselves in different spatial–temporal dimensions. More technically, the paper examines how water resources are linked to the outcomes of this state-led development intervention and how it increases the degree of legibility from above and outside. It is based on qualitative case study research conducted between 2013 and 2017, which included multiple visits to the study region and in-depth discussions with different stakeholders at the federal and local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates a South African rural telecentre that may serve as a ‘best practice’ model. The paper first provides a brief literature review of telecentres and the role of information and communication technology in economic development. A qualitative evaluation of a case study is presented within the context of sustainability considerations and development outcomes; that is, showing how the telecentre has improved the lives of the rural community at Thabina. Some of the observed economic development impacts are listed in the paper and an attempt is made to capture the essence of the vital links between the use of information and communication technology (technology transfer), human development, education and economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Whilst considerable work has addressed the characteristics of innovative small firms and their aggregate contribution to economic growth and development, the internal processes of learning and innovation have remained relatively neglected. Drawing upon evolutionary ideas within economics and the broader social sciences, this paper begins the development of an appropriate process theory of learning within innovative small firms. The theory conceptualizes the skills of the firm in terms of organizational routines. These routines are subject to self-reinforcing, path-dependent development which result in the tendency towards lock-in within product innovative small firms. Amongst other things suggested by the paper are the need to augment the knowledge bases of technically driven firms and the need for training policy differentiation between product innovative small firms and their more mainstream counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alange, Jacobsson, and Jarnehammar (1998) presented an analytical framework for studying the diffusion of organisational innovations, based on the developments in literature on technical innovations and their diffusion. The aim of this paper is to examine the validity of the framework. Two exploratory case studies were carried out on the diffusion of the organisational innovation TQM. The case studies showed that the framework is a useful tool for studying the diffusion of organisational innovations. However, factors such as learning processes on a national and international level and the role of fads need further consideration. In addition, factors needed for a long-term commitment such as boards and owners and internal political and cultural systems need to be further investigated. The paper also presents a model for analysing the different phases in a diffusion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the constraints of a comparatively small economy amidst globalisation challenges, Singapore embarked on diversification as strategy in the mid-eighties to develop clusters and ensure economic survival. This paper examines the development of the creative industries cluster of a city state that shifted its economic focus from manufacturing to innovation. Using Singapore as a case study, this paper will describe how the creative industries started in the city, discuss the policy areas critical to the development of the innovation system of this cluster, and propose an approach to how this cluster should be cultivated to create innovation for the country. It will present the challenges that are specific to Singapore and describe the limitations and potentials of the smaller nation's innovation policy and innovation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism development cannot be fully understood and validated from a positivist perspective without the testing of theory against empirical evidence. Thus the pattern-matching approach studies phenomena on the basis of facts and observations relevant to the testing of theories and models. This paper tests two selected tourism development theories, diffusion and dependency, against empirical evidence from Crete. In doing this, it has three main objectives: to set out the nature of the pattern-matching approach; to illustrate the application of the pattern-matching approach, in an exploratory way, and to evaluate the approach based on the evidence of the exploratory application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has a dual objective: it is a country case study and a policy evaluation within the background of the Interim Cooperation Framework 2004-2006, a document produced by an international delegation including the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission and Inter-American Development Bank with Haiti's interim government to forge a consensus on the amelioration of Haiti's crisis following the premature departure of President Aristide in February 2004. An underlying theme is that the Interim Cooperation Framework also reflects the World Bank's embrace of the 'new institutionalism' and its applied policy dimension. The paper posits that the critical governance and institutional issues that largely motivated the report are not encompassed by economic theory alone. Given Haiti's history, the new institutional approach would not provide a real point of departure unless fundamental changes were to take place. These include, but are not limited to, resolving the conflict between the peasantry and the state apparatus, addressing conflicts of interest among the heterogeneous ruling class of merchants, politicians, religious entities and large landowners, and curtailing adverse foreign interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of 'the rise of China' on the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and its implications for Japan. Japan has traditionally enjoyed a dominant position in the Bank, as it has enjoyed a dominant position in Asia. However, with the balance of power in the region tipping in China's favour, one might expect that this would be reflected in the ADB as well. This paper argues that despite the worsening Sino-Japanese relationship, the ADB has facilitated the development and maintenance of shared expectations between the two parties over the future direction of development assistance, representing an oasis of liberal institutionalism in a relationship increasingly characterised in realist terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responsible competitiveness clusters are cross-sector collaboration initiatives focused on identifying and acting upon synergies between sustainable development and economic competitiveness objectives. By means of three case studies in southern Africa this paper investigates the incentives, opportunities and challenges encountered in the emergence of such clusters. The first case study focuses on a regional response to the development challenges encountered in a South African mining area, the second describes efforts to make the Malawian agriculture sector more inclusive and competitive and the third discusses options for enhancing the competitiveness of the Lesotho textile sector. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of international trade networks, the institutional framework, public sector support and internal governance processes as key factors influencing the initial level of success of these initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the new role of the supralocal and regional levels in Dutch spatial planning and illustrates the change in role using examples from current planning practices. Two regional levels can be distinguished in the Netherlands: the province and the city-region. Case studies from the regional area development and the VINEX practice are presented for the province and the city-region, respectively. The institutional transformation of the supralocal and regional levels in spatial planning in the Netherlands is mirrored against changes in France. The French experience is used for reflection on the Dutch situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an attempt to theorize changing employment relations in capitalist development, drawing upon Taiwan's experience of industrialization within the context of global economic competition and undertaking case studies in the textiles industries. It aims to investigate changes in the nature of employment relations, with special reference to authority relations, by examining how they have been shaped by changes in Taiwan's textiles industries. It argues that a transformation of paternalistic capitalism is under way in Taiwan. The study also examines how changes in economic activities have profoundly affected people's lives and experiences. It is suggested that the underpinnings of traditional authority are being shaken. Loosened personal ties and claims for statutory working rights have led to the emergence of different sources of industrial authority. Here is a crucial 'ideological break' in terms of workers' consciousness. Moreover, the 'communal paternalism' or 'enterprise paternalism' of labour regimes in Taiwan propounded by Deyo (1989, 1998) is now called into question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Right-to-work legislation continues to he debated at both the national and state levels. This paper seeks to inform the debate on the effectiveness of RTW laws as an economic development strategy. Using the 399 counties of Appalachia as a case study, and a model informed by the human ecology and the new urban sociology, this paper compares recent earnings change during the last three business cycles in counties from right-to-work and non right-to-work states in the region. The analysis combines shift-share analysis and spatial lag regression analysis and estimates the relative effects of a variety of measures on county earnings change. The analysis fails to detect any overall advantage in earnings growth from nationally expanding industries for counties in RTW states since 1980. Moreover, the analysis indicates that other factors are more important in stimulating earnings growth from nationally expanding industries, particularly education. Implications for policy and legislative action are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many urban neighborhoods in the United States have experienced an exodus of businesses. Their Main Streets—once consisting of bustling restaurants and stores—are now marked by “for rent” signs and boarded windows. Some community leaders have given up, but others are actively trying to bring businesses back. In Cincinnati, Ohio, several neighborhoods are starting to use thecommunity entertainment district(CED) designation to attract entertainment and arts establishments. This paper presents an evaluation of the implementation and early impacts of the CED in one neighborhood, which may be insightful to leaders in other urban areas in Ohio and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We examine the causation and effectuation logics for implementing targeted biotechnology policies using two case studies: Singapore (causation) and Israel (effectuation). After more than a decade of implementing targeted biotechnology policies, both Singapore and Israel have failed to create fully fledged biotech clusters. Singapore has been unsuccessful in creating vibrant entrepreneurial activity that will support its transformation into a knowledge economy. Israel has failed to turn its 1000 small, dedicated biotechnology firms into a substantial engine of growth and employment. The paper questions how these two policy approaches influenced the targeting of the biotechnology sectors and identifies the limits of these approaches in supporting targeting. We conclude that a combination of the two logics is needed, especially when targeting complex sectors with a yet unknown development path. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Public private partnerships, also known as PPP's and P3's, have become increasingly important in the development of convention headquarter hotels in the United States. This industry perspective looks at why government agencies want to encourage convention center hotel development along with an analysis of the methods employed to do so. Several recent case studies from the State of California are presented as examples of current practices. The paper also examines how rising resistance to public expenditures on convention hotels, along with tighter state and municipal budgets, are likely to impact public–private financing schemes going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between total energy consumption and economic growth has been extensively explored in the past, but relatively few researchers have examined the increasing trend of energy consumption and development policies of a developing country like Pakistan as well as direction of causation of this relationship that remains controversial. The objective of this paper is to empirically investigate four alternatives but equally plausible hypotheses. These are as follows: (i) development factors cause total primary energy consumption, (ii) energy consumption cause development factors, (iii) there is a bidirectional causality between the two variables, and (iv) both variables are causality independent. To investigate the relationship between the two variables set, a time series cointegration and Granger causality tests have been employed separately. Secondary data pertaining to Pakistan from 1980 to 2009 has been used for analysis. The empirical result of causality strongly supports the bidirectional relationship between carbon dioxide emission and energy demand and industrialization and energy demand. There is a unidirectional causality relationship between the energy demand and population growth. However, neither agriculture value addition nor energy demand affect each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that whilst wetlands deliver a wide range of services vital for human well-being, they are being rapidly degraded and lost. Losses tend to be higher where human populations are increasing most and demands for economic development are greatest. Multidisciplinary management approaches that integrate conservation and development objectives in wetlands are therefore urgently requested for by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This paper describes the evaluation of 10 wetland management case studies from Asia, Africa and South America that adopted such an integrated approach. The evaluation assessed the outcomes of these integrated initiatives to identify conditions and processes for linking conservation and poverty reduction objectives in wetlands. The findings are also compared with other assessments of integrated approaches, particularly in terms of their effectiveness in optimizing conservation and poverty reduction outcomes. The results from our studies suggest an ongoing evolution of such integrated interventions, which also implies cycles of learning from past mistakes. Overall, our results highlight the significant variation between wetlands in types and quantities of services they provide and emphasize the need to view many ecological issues as social challenges for equitable solutions to both wetlands and people. The analysis further shows that the positive on-ground results owe much to the interdisciplinary problem analysis, whereby interventions can move from treating symptoms to addressing root causes. while no blueprint emerged on how to successfully integrate conservation and poverty reduction in wetlands, important lessons for future interventions were drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability concept applied to human activities implies the need to harmonise the protection of environment with a satisfactory economic and social development. This is particularly true for tourism development: a misuse of the natural resources can cause a degradation of the tourist appeal of the destination, bringing it finally to its economic decline. This problem is particularly important in coastal tourism destinations. The implementation of an environmental management system is a powerful way for progressing towards better environmental performances. In this paper, the main results obtained in applying the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme procedure to the municipality of Cervia, a well-known tourist destination located on the Adriatic coast of Italy are described. This research puts into evidence that the main environmental pressures in the summer season are related to the supply of potable water, the production of solid wastes and wastewater air pollution and noise, etc. However, if correctly planned and managed, tourism can also contribute to environmental protection, to the conservation of biodiversity and to a sustainable use of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Regional Studies is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We present a concise, exploratory, discussion paper that provides some promising hypotheses concerning how economic development processes may be evolving in the KBE era. Emerging roles for ICTs and services in the economy are driving these changes. Developing countries may be able to leapfrog stages of growth, or structural change, that presently developed nations historically went through. Case studies of India and Indonesia are utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at issues surrounding sustainable tourism as a tool for local socioeconomic development in Kenya, using the case study of Mombasa Resort Town. Illustrated by primary data from field interviews and surveys in Mombasa, backed by secondary data, it finds that due to the nature of the Kenyan tourism industry (external control and management of tourism establishments, limited local involvement and high leakage rates), the industry has not played an effective role in local socio-economic development.Ways forward are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Regional Studies is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Culture has come to play a fundamental strategic role in the territorial development that seeks to integrate knowledge economy with social cohesion, governance and sustainability. However, cultural policies have been unable to respond to the dilemmas and expectations that this new order presents. In order to appreciate the consequences of this process, it is essential to gain a better understanding of cultural policy change dynamics. This article develops a framework for analysing cultural policy stability and change and applies it to the evolution of cultural policy in Catalonia. Both policy continuity and change are conditioned by the evolution of policy discourse on culture and the characteristics of the cultural policy subsystem. Within this framework, this article also takes into account the role of factors that are exogenous to the cultural domain. Lastly, this article addresses particular characteristics of cultural policy change in regions or stateless nations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article uses case studies to address the sources of social innovation, a major contributor to economic growth and welfare services. Following the findings of user-innovation research in the commercial sector, the authors found that social-problem users innovate new social services for solving specific social problems. They also found that superior problem and solution knowledge is one reason for their ability to do this, that their legitimacy with other potential users is an important factor for their innovations' diffusion and that the legitimacy of the new social services' operators with other stakeholders is important for acquiring resources for their projects. This contributes to the understanding of the management of social innovation using the established theoretical framework of user innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the intent of this paper to re-examine the export-led hypothesis using a causality technique recently proposed by White (1980). The test is applied on time-series data over the period 1955-82 in the case of the 'growth miracle' countries of Asia (Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan) which are commonly referred to as the newly industrializing countries (NICs) in Asia. These countries, in particular, were selected here because they provide a good case study with which to assess the role of exports in the economic development process.[1] Several authors, for example, Lin (1973) and Findlay (1984), have stated that the success of these Asian countries gave birth to the export-led growth hypothesis in the first place. It is thus interesting to subject this hypothesis to empirical testing against time-series data from the NICs' economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of a strategic approach to national planning in third world countries. It examines the reasons for adopting a strategic approach and explains the application of this approach in practice and its integration in the planning process. It describes the case study and the assumptions which emerge from a strategic analysis. Alternative spatial scenarios which include urbanization, status quo and integrated rural development are presented. The policy assumptions and implications of these scenarios are examined.

Participatory modes of local economic development are laudable policy aspirations, but are often difficult to cultivate in practice. Thus, attempts by international bodies, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), to institutionalize participatory development in localities of the Global South have often faced serious implementation challenges. Key to this is the issue of power asymmetry. This study uses Giddens' notion of duality of structure and draws upon a qualitative case study research of the Ghana Decent Work Programme (GWDP) implemented in Ajumako Enyan Essiam to deepen the understanding of the nature of asymmetric power relations among actors within a participatory development space. The key finding is the dynamic nature of asymmetric power relations. The ensuing asymmetric power relations manifest in the negotiations and contestations that contribute to shaping the trajectory of the participatory development space. The study, therefore, challenges the static notions of asymmetric power relations within participatory development spaces by revealing their fluid properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that regional planning is dominated by two conflicting discourses that have different principles of involvement: the discourse of partnerships and the discourse of broad participation. These discourses and principles are not easy to reconcile in practice. On the basis of studies in the literature and a comprehensive case study, this article discusses how these conflicting discourses in regional planning challenge democratic norms, and how this problem is dealt with by the regional political leadership. The article shows that the use of meta-governance strategies and broad arenas of participation might be used in this respect, for example, by constantly having a focus on maintaining democratic anchorage when partnerships are used in regional planning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores contemporary forms of social and solidarity-based economies, commonly known in French as économie sociale et solidaire (ESS). In English-speaking countries, these activities are part of what is being called the human or people-centered economy, or new economics--a growing area of research, policy and practice that is highly relevant to sustainable consumption studies. This article focuses on complementary currencies, or more spe-cifically community currencies, as one aspect of ESS and as illustrated through case studies from Argentina, Japan, and Switzerland. The main research question is how community currencies might live up to ESS guiding principles and help transitions toward more sustainable consumption. Historical, empirical, and theoretical perspectives are dis-cussed. One conclusion is that ESS and complementary currencies tend to make their value system explicit, placing people above profit for example, while "sustainability" continues to struggle with the compatibility of economic growth with social equity and environmental limits. While complementary currencies may not be a magic wand toward sus-tainable consumption, they are certainly a useful walking stick for steps in the direction of more sustainable pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Social Sciences in China is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Airports play a strategic role in economic development of cities and provide connectivity between business and commercial centers. Taxicab operations play a crucial role in determining the overall efficiency of an airport's ground transportation system. However, airport-specific regulations pose challenges for managing taxicab operations effectively. The adoption of emerging technologies for managing taxicabs at airports offers faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective solutions to meet airport regulatory and operational requirements. In this case study, the operation of a central computerized taxicab dispatch system employed at John. F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York City is evaluated to identify observed limitations and associated avenues for improvement. Based on a review of state-of-practice taxicab dispatch systems deployed in airports worldwide, this research illustrates how modern technologies and procedural changes can be applied to optimize the taxicab operations at JFK and similar airports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic benefits of dams have been assumed to outweigh the costs, thus providing rationale for construction of dams around the world. However, the development of these structures can be accompanied by negative biophysical, socio-economic, and geopolitical impacts; often through the loss of ecosystem services provided by fully functioning aquatic systems. Moreover, impacts of dams can be involuntarily imposed on marginalized peoples whose livelihoods are dependent on riverine resources. In this review, we examine the impacts of dam projects in regions of the world that are at different stages of development, using the USA, China, and Southeast Asia to represent a development gradient from developed to developing, respectively. Case studies for each region illustrate the environmental and livelihood impacts of dams in each region, while also providing a basis to better understand how environmental degradation is directly related to economic growth. We conclude that a distinct temporal component related to development mediates the relationship between policies and governance mechanisms and the mitigation of environmental and social costs of dams. The role of affected individuals to influence the political will behind dam projects and the importance of environmental advocacy is emphasized as a fundamental approach towards more sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural women in general, and mountain women in particular, are greatly involved in managing household energy systems in Nepal. Alternative energy technologies have a high potential to reduce women's workloads and improve their health status, as well as increasing efficient energy supply. Interventions in rural energy are primarily aimed at reducing firewood use and increasing economic growth through rural electrification, rather than aiming to reduce human drudgery, especially that of women. Hence, such intervention takes place without considering the needs, roles, interests, and potential of rural women, even though women are the primary users and managers of rural energy resources. This article aims to analyse the gender implications of rural energy technologies in Kavre district, where the Rural Energy Development Program (REDP) has been implemented, especially in terms of saving women's labour and increasing socio-economic opportunities for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cao H. Urban-rural income disparity and urbanization: what is the role of spatial distribution of ethnic groups? A case study of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Western China, Regional Studies. Since economic reforms in 1978, China's economic growth and urbanization has occurred alongside dramatic increases in regional inequality, and a corollary threat to sustainable development and social cohesion. Using the case study of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Western China, this research clearly demonstrates that the spatial distribution of ethnic minorities reflects not only their spatial segregation, but also the degree of their socio-economic exclusion from the majority. As the income gap between the minority and majority population increases, the inclusion of minorities in the country's economic reforms is becoming increasingly critical for the future development of China. [image omitted] Cao H. Urbains L'ecart des revenus urbains-ruraux: quel role la distribution geographique des groupes ethniques joue-t-elle? Etude de cas de la region autonome de Xinjiang Uyghur dans l'ouest de la Chine, Regional Studies. Depuis les reformes economiques de 1978, la croissance economique et l'urbanisation de la Chine sont allees de pair avec un creusement des inegalites regionales et une menace corollaire pour le developpement durable et pour la cohesion sociale. A partir d'une etude de cas de la region autonome de Xinjiang Uyghur, la recherche montre bien que la distribution geographique des minorites ethniques reflete non seulement leur segregation geographique, mais aussi l'importance de leur exclusion socio-economique de la majorite. Au fur et a mesure que l'ecart se creuse, l'inclusion des minorites dans les reformes economiques du pays devient de plus en plus critique pour ce qui est du developpement futur de la Chine. Ecart des revenus urbano-ruraux Urbanisation Distribution geographique Groupes ethniques Xinjiang Ouest de la Chine Cao H. Einkommensdisparitat zwischen Stadt und Land und Urbanisierung: Welche Rolle spielt die raumliche Verteilung ethnischer Gruppen? Eine Fallstudie in der autonomen Region Xinjiang Uyghur in Westchina, Regional Studies. Seit den Wirtschaftsreformen von 1978 wurden das Wirtschaftswachstum und die Urbanisierung in China von dramatischen Steigerungen der regionalen Ungleichheit und einer daraus folgenden Bedrohung der nachhaltigen Entwicklung und gesellschaftlichen Kohasion begleitet. Anhand einer Fallstudie in der autonomen Region Xinjiang Uyghur weisen wir mit unserer Studie eindeutig nach, dass sich in der raumlichen Verteilung ethnischer Minderheiten nicht nur deren raumliche Segregation widerspiegelt, sondern auch das Ausmass ihrer soziookonomischen Abgrenzung von der Mehrheit. Mit einem steigenden Einkommensgefalle zwischen der Bevolkerungsminderheit und -mehrheit wird auch die Integration von Minderheiten in die Wirtschaftsreformen des Landes zunehmend wichtig fur die kunftige Entwicklung Chinas. Einkommensdisparitat zwischen Stadt und Land Urbanisierung Raumliche Verteilung Ethnische Gruppen Xinjiang Westchina Cao H. Desigualdades de ingresos urbanos-rurales y urbanizacion: ¿Cual es el papel de la distribucion espacial de los grupos etnicos? Un estudio de caso de la region autonoma de Xinjiang Uyghur en China occidental, Regional Studies. Desde las reformas economicas de 1978, el crecimiento economico y la urbanizacion de China han estado acompanados de aumentos considerables de las desigualdades regionales, y como corolario una amenaza al desarrollo sostenible y la cohesion social. Con ayuda de un estudio de caso de la region autonoma de Xinjiang Uyghur, en nuestra investigacion demostramos claramente que la distribucion espacial de las minorias etnicas son un reflejo no solo de su segregacion espacial sino tambien del grado de su exclusion socioeconomico de la mayoria. Segun aumenta la diferencia de ingresos entre la minoria y la mayoria de la poblacion, la inclusion de minorias en las reformas economicas del pais es cada vez mas importante para el futuro desarrollo de China. Desigualdad de ingresos urbanos-rurales Urbanizacion Distribucion espacial Grupos etnicos Xinjiang China occidental [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to investigate the community planning processes associated with the development of a new and iconic attraction in a micropolitan community. The four sources of evidence in the case study research were communication with community leaders, planning documents, newspaper articles, and observations. Two hypotheses were formulated with the first phrased as planning for a proposed iconic tourist attraction is heavily swayed by power networks for immediate gains in economic development and was not being supported by the research. The rival hypothesis was phrased as planning for organic growth of selected recreational assets into tourist attractions is realized through collaborative power networks and public involvement based on long-term sustainability was supported. Analytic generalization applies to power networks, planning processes, and tourism integration in community development. The analyses contained two power networks termed iconic and integrative. An illustration incorporating power networks and a planning continuum is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares the development experiences of two societies—Kerala (a state within India) and Cuba—both widely regarded by development experts as “success stories” in the Global South for their relatively high achievements in general quality of life and social well-being as measured by UN Development Program's indicators of human development. The author argues that the lessons offered by Kerala and Cuba in rapidly alleviating endemic deprivations and enhancing human development are of enormous significance for developing countries. Indeed their experience is of particular relevance in the context of the structural adjustment programs imposed on southern countries by the Bretton Woods institutions and in the wake of the clear failures of alternative models to reduce hunger and deprivation. Examining the historical trajectory of these two “models” and the transformative practice that produced relatively high human development outcomes, the article identifies some common elements behind their success, highlighting the centrality of public action and organized democratic participation. It also examines some of the major challenges Kerala and Cuba face in the aftermath of globalization and market reforms. Although they have been successful in achieving higher economic growth, Kerala and Cuba now confront problems created by privatization, increasing inequality, and eroding public services that threaten their development models. While the two societies are facing these challenges in different ways and are still sustaining their basic social welfare programs, their experience in meeting these challenges is important for the developing world facing similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article makes the case for greater collaboration and communication between scholars and practitioners of information communications technology (ICT) for development projects and for the use of multi-methodological, cross-disciplinary approaches to understand what will make for more successful endeavors in this important arena, the necessity of which is reflected in the widespread use of public-private partnerships. To this end, we utilize both macro- and micro-level analyses to examine ICT investment in the developing world. The first research question—can ICT investment be shown to contribute to economic growth?—is addressed through econometric analysis. Though our model finds evidence to the affirmative, macro-level models often do not account for how ICT funds are employed, differentiate growth effects, or discern the characteristics of specific initiatives that make them more or less likely to succeed. This is where the case-study level of analysis becomes essential. This approach is used to address our second research question: whether successful strategies found among case studies can better inform policy prescription. To this end, we present a case study of a project based in rural Vietnam, followed by a summary of findings that unifies the lessons learned. In this way we intend to shed light on policy prescription, improve the outcomes of ICT initiatives, and present a first step in the mixed-methodological, cross-disciplinary direction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we want to show how conceptions about collaboration for local eocnomic development in Sweden are constructed on national and local levels. We also show how these conceptions have been realized in two different company networks; in the city of Östersund ("Odenskog företagsstaden") and in the city of Karlskrona ("Telecom City"). In politics and research, local collaboration or cluster formation are viewed as important tools and levers for local economic development. However, we argue that the local labour markets and unemployment rates in our case studies do not differ significantly, despite very different strategies for collaboration. Therefore, we suspect that the political focus on collaboration is a way of legitimizing the change in regional policy rather than a delegation of real power to the local level. If this continues, we fear that the current regional policy is reduced to a discourse of popular concepts rather than a real instrument for local economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges facing Mexican campesinos growing traditional varieties of maize are formidable in the current neoliberal economic context. The elimination of trade-related barriers for corn grown in the US under NAFTA has had a number of economic, environmental and cultural ramifications. This article examines two projects to create shortened tortilla supply chains that provide locally grown maize to local consumers. Beyond linking producers to consumers, these short tortilla supply chains are connected to broader social movements, civil society organisations and researchers working on agrodiversity conservation and food issues. The article describes the opportunities and challenges facing these initiatives in their efforts to bridge agrodiversity conservation and rural economic development objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On a cold January morning in 1995, a powerful earthquake rocked Kobe, Japan, killing thousands and shattering the economy of one of Japan's most vibrant cities. Three years later, a small group of local leaders, realizing that much of the lost industrial output would never return, hatched a plan to develop the city as an international hub for biomedical research and innovation. Out of this was born the Kobe Medical Industry Development Project. Housed on part of an artificial island, the project integrates basic, applied, clinical, and translational research in regenerative medicine and biomedical equipment, providing a comprehensive platform for research, development, and commercialization of new medical therapies and technologies. This article reviews and assesses the achievements of this initiative in the context of the broader effort by central and regional governments to harness localized knowledge and resources as catalysts of sustainable economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case study conducted regarding the preservation and development of the She people immigrants in Jiangxi province, China. The She people are considered as the special ethnic group that share their settlements with other minority group and lived in the region of Han nationality. These people have kept their language, practice, culture and religious beliefs despite of the connection of their production and living standards to the local Han. The She in the province is divided into three main categories including those who are under Han jurisdiction, those migrated from Zhejiang province and those who came from ancient times living in different adjoining areas.

The issues pertaining to human resource development (HRD) of professionals in emerging/developing economies have not received sufficient attention in the literature. This is in spite of the strategic importance of the role of competent professionals in economic development. Using the construction industry in Tanzania as a case study, this study provides a review of the extent of the neglect of HRD for professionals in emerging/developing economies and what needs to be done to address the problem. In particular, it explores why there is no systematic integrated industry-wide training programme for professionals in the industry. It reveals that the existing programmes are fragmented and lack overall strategy and continuity, coordination and sustainable funding. The lack of sustainable funding is identified as the main obstacle to both the creation and sustainability of a training programme for professionals. To overcome this problem, the study suggests the establishment of an industry-specific training levy for professionals. But it warns that in an emerging/developing country environment there is the need to ensure that both the training programme and the administration of finance are not derailed by bureaucratic bottlenecks and other constraints, such as corruption. This study is of both organization and public policy relevance and, in additions, attempts to fill the gap (indicated above) in the HRD literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study illustrates the fundamental importance of a political understanding in order to improve HRM in both public and private organizations. It complements studies that have found a statistical relationship between public staff management and economic growth by presenting a case study of Morocco, using the strategic human resource management (SHRM) model as a framework. There are several reasons why HRM in the Moroccan civil service has stagnated, notably unfamiliarity with HRM models and the French administrative heritage. But the fundamental reason is Morocco's political system, where real power resides in the Palace, and where political actors are reluctant to take bold initiatives. Thus a focus on the management level is currently misplaced, and fundamental political action harnessing the authority of the Palace without disempowering other political actors is needed. The study implies that a political analysis is sometimes a prerequisite for improving HRM in both public and private organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We welcomed the term 'development management' to our professional lexicon several decades ago in part because of its focus on implementation and on achieving the objectives and values of the development enterprise. Over the years we have struggled with meaning, and how management is somehow different because it is about or for development. We still struggle with issues of power that are inherent in questions of who manages development, how, and for whom. Korten, in 1980, talked about participation and community control. In 2004, we still struggle with the limitations of top-down approaches and with how to achieve participation. This article is built on three mini-case studies prepared by masters degree students in the Sustainable International Development Program at Brandeis University. The cases use the conceptual lenses of ownership, partnership, and capacity building to examine the work of NGOs in Senegal, Malawi and Pakistan and to explore participation and power issues among their key stakeholders. It draws out lessons on managing power differentials, building trust, ownership and capacity, sharing accountability for outcomes, and building partnerships with local governments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Russian case studies have been investigated by adopting a relationship marketing perspective and adding a new concept, that of relationship knowledge. Relationship knowledge is assumed to be the main condition for relationship success in terms of and is visible through the more efficient execution of activities and implementation of new resources. The conclusion is that in Russia, the inadequate levels of trust, commitment and business activity lead to low external knowledge of the counterpart, which hampers development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The majority of empirical studies dealing with production processes, work organization and industrial relations practices have been conducted in advanced industrial nations. This article reports on a study of the changing nature of work organization and industrial relations policies in the developing economy of Malaysia. It explores the broad patterns of change in human resource management, technology and work organization among Malaysian manufacturing firms in the context of Best's 'old' and 'new' competition. The question that arises is: does the evidence reveal that Malaysia is embracing elements of the 'new competition', or is it still locked into a regime of mass production, or both? The article argues that the 'old' and the 'new' competition should not be treated as a sample, straightforward duality model of development. The distinction between the two approaches is sometimes blurred and not so clear-cut. The case study observes that both systems could be operating side by side at the same time within an organization. Since the Malaysian manufacturing sector is expected to shift from simple assembly and process-type operations using labour-intensive techniques to the more advanced and higher value-added industries, greater investment in HRD to upgrade the skills of the work-force and the adoption of appropriate industrial relations policies that emphasize decentralization, greater employee involvement and continuous innovation will become crucial. To be able to compete successfully in the global economy would require a change in focus in the adoption of industrial relations and human resource development policies. For Malaysia to realize its aspiration to become an industrialized and developed nation by the year 2020 would require radical changes in those policies within the context of an integrated approach to economic and industrial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major curricula revisions in South Africa in the last two decades or so have changed the curriculum landscape. These revisions are meant to effect among other issues, the socio-economic development for all through quality education. The latest curricula transition from National Curriculum Statement (NCS) to Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), although meant to respond to widely publicised shortfalls in the NCS, has compromised educator autonomy. This empirical case study was undertaken to explore Further Education and Training (FET) educators’ adherence to implementation of CAPS in the light of their professional autonomy. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) guided this study. This theory presumes that teachers’ beliefs direct their behaviour. Data was collected from fifty-two FET educators of varying subjects from twelve Johannesburg schools. The study revealed that the prescriptive nature of the curriculum as espoused by CAPS at times compromised educator autonomy in effecting quality education. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]