China political stability will endure growth slowdown

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Stability ◽  
Target Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Sector ◽  
The Third ◽  
Political Risks ◽  
Political Unrest ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Successive Quarter

Significance Headline growth was 6.7% for the third successive quarter -- neatly within the target range of 6.5-7.0%. However, the rate has not risen in any quarter since the last peak of 7.2% in the final quarter of 2014. Well into the 2010s, it was still widely claimed that growth of at least 8.0% was necessary to prevent widespread unemployment that could lead to serious social and political unrest. Growth has fallen short of this since late 2012, but the anticipated crisis has not arrived. Yet such concerns persist, albeit with a lower 'danger line'. Impacts Repression and anti-corruption operations risk sowing seeds of instability that would not otherwise be there. Political risks arising from the economy will increase in the near future as state-sector and military layoffs get properly underway. There is no sign that the state's repressive capabilities are set to weaken.

Brazil's political risk may rise sharply post-2018

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Presidential Elections ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Political Reform ◽  
The Political ◽  
Social Democrats ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Broad Agreement ◽  
Political Risks ◽  
Structural Risk ◽  
Severe Recession

Subject The longer-term outlook for political stability. Significance Between the 1994 and 2014 presidential elections, Brazil was governed under a complex but functional 'coalition presidential system', with the presidency controlled by either the centre-left Workers' Party (PT) or the centre-right Social Democrats (PSDB). Both parties had much in common -- from a broad agreement on economic policy to a strategy of forming large and heterogeneous coalitions to deal with the highly atomised Congress. In recent years, this system suffered an implosion provoked by the severe recession and the corruption investigations that have undermined the electoral prospects of much of the political mainstream. Impacts A focus on Rousseff's impeachment misses the key political risks in Brazil. Without a comprehensive political reform, politics will tend to instability. This structural risk is often not on the radar of key economic players.

The concept of intelligent agent in business interactions: is virtual assistant an actor or a boundary object?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1155-1164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Tomasz Kot ◽  
Grzegorz Leszczyński
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Intelligent Agent ◽  
Boundary Object ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Core ◽  
Business Market ◽  
New Type ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Business To Business

Purpose Interactions are fundamental for successful relationships and stable cooperation in a business-to-business market. The main assumption in research on interactions, so obvious that usually not stated by researchers, is that they are set between humans. The development of artificial intelligence forces the re-examination of this assumption. This paper aims to conceptualize business virtual assistants (BVAs), a type of intelligent agent, as either a boundary object or an actor within business interactions. Design/methodology/approach Reference is made to the literature on business interactions, boundary objects and identity attribution to problematize the process of interpretation through which BVA obtains an identity. The ARA model and the model of interaction process is used to create a theoretical framework. Findings This paper contributes to the literature on business interactions, and to the core of the IMP discussion, in three aspects. The first provides a framework to understand the phenomenon of an artificial entity as an interlocutor in business interactions. While doing that a new type of entity, BVA, is introduced. The second contribution is the exploration and augmentation of the concept of a business actor. The third calls attention to BVA as a boundary object. These issues are seen as essential to move forward the discussion about the meaning of business interaction in the near future. Originality/value This paper conceptualizes the presence of a new entity – BVA – in the business landscape.

scholarly journals The third sector and innovation: competitive strategies, incentives, and impediments to change

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Lubienski ◽  
Laura Perry
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Public Education ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Educational Innovations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Sector ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Third Sector ◽  
Innovative Capacity

Purpose Much justification for third sector involvement in education advances from the notion that attributes from business and non-profit fields could benefit state-run public schools. The purpose of this paper is to explore this issue by examining theoretical underpinnings and expectations for third sector participation in public education systems, particularly with respect to educational innovations and improvements, and the structural opportunities, incentives, and impediments for such innovation. Design/methodology/approach The question is how third sector participation shapes the rate, nature, and types of innovations in education as schools interact in response to competitive pressures. This conceptual analysis of the third sector examines the political-economic features and structures of the sector in fostering innovation, with reference to the US sector that was specifically positioned to enhance the innovative capacity of publicly funded education. Findings The analysis indicates that educational innovations are not necessarily more prevalent in or because of the third sector, and that there are obstacles to their creation and diffusion. Moreover, schools often respond to competitive incentives in ways unanticipated by policymakers, such as school marketing rather than instructional improvement, sometimes in ways detrimental to goals set out for public education, such as social sorting. In fact, instead of the third sector simply developing or incentivizing innovations, there is evidence that this sector has adopted innovations developed in the state sector. Originality/value The analysis suggests that a third sector based more on a professional, as opposed to a competitive, model may better facilitate the development of innovative capacity in education.

Changing concepts in the treatment of colloid cysts

1987 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter A. Hall ◽  
L. Dade Lunsford
Keyword(s):  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
The Third ◽  
Stereotaxic Surgery ◽  
Colloid Cysts ◽  
The University

✓ Since computerized tomography (CT) scanning became available at the University Health Center of Pittsburgh in July, 1975, 17 patients have undergone removal of colloid cysts of the third ventricle by transfrontal, transcallosal, or stereotaxic surgery. All patients presented with symptoms and signs of increased intracranial pressure; CT scanning proved to be the best neurodiagnostic test to define the colloid cysts. Since the development of CT-guided stereotaxic surgery, the authors have preferentially performed stereotaxic aspiration in seven patients; three of these subsequently required craniotomies to remove residual cysts producing persistent symptoms. The viscosity of the intracystic colloid material and/or displacement of the cyst away from the aspiration needle were reasons for unsuccessful aspiration; the CT appearance did not correlate with the ability to aspirate the lesion by the stereotaxic technique. Postoperative patency of the ventricular system was documented by intraoperative CT ventriculography performed during stereotaxic surgery. Removal of the cyst wall was not necessary. Because of the low associated morbidity rate, percutaneous stereotaxic aspiration is recommended as the initial treatment of choice for colloid cysts of the third ventricle. If stereotaxic aspiration fails and symptoms persist, craniotomy should be performed.

Bankarization in the first European cities with an equal number of Muslim and Christian inhabitants

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 554-580
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Pérez-Castro ◽  
Miguel Ángel Montero-Alonso ◽  
Akram Abderrahman-Azaar
Keyword(s):  
North Coast ◽  
Content Type ◽  
European Cities ◽  
The North ◽  
Financial Depth ◽  
Financial Framework ◽  
European Banks ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Different Cultures ◽  
Near Future

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the situation of the financial system in the Spanish-governed cities of Melilla and Ceuta, Christian and Muslim cities located on the north coast of Africa, and compared it with the mean bankarization level in the rest of Spain in 2000-2015. Design/methodology/approach Although different calculation methods have been proposed, most authors agree that the bankarization level of a country or a territory reflects the development of the society as a whole and has a positive correlation with economic growth. The indicators of financial depth proposed by these researchers are not only the ratio between variables such as loans, deposits, etc., but also the ratios of these variables to the population and the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country or territory. Findings The results obtained revealed that there are differences between these two North African Spanish cities. Furthermore, the financing gap between the mean bankarization levels of these cities and those of mainland Spain was found to be even larger than most of the other economic indicators (GDP per capita and the unemployment rate). Practical implications The authors are convinced that the manuscript is a contribution of great interest for serving pilot experience in cities wishing to offer a development of traditional banking and Islamic banking. The paper should be of interest to readers in the areas of finance systems and commercial banks where two different cultures coexist. Originality/value This is the first research study on the financial framework of European cities whose populations have an approximately equal percentage of Christians and Muslims. The data reflected the existence of savings and loan methods parallel to conventional banking. The conclusion was that in the near future, it would be advisable for European banks to take into account the cultural customs and religious practices of potential Muslim clients.

The prediction of the cyclic mechanical behavior of stainless steel 304L at room temperature

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hala Messai ◽  
Salim Meziani ◽  
Athmane Fouathia
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Type Model ◽  
Good Prediction ◽  
304L Stainless Steel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Chaboche Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the performance of the Chaboche model in relation to the database identification, tests with imposed deformations were conducted at room temperature on 304L stainless steel specimens. Design/methodology/approach The first two tests were performed in tension-compression between ±0.005 and ±0.01; in the third test, each cycle is composed of the combination of a compression tensile cycle between ±0.01 followed by a torsion cycle between ±0.01723 (non-proportional path), and the last, uniaxial ratcheting test with a mean stress between 250 MPa and −150 MPa. Several identifications of a Chaboche-type model were then performed by considering databases composed of one or more of the cited tests. On the basis of these identifications, the simulations of a large number of ratchet tests in particular were carried out. Findings The results present the effect of the optimized parameters on the prediction of the behavior of materials which is reported in the graphs, Optimizations 1 and 2 of first and second tests and Optimization 4 of the third test giving a good prediction of the increasing/decreasing pre-deformation amplitude. Originality/value The quality of the model's predictions strongly depends on the richness of the database used for the identification of the parameters.

Relational key account management: insights from the Middle Eastern context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nada Saleh Badawi ◽  
Moustafa Battor ◽  
Saeed Badghish
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Key Account Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Account Management ◽  
Key Account ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Key Accounts

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore relational aspects of key account management (KAM) in terms of social capital and relationship quality. The second objective was to identify the main dimensions that shape social capital and relationship quality within the KAM context. Finally, the third objective was to explore how relational KAM is practiced in the Middle Eastern context. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative methodology and a multiple case design. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a sample of senior executives from large Saudi firms. Findings The results highlight the importance of relationship quality and social capital to KAM implementation. A multiple case study was used to build a relational framework for KAM in the Middle Eastern context. Practical implications Three strategies were identified for use within the context of KAM in the Saudi market. The first strategy consisted of a means of attracting potential customers. The second strategy involved communication, aimed at maintaining frequent contact with key accounts. Finally, the third strategy was concentrated in maintenance to help sustain the relationship with key accounts. Originality/value This study extends understanding and the application of KAM to the Middle Eastern context, contributing to social capital, relationship quality and the KAM literature.

Not over my backyard: the regulatory conflict between 5G rollout and environmental and historic preservation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin W. Cramer
Keyword(s):  
Historic Preservation ◽  
Telecommunications Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Property ◽  
5G Network ◽  
Local Areas ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Critical Policy ◽  
Near Future

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the environmental and historic preservation precedents that have been adopted and acknowledged by telecommunications firms when expanding their physical infrastructures. Design/methodology/approach This paper will conduct a policy analysis of contradictory regulatory goals that are expected to arise during the near-future rollout of 5G in the USA. This will be done via traditional legal research combined with a critical policy focus. Particular attention will be given to the public interest remedies that have been established for companies that have used private or public property. Findings Due to the spatial requirements of 5G network infrastructure, telecommunications policy (in which network development is paramount) is expected to conflict with land use-oriented regulations (environmental and historic preservation) in places where new 5G infrastructure must be approved and built. Social implications Ultimately, the paper will argue that conflicts will arise in local areas where the 5G rollout is expected to impact environmentally pristine areas or historic buildings. Originality/value Research in the environmental effects of 5G technology in general is becoming common, but conflicts between network construction and particular environmental or historic preservation regulations has not been the topic of organized research thus far.

Gbagbo will return to frontline Ivory Coast politics

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ivory Coast ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Actors ◽  
Election Victory

Significance Instead he aims to create a new party. The FPI has since denied reports of mass defections by the party grassroots to Gbagbo. This comes in the context of broader public reconciliation efforts by President Alassane Ouattara, who seeks political stability in the aftermath of a highly controversial October 2020 third-term election victory. Impacts Ouattara is unlikely to grant general amnesty to all political actors in order to keep some of them outside the country. Gbagbo will likely win over most, though not all, of his former supporters within the FPI. Struggles within Gbagbo’s former party and other opposition formations will weaken the opposition in the short term. Gbagbo will consolidate his position as the main opposition leader, threatening the country’s stability in the lead-up to the 2025 election.

The determinants of foreign direct investment: what about the potential of the Arab Maghreb countries?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamdi Khalfaoui ◽  
Abdelkader Derbali
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Direct Investment ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
The United States ◽  
Investment Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
General Method Of Moments

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the main determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the case of the Arab Maghreb countries. Design/methodology/approach We employ a dynamic panel analysis using the General Method of Moments for a sample composed of 105 countries over the period 1985–2018. Findings We show that FDI stability, market size, higher education enrolment, quality of institutions, distance, sharing of common border, and bilateral investment and integration agreements are the main determinants of FDI location. These determinants are neither general. The potential for attracting FDI from AMU countries is poorly exploited. FDI to the AMU is lower than estimated stock. The observed FDI to potential FDI ratio does not exceed 87%. France and Spain are the main investors in the AMU region thanks to historical and cultural links. The FDI from the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, and Japan are below what is expected. Originality/value The contribution of this paper is observed on the examining oh the determinants of the FDI in the Arab Maghreb countries. Our study demonstrate that the political stability can decrease investment risk in these countries. The administrations correspondingly require expanding their rules and strategies with union demonstrations which were at the beginning of the departure and closing of several foreign companies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document