Suchergebnisse

Kale, Serdar (Balıkesir Author) ; Computer aided design (CAD) technology is one of the most influential information technology (IT) innovations of the last four decades. This paper studies the factors that influence the spread of this important IT innovation in the context of the Turkish architectural design practice. It builds on the innovation diffusion theory which proposes that internal (i.e., copying behaviors of others) and external influence (i.e., complying with clients' requirements, changes in government regulations, demand conditions, and consulting firms' suggestions) factors drive diffusion of an innovation. The paper empirically tests the propositions of innovation diffusion theory by using three mathematical models: The internal influence model, the external influence model, and the mixed influence model. Research findings point out that the mixed influence model has the highest exploratory power. They show that the diffusion of CAD technology in architectural design practice is primarily driven by internal rather than external influence factors. This study is of importance to researchers because this is the first application of the influence models to the study of the diffusion of CAD technology in architectural design practice. It is also of relevance to design practitioners since the findings should provide a useful guide in their decision to adopt or not to adopt CAD technology.

The high degree of focus given to labor in production by the rise of global sweatshops has resulted in much less focus given to labor in distribution. The author argues that, assuming that organized labor has a critical role to play in countering the power of global capital, the motto "Think global, act local" can be implemented through a focus on the local distribution of globally produced commodities as explored in the case of containerized imports moving from Asia to the ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach into the US market. Two meanings of distribution are distinguished as sales that are the final circuit of capital, & the transportation & warehousing of goods. The changes required by the logistics revolution are described in the case of the complex Southern California logistics network, & the post 9/11 hysteria over security. The impacts of declining logistics costs on the state of wages, working conditions, & unionization are related to race & gender issues, & the degree of flexibilization for seafarers, longshore workers, railroads, port truckers & warehouse workers. The challenges resulting from the rise of contracting, outsourcing, & contingent systems of employment are argued to make labor organizing much more difficult, but also offer the opportunities for inter-union cooperation & using ports as a strategic location were contributing to progressive struggles against corporate dominated globalization. References. J. Harwell

In order to expose the errors of globalism, the author argues it is necessary to interrogate the proclaimed correlation of transnationalism & cosmopolitanism, as well as the assumption that an increased and social connectivity will lead to greater levels of cosmopolitanism. Gaining conceptual clarity with regard to the task of conceptualizing trans-nationalism and cosmopolitanism is based on the argument that the transnational experience should be conceived as involving several layers leading from the construction of transnational social spaces to the formation of transnational communities. The disjunction between image and reality underlying who appears to be a "cosmopolitan" versus a "transnational" identifies how contemporary discourse blends the line between description & prescription. The distinctions between transnational social spaces & cosmopolitan local continuum are located in the increasing volumes of cross-cultural interaction that increase open or closed postures. Cosmopolitanism is related to the presence or absence of the transnational experience, & the divergence between cosmopolitan & locals are identified. The relationship between trans-nationalism & cosmopolitanism is concluded to not be linear, but rather the extension of transnational social spaces into the global cultural him review is responsible for producing both cosmopolitan & local attitudes. Making a choice between the two is a matter of ethics & moral judgment. References. J. Harwell

An examination of how women's work is influenced by globalization & how gendered global labor networks are established. The author argues that analysis of the major trends of the most recent period of globalization & the gender dimensions is important to effectively address the abuses of women face. Examination of the latest wave of globalization that began in the 1960s identifies the complementary micro & macro trends of the gendered effects of globalization. Macroanalysis of causal links between the spread of multinational corporations into different areas of the world, & the use of structural adjustment policies is related to increases in women's participation in the informal sector. Microanalysis of the three gendered sectors of sex work, domestic labor, & export oriented production mind the similarities in the wide range of risks, low wages, no benefits, long hours, lack of security, and lack of rights. A multilevel analysis addresses the increased reliance on markets globally & the widespread adoption of the export oriented development strategy, as well as the unlikeliness of governments to pay attention to the concerns of women workers. These clear analytical linkages between the dimensions of globalization & women's presence in gendered labor networks supports the author's recommendations, & a call to fundamentally reconsider the usefulness of current institutions & determine whether they can be transformed or with a new ones are needed. References. J. Harwell

In recent years an intese debate has taken place on the current situation thatt latin America. Anibal Quijano proposes and devolops in this essay the thesis that we live a situation of increased economic crisis and of authentic catastrophe promoted by capitalist neoliberalism in all of Latin America. Then the author of this essay reviews the situation that involves the economy; the State, social actors and the world of the workers in a context of change u¿in the political geography. It concludes analizing the Brazilian exceptionality and the expansion process and invigoration of capitalism in Brazil in a colonial context imposed by the prevailing world power ; En estos ultimos años se ha producidos intenso debate sobre la situacion actual que atraviesan America Latin. Anibal Quijano propone y desarrolla en este ensayo la tesis de que vivimos una situacion de agudizacion de la crisis economica y de autentica catastrofe promovida por el neoliberalismo capitalista en America Latina. Tambien revisa la situacion que atraviesa la economia, el Estado, los actores sociales y el mundo de los trabajadores en un contexto de cambio de la geografia politica. Finalmente, analiza la excepcionalidad brasileña y el proceso de expansion y fortalecimiento del capitalismo en el Brasil en un contexto de colonialidad impuesto por el poder mundial imperante.

Le présent article interroge l'action syndicale en France dans un contexte caractérisé par une remise en cause de la loi relative à la réduction de la durée du travail. En prenant appui sur le cas d'un établissement qui s'engage dans un processus d'allongement de la durée du travail, l'auteur retrace le cheminement parcouru par les acteurs en présence qui débute par la renégociation de la règle sur les 35 heures pour aboutir à l'invention d'une nouvelle régulation entre salariés et direction. Loin d'abroger les lois Aubry, ce mouvement d'allongement de la durée du travail questionne la capacité des acteurs à mener des négociations collectives.This paper questions the way French trade unions have dealt with the effects of the legislation purporting to limit maximum working time to 35 hours per week. The research is based on a case study of a manufacturing firm. The author examines the ways in which local actors evolved from the negotiation over the implementation of the 35 hour work week to the development of new relationships between the employees and their employer. In this specific case study, the negotiation actually ended up lengthening working time. This result does not deny the importance of working time legislation but it does call into question the capacity of local unions to achieve in collective bargaining the objectives set out legislatively.

The article deals with the contradictory effect of civil society and civility discourses for the theory of modern democracy. The author concentrates on observed two main theoretical approaches towards the role and position of civil society in new democracies. Following the cautious optimism of "neotocquevillians" the transition from undemocratic regime to the democracy was influenced of universal and global spread of democracy. In the transitional period civil society comes into play as the guarantee for consolidating democracy. Scientists skeptics don't share this view and not consider civil society as the panacea building democracy. Civility can be described as an ethos of citizens conduct, necessary condition for real democracy. Social capital theory inspired discussion on the influence of "republican virtues" upon the modern democracy. However, the more important question is what type of civil society promotes democracy. The manifestations of civility discourse complicated the creation of liberal democracy at the initial stage of post communist transformations in East and Central European countries. Seeking more authentic reflection of modern democracy in their own country Lithuanian social scientists should: 1) discard all the uncritical approaches to the Western models of civil society; 2) propose the original decision while trying to solve the dilemma of modern democracy, because the one suggested by L. Siedentop is hardly applicable for societies which lack the liberal hinge.

Luego de analizar las relaciones de Estados Unidos con Latinoamérica y el Caribe desde la época de la Guerra Fría, el autor plantea cómo puede el Presidente Bush, después de haber sido reelegido, intentar cambiar la creciente insatisfacción que la política estadounidense suscita en el Hemisferio. Para empezar, su Administración seguirá siendo juzgada en igual medida por su política mundial que por su política en la región. Si la Administración Bush consigue restablecer las buenas relaciones con sus aliados tradicionales en Europa e intenta proyectar un enfoque constructivo en materia de cooperación multilateral, conseguirá recuperar parte del prestigio que ha perdido a los ojos de los dirigentes y el público en general de la región. ; After analyzing the relationship between the United States and Latin American and the Caribbean since the Cold War period, the author explains how President Bush, after being reelected, tries to change the growing dissatisfaction that the US politics cause in the Hemisphere. To begin, his administration will continue to be judge for its global politics as for their regional politics. If the Bush Administration gets to restore good relationships with his traditional allies in Europe and tries to project a constructive view in multilateral cooperation matters, will recover part of the prestige that has been lost in front of the governments and the population of the region.

The article deals with the contradictory effect of civil society and civility discourses for the theory of modern democracy. The author concentrates on observed two main theoretical approaches towards the role and position of civil society in new democracies. Following the cautious optimism of "neotocquevillians" the transition from undemocratic regime to the democracy was influenced of universal and global spread of democracy. In the transitional period civil society comes into play as the guarantee for consolidating democracy. Scientists skeptics don't share this view and not consider civil society as the panacea building democracy. Civility can be described as an ethos of citizens conduct, necessary condition for real democracy. Social capital theory inspired discussion on the influence of "republican virtues" upon the modern democracy. However, the more important question is what type of civil society promotes democracy. The manifestations of civility discourse complicated the creation of liberal democracy at the initial stage of post communist transformations in East and Central European countries. Seeking more authentic reflection of modern democracy in their own country Lithuanian social scientists should: 1) discard all the uncritical approaches to the Western models of civil society; 2) propose the original decision while trying to solve the dilemma of modern democracy, because the one suggested by L. Siedentop is hardly applicable for societies which lack the liberal hinge.

Esta aportación intenta establecer una teoría de las instituciones partiendo de la experiencia personal del autor en el estudio de las instituciones medievales. La idea es subrayar la duración y el carácter axiológico de las instituciones, creadas para tutelar ciertos intereses y valores. A pesar de la infinita variedad de supuestos concretos y de la misma amplia área de las instituciones políticas, existen caracteres comunes estructurales. Esta contribución se propone también ofrecer elementos de historia de la historiografía de las instituciones, no sólo desde la óptica del estudioso del Medievo italiano, sino también desde la del hombre que vive en nuestro tiempo. ; This contribution tries to stablish a theory of the institutions starting from the author 's personal experience in the study of the medieval institutions. His intention is to remark the duration and the axiological nature of the institutions, created to protect certain interests and values. Although there is an infinite variety of subjects, and the realm of the politic institutions being so ample, it is possible to find some structural common aspects. This contribution tries also to offer some elements of history of the institutions' historiography, not just from the perspective of someone who studies the Italian Middle Age, but also of a man who lives in our times.

The French reverses in 1940 were, in part, caused by the dispersion of tanks and the poor performance of armoured divisions, which were created far too late. TTe reasons for these deficiencies are well known but the background to this decision is not well documented. To fill this gap, the author wishes to present an unedited «GQG» paper of December 1939 with his comment.
The administrative attachment of all tanks under infantry in 1920 perpetuated their primary employement as support of the infantry and prevented later initiatives towards the creation of combined armoured units, capable of autonomous operations. TTis was particularly the case in 1932 when «détachements mécaniques de combat» were abandoned under pressure from the Inspector of infantry. In 1936, at the insistance of Daladier, the General Staff, finally, experimented with an armoured division but never decided to field it. Because heavy tanks B - considered essential for armoured divisions - suffered delays in their production and because the French High Command was not convinced of the efficacy of such divisions and favoured infantry support tank battalions. In December 1939, stimulated by Colonel de Gaulle and, above all. General Billotte, the decision to create armoured divisions was taken after a doctrinal debate, perfectly recorded in the «GQG» paper at annex. It was already too late !

This paper examines the linkage between globalisation as a phenomenon and technology as the catalyst on the state of the agricultural sector in Africa. It is observed that though agriculture is the dominant economic sector in Africa, it is currently facing a food crisis of monumental dimensions. Figures pertaining to food production growth rates and the percentage share of agriculture in total labour force are presented to highlight the poor state of this sector. Apart from the impact of globalization on the sector, the paper sought to determine the link between technological capacity and the food crisis in Africa on the one hand, and the prospects for increased technological inputs in African agriculture on the other. Fundamentally, the paper argues that Africa cannot begin to benefit from global developments in trade, technology and therefore improving the welfare of its peoples until food security is reasonably attained. It recommends the use of science-based technology generation to ensure sustainable agricultural development. African governments are called upon to balance the vicissi tudes of the multilateral framework on agriculture with their immediate national objectives. Finally, the author opines that a brighter future awaits those coun tries that can competently manage the impact of globalization on this sector, while infusing appropriate technologies to ensure food security.

Im Kontext der Herausforderungen globalwirtschaftlich orientierter Entwicklungen in der Gesellschaft gestalten Schulen zunehmend ihren eigenen Handlungs- und Strukturrahmen. Dieser lässt sich auch im Bildungsbereich mit 'Profilbildung' umschreiben: Schulen geben sich eine eigene Identität, mit der sie sich - auch für Außenstehende erkennbar - von anderen Schulen abheben möchten. Ziel der Untersuchung zur musikalisch-ästhetischen Profilierung soll die Beantwortung der Grundsatzfrage sein, wie der subjektive und objektive Handlungs- und Strukturrahmen einer musikalisch-ästhetischen Profilbildung beschaffen sein muss, damit sie von einer Schule erfolgreich betrieben werden kann. Die Verfasserin hebt hervor, dass es keinen einheitlichen Weg für diese Profilbestrebung geben kann und wird. Rechtliche Wege eröffnen Chancen und Hilfen hinsichtlich einer musikalisch- ästhetischen Profilbildung. Sie ist nachhaltig und in ihrer Dimension sogar eine 'Selbsthilfe', damit Schule ihre eigene Rolle in der Bildungspolitik definiert. ; In the context of the challenges of globaleconomically oriented developments in the society schools arrange their own action and structure framework increasing. This leaves itself also within the education range with 'profile formation' describe: Schools give themselves their own identity, with which they would like themselves to take off - also for outstanding ones recognizably - from other schools. A goal of the investigation for musical-aesthetic shaping should be the answer of the matter of principle, how the subjective and objective action and structure framework of an musical-aesthetic profile formation must be constituted, so that it can successfully be operated by a school. The author emphasizes that there can be no uniform way for this profile effort and will. Legal ways open chances and assistance regarding a musical aesthetic profile formation. It is lasting and in its dimension even one 'self-help', so that school defines its own role in the education politics.

Written for a general audience, the essays collected here present refreshing and often humorous glimpses of various topics in Jewish history and traditional religious literature. Inspired by the diversity of Jewish thought, author and scholar Eliezer Segal sheds light on the social and political forces that have brought the Jewish community together in the past and still speak with familiarity to a modern western culture. Enlightening and entertaining, Professor Segal's writing is a rare blend of scholarship and wit, highlighting contemporary experiences that bring the rich heritage of Jewish civilization to life for the everyday reader. With an extensive and broad knowledge of ancient and medieval Jewish social and religious traditions, Segal deftly crafts anecdotes and explanations that address the tribulations of contemporary life. From topics as diverse as panhandling, tennis, vampires, and the history of the tomato to themes as universal as weddings, charity, and taxation, the essays presented here, some for the first time in English, all include detailed notes on sources for further reading. Equally suited to those after a light-hearted romp or those on a serious quest for knowledge, Ask Now of the Days that Are Past is sure to satisfy anyone who has ever wondered how the past still influences us today.

The paper explores the imagery and constructions of alterity in the contemporary world. The image of the other is at the same time the image of ourselves, mostly through the metaphor of the ?stranger.? This ?stranger? represents the unknown, so he/she occasionally provokes fear and resentment, if only for appearing physically different in the ?mainstream? culture. This paper traces the genesis and development of certain modernist ideals (including the need to postulate the existence of others as strange and potentially threatening). The apparent lack of comprehension for (cultural, ethnic, racial) others is just a symptom of the much deeper disorder - in the quest for rationality, the meaning of simple human communication seems to be forgotten. Just like in a hall of mirrors, the images that people encounter are basically the images of them?selves - only they have been distorted through nationalist or racist rhetoric. Using the examples from theory (anthropology, feminism, cultural studies) as well as from specific cultures (Brazil, South Africa, former Yugoslavia, France), and following on the works of scholars like Kristeva, Linke and Balibar, the author demonstrates the logic behind the need to exclude others, as well as the fact that all of these attempts will eventually back?fire. For we cannot exclude others if we do not at the same time exclude ourselves.