Suchergebnisse

I consider evidence on differences in access to education and in learning achievement within the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The situation inherited from the communist period is first summarized: there were some significant disparities with, for example, family background having a strong association with tertiary enrolments, as in Western countries. Analysis of the transition period focuses on differences in access and achievement associated with household income and geographic location. Disparities are not the same across the region; in some countries, such as Russia, there are clear grounds for serious concern, but it is unlikely that any country has cause for complacency.

Poland is regarded as the country which has made the greatest progress following the economic liberalisation of Eastern Europe. This paper examines the strength of the relationship between the new Western context and the understanding of the methods which Polish enterprises need to address their current difficulties. The study was undertaken by visiting some 50 Polish businesses to analyse their views on progress. The conclusions of the study suggest that there is much scope for continued success in the future, but that this will require an adaptation of Western methods as well as an ability to use them selectively to overcome the constraints of the emerging Polish environment.

THE DISINTEGRATION OF THE SOVIET EMPIRE IN 1989 COMPLETELY CHANGED THE GEOPOLITICS OF CENTRAL EUROPE. ALTHOUGH THE REVOLUTION WAS A GREAT CHANGE WITHOUT A GREAT EUTOPIA, THE POSITIVE ASPECTS THAT HAVE RESULTED CLEARLY SEEM TO OUTWEIGH THE NEGATIVES. FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY POLAND DOES NOT HAVE ANY ETHNIC CONFLICTS; IT IS NOW AMONG THE NEW MEMBERS OF NATO. POLAND IS AN INDEPENDENT AND DEMOCRATIC, STABLE AND SAFE COUNTRY, AND IT IS THRIVING. THAT IS NOT A BAD BOTTOM LINE AFTER ONE DECADE IN A COUNTRY TORN APART FOR 300 YEARS BY FOREIGN FORCES AND BY ITS OWN ANARCHY.

The author states that the euro was made for two reasons: it is an indispensable stage in the European construction, & it is a response to globalization. Two aspects have to be taken into account regarding the expectations of the euro in the international monetary arena: (1) the balancing of the SMI (systeme monetaire international) (international monetary system), considering the double dynamic -- commercial & financial -- of the euro; & (2) the opportunity of an increased stability of the SMI, if the EU is capable to express itself in one voice. With the euro, Europe opens to the world & is in the process of becoming a great monetary power. E. Sanchez

Examines impact of political activism of military personnel, presidential manipulation of the armed forces, and absence of regulated and stable civilian supervision by the political elite on democratization. Included in a collection of articles with the overall title, "What went wrong in Russia?"

Means of Independence.
In Europe, the normative guarantees which apply to supreme audit institutions are numerous and very often are contained within the Constitution or organic laws. Autonomy of budgetary management is widely respected and is also a factor ensuring independence. However, some expenditure may be subjected to particular restrictions. While the heads of these institutions enjoy their autonomy, this does not always correspond with that of the rest of their personnel, particularly those employees who assist in applying the control mechanisms. Generally speaking, there is a notably persistent tendency of the administration to intervene indirectly in order to influence matters.

There are numerous publications on the interpretation of Article 30 of the EC Treaty by the European Court of Justice1which for the last 20 years has been one of the most controversial issues in EC law. It is, however, surprising that there is much older, yet strikingly similar, case law of the US Supreme Court which has remained almost unnoticed in Europe. In this article the respective case law of the two courts will be compared. Such a comparison is not only of interest as such, but can also contribute to the discussion about the correct scope of Article 30—which has certainly not yet been exhausted.

Europe, the US and Japan at the Millennium, by Sir Léon Brittan
In this article, Sir Leon Brittan takes an overview of current relations between the European Union, the United States and Japan, and their role in the wider world as the new millennium approaches. He argues that in an increasingly interdependent global economy, it is essential that the world's three major economies work together constructively towards a stronger and more effective System of international economie relations. He also underlines the crucial role that the World Trade Organization, and in particular a comprehensive Millennium Round of WTO trade negotiations, have to play in achieving this objective.

Data Protection Outside of the European Community
Most states remain unaffected by the movement towards data protection driving Europe, either because they have no regulation governing protection or because any such regulation is not binding. In requiring that the transfer of data outside of the Community be subject to the presence of an effective system of data protection in third countries, the European directive is spreading the message and working towards harmonisation in this area. This Community action is taking place within the context of the European Economic Area, among states which are seeking admission to the Community, but also is operating beyond this through international agreements.

Local governments in Western Europe have become increasingly involved in network building with the local business community. The author suggests that governance processes are not value neutral but reflect and sustain political values beyond partisan conflict. Comparing managerial, corporatist, progrowth, and welfare governance models of urban governance, the author argues that nation-state factors play an important role in shaping urban governance. Different sectors in urban politics display different models of governance and local political choice matters. Also, cities within the same national context differ significantly with regard to the degree of inclusion of organized interests in urban governance, which, in turn, is reflected in urban policy outcomes.

In the political and economic history of Germany, Leipzig alreadyheld a special place long before unification. Since the middle ages, ithas hosted one of the most important trade fairs in Europe. Whenindustrialization turned Germany in the late nineteenth century intoa leading European power, outpacing France and closely rivalingBritain, Leipzig added to its established and internationally acclaimedfur and book trade a mighty industrial sector in lignite-based chemicalsand vehicle production. At the turn of the century, Leipzig wasone of the largest and most affluent cities of Germany and indeedEurope. A rich stock of Gründerzeit houses remains to testify to thisillustrious past.

In the United States and Europe, the fastest growing segments of the temporary or contingent workforce have been In professional and technical fields. Yet little is known of the motivations of these workers. Accordingly, the authors administered the Hackman and Oldham (1980) Job Diagnostic Survey to professional and technical contingent and permanent employees of a major U.S. telecommunications company. Contingent workers had higher motivation potential scores, scored significantly higher in task identity and feedback from the job, and scored higher In combined need strength than did the permanent workers. The findings suggest that contingents can be a rich source of motivated workers.

AbstractOne of the most important consequences of the transition in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has been the dismantling of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA). It is argued in this paper that the abrupt loss of trading partners for the former CMEA countries and the Newly Independent States (NIS) are partly responsible for the ensuing contraction of output and the emergence of unemployment. A model in which trade is conducted in vertically‐differentiated products is constructed with the implication that the dismantling of 'clearing trade'arrangements among CMEA countries may make unemployment more than just a short‐term phenomenon.