Suchergebnisse

The impossibility theorem proposed by K. J. Arrow (see SA 0508), which asserts that no unique ranking of alternatives can be developed for every group of voters & system of alternatives by any procedure, does not hold for infinite groups of voters. This allows the definition of social welfare functions for such groups. The sets of voters who are decisive for a group preference function in such an infinite set form a nonprincipal ultrafilter, & this implies the nonexistence of such functions for finite groups, since all ultrafilters in such groups are principal. This result can be dealt with partially by abandoning the requirement that group preference be transitive, allowing decisive sets to form a filter rather than an ultrafilter. This still leaves the problem that social choice functions are either likely to produce oligarchies or to leave most decisions indifferent between alternatives. W. H. Stoddard.

"Cover" -- "Half Title" -- "Title Page" -- "Copyright Page" -- "Table of Contents" -- "Contributors" -- "Preface" -- "Introduction" -- "Perspectives on Environmental Practice" -- "Part I: Environmental Practice: Individual, Organizational and Societal" -- "Environmental Behaviour: Changing Habits in a Social Context" -- "Everyday Life Contexts and the Environment" -- "The Formation of Green Identities - Consumers and Providers" -- "Markets, Business and Sustainable Repositioning" -- "Legal and Governing Strategies - Towards a Law of Sustainable Development" -- "Redirecting Infrasystems Towards Sustainability" -- "Part II: Commentary" -- "A Dialogue Concerning the Usefulness of the Social Sciences" -- "Social-Ecological Resilience and Behavioural Responses

The enlargement of the European Union provides opportunities for members to be mobile in seeking various forms of permanent and non-permanent employment, particularly temporary work and contract labour. These changing conditions require quick reactions, overcoming soft issues such as language barriers and coping with culture clashes and political issues that could create problems for the worker. While the influx of foreign workers may bring much needed skills and meet the labour demands of the sector, the existence of an irregular workforce can have an impact on labour market conditions, local economy and health and safety measures. Currently, the use of foreign workers and contractors on construction sites has been identified as one of the major issues confronting clients, employers and unions. This paper will present the benefits and disadvantages of employing foreign workers and contractors in the Swedish construction sector and why the need to examine their working environment.

Poor productivity of construction workers is one of the causes of cost and time overruns in construction projects. The productivity of labour is particularly important especially in developing countries, where most of the building construction work is still on manual basis. This paper reports on a survey made on project managers of building projects in Uganda, where an increase in productivity is being sought. Respondents were required to rate using their experience how 36 factors affect productivity with respect to time, cost and quality. The survey was carried out by a questionnaire and responses received over a period of 3 months. The ten most significant problems affecting labour productivity were identified as incompetent supervisors; lack of skills from the workers; rework; lack of tools/equipment; poor construction methods; poor communication; inaccurate drawings; stoppages because of work being rejected by consultants; political insecurity; tools/equipment breakdown; and harsh weather conditions. Although lack of materials is ranked highest with regard to average rating on loss of time, it was not ranked among the top ten using the importance index that takes into account time, cost as well as work quality. The policy makers and researchers should focus on the identified major factors in order to improve productivity. Veiksniai, lemiantys statybos darbininkų darbo našumą (Ugandos pavyzdys) Santrauka Menkas statybos įmonių darbininkų darbo našumas yra viena iš priežasčių, lemiančių statybos projektų pinigų ir laiko nuostolius. Darbo jėgos našumas yra ypač svarbus besivystančiose šalyse, kur dauguma statybos darbų atliekama rankomis. Šiame straipsnyje pateikiama pastatų projektų darbų vadovų apklausa Ugandoje, kur ypač siekiama didinti darbininkų našumą. Respondentų buvo prašoma, naudojantis savo patirtimi, pateikti 36 veiksnius, kurie lemia našumą atsižvelgiant į laiką, išlaidas bei kokybę. Ši apklausa buvo daroma anketomis, ir visi atsakymai buvo gauti per 3 mėnesius. Buvo išskirta dešimt pagrindinių veiksnių, lemiančių darbo jėgos našumą, t. y. nekompetentingas vadovavimas, darbininkų įgūdžių stoka, klaidų taisymas, įrankių (įrangos) trūkumas, pasenę statybos metodai, bloga informacijos perdavimo sistema, netikslūs brėžiniai, darbų stabdymas dėl konsultantų, politinis nesaugumas, įrankių (įrangos) gedimas, prastos oro sąlygos. Nors medžiagų stoka yra vienas iš labiausiai gaišatį lemiančių veiksnių, tačiau, naudojant reikšmingumo indeksą, į kurį įeina laikas, išlaidos bei darbo kokybė, tarp dešimties išvardytų veiksnių nepateko. Politikai ir mokslininkai turėtų daugiau dėmesio skirti nustatytiems veiksniams, kad gerėtų statyboje dirbančių darbininkų darbo našumas. Reikšminiai žodžiai: darbo jėga, našumas, veiksniai, besivystančios šalys, statybos sektorius, darbininkas. First Published Online: 14 Oct 2010