Suchergebnisse

The study presented in the article examined
the mediating role played by internationalisation in
both government financial support–export strategic
performance and government non-financial support–
export strategic performance relationships. The moderating role of a strategic alliance in the relationships
between government financial support and degree of
internationalisation, and between government nonfinancial support and degree of internationalisation,
was also considered. The study entailed a cross-sectional survey and included 301 indigenous export firms in
Ghana. The reliability and validity of the data was tested using confirmatory factor analysis, with structural
equation modelling as the primary means of analysis,
run using Amos (v.23). It was concluded that both government financial support and non-financial support
had a direct positive influence on export strategic performance. These relationships were partially mediated
by the degree of internationalisation. Strategic alliance
positively moderated the relationships between government financial support and degree of internationalisation, and also between government non-financial support and degree of internationalisation.
Keywords: government financial support; government
non-financial support; strategic alliance; internationalisation; export strategic performance

Magistrsko delo ugotavlja, na kakšen način so se razvijale male države po koncu obdobja kolonizacije. Ob pridobitvi samostojnosti so bile večinoma nerazvite in gospodarsko zelo odvisne od nekdanjih kolonizatorjev. Vsaka država je ubrala svojo pot, nekatere so postale zelo uspešne, druge pa manj. Katere razvojne strategije so bile uporabljene ter zakaj se stopnje razvoje, ki so jih dosegle male države, tako zelo razlikujejo? Je bila usmerjenost v trgovino ključna za razvojni uspeh? Namen dela je s pomočjo empirične analize raziskati, ali je izvozna usmerjenosti primerna strategija razvoja per se ali pa obstajajo nekateri drugi instrumenti politike, ki določajo uspešnost razvoja države. Osredotočila sem se na analizo razvoja treh malih otoških držav – Singapurja, Mauritiusa in Zelenortskih otokov. Do danes so vse tri države dosegle zelo različne stopnje razvoja. Kljub temu, da je izvoz eden od glavnih dejavnikov razvoja za male države pa lahko na podlagi analize trdim, da je od vsake posamezne države odvisno, kako izkoristi dane razvojne možnosti. ; This master thesis tries to find out how small states developed after the end of the colonization. When they gained independence, they were mostly underdeveloped and economically dependent on the former colonizers. Each state has taken its own path, some of them became very successful, others not so. Which development strategies were used and why do the levels of development achieved by small states vary so much? Was the trade crucial for development success? The purpose of my thesis is to explore with empirical analysis if export orientation is an appropriate development strategy for the small states per se, or are there some other policy instruments which determine a small country's successful development. I focused on the analysis of the development of the three small island states - Singapore, Mauritius and Cape Verde. Until today, all three counties have reached very different stages of development. Despite the fact, that export is one of the main development factors for small countries I can assert on the basis of the analysis, that it depends on each county, how they take advantage of given development opportunities.

Ekonomski interesi treh ključnih velikih sil, Združenih držav Amerike, Rusije in Kitajske, ki se uveljavljajo oziroma uresničujejo skozi njihove konkretne politike in dejanja, imajo pomemben, če že ne velik vpliv na varnost in politične razmere drugih držav. Ker so ekonomski interesi ključni za katerokoli državo, so medsebojna dinamika, prepletanje in vplivanje teh interesov izrednega pomena za razumevanje trenutnih razmer v mednarodnih odnosih. Analiza primarnih in sekundarnih virov, predvsem pa poglobljeni intervjuji s strokovnjaki nakazujejo, da se politične in varnostne posledice ekonomskih interesov velikih sil največkrat manifestirajo na regionalni ravni. Izjema pri tem so ZDA, ki za doseganje svojih ekonomskih interesov politično in varnostno spreminjajo razmere na globalni ravni. Pri tem so najbolj osredotočene na širitev neoliberalnih ekonomskih praks in zagotovitev energetske varnosti, ki velikokrat poteka s pomočjo znatne uporabe vojaške moči. Rusija, po drugi strani, je trenutno še osredotočena na svojo vlogo energetskega velikana, pri čimer najbolj konkretno vpliva na države iz bližnje soseščine, tudi preko političnih pritiskov in industrijskih sabotaž. Analiza trendov sicer kaže, da bo cilj ekonomske diverzifikacije postajal še pomembnejši v prihodnosti. V osnovi ta zaključek pomeni, da bo Rusija skušala zmanjšati svojo odvisnost od izvoza energentov in na tak način zagotoviti večjo ekonomsko, kot tudi politično in varnostno stabilnost države. Ključna karakteristika ekonomske politike Kitajske je usmeritev v zagotavljanje energetskih virov za rastoče gospodarstvo. V ta namen se poslužuje multisektorske politike, ki je najbolj jasno vidna v Afriki. Ta poseben, quid pro quo pristop se kaže v velikih infrastrukturnih investicijah na strani Kitajske, v zameno za zagotovitve izvoza energentov iz določenih afriških držav. Analiza vse treh držav jasno kaže, da ekonomski interesi vidno vplivajo na odnose med državami v mednarodni skupnosti in usodno določajo dinamiko in ravnovesje sil. ; Economic interests of great powers, specifically United States of America, Russia and China, and the process of attaining these interests through the set of concrete policies and actions has considerable, if not predominantly important effects on political and security situation of other countries. Since economic interests are of pivotal importance for any state, the recognition and understanding of intertwined dynamics and cross-section of these interests is essential for establishing an accurate perception of the current situation in contemporary international relations. Analysis of primary and secondary resources, and especially the in- depth interviews with experts revealed that the majority of political and security implications of the process of attaining economic interests have been manifesting on the regional level. An exception to this rule is the United States, which is affecting political and security characteristics around the globe. In doing so, it is mostly concentrated on continuous expansion of neoliberalism, as well as ensuring energy security, often through utilization of military power. Meanwhile, Russia is currently still focused on its role as an energy giant, and has the ability to strongly influence the countries in its near vicinity through considerate political pressures and industrial sabotage. Many trends within the country and its internal policies seem to suggest that this is likely to change in the near future, and the goal of economic diverzification will become even more important. Essentially, this means that Russia will attempt to reduce its dependence on energy exports, and thus ensure far greater economic, but also political and security stability of the country. Finally, we analyzed China. The key characteristic of its economic policy is focus on ensuring energy resources for its growing economy. In order to succeed, China has been utilizing a multisectoral approach, most clearly visible in Africa. These quid pro quo deals were realized through large infrastrucral investment on the Chinese side, and accompanying insurance of energy exports on the side of the African countries. The analysis of all three states draws the conclusion that economic interests are thus visibly affecting the nature of the intra- state relationships in the international community, and faithfully account for the ultimate dynamics and balance of world powers.

Sub-Saharan Africa is a very diverse region with extensive natural wealth, great human potential, and a rich history. However, the majority of its countries are among the poorest in the world and about half of its 800 million inhabitants live in extreme poverty. Sub-Saharan Africa produces only 1.5% of the world's GDP and its share in world trade has fallen from 6% in 1980 to 2% today. The region's exports remain dominated by primary goods (fuels, ores, and agricultural products). The roots of the region's economic weakness lie variously in the past colonial relationships with European countries and in unjust global trade patterns as well as in misuse of power by ruling political elites in the post-independence era. Numerous civil wars and other conflicts have fragmented the sub-Saharan countries into many factions and parties fighting for domination. The region is lagging behind developed countries because of corruption, lack of infrastructure, weakness of its institutions, heavy indebtedness, lack of education and health services, and unfavorable natural conditions, among other factors. Subsistence agriculture is the source of livelihood for most Africans. Nevertheless, average yields per hectare are low and heavily dependent on climatic conditions. Compared to urban areas (except for slums), people living in rural areas have worse infrastructure and are further from achieving the UN's Millennium Development Goals. The recent increase in food prices is threatening the limited progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition (28% of children under age five are underweight and particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases). Little progress has been made in reducing child and maternal mortality; mortality rates remain the highest in the world. In the previous decade, life expectancy in sub-Saharan countries has fallen due to the spread of HIV/AIDS and it still remains below fifty. In addition, many negative socioeconomic effects are the result of malaria, which kills approximately one million people every year, 91% of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to promote gender equality and empower women, education is of vital importance. Compared to other (especially developed) regions, school enrollment rates are considerably lower and dropout rates considerably higher, particularly for girls. The majority of countries in subSaharan Africa will not be able to achieve their educational goals by 2015. Despite the fact that the region is not exceeding the carrying capacities of its environment (as measured by its ecological footprint), environmental problems in some areas are severe. Deforestation, desertification, coral bleaching, negative effects of climate changes (sea level rise, reduced freshwater availability, extreme weather events, etc.), loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation are the most worrying. Population growth is exacerbating these environmental problems and is making it more difficult to achieve a higher standard of living for all. Owing to the complexity of developmental problems, sub-Saharan Africa will have to use its own resources very wisely and make the most of development aid from developed countries.

Med pomembnimi mejniki v razvoju evropskega sistema DDV moramo vsekakor omeniti 1. januar 1992, ko so bile odpravljene davčne meje med državami članicami Evropske unije. Če se je do tega datuma dobava blaga v drugo državo članico Evropske unije štela kot izvoz blaga, ki so ga nadzorovali carinski organi, je s tem dnem odpravljen oziroma prepovedan nadaljnji sistematičen nadzor blaga, ki se dobavlja iz ene države v drugo. Carinski organi so izgubili svoje pristojnosti za nadzor tega dela trgovine na notranjem trgu ; obstoječe nadzorne mehanizme so nadomestili novi, pristojnost pa se je prenesla na davčne organe. Del nalog, ki jih je do vstopa Slovenije v Evropsko unijo opravljala carina, je odpadel na davčne zavezance. Ob vstopu Slovenije v Evropsko unijo se je povečala tudi zunanjetrgovinska menjava. Zaradi povečanega poslovanja Slovenije z državami članicami Evropske unije so se začeli pojavljati tristranski posli in posledično tudi verižni posli med večimi udeleženci. Pravi tristranski posli potekajo med tremi udeleženci (pridobitelj, dobavitelj in prejemnik), ki so identificirani za davek na dodano vrednost v svoji državi Evropske unije. Blago poteka med udeleženci v verigi, in sicer od dobavitelja do prejemnika blaga. Pridobitelj nastopa med njima le kot neke vrste posrednik. Ti posli so z davčnega vidika v Zakonu o davku na dodano vrednost posebej urejeni. Problem nastopi pri nepravih tristranskih poslih in verižnih poslih, npr. ko je eden od udeležencev fizična oseba, ko nastopa udeleženec iz tretje države, ko so udeleženi več kot trije davčni zavezanci, itd… V okviru magistrske naloge bom analizirala osnovne značilnosti pravih tristranskih poslov, nepravih tristranskih poslov in verižne posle. Glede na to, da je pri pravih tristranskih poslih določen kraj obdavčitve in pogoji, na osnovi katerih kupec ne obračuna DDV od pridobitve blaga, je potrebno pri nepravih tristranskih poslih in verižnih poslih pred določitvijo kraja in časa nastanka davčne obveznosti ugotoviti, kje je dobavitelj prenesel lastništvo na blagu na pridobitelja in kje mu je izročil blago. Z davčnega vidika so ti posli zelo zahtevni, zato je v Šesti smernici določena posebna ureditev, ki želi te posle poenostaviti in jih obdavčit le enkrat. ; Among the important milestones in the development of the European VAT system, we must certainly mention the January 1, 1992, when fiscal borders between the Member States of the European Union were abolished. If the supply of goods to another Member State of the European Union, to this date counted as export of goods, which were monitored by the customs authorities, from that date, the systematic control of goods, which were supplied from one country to another, vas forbidden. Customs authorities did lose their powers to control this part of the trade in the internal market ; the existing control mechanisms were replaced by new ones ; competence has been transferred to the tax authorities. Parts of the tasks which are to Slovenia's entry into the European Union perform by customs authorities, vas transferred to taxpayer. When Slovenia joined the European Union, it has also increased its foreign trade. Due to the increased Slovenian business with EU Member States, trilateral transactions and, consequently, chain transactions between multiple participants have started to emerge. Real tripartite transactions take place between the three parties (the acquirer, supplier and recipient) who are identified for value added tax in its own European Union country. Goods are transferred between the actors in the chain, from the supplier to the consignee. The acquirer is getting between them only as a sort of agent. These transactions in tax terms are specifically decorated in the Law on Value Added Tax. The problem occurs in the quasi-tripartite transactions and chain transactions, for example when one of the participants is a person, when a participant is from a third country, when they are more than three taxpaying participants, etc. In this master's thesis I will analysed the basic characteristics of real trilateral business, quasi-tripartite business and chain business. Given that the real trilateral engagements have known place of taxation and the conditions, based on which the buyer does not charge VAT on the acquisition of goods, are known, for the quasi-tripartite transactions and chain transactions it is necessary before determining the location of taxation and the time when the tax liabilities arise, to determine where the supplier transferred ownership of the goods to the purchaser and where he handed over the goods. From a tax perspective, these transactions are very complex, fir that the sixth guideline provides a specific regulation, which seeks to simplify this business and be taxed only once.

Doktorska disertacija preučuje specifično usmeritev mednarodne ekonomije, in sicer področje politik razvojne pomoči. Znotraj tega vsebinskega okvirja smo se osredotočili na njeno učinkovitost predvsem zaradi aktualnosti problematike kot številnih s tem povezanih globalnih izzivov. Razvojna pomoč, kot osrednja tematika disertacije, predstavlja temeljni koncept, s katerim države poskušajo razreševati razvojne razlike v svetu. Preučevanje učinkovitosti razvojne pomoči je v okviru ekonomskih znanosti zelo perspektiven koncept, predvsem zaradi dejstva, da je prepad med razvitimi državami globalnega severa in globalnega juga večji kot kadarkoli, dosedanje študije, kot tudi modeli razreševanja pa niso ponudili učinkovitih rešitev za spremembe oz. izboljšanje trenutnega stanja. Vse omenjeno smo preučevali na skupini držav Afrike, Karibov in Pacifika (AKP) iz dveh glavnih razlogov. Prvič, ker je velika večina držav v skupini dolgoletnih prejemnic razvojne pomoči, in drugič, ker omogoča dobro podlago za preučevanje, saj v njo spadajo tako najrevnejše podsaharske države, kot tudi otoške države, ki so v zadnjih letih doživele hiter gospodarski napredek. Struktura disertacije temelji tako na teoretičnem kot tudi aplikativnem delu. V prvem delu, tako predstavimo temeljne teoretične pojme iz razvojne ekonomije odnosov sever-jug, zgodovino sodelovanja držav AKP-ja z različnimi mednarodnimi akterji in teoretične opredelitve razvojne pomoči in njene učinkovitosti. Drugi del je namenjen aplikativni raziskavi učinkovitosti politik razvojne pomoči. Države skupine AKP smo tako razdelili v dve skupini. V skupino A, kjer so tiste, ki so prejele več razvojne pomoči, in skupino B, kjer so tiste, ki so prejele manj. Predpostavljali smo, da so države, ki so prejele več razvojne pomoči, naredile večji razvojni napredek. Njihov napredek smo preučevali na petih ekonomskih in socialnih razvojnih indikatorjih: BDP na prebivalca, obseg izvoza blaga in storitev, smrtnosti otrok do petega leta starosti, rast pričakovane življenjske dobe in število migracij. Na podlagi pridobljenih rezultatov za posamezno področje smo nato generalno sklepali ali so politike razvojne pomoči dosegle svoj namen, torej ali so bile učinkovite. Iz vsebinskega vidika je disertacija izvirni doprinos k ekonomski znanosti pri preučevanju problematike sedanjega sistema podeljevanja razvojne pomoči in posledično njene učinkovitosti, raziskovanja razvojne problematike v državah skupine AKP ter predlogom razreševanja sodobnih izzivov mednarodnega razvoja. Prav tako zapolnjuje vrzel pri preučevanju koncepta mednarodnega razvoja s kvalitativnimi metodami raziskovanja, saj so obstoječe raziskave izrazito kvantificirane. Ker je disertacija napisana v slovenskem jeziku je tudi prispevek k maloštevilni literaturi na tem področju in k nadaljnjem raziskovanju mednarodne razvojne problematike in s tem povezanih globalnih izzivov. ; This PhD dissertation studies a specific direction of international economics — the field of development aid policies, and focuses on its efficiency, mainly due to the relevance of the issue, since it is associated with numerous global challenges. Development aid, as the central theme of this dissertation presents the underlying concept, with which countries attempt to resolve developmental differences around the world. Studying the efficiency of development aid in terms of economic sciences is a very promising concept, mainly due to the fact that the gap between the developed countries of the global South and the global North is larger than ever, and current studies, nor resolution models, offered any effective solutions for changing or improving the current state. All of the above was studied on the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) for two main reasons: Firstly, because the vast majority of these countries is a long-term beneficiary of development aid and secondly, because this provides us with a sound foundation for studying, including both the poorest Sub-Saharan countries and island states, which experienced rapid economic development in recent years. Thus the structure of this dissertation relies on both theory and application. The first part presents the fundamental theoretical terms from developmental economics, North-South relations, the history of cooperation among ACP countries with various international players and theoretical determination of development aid and its efficiency. The second part is intended for applied research of the efficiency of development aid policies. ACP countries were divided into two groups, group A with those receiving the most development aid and groups B with those receiving the least. We presumed that countries that received the most development aid made the most progress. Their progress was studied according top five economic and social indicators of development: GDP per capita, exports of goods and services, mortality of children under five years of age, growth in life expectancy and the number of migrations. Based on data retrieved for specific fields, we generally presumed whether development aid policies had achieved its purpose – if they were efficient. From the substantive aspect, this dissertation is an original contribution to the science of economics in its study of the problems in the existing system for distributing development aid and consequently its efficiency, to research of development problems in ACP countries and to proposals for meeting the modern challenges of international development. It also fills the gap in the study of the concept of international development through qualitative research methods, since existing research is extensively quantified. Since this dissertation is originally in Slovenian, it also adds to the scarce literature in this field and to future research of international developmental issues and the global challenges they bring.