Reflection on the UN General Assembly Special Session on drugs – one year on

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Rolles
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
Special Session ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Human Rights ◽  
The Status ◽  
Un General Assembly ◽  
One Year ◽  
International Conventions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show a reflection of one year on how the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) event was unfolded and its impacts and longer term implications. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a consideration of relevant past and present documentation and commentary. Experiences as a participant at some of the events described. Findings UNGASS was called for by countries affected by the failings of the existing conventions who wanted to introduce reformed alternative policies. Representatives of the status quo who opposed such change were partially successful in retaining some aspects of the prohibition approach and in minimising dissent and debate. Research limitations/implications Some decision-making discussions were not open to all potential participants – governmental, regional and civil society, including the author. Practical implications The wider debate prompted by the UNGASS indicated a breakdown in the previous consensus around the prohibition and punitive paradigm of the international conventions. Social implications Greater emphases on health and human rights aspects of international drug policy were included in the final documents. This provides scope for continued evolution of these emphases in the future. Originality/value The paper presents an account of the UNGASS and pre-UNGASS proceedings from the point of view of a reform-minded participant.

Part II The Sources of the Law of State Immunity, 9 The 2004 UN Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their Property: General Aspects

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fox Hazel ◽  
Webb Philippa
Keyword(s):  
General Rule ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
General Description ◽  
Legislative History ◽  
State Immunity ◽  
The Status ◽  
Un General Assembly ◽  
General Aspects ◽  
International Law Commission ◽  
International Conventions

This chapter provides a general description of UNCSI, the travaux préparatoires relating to the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) and the discussions in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Sixth (Legal) Committee, and the exclusions, omissions, final clauses, as follows: the legislative history, which covers the ILC's work and its consideration in the UN; the status of the Convention; the Convention's relation to other international conventions; interpretation of the Convention; the structure of the Convention; the general rule of immunity in the Convention; the exclusions and matters omitted from the Convention; a general assessment of the Convention; and its implementation by States who have ratified the Convention.

Palestinians will resist US downgrading of refugees

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
International Consensus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Palestinian Economy ◽  
Un General Assembly ◽  
Refugee Issues

Significance The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed yesterday, calling on the United States to reverse its aid cuts and its recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. Under US President Donald Trump, Washington has moved progressively away from the longstanding international consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including by seeking to diminish the status and claims of refugees. Impacts Cuts to refugee aid will further undermine the Palestinian economy. A threat to the status of refugees could spark a serious conflict. The debate could contribute to demand to find a more sustainable way to address global refugee issues.

An empirical longitudinal study of adoption of lean management in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1285-1306
Author(s):  
Jayaraman Rajagopalan
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Indian Industry ◽  
The Status ◽  
One Year ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeTo identify the factors that need to be addressed by Indian industry to steeply ramp up its production and productivity in the coming years, so as to achieve the goal of the country becoming a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2025.Design/methodology/approachLean Management Leaders in Indian Industry (LMLII), i.e. those companies in India who are well known for having adopted TQM, BE and Lean methods for many years, and achieved success in their business) in Indian industry were selected and surveys were done between 2013 and 2017, to assess the status of LM adoption, by using the LESAT (version 2.0) survey tool. A longitudinal empirical study has been done, over a period of five years, so that the identification of factors is based on a few years’ data rather than a one year, spot-check or snapshot view. A new method, titled the ‘Three Step Reverse Exploratory Factor Analysis Procedure (TSREP)’, has been attempted to identify the ‘root causes’.FindingsLMLII's have improved in their adoption of LM over these years by about 10%. The root causes that can help in further advancement in adoption have been identified and classified under six component factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe identification of LMLII's has been done based on the experience and views of experts in TQM/ BE/ Lean in India. Since this is a first of such study (viz., the term LMLII is being defined and used for the first time), this methodology has been adopted. However, in future, a systematic way to assess the criteria for LMLII's could be designed. Secondly, the sample size of LMLII's needs to be fully representative of the industry.Practical implicationsBy using the results of this study, Indian companies can accelerate their LM adoption programmes, leading to quantum jumps in production and productivity, so as to achieve the 5 trillion USD economy by 2025. The practical implications are immense.Social implicationsSince LM is a bundle of Lean, TQM and BE, companies adopting LM will, due to the inclusion of waste reduction through 5S, JIT, kaizens and continuous improvement, address the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) protocol of the UN. TBL has comprehensive implications on society and environment, climate change and sustainability of business.Originality/valueThis work is original, at least in three ways. First, in the use of the concept of ‘LML’. Second, there is no previous longitudinal study done on Indian industry in LM. Third, the TSREP is being used for the first time. The value of this research is in its findings, in the identification of key factors for future growth and the use of a novel technique for improving upon the accuracy, analytical rigour and legitimacy of the results.

After UNGASS – where do governments go from here?

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Trace
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Policy Debate ◽  
International Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Human Rights ◽  
Future Potential ◽  
International Conventions ◽  
National Governments ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to indicate the outcomes, implications and possibilities for responses arising from the April 2016 UNGASS meeting and statement and to identify areas for future continuation of the debate and dialogue established at UNGASS. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a practitioner and participant commentary on the implications and openings for governments and jurisdictions of a revised international policy framework. Findings The UNGASS statement represented an increased emphasis on health and human rights considerations and a de facto flexibility of interpretation and implementation by national governments. The statement reconciled considerable differences of approach and expectation by the participating governments and organisations. Future developments are identified and practical responses outlined. There has been some move away from rigid prohibition and authoritarian stances. Research limitations/implications The points made could be developed and expanded by academics and NGOs. Practical implications Future areas for continued international policy development and governments’ activity are identified. Governments are encouraged to consider their national needs and priorities and the ways in which these can contribute to and be strengthened by and in the international conventions. Social implications The ability of governments to respond to national needs and situations has been strengthened and an increased emphasis on public health and harm reduction practices is implied. Policy pluralism is recognised. Originality/value The paper represents an assessment of the outcomes and future potential for development of the international conventions. It is written by a long-standing participant in the international drugs policy debate and is an early contribution to the practical and formative response to UNGASS.

Comparison of the reluctance laminated and solid rotor synchronous machine operating at high temperatures

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1111-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Lefik ◽  
Krzysztof Komeza ◽  
Ewa Napieralska-Juszczak ◽  
Daniel Roger ◽  
Piotr Andrzej Napieralski
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Synchronous Machine ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Heat Sources ◽  
Model Calculations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thermal Phenomenon ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison between reluctance synchronous machine-enabling work at high internal temperature (HT° machine) with laminated and solid rotor. Design/methodology/approach To obtain heat sources for the thermal model, calculations of the electromagnetic field were made using the Opera 3D program including effect of rotation and the resulting eddy current losses. To analyse the thermal phenomenon, the 3D coupled thermal-fluid (CFD) model is used. Findings The presented results show clearly that laminated construction is much better from a point of view of efficiency and temperature. However, solid construction can be interesting for high speed machines due to their mechanical robustness. Research limitations/implications The main problem, despite the use of parallel calculations, is the long calculation time. Practical implications The obtained simulation and experimental results show the possibility of building a machine operating at a much higher ambient temperature than it was previously produced for example in the vicinity of the aircraft turbines. Originality/value The paper presents the application of fully three-dimensional coupled electromagnetic and thermal analysis of new machine constructions designed for elevated temperature.

Economic thought in the 17th and 18th centuries: a linguistic approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-270
Author(s):  
Iara Vigo de Lima
Keyword(s):  
Economic Thought ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Front Position ◽  
History Of ◽  
Epistemological Model ◽  
Theory Of Language ◽  
Theory Of Value ◽  
Linguistic Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse Michel Foucault’s new epistemological model regarding an analogy between the theory of language and economic thought in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Design/methodology/approach – Through the scrutiny of language, Foucault intended to demonstrate that some analogies, among different branches of knowledge (interdiscursive practice), allow us to apprehend the underlying configuration of thought regarding ontological and epistemological conditions that have historically determined knowledge. He draws a parallel between four theoretical segments borrowed from general grammar (Attribution, Articulation, Designation and Derivation) and economic thought on wealth. Findings – One of the most remarkable propositions of this approach is that the theory of language and economic thought were epistemologically isomorphic in that context. What the theory of language stated in relation to “attribution” and “articulation” corresponded to the “theory of value” in economic thought. What grammar investigated regarding “designation” and “derivation” was analogous to the “theory of money and trade” in economic thought. The relationships that were – directly and diagonally – identified between and among them led to the conclusion that there was ‘a circular and surface causality’ in economic thought insofar as “circulation” preceded “production”. It was “superficial” because it could not find an explanation for the cause of “wealth”, which was only possible when “production” was placed in the front position of theories. Practical implications – Such an epistemological point of view can inspire other studies in the history of economic thought. Originality/value – This paper offers a perspective on how to think about the history of ontological and epistemological conditions of economic thought.

The inseparable nature of working and learning: peripheral management practice that facilitates employee learning

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 10-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Andrew Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Management Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Learning ◽  
Frontline Managers ◽  
Social Act ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Good Manager

Purpose – This paper aims to look at the peripheral management practice that facilitates employee learning. Such management practices are embedded or inseparable to working and being a good manager. Design/methodology/approach – Point of view. Findings – For many frontline managers and their employees, the separation between working and learning is often not apparent. There appears to be no clear distinction between when they are working and when they are learning. Practical implications – Better development of organizational managers. Originality/value – This paper highlights the informal nature of learning and working and builds on the understanding that much of the learning that occurs at work occurs as part of a social act, often involving managers and their employees. In this way, employee learning that is identified and facilitated by frontline managers is so often entwined in other management activity. Furthermore, this paper outlines some practical actions that organizations can undertake to aid greater frontline management involvement in employee learning.

The optimism-pessimism ratio as predictor of employee creativity: the promise of duality

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arménio Rego ◽  
Miguel Pina e Cunha ◽  
Dálcio Reis Júnior ◽  
Cátia Anastácio ◽  
Moriel Savagnago
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Status ◽  
Single Moment ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Creativity And Innovation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study if the employees’ optimism-pessimism ratio predicts their creativity. Design/methodology/approach In total, 134 employees reported their optimism and pessimism, and the respective supervisors described the employees’ creativity. Findings The relationship between the optimism-pessimism ratio and creativity is curvilinear (inverted U-shaped); beyond a certain level of the optimism-pessimism ratio, the positive relationship between the ratio and creativity weakens, suggesting that the possible positive effects of (high) optimism may be weakened by a very low level of pessimism. Research limitations/implications Being cross-sectional, the study examines neither the causal links between the optimism-pessimism ratio and creativity nor other plausible causal links. The study was carried out at a single moment and did not capture the dynamics that occur over the course of time involving changes in optimism/pessimism and creativity. Future studies may adopt longitudinal or quasi-experimental designs. Practical implications Managers and organizations must consider that, even though positivity promotes creativity, some level of negativity may help positivity to produce creativity. Originality/value This study suggests that scholars who want to study the antecedents of creativity (and innovation) must be cautious in focusing only on the positive or the negative sides of individuals’ characteristics, and rather they must explore the interplay between both poles. Individuals may experience both positive and negative states/traits (Smith et al., 2016), and this both/and approach may impel them to think divergently, to challenge the status quo and to propose “out the box” and useful ideas.

Marketing and delivering information literacy on the web, yesterday and today, from 2009 to 2012

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 10-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Q. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Web ◽  
Made In

Purpose – This study aims to ascertain the trends and changes of how academic libraries market and deliver information literacy (IL) on the web. Design/methodology/approach – The author compares the findings from two separate studies that scanned the Web sites for IL-related activities in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Findings – Academic libraries intensified their efforts to promote and deliver IL on the web between 2009 and 2012. There was a significant increase in IL-related activities on the web in the three-year period. Practical implications – The findings describe the status quo and changes in IL-related activities on the libraries’ Web sites. This information may help librarians to know what they have been doing and if there is space for improvement. Originality/value – This is the only study that spans three years in measuring the progress librarians made in marketing and delivering IL on the Web.

Hygrothermal analysis of historic buildings

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Entradas Silva ◽  
Fernando M.A. Henriques
Keyword(s):  
Historic Buildings ◽  
Biological Degradation ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Preventive Conservation ◽  
Climate Targets ◽  
One Year ◽  
Hygrothermal Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Temperate Climates

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to verify the applicability and efficiency of two statistical methods to obtain sustainable targets of temperature and relative humidity in historic buildings located in temperate climates. Design/methodology/approach – The data recorded along one year in a non-heated historic building in Lisbon (Portugal) was analysed with the two methodologies, EN 15757 and FCT-UNL. To evaluate their adequacy it was calculated the performance index for each target and it was verified the mechanical and biological degradation risks. Findings – While the use of the two approaches is suitable for temperate climates, there is a higher efficiency of the FCT-UNL methodology, allowing a better response for the three parameters in evaluation. Research limitations/implications – Despite the better results obtained, the FCT-UNL methodology was only tested for one city; therefore the application to other situations may be required to obtain more robust conclusions. Practical implications – The effectiveness of the FCT-UNL methodology to obtain sustainable climate targets can lead to important energy conservation in historic buildings and to contribute for the change of old approaches in the preventive conservation area. Originality/value – This paper provides a comparison between two recent methods. The results can lead to some advances in the science of preventive conservation, interesting to conservators and building physic scientists.

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