The relationship between the regulation of licit medications containing pseudoephedrine and the illicit methamphetamine market in Czechia and neighbouring countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Petruzelka
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
Drug Markets ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the relationship between region-specific regulations of medications used in the manufacture of illegal drugs and illegal drug markets. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines a case study of the relationship between the regulation of medications containing pseudoephedrine in Czechia and neighbouring countries and the illegal drug market for methamphetamine in Czechia between 2006 and 2018. The description of this case is based on a review of the literature and a review of publicly available data sources. Findings The tightening of the regulation of medications containing pseudoephedrine in the Czech Republic led, in the years under study, to a gradual decrease in the number of packages sold and simultaneously to the illegal import of such medications from neighbouring countries with less strict regulations. At the same time, shifts in the drug market could be observed: the internationalisation of previously primarily domestic supply chains, the increased involvement of Vietnamese organised crime groups, the emergence of large-scale methamphetamine labs and a shift in production to countries with less strict regulations. The subsequent application of stricter controls in neighbouring countries was accompanied by further shifts in supply chains and increased imports from non-European countries. Practical implications The tightening of regulations of medications within a single country or single region might lead to significant and undesirable changes in drug markets and supply chains. Originality/value This paper provides a novel case study of the development of region-specific regulations of medications and their influence on illegal drug markets and supply chains in the Czech Republic and in the European context.

Public leadership and strategies of Czech municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic – municipal activism vs municipal passivism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Plaček ◽  
David Špaček ◽  
František Ochrana
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Strategic Behavior ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Capital City ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Leadership

PurposeThis paper discusses the role of public leadership and the strategic response of local governments to the external shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors examine the typical Czech response with regard to how the leadership of municipalities in the Czech Republic responded to this extremely negative external stimulus.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use qualitative research methods for this investigation. They have chosen the case study method (see Yin, 2009; Stake, 1995; Klonoski, 2013). The general case is the Czech Republic. Mini-cases consist of municipalities from the Znojmo region, municipalities of the Central Bohemian region and the municipal districts in the capital city of Prague. Furthermore, the method of participant observation was used.FindingsThe authors’ analysis of the problem of local government responses to the pandemic crisis shows that municipal leaders responded with a variety of (non-)adaptation strategies. It appears that certain framework factors influenced the various local governments' behavior.Originality/valueThe article examines the strategic behavior of Czech municipal leaders regarding the pandemic crisis based on the observation of the reactions of local governments in the Czech Republic to the pandemic crisis and strives to define their basic strategies.

Lean home services in Czech Republic

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 784-802
Author(s):  
Felipe Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Size Limits

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an empirical research on the leanness of the home services sector in the Czech Republic. The automotive sector provides reference to argue the numerical outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a specifically designed assessment tool (Lean Index – LI) to determine the sector’s leanness level. Referring to the results from both sectors, the paper draws conclusions about the current leanness level of home services providers. Findings The proposed LI indicates a value of 69.50 per cent for home services providers, whereas the LI for the automotive industry suppliers is 82.88 per cent. This suggests that there are large opportunities for the implementation of lean management in the home services sector. However, the main challenge is to introduce a continuous improvement approach to these companies. Research limitations/implications The sample size limits the generalisation of the research results. However, this paper represents the first empirical attempt to implement a large-scale survey. The results are limited to the Czech Republic. However, parties from other countries have indicated interest to replicate the research. Practical implications This research provides first empirical findings on the possibilities of implementing lean in the home services sector. Future research projects in other sectors will have the opportunity to make use of the LI assessment tool. Originality/value The paper presents the first approach of lean management into the home services sector. It provides valuable information to specialised institutions in the sector about the possibilities of lean management in the sector. It also provides an overview of the sector for practitioners and academics willing to pioneer lean in the sector.

scholarly journals Brand as an innovation—The case of Czech wine

2021 ◽  
pp. 115-124
Author(s):  
Jan Zavodny Pospisil
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
The Other ◽  
Wine Production ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Wine Market ◽  
The One ◽  
The Relationship

The Czech Republic is not a typical wine-growing country, yet winemaking and viticulture are among the oldest Czech crafts. Although the situation is slightly improving today, domestic wine production is not very preferred by Czech consumers since more than two-thirds of the wine that Czechs drink each year is imported. In the long term, the worst situation prevailed with the sales of a young wine. The cause was twofold: On the one hand, the market was already penetrated by imported Beaujolais nouveau, which became a synonym for the young wine. On the other, a peculiar Czechs’ taste for young wine was also an obstacle. As a young wine, many Czechs drink partially fermented must from grapevine fruits called “Burčák”. The young wine market was therefore seemingly penetrated with a low possibility of new brands entering it. The proposed case study will describe an ongoing campaign in which a new brand, “Svatomartinské víno”, was created. With this brand, it was possible to change the Czech consumers’ view of immature wines fundamentally. Thanks to the innovative branding approach, the product, which Czech consumers had neglected for many years, became a superior and must-have product for broad consumers. Also, the relationship between the brand and consumers has been established. The new brand has become a potential for many other related events. Last but not least, the consumption of domestic wine increased, which led to the support of local wineries and related regions.

The effect of a large-scale fishing restriction on angling harvest: a case study of grayling Thymallus thymallus in the Czech Republic

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Lyach ◽  
Jiri Remr
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Thymallus Thymallus ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Recreational Angling ◽  
Harvest Data ◽  
Fish Harvest ◽  
Average Body ◽  
Average Body Weight

In Central Europe, European grayling Thymallus thymallus is an endangered and vanishing fish species with high recreational angling value. For that reason, in January 2016, the minimum legal angling size for grayling was increased from 30 to 40 cm in the Czech Republic. This study evaluated if the increase in minimum angling size had any effect on grayling harvest. Data from 229 fishing sites covering the years 2011–2017 were used in this study. The data originated from individual angling logbooks, collected in the regions of Prague and Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. Over the 7 yr, anglers visited the studied fishing sites 3.6 million times and harvested 105 000 salmonids. Grayling made up only 0.5% of the overall salmonid harvest. The fishing restriction caused a decrease in grayling harvest per visit. It also decreased the contribution of grayling to the overall harvest as well as the number of fishing sites where anglers successfully harvested graylings. Fish stocking was constant during the study period. Increased minimum angling size led to increased average body weight of harvested fish. In conclusion, the increase in minimum angling size significantly affected fish harvest and composition.

The perception of risk in the flood-prone area: a case study from the Czech municipality

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan Kumar Bera ◽  
Petr Daněk
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Crisis Management ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
River Bank ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the risk perceptions and activities of people to reduce impacts of disaster. Design/methodology/approach Case study research has been conducted in village Podhradí nad Dyjí in the Dyje river basin in Czech Republic. Villagers from different age groups, experts, NGO members have been interviewed to understand people’s perceptions of flood risks and their actions. Findings The research has found that changing flood insurance policy influenced people’s risk perception. There is also increasing self-dependency among people to reduce impacts of disaster. They come together to support each other and develop collectivities in managing disaster. People’s actions and willingness to participate in disaster management activities change with distance from the river bank. Research limitations/implications The village identified for the case study research has been affected by floods after implementation of the Crisis Management Act No. 240/2000 Coll. The findings of the study are influenced by geographical location of the municipality and cannot be generalised in the Czech Republic. Practical implications The research has listed physical as well as socio-economic and cultural indicators of risk perception in the Czech Republic. These indicators and outcomes should help to assess and identify the gaps in reducing impacts of floods. Originality/value The study has revealed the interconnection between physical, socio-economic, and cultural factors of risk perception after implementing the Crisis Management Act No. 240/2000 Coll. and changing strategies in disaster management in the Czech Republic.

scholarly journals Employer Organisations and Business Groups in the Czech Republic

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Pinková
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Collective Bargaining ◽  
Interest Group ◽  
Business Groups ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Business Interests ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This article is a case study focusing on employer organisations and business organisations in the Czech Republic. In legal terms, employer organisations are a specific type of interest group with special regimes of registration and record keeping. Unlike business groups, they are endowed with certain privileges and, in particular, can participate in collective bargaining. This study analyses the relations between these two types of groups. The database originates from a questionnaire-based survey undertaken in 2010 among 91 groups representing businesses and employers. The analysis focuses on the relationship between a group’s registration as an employer organisation and its orientation towards employer and business interests. It also investigates similarities between the two organisation types in terms of secondary organisation and strategies used. The analysis suggests that the differences between these two types are minimal and that the possibility of participating in collective bargaining and in tripartite counselling bodies remains the only relevant distinction. This holds true even when we take into account these groups’ self-perceived primary role, i.e. defending their members as employer or as business organisations.

When workfare fails: post-crisis activation reform in the Czech Republic

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 86-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Sirovatka
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Specific Model ◽  
Final Phase ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Work First

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse Czech’s activation reforms enacted since 2006 which culminated in 2010-2012 as radical workfare-like reforms. It also aims to explain which factors have influenced their development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is the case study of activation reforms in one country interpreted within the theoretical framework of the “activation models” and discussion of the factors influencing activation reforms. The design and implementation of the reforms of activation policies are in focus. Institutional analysis is combined with secondary statistical data and survey data. Findings – The author distinguish three phases of the activation reforms: the initial phase of activation (work first), the radical phase (workfare) and the failure of radical workfare as the final phase. The key argument is that the main factors leading to the radical workfare version of activation were the political factors combined with institutional factors, particularly, the specific model of policy making (the so-called “compost model”). Ironically, this model which has enabled fast and radical workfare-like reforms was also the main reason why the reforms failed. Originality/value – The paper is innovative since it explains the specific features of the activation reforms in the Czech Republic, distinguishing workfare from other models of activation, and identifying the factors which have played a role in shaping these features. The in-depth case study of one country provides the evidence on the role of the specific factors and helps the author to understand the motives, the design and the implementation of activation reforms in their mutual relationships. The specific role of the institutional legacy in the new circumstances is emphasized.

scholarly journals Decarbonising real estate

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-408
Author(s):  
Sara Jane Wilkinson ◽  
Sarah Sayce
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Residential Property ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose About 27 per cent of the total UK carbon emissions are attributed to residential buildings; therefore, improvements to the energy efficiency of the stock offers great potential. There are three main ways to achieve this. First is a mandatory approach, minimum energy efficiency standards are set and applied to new and existing buildings. Option 2 is voluntary, using energy ratings that classify performance to stimulate awareness and action. Third, financial measures, incentives and taxes, are applied to “nudge” behaviours. Most westernised countries have adopted a combination of Options 2 and 3, with the belief that the market will incentivize efficient properties. The belief is voluntary measures will stimulate demand, leading to value premiums. This paper aims to seek a deeper understanding of the relationship between energy efficiency and the value of residential property in Europe and, by so doing, to determine whether stronger policies are required to realise decarbonisation. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the current academic literature and large-scale quantitative studies conducted in Europe, mostly using hedonic pricing analysis to seek a relationship between energy performance certificates (EPCs) and either capital or rental values. It compares these to the reported findings of three case study projects that take a variety of different research approaches, all of which have the ambition to understand market behaviours and stimulate occupier or/and owner demand for energy efficient buildings. Findings The large-scale academic study results generally show a positive relationship between observed market prices and EPCs, which are commonly taken as surrogates for efficiency; however, outcomes are variable. One large study found energy upgrades may increase value, but not to the point where costs outweigh the value gain. Other studies found high returns on investment in energy efficiency technologies. The case study projects, however, revealed a more nuanced set of arguments in terms of the relationship between energy efficiency and market behaviours. Whilst there is some evidence that energy efficiency is beginning to impact on value, it is small compared to other value drivers; other drivers, including health, well-being and private sector finance deals, may prove more powerful market drivers. Further, the empirical findings reported point towards the emergence of a “brown” discount being more likely to be the long-term trend than a green premium. It is concluded that the current levels of action are unlikely to deliver the levels of decarbonisation urgently needed. Research limitations/implications This is a desktop study of other European studies that may have collected data on slightly different variables. Practical implications This study shows that more action is required to realise decarbonisation in new and existing residential property in the European states considered. The sector offers potential for substantial reductions, and other mandatory approaches need to be considered. Originality/value This is a timely review of the current outcomes of European programmes (EPCs) adopted in several countries to increase energy efficiency in the residential sector through a voluntary mechanism. The results show that more action is needed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document