Noordin Sopite, Chew Lay See and Lim Siang Jin (eds.). ASI:.""AN at the OOSSToads: Obstacles, Options and Opportunities in Economic Cooperatjon. Malaysia: Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) 1987.577 pp.Price: (hardbound edition) USS 25.

1988 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-222
Author(s):  
Khwaja Sarmad
Keyword(s):  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Preferential Trade ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Asean Member ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Preferential Trading Arrangements

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established In 1967 as a loosely structured inter-governmental organization, which provided a framework for discussing problems that required a regional solution. For a long time, the reduction of regional political tensions remained the main concern of ASEAN. Serious efforts towards promoting intra-regional co-operation began in 1976 with emphasis on trade liberalization and industrial co-operation. But apart from a few cases, involving the regional economies and collective external bargaining, the record of economic co-operation has been poor, because of different levels of economic development of the member countries, mutually competitive exports.. inward• looking industrial policies and heavy dependence on the industrialized countries for investment, technology and trade. So far, there have been only three intra-ASEAN agreements to promote market sharing and a pooling of resources: the preferential trade arrangements, the industrial complementation agreement, designed to develop links in certain industries to achieve greater economies of scale, and the industrial joint venture agreement, which provides preferential treatment for products of joint ventures involving the companies of at least two ASEAN member countries. However the joint venture scheme has had only limited success because of delays in implementation, while the scope of the preferential trading arrangements has been limited by the consensus approach in solving outstanding issues and by the concern of higher-tariff member countries to protect domestic production and employment. As a result, tariffs have been reduced only on intra-regional trade of selected non-sensitive items. Most of the items covered in the preferential trade agreements have low trade content and minimal trade potential. The arrangements have also been difficult to manage because of problems of administering the rules of origin.

Diet Quality, a Term Subject to Change over Time

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Elmadfa ◽  
Alexa L. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Quality Factors ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
Important Quality ◽  
Health And Well Being

A high-quality diet is one of the foundations of health and well-being. For a long time in human history, diet was chiefly a source of energy and macronutrients meant to still hunger and give the strength for work and activities that were in general much harder than nowadays. Only few persons could afford to emphasize enjoyment. In the assessment of quality, organoleptic properties were major criteria to detect spoilage and oxidative deterioration of food. Today, food hygiene is a quality aspect that is often taken for granted by consumers, despite its lack being at the origin of most food-borne diseases. The discovery of micronutrients entailed fundamental changes of the concept of diet quality. However, non-essential food components with additional health functions were still barely known or not considered important until recently. With the high burden of obesity and its associated diseases on the rise, affluent, industrialized countries have developed an increased interest in these substances, which has led to the development of functional foods to optimize special body functions, reduce disease risk, or even contribute to therapeutic approaches. Indeed, nowadays, high contents of energy, fat, and sugar are factors associated with a lower quality of food, and products with reduced amounts of these components are valued by many consumers. At the same time, enjoyment and convenience are important quality factors, presenting food manufacturers with the dilemma of reconciling low fat content and applicability with good taste and appealing appearance. Functional foods offer an approach to address this challenge. Deeper insights into nutrient-gene interactions may enable personalized nutrition adapted to the special needs of individuals. However, so far, a varied healthy diet remains the best basis for health and well-being.

scholarly journals THE EMERGENCE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN CHINA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Krause ◽  
◽  
Nadiya Golda ◽  
Iryna Pinyak ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Automobile Industry ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Engineering Industry ◽  
General Motors ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
Car Market

The engineering industry, including the automotive industry, belongs to the strategic branches of the country’s economy and to a large extent determines the level of development. The Chinese automobile industry dates back to 1953, and the first automobile factory, the First Automobile Works (FAW), was started in Beijing. Over the next few years, several more car factories were established in Nanjing, Khanhai, Jinan and Beijing. The requirements of funds, technologies and automotive modernization stimulated the attraction of external investment. A number of restrictive measures have been adopted to curb external competition, reduce car imports and attract innovative technologies, including high tariff and non-tariff barriers, screening, and restrictions on foreign capital, Limiting market share to foreign companies. When signing the joint-venture agreement, the Chinese side insisted on technology transfer and subordination to the Chinese leadership. Volkswagen first built a car factory in China. Today almost every progressive car company is represented in the Chinese car market, such as Mercedes-Bens, Ford, General Motors, Suzuki, Daihatsu, Honda, Subaru, Citreon, Toyota. Most of them have partnerships with one of China’s top three car manufacturers. American, European, and Japanese automakers see China as a promising market as demand for vehicles in the US and Europe shrinks. To the Chinese automobile market, the cars are made according to the requirements of the local consumer – conservative, with high-quality design, low and middle price segment. Since 2009, foreign automobile companies have accounted for 85% of the Chinese car market. About 60% of the cars sold in China are locally produced. However, China’s automobile industry is highly fragmented and mostly consists of small companies that produce a small range of components. Such production is labour-intensive with relatively low use of advanced technologies compared to car manufacturers in developed countries, often lacking economies of scale. Research expenditure accounts for a large part of the expenditure structure. Most companies produce low-tech parts with significant import presence.

Standardization of Lightweight Structure Via Design One Build Many Solution

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syakira Saadon ◽  
Norhazrin Azmi ◽  
Prabagar Murukesavan ◽  
Norsham Nordin ◽  
Salman Saad
Keyword(s):  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Scale Efficiency ◽  
Development Costs ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Execution Strategy ◽  
Small Fields ◽  
Lightweight Structure ◽  
Multiple Challenges

Abstract Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) is embarking on the implementation of the Design One Build Many (D1BM) concept, an integrated approach on design standardization, replication and volume consolidation for light weight fit for purpose wellhead platforms - also known as Lightweight Structure (LWS). The objective of the standardization is to enable monetization of marginal and small fields by improving project economics that are challenged with the high development costs and conventional execution schedules. Traditionally, projects are developed through a "bespoke" design which requires a specific engineering study during the Front End Loading (FEL) phase to cater for the field specific requirements. In addition, once the project has been sanctioned, it is a must to undergo tendering and bidding activities which can increase field monetization duration by four to five months. The current "bespoke" design has resulted in non-standardization, loss of opportunity for volume consolidation and ultimately longer time for field monetization. Although the Design One Build Many principles were known for a long time, but they were rather project oriented. Thus this emerging solution is a result of synthesizing multiple challenges with the goal to establish an end-to-end systematic approach in monetizing marginal and small fields by lowering development cost and monetization duration. There will be standardized sets of Base Design and a flexible Catalogue items to cater for standardized add on items. Lessons learned incorporation upon the repeated design and standardized execution strategy including Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning could also help in improving the delivery efficiency for the lightweight structure. The greater collaboration across fields and blocks will give significant added advantage through economies of scale efficiency and eventually increase in the overall project value.

Chang'an Automobile and the Chinese automotive industry

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Roberto ◽  
Grace Chun Guo ◽  
Crystal X. Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Auto Industry ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Foreign Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa

TitleChang'an Automobile and the Chinese automotive industry.Subject areaInternational businessStudy level/applicabilityUndergraduate/graduate/executive education.Case overviewChina has become the world's largest producer of automobiles, surpassing the USA and Japan. The Chinese auto industry differs quite significantly from those countries though. While the industry exhibits a substantial degree of concentration in the USA and Japan in early 2011, it remained highly fragmented in China. The Chinese Central Government had announced a desire for consolidation, yet it remained unclear whether a significant shakeout would occur in the near term.Like many Chinese automakers, Chang'an partnered with well‐known global auto makers to develop, produce, and distribute its products. In the coming years, Chang'an hoped to develop more independence from its foreign partners, including the production and distribution of self‐branded cars. However, the company grappled with how it could strive for independence while managing its existing joint ventures. Executives worried too about how to compete with foreign automakers who had achieved global economies of scale.The case provides a rich description of the evolution of the Chinese auto industry, and it documents how the Chinese industry differs from other global markets. Readers can analyze the extent to which they believe scale economies provide foreign firms an advantage over smaller Chinese rivals, and they can evaluate the conventional wisdom regarding the industry's minimum efficient scale. The case also provides a detailed account of Chang'an's rise to prominence. The case concludes by offering an in‐depth description of the firm's key rivals, and it presents the key questions being considered by Chang'an executives in 2011.Expected learning outcomesEnables students to examine how and why an industry's structure can differ substantially across geographic markets. Enables students to examine whether the need to achieve economies of scale may cause substantial consolidation in the Chinese auto industry. Provides an opportunity to evaluate the pros and cons of the joint venture strategies employed in China. Provides an opportunity to examine how a relatively small firm can position itself against large multinationals in a high‐growth emerging market.Supplementary materialsTeaching notes.

scholarly journals Sociological Study of Harmony in Diversity: Lessons from Salatiga

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-98
Author(s):  
Andika Dwiarta Putra ◽  
Daru Purnomo ◽  
Alvianto Wahyudi Utomo
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Sociological Study ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Community Or ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Government

Salatiga is known for its diversity as there are more than 33 tribes living harmoniously together in this city. The existence of two religious-based education institutions, i.e. Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana and Institut Agama Islam Negeri Salatiga further proves the diversity of this city that already exists. Moreover, Salatiga respectively gained the predicate as the most top 10 tolerant cities in Indonesia within three years from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that promotes tolerance. Based on functional-structural paradigm, society is assumed to be an organic system that has relationships among its parts to maintain the existing system. This study uses the constructivism approach with qualitative methods. The harmony established by CSOs, NGOs, the Government, and religious leaders through programs or activities is aimed to provide motivation and encouragement to the community or society so that they are able to maintain harmony amidst the diversity in Salatiga. Yet, it does not mean that there are no problems or obstacles threating this harmony such as the acts of radicalism from the groups originating from outside Salatiga. The radical groups are trying to mess the tolerance and harmony that has been established for a long time in Salatiga.

scholarly journals Determine the impact of the implementation of the program checklists resulting from official inspections in identifying hazards in an automotive industry

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
GH Halvani ◽  
M Sahraee
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Accident Prevention ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Check List ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Library Method

Introduction: Nowdays, the main concern of the responsible organizations in the field of safety is identifying and eliminating the dangers that threaten people`s lives and it can cause damage. Perhaps it can be said with caution that today there are so many incidents in the industrialized countries. A common approach to safety analysis and accident prevention is  inspection. The purpose of this study is determining the impact of the implementation of the schedule of checklist resulting from official inspections in identifying hazards in an automotive industry. Methods:The library and scrolling method was used to collect data. In the theoretical sections, a questionnaire was developed using a library method and a scrolling method was used to collect data. In this research, descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the information. The samples were reviewed along with numerous charts. And the data were entered into the stata software for analysis. Results: In this study, 716 items are marked with a check list, 459 (0.64%) risk befor and 579 (0.81%) the risk was detected after a checklist. There was a significant difference between the two ratios. In other words, the implementation of the checklist is effective in identifying the dangers. Conclusion: Regarding the fact that in the case study company, the checklist did not play a major role in hazard identification and was not included in the checklist. It`s better to take advantage of checklist. Based on the results of these studes, it can be concluded that checklist inspections can have a significant impact on the identification of hazards.

scholarly journals Contemporary Business Transformation Trends and Opportunities in Corporate Companies in the Global Economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Jose Prabhu
Keyword(s):  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Business Cycles ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Business Transformation ◽  
Business Change ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Usage Stage

Looking forward, 2020 will be a time of some retribution for digital initiatives and that is eventually uplifting news. 2020 will even now observe the fast scaling of advanced activities across businesses. The previous barely any a long time in business have been described by a progression of basic moves in the manner organizations work and structure themselves. As they continued looking for more prominent efficiencies, economies of scale or lower costs, organizations have held onto patterns, for example, redistributing, offshoring, and mergers and acquisitions, while fast mechanical advancement has changed the manner in which data is shared and imparted, and the manner in which business cycles and exchanges are directed. In spite of the fact that patterns, for example, offshoring, mergers and acquisitions, and enormous scope IT ventures can have various targets and require various aptitudes, they are largely instances of business change. Each kind of task expects heads to set clear goals, to guarantee that those points are perceived by everybody in the association, and to zero in cautiously on the usage stage so the destinations are accomplished. To put it plainly, each venture is tied in with overseeing huge scope change – something that in the present exceptionally circulated, worldwide association is a perplexing and requesting undertaking. In light of an overview and methodical surveys investigates the patterns that are driving business change and takes a gander at the difficulties and openings introduced by this indispensable part of contemporary business.

Determinants of health at work in the EU15

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marine Coupaud
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
European Working ◽  
European Working Conditions Survey

Purpose Workers’ health is a main concern in industrialized countries. The structural evolution of the labor market should have encouraged better working conditions, as should have increasing interest in corporate social responsibility. But work arduousness takes new forms as work organizations evolve. All workers are potentially affected by onerous working conditions. The purpose of this paper is to explore all types of working conditions that may affect workers. Design/methodology/approach The author creates four indicators of working conditions using the multiple correspondence analysis and also analyzes how they relate to the workers’ physical and mental health using a logit model. Findings Performing the analysis on data from the third and fifth waves of the European Working Conditions Survey, the author presents the results showing the growing importance of interpersonal relationships at work and observes a rise in inequalities in terms of health over the period 2000-2010 for people belonging to the vulnerable categories: women and lower-income groups. Originality/value The author offers to describe the evolution of the working conditions of the European workers over an interesting period during which many changes took place. Moreover, this paper investigates the respective impacts of different types of working conditions to come up with policy recommendations.

Nationwide Regulatory Reform Starting from China’s Free Trade Zones

2019 ◽  
pp. 87-99
Author(s):  
Jie (Jeanne) Huang
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade ◽  
Foreign Investment ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Regulatory Reform ◽  
Special Economic Zones ◽  
Free Trade Zones ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Tax Holidays ◽  
Economic Zones ◽  
Trade And Investment

Before conducting profound reforms of the trade and investment legal framework, China often implements the reform on a small scale, generally in specified geographic zones as testing grounds. After these testing grounds generate fruitful results, the reform may be implemented nationwide. A typical example is the five special economic zones established in the 1980s. After the Cultural Revolution, the first round of Chinese regulatory reform in trade and investment took place in 1978. Led by the late Premier Deng Xiaoping, China implemented the opening-up policy. Deng established five special economic zones to attract foreign investment by allowing a greater role for individual autonomy and Western-style market forces. Lessons learned from the special economic zones were implemented nationwide. For example, the corporate Sino-foreign joint venture was first tested in special economic zones and, after it proved successful, was adopted nationwide. These zones are also the pioneers in China to use tax holidays to attract foreign investment and many regions in inland China followed their example. In the 1990s, special economic zones gradually ended their mission as testing grounds. Among all the regulatory reforms conducted in the free trade zones (FTZs), adopting a negative list to regulate the foreign investment market access is important, because it significantly departs from China’s long-time domestic practice and aims to bridge China’s investment law with high-standard international agreements. This chapter focuses on the negative list adopted by China’s FTZs to regulate access to foreign investment markets and explores its significance, analyses its insufficiencies, and proposes suggestions for improvement.

scholarly journals Are Preferential Trading Arrangements Trade-Liberalizing or Protectionist?

1999 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne O Krueger
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Free Trade ◽  
Free Trade Agreements ◽  
Trade Agreements ◽  
Trading System ◽  
Preferential Trade ◽  
Multilateral Trading System ◽  
Preferential Trading ◽  
Preferential Trading Arrangements

Preferential trade arrangements, and especially free trade agreements, have mushroomed in importance in the 1990s. This has revived research on the effects of these arrangements, both on the welfare of the member countries and those excluded, and on the momentum for further liberalization of the open multilateral trading system. This paper reviews the analyses and evidence to date as to these effects, showing that analytically anything can happen and that, to date, there has been insufficient experience to draw conclusions from empirical evidence.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document