A macroeconomic potential describing structural change of the economy

For the purpose of describing change in an economy's structure, and addressing issues of transformation, the notion of a time-dependent macroeconomic potential function is introduced. It penalizes deviations from equilibrium (entrepreneurial error) and induces moves toward equilibrium. Thus, from the concept of a potential function is derived the concept of short-term and long-term change forces. We focus here on the long-term structural changes of an economy as distinct from short-term cyclical variations, and we represent economic transformations as phase-transitions between monostable and ambiguous bistable states of the economy. One important feature of the potential function approach is that the parameter of the potential can be determined from empirical data. In particular, the parameters can be regressed for input variables. Hence, a relationship has been established between the structural change force and a set of input variables, some of which are controlled in part by either public or private sector agents. The method has been applied to West German and United States industry data for 1950–1980.     

The use of analytical methods and tools in international negotiations: A practitioner's perspective

This paper presents a practitioner's perspective on the use of systematic analytical techniques to improve the practice of international negotiations, primarily in a multilateral context. A generic model of the negotiation process is presented and the utility of various analytical methodologies is evaluated against the component functions described by the model. Overall, analytical tools for negotiation support are viewed as most useful in the prenegotiation phase. Conclusions are based primarily on practical experience, not on theories of negotiation.     

Line balancing techniques as used for just-in-time ( JIT) product line optimization

This paper looks at the optimization of a production line similar to a just-in-time ( JIT) production flow line. It discusses the planning process, the types of products that can be ff e ectively processed on a JIT line, and the presently available procedures that should be followed when trying to optimize the production line. The article discusses the shortcomings of these techniques, then, based on research investigations, proceeds to recommend a process that will help assure optimization of a JIT process.     

Kulturdiverse Teams im Rahmen internationaler Organisationsentwicklung

This article focuses on difficulties, internationally oriented organizational development projects, are confronted with when speaking in terms of culturalism. Triggered by cultural differences, different mental maps and behaviour patterns develop within members of different cultures. The challenge consists in finding mutuality (unity) in diversity. For this purpose, the theoretical concepts of multiculturalism and transculturalism will be explored in terms of their usefulness and contrasted with each other. To master the identified challenge a practical 4-stage process of transcending different cultures is suggested which, from a systematical perspective, possibly generates new qualities.     

Pole Pole Watamu — Langsam, langsam, weißer Mann!

?Time“ is an invention of man and as well as space it is a principal tool for organizational purposes, and it is necessary to find consensus about it. In the age of virtual reality it becomes more and more unnecessary to maintain a structure of space and time. Therefore, methods of group dynamics become more important that help to establish ?time-consensus“.     

On-line bin packing with restricted repacking

Semi-on-line algorithms for the bin-packing problem allow, in contrast to pure on-line algorithms, the use of certain types of additional operations for each step. Examples include repacking, reordering or lookahead before packing the items. Here we define and analyze a semi-on-line algorithm where for each step at most k items can be repacked, for some positive integer k. We prove that the upper bound for the asymptotic competitive ratio of the algorithm is a decreasing function of k, which tends to 3/2 as k goes to infinity. We also establish lower bounds for this ratio and show that the gap between upper and lower bounds is relatively small.     

A multi-level cost–benefit approach for regulatory decision support in food safety and quality assurance scenarios

In complex policy decision situations where policy objectives cannot be reached alone through the aggregate actions of individual actors, the classical approaches for measuring the effects of regulatory initiatives such as cost–benefit analysis do not provide the information necessary for decision support. This paper discusses a framework for a multi-level analysis approach that could provide decision support in multi-level policy decision situations.