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771. The Internationalization of Firms in the Service Industries: Channels, Determinants and Sectoral Patterns

Author:
Fulvio Castellacci
Publication Date:
12-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
The paper presents the results of a new survey on the international activities of Norwegian enterprises in various service industries. The survey focuses on three main internationalization channels: international sales, international cooperation and R outsourcing. The empirical analysis studies the relevance of these channels, and investigates the related strategies, objectives and determinants. International sales and collaborations emerge as the two most relevant channels, whereas the scope for R outsourcing seems to be far more limited. The analysis of the determinants of international activities suggests three main results: (1) the innovative capability of firms matters for their international performance; (2) the various internationalization channels seem to be complement, rather than substitute, strategies to compete in foreign markets; (3) sectoral specificities greatly affect firms' internationalization strategies and performance.
Topic:
Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Markets
Political Geography:
Europe

772. Brazil: Bright Prospects or Dark Portents?

Author:
Matthew M. Taylor
Publication Date:
01-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
The Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations
Institution:
School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University
Abstract:
Brazil is an island on its continent, separated from its neighbors by an ocean of history, culture, and language. And yet whither Brazil, so too Latin America. The country accounts for a sixth of the region's trade, and more than a third of its GDP and its population. In addition to its large share in all cross-regional quantitative measures, Brazil's weight is geopolitical as well, with the country playing a central role among leading emerging markets. The state of affairs in Brazil, then, is of enormous concern to its neighbors, and should be of great concern to the rest of the world as well.
Topic:
Markets
Political Geography:
Brazil, Latin America, and Island

773. Kumasi Marketing Strategy: Tourism

Author:
Dario Cacciatore, Andre Le, Nicholas Levi-Gardes, Antonio Lopez Reus, and Kenny Sai-Kin Hsu
Publication Date:
09-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
Kumasi needs to position itself strategically as a cultural destination, communicate its attributes more effectively to tourists already in Ghana and differentiate itself from other cities and attractions Position should entail marketing a larger cultural region than just Kumasi Several positioning statements can transmit Kumasi's new marketing strategy: Kumasi - Heart of the Kingdom of Ashanti. Ashanti - The Hidden Kingdom. Kumasi - Come and See! Kumasi is well placed to capitalize on the growth of tourism in Ghana due to its status as a cultural capital The financial impact of tourism growth is potentially significant for the city and its surrounding districts The creation of the Ashanti Region Marketing Corporation is fundamental to proper coordination among stakeholders.
Topic:
Development, Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Markets
Political Geography:
Africa

774. Assessing Infrastructure Constraints on Business Activity in Kumasi, Ghana

Author:
Ginger Baker
Publication Date:
09-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
The development of urban infrastructure is intimately connected with the process of economic growth. Businesses depend on reliable water and electricity sources, affordable and plentiful land for expansion and modern transportation networks to reach the markets they serve. Inadequate infrastructure can deter investments and lead to a general climate of economic decline.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Markets, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
Africa and Ghana

775. Bamboo Bicycles in Kumasi, Ghana

Publication Date:
04-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and investment opportunity of implementing a bamboo bicycle production facility in Kumasi, Ghana, in conjunction with the Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI) at Columbia University. For this assessment, desk-based research and interviews with industry and regional subject matter specialists were completed to assist with the following objectives: Understand the current transportation modes and bicycle market in Ghana Assess customer needs in Ghana to determine the suitability of a bamboo bicycle for rural use Identify the potential market size and demand Understand the operational considerations and costs associated with implementing a production facility Estimate the financial returns from investing in this opportunity.
Topic:
Development and Markets
Political Geography:
Africa and Ghana

776. Sugar in Kisumu,kenya

Publication Date:
11-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
An investor, seeking to financially benefit from producing sugar as a commodity in Kisumu, Kenya, needs to consider the entire investment environment before making a decision. Since Kenya is a net importer of sugar, domestic demand cannot be satisfied by domestic production, which creates a potential opportunity for an investor looking to bridge the gap. As a result, an opportunity may exist for an investor who wants to play a significant role in the future of the industry. Sugar, produced as a commodity within Kisumu, may have the ability to compete on a global scale if time, investment, and governmental support align.
Topic:
Agriculture, Development, Globalization, Markets, and Foreign Direct Investment
Political Geography:
Kenya and Africa

777. Improving Educational Quality in Honduras: Building a Demand-Driven Education Market

Author:
Fernando Yitzack Pavon
Publication Date:
05-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Woodrow Wilson School Journal of Public and International Affairs
Institution:
Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University
Abstract:
The Honduras Poverty Assessment consistently suggests that low levels of growth and persistent poverty in Honduras are linked to low levels of human capital formation (World Bank 2006c). The Honduran education system faces the common problems of general service provision, including lack of affordable access, poor administration, low technical quality, low teacher accountability and stagnant productivity.
Topic:
Education and Markets
Political Geography:
Honduras

778. Can Raúl Castro Revive Cuba's Private Sector?

Author:
Raj M. Desai
Publication Date:
03-2008
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Brookings Institution
Abstract:
With Raúl Castro's selection as president of Cuba, the post-Fidel era has begun. Raúl has affirmed that the country will remain on the Socialist path. But during his tenure he is likely to face growing pressures to reform to the Cuban economy.
Topic:
Markets
Political Geography:
Cuba, Latin America, and Caribbean

779. Monetary and financial cooperation in Asia: taking stock of recent ongoings

Author:
Ramkishen S. Rajan
Publication Date:
01-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Relations of the Asia-Pacific
Institution:
Japan Association of International Relations
Abstract:
Ever since the currency crisis of 1997–98, there has been a great deal of interest in enhancing regional economic cooperation in Asia. It is important to keep in mind that economic regionalism is of multidimensional nature. The focus of this paper is on policy initiatives underway in Asia to enhance monetary and financial regionalism and the analytical bases for these initiatives, rather than on examining the de facto level of financial and monetary links that already exists (which may or may not have been facilitated via regional policy mechanisms). There are many gradations of monetary and financial regionalism, ranging from the weak form involving regional policy dialog and surveillance, on the one hand, to exchange rate and monetary coordination, on the other. To maintain focus, this paper concentrates more narrowly on 'medium forms' of monetary and financial regionalism, broadly defined as the development of regional liquidity arrangements and regional financial markets.
Topic:
Markets
Political Geography:
Asia

780. Contesting soft power: Japanese popular culture in East and Southeast Asia

Author:
Nissim Kadosh Otmazgin
Publication Date:
01-2008
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
International Relations of the Asia-Pacific
Institution:
Japan Association of International Relations
Abstract:
During the last two decades, Japanese popular culture industries have massively penetrated East Asia's markets and their products have been widely disseminated and consumed. In this region, Japan has recently emerg ed as a cultural power, in addition to representing an industrial forerunner and model. The aim of this article is to explore the connection between popular culture and soft power by analyzing the activities of the Japanese popular culture industries in East Asia, and by examining the images their products disseminates. This study is based on export data, market surveys, and interviews with media industry personnel and consumers in five cities in East Asia, arguing that the impact of the Japanese popular culture lies in shaping this region's cultural markets and in disseminating new images of Japan, but not in exerting local influence or in creating Japanese-dominated 'spheres of influence'.
Topic:
Markets
Political Geography:
Japan and East Asia