Derick Boyd and Ron Smith
There is a growing consensus that monetary policy occupies a primary position in macroeconomic management. This study aims to analyse how monetary policy performed in a sample of…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a growing consensus that monetary policy occupies a primary position in macroeconomic management. This study aims to analyse how monetary policy performed in a sample of Caribbean countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a univariate analysis on the price variables to conduct a comparative analysis on inflation and to examine the background to the relationship between mean inflation and inflation persistence.
Findings
In a descriptive statistics analysis, framed within the discretion versus rules debate, the paper argues that there is not only an association between monetary policy, inflation and economic performance but also that the institutional contexts provided varying degrees of constraints on policy.
Originality/value
The paper provides further confirmation that monetary policy occupies a primary position in macroeconomic management.
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Keywords
Sonny Nwankwo, Kazem Chaharbaghi and Derick Boyd
The purpose of this paper is to explore different prisms through which sustainable development (SD) is considered and to situate the discourse in African contexts by highlighting…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore different prisms through which sustainable development (SD) is considered and to situate the discourse in African contexts by highlighting the contestations in which the conventional knowledge of SD is embedded as well as an agenda for improving the institutional framework for productive engagement of Africa nations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on desk research and synthesis drawn from the extant literature.
Findings
The orthodox knowledge of SD reflects axioms that are inextricably liked to the idiosyncrasies of the developed world; framed in opinions, languages and meanings that are poorly communicated to and understood by rural Africa. As a result, many African countries have remained bystanders in this important global discourse.
Practical implications
To engage Africa proactively, a more broadened perspective is required in promoting the global agenda for SD, taking more account of the continent's contextual subjectivities than is presently the case.
Originality/value
The treatment offered indicates a need for more context‐bound education (not prescriptions) that is sufficiently sensitive and respectful of the complex trajectories characterising Africa's development (or lack of it). It is from this knowledge base that a useful SD agenda for the region might emerge.
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This paper explores the labour‐market status and experience of racial minorities in Canada, and examines and criticises labour‐market policy which ignores the employment and…
Abstract
This paper explores the labour‐market status and experience of racial minorities in Canada, and examines and criticises labour‐market policy which ignores the employment and socio‐economic disadvantage of this group. The main argument of this discussion is that racial minorities as a whole encounter racial discrimination in the Canadian labour market, and new racial minority immigrants face compounded obstacles. This is due to the lack of adequate policy initiatives to combat the racism they experience in the attempt to find suitable employment, and to labour‐market policies which exclude services to immigrants. Examples of such obstacles are evident in the Canadian Job Strategy to be discussed below.
Stephen Baglione, Louis Tucci, William Smith and Joanne Snead
This study forces respondents to tradeoff between invasive human resource practices and salary.
Abstract
Purpose
This study forces respondents to tradeoff between invasive human resource practices and salary.
Design/methodology/approach
Respondents evaluated 16 calibration profiles to estimate a conjoint model among four categories: pre-employment, employment at the office, employment outside the office, and salary. Each profile included one level from the four categories.
Findings
In a study of mostly full-time employees, conditions at work were paramount. Salary was second followed closely by pre-employment monitoring. Monitoring outside of the office was a distance last.
Practical implications
In a tight employment market, salary may not be the deciding selection factor for employment.
Originality/value
Employee monitoring is advancing dramatically and making human resource activities commonplace and invasive. This study forces respondents to confront these practices and determine whether salary can compensate for their acceptance.
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Elizabeth Breeze, Nicola Jean Hart, Dag Aarsland, Catherine Moody and Carol Brayne
– The purpose of this paper is to scope potential and gaps in European cohort studies with focus on brain ageing and neurodegeneration.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to scope potential and gaps in European cohort studies with focus on brain ageing and neurodegeneration.
Design/methodology/approach
Combined and augmented two scoping exercises conducted for European Union Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Diseases (JPND) and the Alzheimer Society UK.
Findings
In total, 106 cohorts initially identified with a further 52 found on second sweep. Strengths include gender balance, diversity of measures and much detail on health and health behaviours, and lifecourse representation. Major gaps identified were the oldest old, non-Caucasians, people in Eastern Europe, migrant populations, rural residents and people in long-term care. Quality of life, psychosocial and environmental factors were limited. Relatively few cohorts are population representative. Analytical methods for combining studies and longitudinal analysis require careful consideration.
Research limitations/implications
European studies and published information only.
Practical implications
Collaboration across disciplines and studies, greater dissemination of methods and findings will improve knowledge about cognitive and functional decline in current and future older populations.
Social implications
Better understanding of brain ageing and the dementia syndrome will improve investment decisions for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.
Originality/value
Building on the work of JPND and the Alzheimer Society is the first study of the scope and limitations of current cohorts in Europe. It is designed to help researchers and policy makers in their planning.