Although much of the debate about financial regulation tends to be focused at product, firm or market level, international trade agreements are of growing importance. This paper…
Abstract
Although much of the debate about financial regulation tends to be focused at product, firm or market level, international trade agreements are of growing importance. This paper explains why these ‘macro’ rides have come into existence and examines some of the more important at a multilateral and at a regional level. Recent trade agreements have major consequences for trade in financial services, the rights of establishment and the way financial markets will develop. They provide a framework for nation states to affect both the pace and nature of linkages between domestic and international markets. As such this design of the rules for financial services is, in part at least, the design of markets by regulators. The paper examines some of the more important rides and comments on linkages to other areas of regulatory activity.
Discusses the 1988 Basle Accord and the effect it had on banks internationally plus the more recent amendments dealing with various matters and the 1999 proposals that promise…
Abstract
Discusses the 1988 Basle Accord and the effect it had on banks internationally plus the more recent amendments dealing with various matters and the 1999 proposals that promise change. Posits that the 1999 proposals envisage three pillars with definite aims, these are examined in depth. Concludes that the Basle approach has real merits with credit being pushed to the limit by firms’ involvement in this system.
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For many years, the banking industry has required close supervision owing to its central yet delicate role in economic life. In a short time, the business has moved from a local…
Abstract
For many years, the banking industry has required close supervision owing to its central yet delicate role in economic life. In a short time, the business has moved from a local, country‐based jurisdiction to a global arena, on a massive scale. This development has forced regulation to adopt an international perspective, to keep in step with the commercial developments. This paper analyses this move from local to global regulation of banking, finding that the efforts seem to be reactive rather than proactive. In addition, the regulatory endeavours have become enmeshed in international economic competition, and sophisticated regulatory arbitrage is being conducted on a global playing field. Thus, regulatory objectives and standards are being increasingly compromised or subverted. Paradoxically, just as the banking business is becoming increasingly risky and scandalous, regulation is becoming weaker, posing serious challenges to the future of the world economy and society.
Recent work carried out by the Centre for Workand Labour Market Studies into the labour marketcharacteristics of the long‐term unemployed in theSouth Coast Region of New South…
Abstract
Recent work carried out by the Centre for Work and Labour Market Studies into the labour market characteristics of the long‐term unemployed in the South Coast Region of New South Wales bears a close similarity in scope and methodology to the work by Barry Thomas and the Study group at Durham University reported in this journal in 1990 (Thomas, B., “Long‐term Unemployment: A Local Labour Market Study”, International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 11 No. 1, 1990, pp. 13‐20). However, sufficient differences emerge between the two studies to indicate that a set of generalised propositions on the make‐up and motivations of the long‐term unemployed may still be some way off and is likely to contain significant country‐specific components.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the regulatory, policy and market‐based approaches taken to incorporate biodiversity conservation in the management of urban growth in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the regulatory, policy and market‐based approaches taken to incorporate biodiversity conservation in the management of urban growth in Sydney and more broadly in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state. Problems associated with managing Sydney's growth – particularly from the intersection of dealing with perceived property rights and the protection of natural resources such as biodiversity – are identified, and the scope for hybrid “smart regulation” is examined.
Design/methodology/approach
The relevant issues are illustrated through significant State Government development decisions relating to the retention of biodiversity in the new growth areas of Sydney.
Findings
The paper argues that to better integrate biodiversity conservation in Australian cities a mixed approach be adopted in which a number of tools are utilised – and that this needs to occur in the context of a sound overarching strategic planning framework. This constitutes a hybrid approach involving a “fixed” strategic spatial plan informing statutory‐based regulation primarily through zoning and other development controls, augmented by a range of market based tools implemented through statute and common law measures such as conservation covenants.
Originality/value
Singular reliance on traditional “command and control” regulatory approaches as both a cause and ineffectual solution to the problems faced in biodiversity conservation is highlighted. Newer “market based” mechanisms which are being introduced (e.g. biobanking), or should be adopted (e.g. transferable development rights), and management at the strategic level (e.g. biodiversity certification), are examined.
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Travis L. Wagner and Archie Crowley
The purpose of this paper is to deploy a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to consider exclusionary practices enacted by academic libraries as evidenced through resource…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deploy a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to consider exclusionary practices enacted by academic libraries as evidenced through resource provision. Specifically, this paper looks at the inclusion of trans and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals in library guides, TGNC naming practices in abstracts and the physical shelving of transgender studies texts. This paper concludes with a discussion of methods to overcome such exclusionary practices in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper deploys CDA as informed by queer theory, affording a lens to consider how language and information are structured such that particular power dynamics emerge placing symbolic value on discursively normal identities. CDA helps illuminate when, how and why TGNC individuals remain excluded within academic librarianship practices.
Findings
Findings show continued investments in heteronormative and cisnormative structures concerning information provision and access for TGNC patrons. TGNC patrons using library guides consistently fail to see any mentioned made of their respective identities aside from research about their identities. Patrons seeking information of personal value (i.e. coming out resources) find few resources. Further, library stacks and databases enact consistent microaggressions such as fetishizing, deadnaming and misgendering.
Research limitations/implications
This project contains considerable social implications, as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries to invest in neutrality by showing its failures regarding TGNC persons.
Practical implications
This study possesses a considerable set of practical implications and highlights tangible problems that could be addressed with relative ease by academic librarians through either systemic reorganization of information or TGNC patrons. Alternatively, this work also suggests that if such reformations are not possible, academic librarians can take it upon themselves to call attention to such issues and purposefully mark these failings, thus making it clear that it is a current limitation of how libraries function and invite patrons (both cisgender and transgender) to challenge and change these representations through research and advocacy.
Social implications
This project contains considerable social implications as it pushes against a continued recalcitrance on the part of academic libraries (and librarianship more broadly) to invest in neutrality. This study contests the idea that while possessing neutrality academic libraries also posit themselves as inherently good and inclusive. By showing the violence that remains enacted upon transgender and gender nonconforming folks through multiple venues within the academic library, this study makes clear that statements of negativity are thrust onto TGNC patrons and they remain excluded from an institution that purports to have their well-being as one of its core values.
Originality/value
The deployment of CDA within information science is still a relatively new one. While linguists have long understood the multiplicity of discourse beyond language, the application of this method to the academic library as a discursive institution proves generative. Furthermore, the relationship between academic libraries and their LGBTQ+ populations is both underrepresented and undervalued, a problem exacerbated when focusing on how transgender and gender nonconforming patrons see themselves and their relationships to the academic library. This paper shows the dire state of representation for these particular patrons and provides groundwork for positively changing such representations.
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Preben Hansen and Jussi Karlgren
This paper aims to investigate how readers assess relevance of retrieved documents in a foreign language they know well compared with their native language, and whether work‐task…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate how readers assess relevance of retrieved documents in a foreign language they know well compared with their native language, and whether work‐task scenario descriptions have effect on the assessment process.
Design/methodology/approach
Queries, test collections, and relevance assessments were used from the 2002 Interactive CLEF. Swedish first‐language speakers, fluent in English, were given simulated information‐seeking scenarios and presented with retrieval results in both languages. Twenty‐eight subjects in four groups were asked to rate the retrieved text documents by relevance. A two‐level work‐task scenario description framework was developed and applied to facilitate the study of context effects on the assessment process.
Findings
Relevance assessment takes longer in a foreign language than in the user first language. The quality of assessments by comparison with pre‐assessed results is inferior to those made in the users' first language. Work‐task scenario descriptions had an effect on the assessment process, both by measured access time and by self‐report by subjects. However, effects on results by traditional relevance ranking were detectable. This may be an argument for extending the traditional IR experimental topical relevance measures to cater for context effects.
Originality/value
An extended two‐level work‐task scenario description framework was developed and applied. Contextual aspects had an effect on the relevance assessment process. English texts took longer to assess than Swedish and were assessed less well, especially for the most difficult queries. The IR research field needs to close this gap and to design information access systems with users' language competence in mind.
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Sinead Watson and Yun Yun Gong
Food handlers are often a major source of norovirus transmission in the UK. Considering key behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission would help prevent the…
Abstract
Purpose
Food handlers are often a major source of norovirus transmission in the UK. Considering key behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission would help prevent the spread. The purpose of this paper is to examine the key risk behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission, and to recognise important prevention strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
A narrative review of the literature summarising the main risk behaviours of food handlers that lead to norovirus transmission.
Findings
Suboptimal personal hygiene such as poor hand washing compliance, working while ill or returning to work too early and not adhering to cleaning and disinfecting protocols were the main risk behaviours of food handlers identified. To prevent the transmission of norovirus within UK food establishments, environmental barriers such as limited access to cleaning products and facilities, workload and pay concerns should be resolved, and a theory-based approach should be used when developing training programmes to improve food handlers’ knowledge and behaviour. Systematic monitoring adhered to ensure food safety protocols should be regularly carried out.
Research limitations/implications
A limited number of qualitative studies assessing food handlers’ attitudes and beliefs concerning norovirus transmission are available. Gaining more detailed and in-depth information on what food handlers perceive are the main barriers when it comes to adhering to food safety guidelines, would aid in the development of effective norovirus mitigation strategies.
Originality/value
This review discusses the main risk behaviours of food handlers associated with norovirus transmission. It highlights the need for more qualitative research on exploring the attitudes and beliefs of food handlers with regard to norovirus transmission.