Showing papers in "Tijdschrift voor economische en sociale geografie in 1994"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlighted the need for service firms to locate close to their customers and when they are free to locate according to other criteria, such as mutual knowledge and trust.
Abstract: When do service firms—especially producers of information services - need to locate close to their customers, and when are they free to locate according to other criteria? This question is highlighted by data on interregional trade in services, by questionnaire studies of sales and purchases of services, and by interview studies on the need for proximity to customers and on the consequences for the location of computer services and technological advice. Three types of services are distinguished: (1) Back offices transmit their services via telecommunications and can locate independently of their customers (low rents and wages then are important) (2) Unsophisticated, customized service firms offer frequently used services and must locate close to their customers, both for cost reasons and because mutual knowledge and trust are decisive (3) Highly specialized service firms may locate independently of their customers, because the high value of their services justify any travelling costs connected with meetings (the recruitment of qualified staff then is important).
55 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the spatial implications of Ghana's economic recovery programs that have been pursued since 1983 under the directions and dictates of the IMF and the World Bank and argue that, in spite of the moderate successes recorded at the macro-economic level, a significant flaw of structural adjustment programs is the neglect of the spatial dimensions of economic development.
Abstract: Several studies have examined the macro-economic impact and social costs of Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) currently being implemented by many developing countries. Conspicuously lacking from the existing body of literature are reviews that explicitly ask and examine some pertinent geographical questions. The primary objective of this article is to assess the spatial implications of Ghana's economic recovery programmes that have been pursued since 1983 under the directions and dictates of the IMF and the World Bank. It argues that, in spite of the moderate successes recorded at the macro-economic level, a significant flaw of structural adjustment programmes is the neglect of the spatial dimensions of economic development.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a typology of professional business services is presented, useful for the explanation of spatial systems of service transactions, and a survey results show that modes of interaction vary considerably within the professional business service sector, leading to complex spatial patterns of services transaction.
Abstract: This article is concerned with spatial interaction between suppliers and clients of professional business services. It is often suggested that business services transactions require frequent personal interaction and spatial proximity, to the advantage of large urban service complexes. Survey results, presented in this article, show that modes of interaction vary considerably within the professional business services sector, however, leading to complex spatial patterns of services transaction. A typology of professional business services is presented, useful for the explanation of spatial systems of service transactions.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the residential mobility experiences of two samples of respondents who represent groups marginalized within the New Zealand housing market are examined: the seriously mentally ill (n = 203) and households in serious housing need(n = 279).
Abstract: This article situates the housing experiences of marginalized urban groups within the social, economic and ideological shifts that have recently occurred in Western cities. Within this theoretical context, the residential mobility experiences of two samples of respondents who represent groups marginalized within the New Zealand housing market are examined: the seriously mentally ill (n = 203) and households in serious housing need (n = 279). Data from these groups are compared to a sample drawn from the general population (n = 100). Results from a two-city longitudinal design indicate that for the two research samples, moving house, which is commonly regarded as a stressful experience, actually contributed to improved mental health. For many, however, moving was not an option despite a high level of dissatisfaction and strong desire to move. While public housing policy in New Zealand remains benign compared to some western nations, recent policy shifts such as the raising of public housing rentals are of concern in light of these findings.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors emphasize the importance of network relationships for knowledge-intensive service firms and show that network structures within the corporate segment of the knowledge intensive services constitute a form of organization that enables the firms to adapt themselves more quickly and flexibly to the individual demands of the client by using interorganizational flexibility potential.
Abstract: The article emphasizes the importance of network relationships for knowledge-intensive service firms. Network relationships have a key function in the interaction between supplier and client. Clients take advantage of network relationships to find an adequate supplier, especially in the initial contact phase, as clients' uncertainty about the quality and suitability of the supplier's services is greatest at this time. The results of the empirical study also show that network structures within the corporate segment of the knowledge-intensive services constitute a form of organization that enables the firms to adapt themselves more quickly and flexibly to the individual demands of the client by using interorganizational flexibility potential. Network structures thus provide a possibility for resolving the tension between specialization and complete, individual solutions to clients' problems.
24 citations
TL;DR: This article developed a disaggregate and comparative approach to discern the role of immigrants in urban economies, and found that neither the supply-side nor demand-driven perspectives on immigrants' role in urban economy sufficiently explains the complex patterns they identified, suggesting that the neoclassical vision of immigrants -filling particular niches for which they fit, by virtue of qualifications or corporate need - overlooks the possibility that immigrants may work to create their own niche or competitive advantage through managing or manipulating the system.
Abstract: This article develops a disaggregate and comparative approach to discern the role of immigrants in urban economies. We disaggregate Asians into four dominant subgroups, and we disaggregate gross industrial employment categories into an industrial-occupational matrix. Using a relative measure of employment, we compare industrial-occupational niches for each Asian group in two similar urban contexts, Los Angeles and New York. Empirical findings indicate that neither the supply-side nor demand-driven perspectives on immigrants' role in urban economies sufficiently explains the complex patterns we identified. Our results suggest that the neoclassical vision of immigrants - filling particular niches for which they “fit”, by virtue of qualifications or corporate need - overlooks the possibility that immigrants may work to create their own niche or competitive advantage through managing or manipulating the system. This possibility must be explored through interviews. We suggest that interview procedures be preceded by the type of analysis conducted here, so that specific, targeted questions can be developed for the field.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors look at recent developments in the European computer services industry, in particular at the restructuring taking place in response to the creation of the Single European Market, and reveal a number of major factors which will influence the reorganisation of the industry in the late 1990s and beyond.
Abstract: The size and strategic importance of computer services, in advanced industrial economies, including the European Community, continues to grow. As a reflection of its growth and deepening strategic importance, computer services have increasingly taken on a more international dimension, in turn losing its former national orientation. This article looks at recent developments in the European computer services industry, in particular at the restructuring taking place in response to the creation of the Single European Market. It attempts to reveal a number of major factors which will influence the reorganisation of the industry in the late 1990s and beyond.
17 citations
TL;DR: In the course of the 1980s, a number of changes took place in the organization of South African cities leading to the concept of modernizing apartheid as mentioned in this paper, and relaxation of laws and the publicized responses to racial integration in a few localities encouraged the notion of a breakdown of residential barriers.
Abstract: In the course of the 1980s a number of changes took place in the organization of South African cities leading to the concept of modernizing apartheid. Relaxation of laws and the publicized responses to racial integration in a few localities encouraged the concept of a breakdown of residential barriers. However an examination of the 1991 census suggests not only that segregation levels are remarkably high but also that they rose in the period between 1985 and 1991. The White population in particular remains highly segregated from the remainder. There is nevertheless a number of significant regional differences indicating that urban restructuring was not uniform. The late-apartheid city thus appears little changed from its predecessor. (EXCERPT)
15 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the progress of Sri Lanka's tourist experience over time is assessed in the light of R.W. Butler's (1980) evolutionary model of tourist development and an outline is also given of the methods by which Sri Lanka has attempted to keep in check the negative aspects of tourism in order to ensure that tourism is a positive and successful development strategy.
Abstract: Despite the rapid rise of tourism as a major international commercial activity and the marked increase in the numbers of tourists visiting the Third World over the last several decades, the pace of publication of academic papers examining the growth and development of the industry in various tropical locations has remained relatively moderate. This article attempts to redress some of this deficiency and to fill a gap in the geographical literature of Third World tourism. An investigation of market fluctuation within the Sri Lankan tourist industry over the last decade, in particular that of the rapid reduction in tourist arrivals during the period of political instability between 1982 and 1989, and the impressive recovery of the tourist market since 1989, is examined. The progress of Sri Lanka's tourist experience over time is assessed in the light of R.W. Butler's (1980) evolutionary model of tourist development. While the early expansionist development of the Sri Lankan tourist industry between the mid-1960s and early 1980s fits Butler's model fairly closely, the market response of ‘bust and boom’ since 1983 diverges substantially from his theoretical ideas. The case study also demonstrates that tourism need not exercise a wholly negative influence on an economy; but under the right circumstances can be of benefit to Third World countries. An outline is also given of the methods by which Sri Lanka has attempted to keep in check the negative aspects of tourism in order to ensure that tourism is a positive and successful development strategy. In looking to the future, the tourist industry in Sri Lanka appears to have the potential for continued growth and development provided political conditions in the country remain stable. The industry promises to be an important aspect of Sri Lanka's development strategy, if the negative aspects of tourism can be controlled.
14 citations
TL;DR: The local socio-economic impact of the arrival of Mozambican refugees in the Eastern Province of Zambia is examined to be of relevance to policies designed to promote local economic development under conditions of refugee migration.
Abstract: This article examines the local socio-economic impact of the arrival of Mozambican refugees in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Previous studies of forced migration elsewhere in Africa have suggested that not only stresses but also positive gains for local development may be felt in areas hosting significant numbers of refugees. It is suggested here that an appropriate framework from which to analyze the impact of refugees is to focus separately on the effects of population increase on the one hand and the specific characteristics of refugees on the other. Using this distinction a model is developed of potential beneficial changes resulting from the arrival of refugees. Key assumptions of this model are then identified to be of relevance to policies designed to promote local economic development under conditions of refugee migration. (EXCERPT)
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on IN SITU restructuring and the search for flexibility in a Fordist labour relations environment, notably the coastal lumber industry of British Columbia, by comparatively analyzing the recent experiences of the Chemainus and Youbou sawmills.
Abstract: In many established industries survival during the 1980s has required productivity improvements, massive job loss and the achievement of new, more ‘flexible’ working conditions. Yet, the search for smaller, more flexible work forces is necessarily an uncertain and contentious process, especially in situations characterized by IN SITU adjustments and entrenched Fordist labour relations. This article focuses on IN SITU restructuring and the search for flexibility in a Fordist labour relations environment, notably the coastal lumber industry of British Columbia, by comparatively analyzing the recent experiences of the Chemainus and Youbou sawmills. The differences in the introduction of new technology reflect the presence of an irreducible local component in labour control which in turn show variations in the strategies of management and labour in imposing and resisting that control. We also note that in contrast to the consistent profitability of the Chemainus mill, at Youbou the failure of management and union to achieve more comprehensive forms of flexibility is a reflection, and cause, of Youbou's marginality.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that gender differences in the links between residences and place of work did not decrease during the eighties and that distance to work does not decrease with larger time budget problems resulting from more hours worked.
Abstract: In the Netherlands the labour force participation of women has risen rapidly in the last fifteen years, resulting in large generation differences. Clear gender differences can also be found when the effects related to age, year of birth and time of occurrence are distinguished. Increasing mobility and increasing distance between work and home is found to be a general process for all cohorts of men, but not for women, among whom only the younger cohorts have reached a higher mobility pattern. Evidence is also found indicating that distance to work does not decrease with larger time budget problems resulting from more hours worked. Finally, it is shown that gender differences in the links between residences and place of work did not decrease during the eighties.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the recent post-1974 restructuring of the West European steel industry via consideration of the interplay between processes of change conceptualized as occurring at two levels of analysis: sectoral change on the one hand and the strategies of capital, labour and states on the other.
Abstract: Industrial restructuring is a necessary element in the process of capital accumulation. Restructuring denotes decisive qualitative changes rather than just quantitative changes in the organization of production. In this paper the recent (broadly post-1974) restructuring of the West European steel industry is examined via consideration of the interplay between processes of change conceptualized as occurring at two levels of analysis: sectoral change on the one hand and the strategies of capital, labour and states on the other.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relationship between total national calorie consumption per capita per day and income, the proportion of all calories derived from livestock products and income and the proportion derived from cereals, roots and income was investigated.
Abstract: Food consumption is a function of a variety of influences that includes agricultural production, trade, food processing technology, religious taboos, the relative cost of foods, and health concerns. But a particularly powerful factor is income. This article investigates the relationship between total national calorie consumption per capita per day and income, the proportion of all calories derived from livestock products and income, and the proportion of all calories derived from cereals, roots and income. This is done (a) for selected West European countries from c. 1800 to the present and (b) by comparing over 120 nations in 1986–1988. The data suggests calorie consumption per capita and the proportion derived from livestock is positively related to income over time and cross-sectionally, and that cereals and roots are inversely related to income.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of the Australian coal industry is used to illustrate aspects of restructuring and the benefits of enhanced "dialogue" between these disciplinary realms, identifying and developing connections between these diverse schools of thought.
Abstract: The way in which employment is managed is a crucial dimension in the operation and restructuring of industry, but has been sorely neglected in studies of labour and industry. In concert with processes of economic restructuring, and in broadly similar manner to other Western economies, labour-management (industrial) relations in Australia are undergoing extensive change. This article reviews key themes in industrial geography, industrial relations and human resource management, identifying and developing connections between these diverse schools of thought. Within this conceptual framework, a case study of the Australian coal industry is used to illustrate aspects of restructuring and the benefits of enhanced ‘dialogue’ between these disciplinary realms.
TL;DR: In this article, the implications of the convergence of information technology (IT) and telecommunications into telematics for local economies are examined, and the issues involved in such strategies are investigated and details from a Manchester-based project -the Manchester Host computer network.
Abstract: This article examines the implications of the convergence of information technology (IT) and telecommunications into ‘telematics’ for local economies. Despite the crucial importance of such technologies for local economic development, there is increasing evidence that engagement with such technologies is uneven, both between areas and within areas. Peripheral and underdeveloped areas may lose out to the core areas and certain communities and types of firm may be disadvantaged. Several local economic development agencies and authorities have identified telematics development as a key area for strategic intervention. This article investigates the issues involved in such strategies and provides details from a Manchester-based project -the Manchester Host computer network.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors survey and evaluate the EC's policies and economic initiatives towards the three countries of ECE since 1989, focusing on the nature and likely impact of the Association Agreements with the EC, the role of newly created Community financial institutions and mechanisms, and direct foreign investment and assistance in the privatization programme.
Abstract: East-Central Europe (Hungary, Czecho-Slovakia and Poland) has been undergoing an extraordinary transformation of its political and economic structures. The ultimate objective of the newly resurrected and still fragile democracies is re-integration with global economy and Western Europe in all spheres of political, economic and social life. However, the success of this process depends not only on the policies implemented in ECE but also on the response and policies of the West and member countries of the European Community. Despite the officially declared support for the reform process, the EC and its organizations have been slow to develop a coherent strategy towards this region. The lack of a long-term strategy is apparent not only in the political but also in the economic sphere. The emerging political cleavages within the EC are reflected in the ambiguous approach it has adopted towards ECE and Eastern Europe in general. This article aims to survey and evaluate the EC's policies and economic initiatives towards the three countries of ECE since 1989. In particular, attention is focused on the nature and likely impact of the Association Agreements with the EC, the role of newly created Community financial institutions and mechanisms, and direct foreign investment and assistance in the privatization programme. We conclude that the future political and economic stability of ECE and Western Europe depends, to a large degree, on the ability of the EC's political and economic institutions to respond to the long-term challenge posed by changes in ECE and other regions of the former ‘Eastern Europe’.
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of the mutual relationship between language and economy in Friesland, one of the northern provinces of the Netherlands, is presented, which is relevant to the role that is played by national and minority languages in the process of European unification.
Abstract: Research in the field of language and economy is of international political significance. It is relevant to, for instance, the role that is played by national and minority languages in the process of European unification. This article contains a case study of the mutual relationship between language and economy in Friesland, one of the northern provinces of the Netherlands. An ongoing public debate in Friesland concerns the effects of the Frisian language and the language policy, pursued by the provincial authorities, on the functioning of the regional economy. Possible negative consequences are emphasized in this debate, even though the present literature contains hardly any evidence of such consequences. Little information is available about the position of the Frisian language in trade and industry in Friesland. This is why further research is recommended. Because of the importance of the aspect of image formation in the influence of the Frisian language on the economy, elements from behavioural economic geography will be used.
TL;DR: The authors examined the attitudes and political response of the black underclass to this process and concluded that opening up community development to the underclass requires restructuring the game's rules and this group's impoverished condition.
Abstract: The black underclass are one population group that has recently experienced a devastating decay of their built environment. This article examines the attitudes and political response of the black underclass to this process. Our focus on Chicago's Near West Side probes resident perceptions of the problem, resident mobilization around political agendas, leader actions at public forums, and levels of institutionalized obstacles to effective leader participation. The results suggest that this population had little opportunity to reverse this decay. Obstacles to controlling neighborhood change were embedded in everyday social life, communicative discourses, community institutional actions, and local government policy. While formal political procedures prevented this group's meaningful public participation, underclass social life ravaged their incentives to participate. We conclude that opening up community development to the black underclass requires restructuring the game's rules and this group's impoverished condition.
TL;DR: A study of business services, their origin and linkages in Cottbus, the easternmost of the German cities with over 100,000 inhabitants and a centre of brown coal mining and energy production, was undertaken in 1992 as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: As sources of expertise for firms, business services play a major role in the transformation process of East Germany from a centrally planned economy to a capitalist market economy, in which entrepreneurial knowledge has to be developed. For Cottbus, the easternmost of the German cities with over 100,000 inhabitants and a centre of brown coal mining and energy production, a study of business services, their origin and linkages was undertaken in 1992. It shows that West German control is strong but not all-encompassing. The small business service offices in the city, however, work predominantly for small and medium-sized companies in the region and are not engaged by the surviving large economic units controlled by Treuhand or West German and West European enterprises. The massive degree of external control, which characterizes most sectors in East Germany now, limits the market for regional business service establishments.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the current functioning of networks created by SMF and the opportunities that could arise from this type of structure in a sluggish economic environment, and showed the limitations of networks as it reveals that exchanges of competencies are mostly effected between financially organized groups.
Abstract: Is a network a sufficient concept as a model of growth for consultancy firms? To answer this question, the article examines the current functioning of networks created by SMF and the opportunities that could arise from this type of structure in a sluggish economic environment. Networks appear to be an adequate means to satisfy the customers' demand both in terms of competencies and availability in an increasingly competitive world. This study also shows the limitations of networks as it reveals that exchanges of competencies are mostly effected between financially organized groups. The study relies on an investigation involving 350 consultancy firms in six European countries.
TL;DR: Catalonia's linguistic geography is strongly linked with massive in-migration of Castilian-speaking minorities and the analysis of language characteristics does not show any significant relationship of accessibility on the one hand and the distribution oflanguage characteristics on the other.
Abstract: The relationship between isolation and language spoken is explored using the example of the spread of Castilian Spanish in the Catalonia region of Spain. "With the help of Geographical Information Systems and characteristics of the road and railway networks centrality scores for urban municipalities and municipalities near the city of Barcelona have been calculated. The analysis of language characteristics does not show any significant relationship of accessibility on the one hand and the distribution of language characteristics on the other. Instead Catalonias linguistic geography is strongly linked with massive in-migration of Castilian-speaking minorities." (EXCERPT)
TL;DR: In the early 1960s, the United States dominated aid-giving to Latin America; the US, the European states and Japan all disbursed aid to the Asian nations; and European states provided most of the aid to Africa as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In the early 1960s, the United States dominated aid-giving to Latin America; the US, the European states and Japan all disbursed aid to the Asian nations; and the European states provided most of the aid to Africa. Since then, three major changes have occurred in the Western aid regime. First, the international coordination of the Western aid programs has increased. Second, the US role as the dominant aid donor has come to an end. Instead, it is the countries of the European Community and Japan that dominate Western aid-giving today. Third, a framework for coordination of the aid programs within the EC has emerged. Although these changes fundamentally have altered the geographic distribution of aid from the 1960s, they do not conclusively point to a development toward a tripolar panregional division among the Western donors.