Showing papers on "Specialization (logic) published in 2010"

Specialization: Pro- and Anti-globalizing, 1990-2002

Abstract: Specialization alters the incidence of manufacturing trade costs to buyers and sellers, with pro-and anti-globalizing effects on 76 countries from 1990-2002. The structural gravity model yields measures of Constructed Home Bias (the ratio of predicted local trade to predicted frictionless local trade) and the Total Factor Productivity effect of changing incidence. A bit more than half the world's countries experience declining CHB and rising TFP. The effects are big for the outliers. A novel test of structural gravity provides striking confirmation, validating both the CHB and TFP measures that rely on it here, and the large gravity literature that relies on it elsewhere.

Knowledge Management Curriculum Development: Linking with Real Business Needs

Abstract: The aim of the article is to present the key assumptions related to the development of a new specialization, Knowledge Management in an Organization in the Economics Programme, at the University of Economics in Katowice (Poland). The fundamental reasons behind the launch of such a specialization, which would equip students with unique skills related to knowledge management and application of various IT (Information Technology) tools, are presented against the background of the knowledge paradigm and demands of the labour market. The theoretical deliberations concerning knowledge-based organizations were confronted with the results of the research conducted among 160 companies operating in the Silesian region in Poland. This area is a potential labour market for numerous graduates of the University of Economics in Katowice. The aim of the research was to diagnose competences (knowledge and experience) of various organizations in knowledge management and IT applications. The research was carried out by means of a standardized interview technique, using a survey questionnaire. The findings were used to define the objectives of the specialization Knowledge Management in an Organization, a future graduate’s profile and his/her main competences. The article presents the teaching curriculum and the aims of specific subjects, for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree studies. This paper is addressed to those interested in the development of the specialization at their universities, as well as students, managers and potential employers. The research findings may also prove useful in the development of other specializations, related to knowledge-based economy and information society in broad terms.

Comparison of Different Approaches to Information Search Behavior of Spring Break Travelers in the U.S.: Experience, Knowledge, Involvement and Specialization Concept

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to compare salient approaches for identifying the patterns of college students' information search behaviours while preparing for their spring break trips. Comparing four different prominent constructs (i.e. past experience, prior knowledge, involvement and a concept of specialisation combining those three variables), the results of the study indicate that involvement and the specialisation concept have more distinctive results than the others in terms of measurement of travellers' perceived usefulness of information sources and the importance of information content. In addition, the different groups assigned different priorities for usage of main information sources. As a result, involvement and the specialisation concept appear to provide more distinctive clarification for identifying the information search behaviours of spring break travellers