A critical review of the article "Trade and LabourStandards--Theory, New Empirical Evidence and Policy Implications" by Vivek Dehejia and Yiagadeesen Samy.
Abstract The paper examines the article "Trade and LabourStandards--Theory, New Empirical Evidence, and Policy Implications" where the authors discuss labourstandards in high standard and low standard countries, potential links between these labourstandards and each market's comparative trade advantages and the relationship between labourstandards in general and export markets. The paper shows how the authors are adept at proper research methodologies but maintains that they need to refine their topic and make the subject of the research somewhat more useful for the intended audience.
From the Paper "Labour standards are an important issue within the context of trade negotiations and the policy formulation which accompanies them. The authors do an excellent job of making the relationship between these two concerns readily apparent to even the average reader that may not be intimately familiar with trade related information. The primary concern regarding labour standards in trade negotiations is how they impact a particular market's ability to leverage comparative trade advantages or in how to construct an equitable tariff structure: "Labour interests in high-standards countries argue that low labour standards are an unfair source of comparative advantage, and that increasing imports from low-standards countries will have an adverse impact on wages and working conditions"(Dehejia & Samy 3)."
Tags: export, market, tariffs, trade, negotiations, research, model
Abstract This paper is a detailed assessment of international labourstandards in the contexts of globalization. This essay produces three analytical methods for the evaluation: positive, normative and strategic analyses. These methods are provided here for studying the case of "linkage" of labor standards, and the impact of this on trade policy.
Abstract This paper analyzes existing international labor laws and discusses these laws in the contexts of globalization. Some of the issues covered in this essay include international trade agreements and their impact on labor standards, international laws regarding unions and worker rights, as well as economic contexts of capitalism and imperialism. This paper also offers strategic solutions for international labor laws as a way to anticipate the problems of labor and globalization.
This paper explores the failure of the Labour party to become a powerful political force in the two Irelands during the first half of the twentieth century.
Abstract The paper discusses how, during the first half of the twentieth century, the Labour party did not manage to establish itself as a powerful party either in Northern Ireland or in Southern Ireland. The paper attributes this to their absent stand on the national questions in politics and a lack of a strong internal union. The paper also explains that the Labour Parties on both sides were not helped by other elements, such as the modification of the electoral system in Northern Ireland, or the fact that Southern Ireland lacked industrial workers and was peopled mainly by Catholics, hostile to the socialist doctrine.
From the Paper "In Southern Ireland, the Labour Party traces its birth to the 1912 conference of the Irish Trade Union Congress (ITUC). Its first leader was Jim Larkin. Its aim was to be a "trade-unionists political party" in which membership and leadership were restrained to card-carrying unionists up to 1930 when it opted for a formal break with the unions. Therefore, it was clear from the beginning that it was set up to be a minority party since this kind policy, even though protecting them from being taking over by existing politicians, definitely narrowed its appeal and cut off some sections which may have been sympathetic. Nonetheless, if there is a point on which the Labour Party cannot be the object of criticism, it is certainly the fact that it always remained faithful to its primary goal, which was to be the political arm of the Trade Union, and not to win a majority of votes from the Irish electorate. With such a policy, no wonder the Labour Party never managed to win a lot of seats, given the fact that Ireland was not an industrial nation."
Abstract This paper explains that the "new" theory of international trade is based on the industrial organization approach, which focuses on market shares between domestic and foreign firms; a gain for the domestic firm in a country directly reciprocates a loss for the foreign firm or country. The author points out that U.S. companies participate in business in different countries, not only for cheap labor, but also because they work to integrate their corporate codes of conduct into their Latin American operations.The paper stresses that standards, technical regulations, and certification systems are important for the functioning of economies and trade because various government technical regulations and standards can serve as barriers to international trade.
Table of Contents
International Trade Promoting Economic Growth in APEC
International Trade and Investment in America
Introduction
The U.S. Companies Business Pursuits Bringing Positive Change to Latin America
The U.S. Companies Business Pursuits Bringing Positive Change to China
New WTO Trade Negotiations to Boost the Economy
Improving Economy with Trade Negotiations
Economic Integration and Regionalism
Trade Facilitation, Regulatory Reform, and Standards
From the Paper "In the year 200, The Leaders meeting, the Ministerial meetings, and the CEO Summit in Los Cabos were held to find ways of creating opportunities, updating, and sharpening the vision of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for the future. People who participated in this meeting spent a lot of time in preparing for them. The CEO's of three leading organizations of business in North America prepared a Joint Statement on how APEC can cater to provide global leadership and find ways of supporting greater economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. In implementing the same policy, the NAFTA has been extremely successful especially, since the economic partners at different levels of development have been able to attain higher levels in growth, trade, and creating jobs. This is why NAFTA has served to be an example for APEC when it comes to its future strategies and implementation action."
Abstract This paper focuses on the significance of the mutual recognition principle for the integration of the European Union. The first part introduces the concepts of standardization, harmonization and mutual recognition. Special attention is paid to the practical implementation of the principle - what are its contributions to the free movement of goods in the EU internal market and therefore EU economy. The second part analyzes costs and benefits of mutual recognition from the regulatory perspective and shows the reallocations of regulatory powers within the EU two-level system of regulations under the mutual recognition regime. Finally, the paper discusses mutual recognition in the EU external trade and finds that a harmonization tendency persists as well in the EU trade with third countries, in respect to mutual recognition agreements.
Outline:
Introduction
Basic Concepts
Understanding the Internal Market
Barriers to Trade Old and New Approach
Old Approach - Harmonization
Standards CE Marking
New Approach - Mutual Recognition plus Harmonization
Mutual Recognition
How Entrepreneurs can defend themselves
Output
Mutual Recognition - Regulatory View
Development of MR regime
Controversy of the MR principle
Output
Mutual Recognition Agreements
Conclusion
Bibliography
On the basis of the conducted analysis of the principle of mutual recognition of product standards, the conclusion will concentrate on the impact of the mutual recognition principle for the EU integration and present the EU's new approach to better regulation.
From the Paper "Internal market (or the single market) was formed through an agreement between a number of European countries to put trade barriers down. Internal market is considered to be one of the most significant symbols of the European integration. Removal of customs barriers among the EU member states and mutual recognition of goods and service standards were important steps to create a properly functioning internal market. Trade tariffs and customs barriers are eliminated in the internal market. Trading became easier for the companies as they have to deal with less export bureaucracy. Internal market is beneficial for the business across Europe as firms are able to expand their markets after the establishment of the internal market."
Abstract This paper researches the relationship between the United States and China in regards to trading policies. A brief description of the United States' foreign policy is provided followed by an examination of the US-China trade relation from 1979 to present. The context of the research centers around the four p's in trading; power, principles, prosperity and peace and how in each area China has maintained such variables in trading. The other issues that are discussed as integral to the relationship of US-China trade are US-Soviet relations in regards to the China Card, Tiananmen Square, human rights, and labor standards. The paper concludes that the relationship between the U.S and China as described in the paper is teetering and yet, because of the WTO and foreign investments such as Boeing, trade with China is inevitable.
Outline:
China's Trade China's Trade Relations
China Card
Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989
Conclusion
From the Paper "The concept of trade between countries is one that has been prevalent since the shipping industry of early China. In fact China and its role with the WTO is one in which there exists strain. China became a member of the WTO in December of 2001. China had been an original member of GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) but has since declined any efforts towards globalization. However, since its inclusion with the WTO in 2001 China is under specific WTO regulations. These regulations are highlighted as nondiscrimination in trading policies, market opening, transparency and predictability, undistorted trade, and preferential treatment towards developing countries."
Abstract With the fervor over the ethics of sweat shop production increasing, it is becoming important to look at viable solutions which provide meaningful change. The best example of alternative trade is the fair trade movement, which has been gaining momentum all over the world. This paper looks at this movement as it seeks to provide producers and consumers with choices.
From the Paper "In recent years the media has been focusing more and more attention on the harm being done to people living in poor countries by multinational corporations. Whether it's a sportswear sweatshop in Southeast Asia or a logging company in the Amazon, consumers in the First World are becoming aware of the consequences their choices have. Unfortunately, very few news items talk about the positive alternatives to big business, paying more attention to the scandal which occurs when it is discovered that some celebrity's fashion line is manufactured using children in Burma. One important alternative which has become slightly more visible in recent years is the fair trade movement, which empowers producers and addresses issues of consumer responsibility."
Tags: consumers, empowerment, labourers, production, women
Abstract The paper looks at Armstrong Holdings, Inc, a company that operates various divisions within the commercial and residential building supplies industry. The paper relates that Armstrong has operations in the Mexican market in both flooring and ceiling products, but is intent on expanding its ceramics line of products into that market as well. The paper discusses how Armstrong has to meet product and service standards in the Mexican market, fulfill World Trade Organization (WTO) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) restrictions and comply with Mexican labor laws.
Outline:
Abstract
Executive Summary
Overview
Product & Service Standards International & Legal Frameworks
Impact on Armstrong
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Armstrong Holdings, Inc. operates various divisions within the commercial and residential building supplies industry with a concentration on flooring, ceiling, and cabinetry products. These commercial and residential building products are in high demand because they are central to any office or residential structure and while some markets are experiencing a slow down in growth, other markets are seen as growth markets. Armstrong Holdings, Inc. is considering expanding its ceramic products line into other international markets with a focus on the Mexican market. Mexico, despite its reputation as a developing market has a thriving economy and a population of approximately 107 million individuals. Since Armstrong Holdings, Inc. already has a construction products division in Mexico City, it is believed this greatly reduces the resource requirements necessary to establish its ceramic product line in that market."
This paper uses the prospectus and the quarterly and annual financial statements of each company as required by Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to compare four publicly-traded companies: Bausch & Lomb, PepsiCo, The Gillette Co and Brush-Wellman.
1,170 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 40.95
Abstract This paper explains that publicly-traded companies, by law and in compliance with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), must submit financial statements to the SEC and to their shareholders in accordance with Standard Accounting Practices and Auditing Procedures dictated by standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The author points out that PepsiCo and the Gillette Company present different reporting styles; although both meet and far exceed all reporting requirements, the Gillette Company "plays it very close to the vest" by restricting the distribution of their data concerning their operations such as presenting their "Costs of Goods Sold" figures as muddled as they can keep them legally. The paper concludes that the consensus from this analysis of these four companies is that their current ratio trends should continue over the next two to four years, with the possible exception of Bausch & Lomb, which must address its stiff competition or continue to suffer the company's downward trend.
From the Paper "Bausch & Lomb publish their Returns on Equity, a dismal 6.4%, and 43.86% below the Industry Average. In addition, their published Returns on Assets also are dismal at 2.1%, and 56.25% below the Industry Average, with their Returns on Inventory Costs equally bad at 4.7%, and 37.33% below Industry Average. This company is the only one of the four to publish data usable to calculate these returns. All three of the others do not publish the information; for security reasons, both government enforced and self imposed therefore these numbers are impossible to compute for them in any comparative format."
Abstract This paper discusses globalization and global labour patterns. The paper argues that in a globalized world corporations are determining the labour conditions in both developed and developing countries. It suggests that the corporations are essentially making cheap, unskilled and flexible labourers.
From the Paper "Globalization and Global Labour Patterns Globalization is one of the most controversial issues in politics and economics. In "Note on Terminalogy" David McNally defines globalization as, "The mainstream term for the new world Economy of the past twenty years" (McNally 9). How exactly has the world economy changed? While discussing the political and economic changes that have occurred over the last three decades Teeple explains, A system of highly integrated world trade was an irreversible fact by the end of the 1970s, confirmed and hastened by the new means of transportation and communications, whose increased productivity were transforming the worldwide distribution of products and hence the global conditions for valorization (Teeple 71)."
Abstract This paper examines the chapter entitled "Housewifization International: Women and the New International Division of Labour", written by Maria Mies. The paper discusses concepts presented in this chapter, such as the role of women in the globalization of labour. The paper presents the writers views on the matter.
From the Paper "Women in the International Division of Labour Maria Mies' chapter entitled "Housewifization International: Women and the New International Division of Labour" examines the role of women in the globalization of labour. I found this chapter extremely useful, as I have recently been learning about the evils attendant upon globalization, but I have not learned about the genderized nature of this movement. In fact, I realize that a gender lens has been conspicuously absent from most of what I have read, and therefore this chapter is valuable in terms of filing in that gap."
Abstract This paper compares the thinking of Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim on the division of labour and social change. It analyzes how each theorist addresses similar social political and economic issues from fundamentally distinct perspectives. The paper demonstrates a critical point of difference between the two thinkers and how that lies in their understanding of the social function of the division of labour and how, in the view of Marx, it leads to social oppression and class conflict, while in the view of the functionalist Durkheim its consequences include individualism and civilization with social solidarity as its function.
Abstract This paper discusses how the Canadian labour market is currently experiencing a perfect storm of circumstances that is creating an environment conducive to some of the best employment data in decades. The paper further discusses how analysts point out that the low unemployment figures, between 4 and 5 percent, have fuelled housing related spending as well as benefited from the high prices of natural commodities where those industries have greatly expanded operations over the last 5 years. Yet, in spite of such strong economic support for continued employment strength, analysts are also quick to note that continued inflationary pressures combined with global market related factors related to competitive labour practices are sure to affect an overall increase in unemployment figures over the next several years
Abstract A paper that discusses the common forms of tariff and non-tariff aspects to international trade. The paper discusses government subsidies, aid & loans, customs valuation, quotas, standards, licensing arrangements, local legislation, import licenses and foreign-exchange control. The author also looks at barriers to international trade and investment.
From the Paper ?In the interest of a country's economical activities, the government of a nation has the right to levy multiple barriers to trade. There are two kinds of barriers to trade: 1. Tariff 2. Non- tariff barriers to trade and investments. Both of these methods of hindering trade effect investments as well as trade in general.?
