ALTERNATIVE COURSES TO CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: SITUATIONAL, COGNITIVE, SPACE AND TIME DIMENSIONS

George VOSKOPOULOS

Associate Professor of European Studies, Head of the Department of International and European Studies, University of Macedonia
gvoskop@uom.edu.gr

Abstract

Conflict management involves a multilayer, inter-party, action-reaction process in order to eradicate or deal with friction within specific space and time environments and dimensions. In theoretical and practical terms it aims at reshaping or reformulat-ing negative input and eventually turning it into positive or manageable ones. The process is nominally going to produce non-zero-sum games and allow parties to adopt workable stands, positions and cognitive attitudes through among, other things, behavior changes and cognitive re-evaluations. Conflict management de-mands action in a complex situation most often within a limited time dimension. As set by a number of scholars in the past the aim is not to seek a perfect solution but a workable solution and this is of paramount importance.

Keywords: conflict, conflict resolution strategies, conflict dimensions

JEL classification:
read more

COMPETITIVE SUCCESS OF INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS: AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY IN ITALY

Nunzia CARBONARA

DIMEG, Politecnico di Bari, Bari, Viale Japigia, 182, 70126 , Italy. Tel: +390805062720.
nunzia.carbonara@poliba.it
(Corresponding author)

Ilaria GIANNOCCARO

DIMEG, Politecnico di Bari, Bari, Italy

Abstract

The paper conducts an explorative research on the competitive success of the Industrial Districts IDs (GCs), due to their capacity to adapt and evolve to the environment. Our aim is to identify the ID structural features supporting adaptation by using the complexity theory. We consider the IDs as complex adaptive systems (CASs) and identify the ID features on the basis of the main CAS properties that foster adaptation, i.e. interconnectivity, heterogeneity, and control. To formulate the theory linking the values of the ID structural features with the ID competitive success, a multiple case study is carried out. In particular, it is aimed at comparing IDs with different competitive performances in terms of their CAS properties using network theories and measures. Three theoretical propositions are finally derived.

Keywords: Industrial districts, complex adaptive systems, network, complexity science, adaptive capacity

JEL classification:
read more

MAPPING THE SECTORAL CONCENTRATION OF THE WORKFORCE ACROSS EU REGIONS, 2009-2013

Emily VGENOPOULOU

Athens University of Economics and Business

George ECONOMOU

Athens University of Economics and Business

Pródromos PRODROMÍDIS

Athens University of Economics and Business, Centre for Planning and Economic Research, Postal address: KEPE, 11 Amerikis str., Athens 15342, Greece.
pjprodr@kepe.gr
(Corresponding author)

Abstract
The paper explores the evolution of the sectoral concentration of regional workforces across the EU’s 272 NUTS level II territories and 42 territories of associated countries in the wake of the international financial and economic crisis (2009) up to 2013 through the use of location quotients (27.5 thousand computations). Bird’s eye views of the findings, in the form of maps, are attached.
Keywords: Territorial sector concentration, location quotient, specialization and localization, regional workforce, EU
JEL classification: R12
read more