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Mayor's Mentoring Alliance Presents: Mentoring 101
City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services
Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST)
Who's Going
San Francisco, California
London, United Kingdom
Florence, Italy
Event Details
Mentor training is a vital component of any successful mentoring relationship. Mentoring 101: Building a Foundation for Successful Mentoring Realtionships, hosted by the Mayor's Mentoring Alliance, will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills needed to build an effective mentoring relationship. We are happy to help you begin your journey to improve the life of a child!
Snacks will be provided.
Validated parking is available in the CMGC Parking Deck, located on the corner of 4th and Davidson.
When & Where
Old City Hall
600 East Trade Street
Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST)
Add to my calendar
City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services
The City of Charlotte NC Neighborhood & Business Services Department is responsible for affordable housing, code enforcement, community engagement and economic development. N&BS provides a variety of public services to help maintain and improve the quality of life in the city's neighborhoods. To learn about programs, neghborhood matching grants or other opportunituites please visit us at charlottenc.gov.


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(CNSNews.com) – The Obama administration is on the verge of abandoning proposals to build a missile defense shield in Europe which caused a major rift between the U.S. and Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
The move will resonate in Poland and the Czech Republic, where governments weathered domestic unease and Russian fury by signing agreements with the Bush administration in 2008 to host elements of the system – ten missile interceptors and a radar tracking station respectively.
Supporters of the plans in the two former Warsaw Pact states saw it as a way to strengthen ties with Washington while countering Moscow's regional influence, viewed as increasingly threatening after last summer's Russian invasion of Georgia.
The Associated Press cited administration officials as saying U.S. officials were expected to give briefings to politicians in the two NATO member states on Thursday. It also said Defense Secretary Robert Gates had scheduled a press conference Thursday, reportedly on the missile defense issue.
The ballistic missile defense (BMD) umbrella was aimed at protecting the U.S. and its allies against potential aggression from Iran, which is pursuing both a long-range missile capability and pushing ahead with a nuclear program that the West suspects is a cover to develop nuclear weapons. But the Kremlin characterized the BMD plan as a threat to Russian security and threatened retaliatory steps.
The Obama administration, which pledged to "reset" its relationship with Moscow, launched a review of the proposals earlier this year, focusing on its cost and operational effectiveness. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hinted at the possibility that it may be shelved, depending on Iran's future behavior.
President Obama confirmed in March that a letter he had written to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev explained that "obviously, to the extent that we are lessening Iran's commitment to nuclear weapons, that reduces the pressure for, or the need for, a missile defense system."
The Wall Street Journal report cited current and former U.S. officials as saying the decision to shelve the BMD plan would be based "on a determination that Iran's long-range missile program has not progressed as rapidly as previously estimated, reducing the threat to the continental U.S. and major European capitals."
Iran – with North Korean assistance, according to the CIA – has for years been developing and testing liquid-fueled Shahab missile variants with ranges of 1,000 miles and more.
Last February it became just the 10th country with the proven capability to put a satellite into space, using a two-stage, liquid-fueled rocket, the Safir-2, to do so. Experts said the accomplishment was further evidence of Iran's increasingly sophisticated ballistic missile capability.
In May, Tehran test-fired a solid-fueled, two-stage Sejil-2 missile with a range of around 1,200 miles, making it capable of reaching parts of south-eastern and eastern Europe.
Political analyst and Heritage Foundation scholar Nile Gardiner wrote on the Daily Telegraph Web site last month that if the Obama administration dropped the missile defense plans, "it would represent an appalling surrender to Russian demands, and the shameful of appeasement of an increasingly aggressive regime that is openly flexing its muscle in an effort to intimidate ex-members of the Warsaw Pact."
"Such a move would significantly weaken America's ability to combat the growing threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program, and would hand a major propaganda victory to the Russians," he said.

subset: commoncrawl


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About Sikka
For over three decades Sikka has been led by a simple belief that tomorrow can be better then today. We believe in creating spaces that are luxurious and sustainable....Read More..!
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To say that Sony (SNE) has a lot riding on the PlayStation 4 is a significant understatement. The company is finally seeing daylight after a decade of misery. Its recovery is being led by Kazuo Hira, who made his name at Sony by turning around the struggling PlayStation 3 console — which launched disastrously while costing Sony a loss of over $300 for each box, but has since gone on to sell 80 million units.
With a CEO who knows video game consoles, SNE watchers and video game fans have waited anxiously through 2013 as the PS4 was revealed, one glimpse at a time.
Sony has stuck with less exotic hardware this time around. As a result, the PlayStation4 launched at $100 less than the PS3 did seven years ago. And at $399, it also beats Microsoft's (MSFT) next-gen entry — the Xbox One — by $100. It has solid developer support, recent data shows the PlayStation 4 is outselling the Xbox One almost 2-to-1 so far, and PS4 review feedback has been excellent.
Gamers like the console, video game developers like the console and if the first month of PlayStation 4 sales and PS4 review results are any indication, Sony has a hit on its hands.
If you have a gamer in the house and you're stumped for a last minute holiday gift, the Playstation 4 looks like the one to beat when it comes to next-generation video game consoles.


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Tagged: 'fantasy'
Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Spotlight: WR Mike Thomas
July 25th, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Continuing along with our fantasy focus, this weeks spotlight will be on Jags receiver Mike Thomas. In 2010, Thomas accumulated his best year as a pro. He had 66 receptions, 820 yards, and 4 touchdowns. The ceiling was high for Thomas, as we figured his production would only increase in...
Sports Media 101 and FanDuel Continues FreeRoll Frenzy with More Free Fantasy Contests
March 28th, 2012 at 3:21 PM
Sports Media 101 and FanDuel announced their official partnership last week. With this partnership comes the opportunity for sports fans everywhere to get the chance to play one day fantasy contests and win amazing prizes, just by throwing together a roster. The duo is allowing fans a chance to celebrate...


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Room 4
Room 4 is a water view room looking out over Woods Hole Great Harbor and the ferry terminal, with king sized bed and private bath with tub and shower. Amenities include charming modern decor, in room wireless internet access, flat screen television with DVD player, alarm clock/charging station, pillow-top mattress, luxury linens and air conditioning. 246 square feet.
Standard occupancy 2.


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Alessandra Ambrosio will be the first supermodel to have a her own wax figure at the Madame Tussaids Museum in Shanghai. Congratulations!!!
Alessandra Ambrosio: Madame Tussauds Shanghai from Alessandra's Beijos on Vimeo.
When supermodels Bella Hadid, Alessandra Ambrosio, Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Baldwin, and Elsa Hosk all started posting Instagrams last weekend from the Bahamas, it seemed like everyone on the Internet wanted to know why. Now, we have the answer: the gaggle of super social supermodels weren't on vacation–they were getting a first look at Fyre Festival, a music festival taking place next spring. Photographer Brett Kincaid captured every moment of the titillating trip and the images are exclusively available at W Magazine.
Fyre Brand Film from MATTE on Vimeo.
Behind the scenes photo shoot for GQ Brasil cover November 2016 issue photographed by Stewart Shining at the Maldives Island featuring Alessandra Ambrosio wearing ale by Alessandra.
Behind the scenes photo shoot of Alessandra Ambrosio in Spain for DZARM Alto Verao 2016/17 campaign.
Behind the scenes photo shoot for XTI Shoes FW16 with Alessandra Ambrosio and Spanish actor Jesus Castro.
Behind the scenes photo shoot of Alessandra Ambrosio for Gatabakana Summer'17 with photographer Fabio Bartelt, beauty by Daniel Hernandez and styled by Leandro Porto.
Most women wear different hats, but few make it look as effortlessly chic as Alessandra Ambrosio.
The Brazilian-born beauty is a multi-hyphenate with model, actress, designer and street style star
on her lengthy resume. But Ambrosio gladly admits that her most important role is being a mom to
seven-year-old Anja and three-year-old Noah. "My kids are my number one priority," says Ambrosio. "I try to schedule everything so that I can spend as much time with them as possible." This is why casting the in-demand model and her daughter in our Mother's Day campaign was an easy decision. Watching the delightful duo do their thing on set, it was crystal clear that being camera-ready is in the genes. Read on for our Q&A with the model and mom.
How do you hope your daughter will describe her childhood when she's older?
I think she will say she was able to explore and learn a lot from her parents
and become a self-sufficient adult that cares about the world we live in.
What's your favorite thing that Anja has ever said or done?
Anja is a grown-up stuck in a child's body. This past Thanksgiving she
decided to compose a very thoughtful email to all of her friends and family
and tell them how thankful she is to have them in her life.
What style lessons will you teach her?
Wear something that makes you feel good as beauty and confidence come from the inside.
How do you think she would describe you to her friends?
She would probably say "my mom is a grown-up version of me."
We actually looked at many baby lists and searched the Internet because we were
looking for names that would sound great in both English and Portuguese.
We go to Brazil every chance we get as we have our second home there. Additionally every year
we choose another fun and exotic location to visit and have been to Mykonos, Hawaii, Italy
and Indonesia. We always try to look for a place that has many activities that we can do as a family.
I would say both places. They go to school and live in L.A. but we go to Brazil any chance
we get. I think it is great for them to get to know as many cultures as possible so I try to take
them on other fun trips around the world.
I think that my style is more practical right now. I like to mix and match key pieces that are comfortable
and look good with an accessory, like a great bag, to make the outfit stand out more.
I never knew you can love someone that much.
Always follow your dreams, and yes as I am living a dream right now.
Unconditional love, happiness, rewarding, and fulfilling.
Behind the Scenes photo of Alessandra Ambrosio for the EDIT magazine shot in Malibu by photographer David Bellemere


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At Desert View, Mountain View (3-0) and its ground game were too much for the Jaguars (0-3). The Mountain Lions rushed for 400 yards.
• Highlight reel: On the first play from scrimmage, senior running back Weston Kimmel broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run.
• Player of the game: Junior running back Richie Estrada ran for 133 yards on 13 carries. He accounted for two touchdowns.
• By the numbers: 426. The Mountain Lions had 426 total yards on 35 possessions on offense.
• He said it: "Three-and-zero is very good, but we want more. We're trying to put Mountain View back, and we are going to bring Mountain View back on top." - Estrada
Jose Rivera


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Scotland vs. USA
Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, 3 pm ET
Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
Watch on ESPN2, UniMas
The US national team's final stretch of World Cup preparation begins in the decidedly un-Brazilian environs of dark, chilly Glasgow this week.
Friday's match is the first of this month's two friendlies against demanding European competition, and one of a precious few chances for players to impress coach Jurgen Klinsmann between now and May, when he and his staff will make their final decisions on their roster for Brazil 2014.
The Scots should also offer a marked change of pace – both literally and figuratively – from the Yanks' heavy diet of CONCACAF opposition over the past year as Klinsmann seeks to acclimate his squad to the higher tempo and increased technical virtuosity they can expect to encounter in next summer's main event.
This match marks the eighth meeting between these two nations, with Scotland holding a slender 3-2-2 advantage in results dating back to 1949. Their last match in Scotland took place at Hampden Park eight years ago and ended in a 1-1 draw. Josh Wolff scored a penalty kick drawn by man of the match DaMarcus Beasley (pictured at right) as USMNT coach Bruce Arena fielded a relatively inexperienced lineup including the likes of Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven and Kerry Zavagnin.
Their most recent clash was far less balanced, as Landon Donovan's hat trick led a rampant US side to a 5-1 thrashing in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 26, 2012.
The Tartan Army were disappointed to see their team miss out on another World Cup earlier this year as they failed to advance out of a bearish UEFA qualifying group which included Belgium, Serbia and Croatia. In fact, Scotland were the first European entry to be officially eliminated from 2014 contention thanks to a winless skid early in the cycle.
But the Scots have rebounded dramatically since the appointment of Gordan Strachan as manager in January, claiming two victories over Croatia – who finished in second place in Group A and are thus taking part in this month's two-legged playoffs – en route to a upward vault of 28 places in the latest FIFA World Rankings, the biggest such leap of any nation.
The colorful Strachan has moved the Scots away from the cautious mindset of his predecessor Craig Levein, and can call on a range of experienced talent in his domestic league as well as the English system to the south. He has hinted that he will give his fringe players opportunities against the United States as he builds towards the onset of UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying in September 2014.
This, as they say, is the proving ground. It's not that the USMNT hasn't impressed everyone with their imperious run through the CONCACAF Hexagonal round – fuelled by a program-record winning streak this summer – so much as the time for a pivot towards the greater demands and tighter margins of the World Cup and the truly elite competition that awaits there.
That means that the team will be eyeing collective improvement in the months ahead, while individuals work to prove their worth to Klinsmann. While all parties stress that no one's place is secure, in truth there are only so many unclaimed roster spots left to compete for, making matches like Friday's a crucial showcase for those outside the core of the squad.
The greatest attention falls on the less familiar faces in the USMNT camp for this month's matches, specifically Eric Lichaj and John Brooks, though there's plenty of work to be done for the likes of Brek Shea, Sacha Kljestan and Chris Wondolowski, all of whom have logged minutes with the team this year but can hardly consider themselves safe from the final cuts which lie ahead.
SCOTLAND – Ikechi Anya
The son of a Nigerian father and Romanian mother who spent the first seven years of his life in Glasgow but later moved to England, the Watford winger had his choice of four nations for an international career and surprised some with his selection. But the pacey wide man has brought something different to the Scotland setup and made a splash right from the start, scoring against Macedonia in his debut and drawing a penalty kick in last month's upset of Croatia. He could pose a difficult matchup for the USMNT's fullbacks at Hampden Park.
USA – Eric Lichaj
Long seen as the forgotten man of the Klinsmann era, Lichaj's two-year exile from the national team has finally come to an end as his sustained quality in the English Championship with Nottingham Forest has been recognized. The USMNT's scarcity of fullback options, combined with an injury to Fabian Johnson, has opened the door for him to make a real impression. Can he seize his chance?
GOALKEEPERS (3): Scott Fox (Partick Thistle/Scotland), Matt Gilks (Blackpool/England), David Marshall (Cardiff City/Wales)
DEFENDERS (8): Christophe Berra (Ipswich Town/England), Gordon Greer (Brighton and Hove Albion/England), Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers/England), Alan Hutton (Aston Villa/England), Russell Martin (Norwich City/England), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic/Scotland), Lee Wallace (Rangers/Scotland), Steven Whittaker (Norwich City/England)
MIDFIELDERS (10): Charlie Adam (Stoke City/England), Ikechi Anya (Watford/England), Barry Bannan (Crystal Palace/England), Scott Brown (Celtic/Scotland), Craig Bryson (Derby County/England), Chris Burke (Birmingham City/England), James Forrest (Celtic/Scotland), James Morrison (West Bromwich Albion/England), James McArthur (Wigan Athletic/England), Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City/England)
FORWARDS (4): Steven Fletcher (Sunderland/England), Steven Naismith (Everton/England), Matt Phillips (Queens Park Rangers/England), Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn Rovers/England)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton/England), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
DEFENDERS (7): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla/Mexico), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin/Germany), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/England), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest/England), Michael Orozco (Puebla/Mexico)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Alejandro Bedoya (FC Nantes/France), Michael Bradley (Roma/Italy), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg/Norway), Jermaine Jones (Schalke/Germany), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht/Belgium), Brek Shea (Stoke City/England)
FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Sunderland/England), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna/Austria), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)


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For the most compelling, colorful appearance, if you use a yellow or green apple then try to use a red Bartlett pear; conversely, if you use a red apple, choose a yellow or green pear. Also try to select fruits that are on the small side so the slices won't be unmanageable. You may also use more-assertive greens, such as watercress or arugula, with the mild vinaigrette and sweet-tart fruit.
Servings: 4
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 3 tablespoons safflower or corn oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dry vermouth or dry white wine (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon clover or other mild honey, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 smallish (about 6 ounce) just-ripe unpeeled Bartlett or Anjou pear, halved, cored and cut lengthwise into generous 1/8-inch slices
- 1 smallish (about 6 ounce) crisp, sweet-tart, unpeeled apple, such as braeburn, gravenstein or jonathan, halved, cored and cut lengthwise into generous 1/8-inch slices
- 8 cups lightly packed fresh mesclun or mixed baby greens (may also use watercress or arugula)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Spread the walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven to toast, stirring once or twice, until fragrant, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool.
In a small, nonreactive bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, vermouth, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the ingredients accordingly. (May be made several hours in advance.)
To serve, whisk the vinaigrette to recombine. Slice the pears and apples into a large bowl, drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Set aside.
Place the greens in a large bowl, drizzle with as much of the remaining vinaigrette as desired and toss gently to coat. Divide the greens evenly among individual salad plates and fan the pear and apple slices, alternating pear and apple, on top of the greens. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and crumbled cheese over the top. Serve immediately.
Recipe Source
From cookbook author Nancy Baggett.
Email questions to the Food Section at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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* Prices may differ from that shown
the Makita kp0800 heavy duty planer comes complete with a socket wrench and blade gauge assembly.
as with all Makita products, it is well built and feels very sturdy when using as well as very well balanced.
it has a fine adjustment, perfect if you just need to plane off a tiny little bit. you control the depth with the large black knob at the front.
the grip is rubberized which really helps in terms of comfort when handling, especially if you are using for longer periods of time.
it is a brilliant machine, and not too noisy compared to some planers that I have used in the past. the finish it gives is excellent. overall it is a very good planer and I would definitely recommend it to others, especially at the price which is below £100 wherever you look. you need to make sure you set the blades up correctly when first using but once you do then it has a good smooth action and gives a good finish. it isn't too heavy and is fine to use one-handed.
the only downside I can find to this is that it doesn't come in one of your standard Makita plastic carry boxes, instead it comes in a cardboard box. this might not bother some people, but I like to buy my tools that come in plastic storage boxes as I find it much easier and neater to store. the box it comes in will eventually get wrecked so ill need to find a suitable sized plastic box for it.
On the top there is the grip handle at the rear, which has a black soft feel section of on the underside, together with the same feel on the very top, this is basically the areas where you are most likely to place your hands when using it. The trigger is just up from the black soft grip and is easy to touch with the first finger, which means no need to manoeuvre your hands in such a way that could cause damage to one of your phalanges. There is also a locking button, just above the trigger, that locks the trigger in the on position, deactivating with the retouch of the trigger.
At the front there is the control grip which is best for steering the plane in a way so that you can keep it in a straight line.
On one side there is the housing for the belt, which is covered by a plastic guard and is easy to unscrew in order to change the belt if and when needed.
On the other side there is a hole, or what looks like a whole, that is about the size of a vacuum pipe, which is exactly what it is. It is the vacuum cleaner pipe that sucks the shaving away so that you don't have to sweep up later.
The underside is of the footplate there is a section that looks like it's missing, this is where the blade comes through in order to do the shaving of the wood. This blades depth is controlled by turning the front knob, using the numbers around it to get the blades depth where you want it. It is best to keep the blade as shallow as possible as if the blade is set to 'deep' you'll likely rip the wood rather than plane it. This depth guide is great for when you're making grooves within the wood, as the footplate will stay on the surface as the blade goes deeper and deeper, using the attachable width guide, which consists of a couple of metal rods and a metal plate that runs along the wood.
There is also a little black bobble on the rear of the footpale, this is a sort of kick stand so that you can put the plane down without damaging the blade.
This is a cracking electric plane and takes the real stress out of planing that piece of wood. It is as good as my manual planers and is as easy to control. It is a bit noisy but not as bad as some i've used. Maybe it's on par with a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro with a crack in its manifold
And the cost.? This goes fro about £70, with a more up to date one selling for double that.
"The Makita KP0800 82mm Planer has the following specifications ; Cuts per minute: 34,000 cpm / Planing Depth: 2.0 mm / Planing Width: 82 mm / Rebate Depth: 9.0 mm / No load speed: 17,000 rpm / Vibration plaining softwood: 2.5 m/sec / Vibration K factor: 1.5 m/sec / Input wattage: 620 watt / Noise sound power: 100 dB(A) / Noise sound pressure: 89 dB(A) / Noise K factor: 3 dB(A) / Net weight: 2.6 kg / Supplied with ; Socket wrench / Blade gauge assembly."


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The AP is reporting that Oracle will buy Sun shares for $9.50 per share, 10 cents more than IBM's reported offer, which fell through. The deal is expected to close in this summer.
Oracle estimates that Sun will contribute more than $1.5 billion and $2 billion to Oracle's profits in the first two years, respectively.
This will be very interesting. I guess Oracle didn't have enough on their hands with integrating BEA's middleware suite! It'll be very interesting to see what Oracle does with Sun's hardware assets. I suspect that they'll sell those assets off. But I guess time will tell.
[ InfoWorld's Neil McAllister correctly predicted Oracle's Sun takeover. Find out why he thought the deal would make sense. | For full coverage of the Oracle-Sun deal, see InfoWorld's special report. ]
A few readers have begun to worry about the fate of MySQL. This deal will be a test case for the actual freedoms of users when an open source product gets acquired. Yes, there is an opportunity to fork the code if users aren't happy with the acquiring vendor's actions in the user community or with the product in question. But what's the customer value of a splintered community? And up against the resources of an Oracle, can MapleSyrup Inc., the leading providers of support for MySQL in Canada, really stand a chance? Methinks no. More to come...
Follow me on Twitter at: SavioRodrigues
PS: I should state: "The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies, or opinions."


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Carl Edwards 2011 1:64 #99 ORTHO MAX Ford Action Gold Series diecast by Lionel Nascar Collectables.For five races in 2011, Carl Edwards will wheel a car that might leave fans bug-eyed. The No. 99 Ortho Ford Fusion features a paint scheme arrayed with roaches, ants and other creepy crawlies – and it's bound to create some excitement on the track. Edwards will pilot the car at Darlington Raceway,Infineon Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Watkins Glen.. Order your 2011 Carl Edwards #99 ORTHO MAX diecast today.
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Mark Waid Demos 'Truly Digital Comics' [Video]
Comics writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, Irredeemable) has been uncommonly evangelic about the prospects of digital comics for a while — I know because I had the privilege of joining Waid for an extended chat on the subject last year, when he was already talking about experimenting not just with digital comics business models but also digital comics storytelling. Which is to say, creating comics specifically for devices like computers and the iPad, rather than for print.
Waid released today some examples of the storytelling methods he has been developing for the digital space, and you can watch his demo video below.
In a posting at In Media Res, Waid said that for creators and publishers not backed by corporations like Disney and Warner Bros. (the parent companies of Marvel and DC, respectively), the print comic book has become financially untenable, at least in the sense of a monthly single issue. The writer also explained his view that existing digital comics are mainly comics designed for print that have been reformatted for computer screens and tablets, likening them to the "pan-and-scan" method of transporting feature films to square-shaped televisions.
Waid believes that the new form factor of the iPad or widescreen monitor as well as the ability to control exactly what and when a reader sees a storytelling element necessitates a new approach to comic book making, and he and artist Jeremy Rock have been experimenting along those lines.
As I proceed, my artists and I are constantly learning more about what does and doesn't work with digital. Yet without resorting to the crutch of cheap, limited animation, we're still able to suggest movement by altering the art between panels on the "page turn" that happens when the reader taps the left or right edge of the screen. We can break long captions or art elements into pieces that seem to "drop in" as the pages are turned. And we're only just beginning to learn. I encourage my artists to break borders figuratively and literally-to imagine infinite canvases, new visual language, and more. The only place I stop short is at the addition of voice, music, or anything else that takes the full and total control of time away from the reader; that's the one essential element of comics (the consumer's ability to decide the rate at which s/he wants to absorb the story) that I feel is inviolate. As for the rest…welcome to the future.
The demo video shows static elements such as artwork and text introduced in a highly controlled manner that for some will be more palatable than the much maligned "motion comics" format, where a "camera" moves around the comic book page and where figures and other elements are actually animated within panels.
Creator reaction to Waid's demo has already begun via Twitter. Comics artist Cully Hamner seemed intrigued by what he saw, while cartoonist Bryan Lee O'Malley wasn't convinced the results were all that distinct from motion comics. Writer Ivan Brandon agrees with Waid's premise that digital shouldn't be looked at as a new form of paper, and said he's "playing with ways to push it further still." You can read more reactions at this link.
I think Waid puts forth some clever ideas that for the most part maintain comics' nature as static images presented in such a way as to guide the reader through a narrative, but I also find myself reacting uncomfortably to some of the "tricks" seen in the video. But as Waid said, these are just examples and experimentation is ongoing. Brandon summed the discussion up nicely, tweeting "What can I do digital that I CAN'T do on paper?", and it's a conversation definitely worth having.


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J.P. uses Win Shares Above Bench to break down the season's best players and teams at every position.
The Good, the Bad, and the Cheap: The Cost Efficiency of 162 Starts
J.P. takes another look at starting rotations, this time from the financial point of view.
Mark McGwire's Hall of Fame Worthiness
Forget steroids. J.P. just wants to know if McGwire's stats merit inclusion.
What Went Wrong with the Tribe? (Part 5)
J.P. continues to examine the Indians' lost season, using the latest information from the Bill James Handbook.
Where It Went Wrong for the Tribe (Part 4)
J.P. puts the Tribe's starting pitching under the microscope.
Where It Went Wrong for the Tribe (Part 3)
J.P.'s third installment of what went wrong with perhaps the most disappointing team of the year.
Where It Went Wrong for the Tribe (Part 2)
J.P. revisits the Cleveland bullpen, and asks whether management should have seen this coming.
Where It Went Wrong for the Tribe: Part 1
Guest writer J.P. McIntyre takes a closer look at this year's most disappointing team.


text: Hello everyone! I am very proud to present you with PuppetMaster, an advanced character physics tool making it's way towards the Asset Store. Alongside it's kinematic brother Final IK, it is the missing link in professional production quality procedural animation tools available to Unity. What can we do with PuppetMaster? Create active ragdolls that can follow the character's animation using muscle forces and/or physically pinning the ragdoll bones to their animated targets. Simply continue animating your characters after they have fallen/died. In the GIF below, the character's animation (represented by the cyan skeleton) is simply cross-faded between two animation states, based on the ragdoll's height from the ground. Determine muscle/pinning properties for each individual muscle or muscle group. In the following sequence, the upper body was released to muscle animation only while the lower body remained pinned to the animation in world space. The same logic applied to 2 characters... The animated puppet can also be linked to a kinematic Rigidbody using a simple Joint. PuppetMaster can be extended with Puppet Behaviours that provide a pattern for developing functionalities that dynamically adjust muscle and pinning weights, strength and other properties or make kinematic adjustments to the target pose. The behaviour used below (BehaviourPuppet.cs) loosens pinning on collision. If the ragdoll bones get too far from their targets, the puppet will loose balance. ...this behaviour can also be used on more complex character controllers. Triggering falling/getting up animations is also handled automatically by the BehaviourPuppet. The video above in more length and better quality: And the full overview video of the entire package: For your convenience, PuppetMaster also contains tools for automatic ragdoll generation and editing colliders/joints visually in the Scene View. Cheers, Pärtel


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Dumka, Feb. 3: The JMM pulled off a massive rally in Dumka last night to mark its foundation day, proving that the party continues to enjoy support of tribals despite the recent Rajya Sabha fiasco.
However, the clamour with the party continues with the three disgruntled leaders Tundi MLA Mathura Prasad Mahto, Dumri legislator Jagannath Mahto and Baharagora MLA Vidyut Baran Mahto remaining conspicuously absent from the rally.
Also, MLAs Jaiprakash Patel and Akil Akhtar, who are upset over the partys way of functioning, did not turn up.
While their absence apparently did not dent the partys support base in Santhal Pargana, the proposed rally in Dhanbad tomorrow will be a litmus test for the JMM as Mathura Prasad holds a considerable clout on the Kurmi community in the coal belt.
Yesterday, the JMM used the rally platform to launch its campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Seemingly overwhelmed by huge turnout, Hemant said this was a unique rally where thousands of party supporters braved the severe chill for hours to catch a glimpse of Guruji.


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The 2-channel A-Range rack unit is an exact replica of the original all-discrete transistor circuitry and faithfully follows the original console's design. So much so that it has taken three years of circuit analysis and testing by PMI Audio Group who undertook the mammoth task of recreating the circuitry. Trident Audio Developments and PMI Audio are extremely pleased and proud to offer this unique piece of recording history. Only thirteen A-Range consoles were ever built and a number are still in use today despite being nearly forty years old. This says a lot about the heritage of these iconic items of recording equipment and the artists that have used them, which include Elton John, Dire Straits, David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder to name but a few.
A-Range MSRP: $4999.99


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If you are looking for an enchanting destination for your honeymoon full of culture and excitement then why not explore India. Taste incredible Indian cuisine and visit one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal for some wonderful memories and fantastic honeymoon photography.
From the stunning sandy beaches in Goa to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, magnificent mountain ranges and romantic experiences in Rajasthan, India is one of the most up and coming honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. When it comes to accommodation in India you can relax because you will be faced with so many wonderful hotels and resorts to choose from during your honeymoon that making a final decision will be tough.If you wish to explore more than one city in India for your honeymoon then travelling from the North to the South or the East to the West is relatively easy. Take some incredible photography on your honeymoon if you visit the phenomenal Taj Mahal located in Agra, and why not visit the capital city of India, New Delhi to get a real taste of Indian culture during your stay. Your honeymoon in India will be one to remember forever and will provide you with memories to share with your friends and family for years to come.
Currency: Indian Rupee
Capital: New Delhi
Languages: Hindi, English
Flight time: 9 hours from London
India typically has four seasons. Winter spreads from December through to April with the colder months ranging from 10-15°C. The summer, or pre-monsoon season lasts from April to June where temperatures can average between 32 and 40 degrees. Between June and September the heaviest rains will fall; this is typically known as the peak monsoon or rainy season and Post monsoon season from October to December.
The best places to visit around the world on your honeymoon in November
Where to go on your honeymoon during October
If you are looking for an extremely cultural destination full of excitement and wonderful experiences then why not consider having your wedding abroad in India. India is known for its historic landmarks, phenomenal food and hot climate. Your wedding in India would be magnificent and would create memories to last a life time. There are hundreds of resorts and hotels in different regions of India such as Mumbai, Goa, Agra and New Delhi all of which would be happy to help you plan your magical wedding abroad. Imaging your wedding photography outside the Taj Mahal or why not stay on and explore more of India during your destination wedding experience.
The rules and regulations for getting married in India are currently being updated. For further information visit - http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-india/Marriage-and-birth-in-India
Share the best bits about your trip in our Real Honeymoons section.
Send us your top tips for other honeymoon planning couples and a few of your best photos.
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After days of public outcry, an apology and even a $100,000 donation, the chief executive of food service giant Centerplate Inc. has finally resigned, unable to fend off the growing scandal over his mistreatment of a dog in a Vancouver elevator.
The ouster of Desmond Hague shines a spotlight on the power social media can have when executives go astray.
Centerplate's earlier responses to the footage were clearly not enough to contain the crisis. First, the company said it was "disturbed" by the leaked footage, in which Mr. Hague repeatedly kicked a dog and yanked its leash as it cowered from him at times. Then, it put Mr. Hague on probation and announced that he had agreed to donate $100,000 to establish an animal-welfare foundation.
On Tuesday, Centerplate, a caterer for stadiums and other entertainment venues based out of Stamford, Conn., announced Mr. Hague's resignation and thanked those "who expressed their feelings about this incident."
"Their voices helped us to frame out deliberations during this very unusual and unfortunate set of circumstances," board chairman Joe O'Donnell said in the statement.
That statement points to a fundamental change in how companies manage public relations in the wake of a crisis.
Digital media have allowed those "voices" to multiply and amplify. The public can call out companies for bad behaviour, and whip up a public relations frenzy it is sometimes impossible to contain.
"I refer to it as the fiasco vortex. … It spins downward faster than you can do anything about it," said Eric Dezenhall, founder of Washingtonbased public relations firm Dezenhall Resources and an expert in crisis management.
"There is no crisis management playbook any more."
Mr. Hague is not the first to prove that point.
In April, Brendan Eich stepped down just weeks after he was named CEO of Mozilla, the software company behind the Firefox Internet browser. The controversy arose because of a $1,000 donation Mr. Eich made in 2008 to support Proposition 8, a motion to ban same-sex marriage in California.
In a blog post announcing Mr. Eich's resignation, Mozilla executive chairwoman Mitchell Baker referred to the strength of the response online.
"While painful, the events of the last week show exactly why we need the Web. So all of us can engage freely in the tough conversations we need to make the world better," she wrote.
The conversations that happen online in real time can have a real impact on a company.
"Social media enhance the visibility of leader misdeeds, which can be quickly attached to a brand," said Stephen Paskoff, president and CEO of Atlanta, Ga.-based ELI Inc., which consults businesses on the behaviour of their employees.
"All of us can capture moments that previously went undocumented … to be immediately disseminated broadly."
That was evident in the case of Donald Sterling. The billionaire former owner of the L.A. Clippers was banned from the National Basketball Association for life in April. In a leaked video, Mr. Sterling made racist remarks. Social media were responsible both for the speed at which the video was distributed, and for a backlash that left the NBA with little choice but to show Mr. Sterling the door.
Last December, Justine Sacco, the director of corporate communications at IAC – which owns online dating services Match.com, Tinder as well as media sites such as CollegeHumor and Vimeo – posted a tweet before boarding a flight to South Africa. By the time she had landed, she was infamous. It read: "Going to Africa. Hope I don't get AIDS. Just kidding. I'm white!"
Ms. Sacco deleted her Twitter account and later issued an apology. The next day, IAC announced she had been fired.
Companies now have to grapple with a reality in which misdeeds cannot be smoothed out with PR spin. That may be good for transparency, but some believe it is not universally positive.
"You are now defined by your very worst moment. Not only that, your very worst moment is memorialized," Mr. Dezenhall said. "Even though we're all vulnerable, we also actively enjoy seeing others scorched. … It's a free-for-all where people and organizations can become targets, and they don't have the power to defend themselves. When social media get going, it's not balanced. It's almost universally, 'Kill, kill, kill.'"Report Typo/Error
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All Kelley Coffman-Lee wanted to do was broadcast her love of tofu to the driving public.
So the Colorado vegan applied to the state's Department of Revenue for a vanity license plate for her Suzuki SL7 carrying the message: ILVTOFU.
Clerks at her local motor vehicle office approved the plate -- but it did not escape the discerning eyes of state revenue officials, who detected another way that Coffman-Lee's penchant for tofu could be read.
Vegan wants ILVTOFU on license plate. 2BAD, state says
Current Status: Blessed (1)
Seeded on Sun May 10, 2009 3:01 PM
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Medical Supplies
As we get older, our need for medical supplies increase. Find medical supply stores, addresses, maps, phone numbers, and read online reviews.
Find Medical Supplies By State:
Medical Supply Reviews & Comments:
best Hadpieces I ever used in my pr
by Tsila on February 18th, 2009
on Osseo Scientific LLC
Osseo Scientific in toms Rive NJ. I use their handpieces and drills. It is great. Very light weight. I being using their products over 5 years, never send for repairs yet. Costumer services very helpful.Prices that I paid for my products it is worth a while. I recommend their product to all my colics in same field. Try to use one of their handpiece, you will see it.
All the best.
tt dds
here's the link to their site
by mark on January 26th, 2009
on Atlanta Microscope Svc & Rpr
didn't even deliver and charged cre
by unsatisfied buyer on January 12th, 2009
on Ameritech Medical
|I paid for an ultrasound unit in sptember 2008. Mr. *** ******* charged due to a problem with my card (he states..)150 % of the value and so far hasn't delivered the unit. Hasn't answered our last 30 + emails and simply doesn't pick up the phone too busy?
nuisance report
by fed up on December 31st, 2008
on Patriot Medical
g) Loading and Unloading.
Loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials,
garbage cans or similar objects in such a manner
as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary. Create poor air quality, allowing trucks to idle for long periods of time.
makes up his own dosages
by Rhee on November 3rd, 2008
on Apple Pharmacy
|Not only didn't follow the prescription but made up his own to make more money. When asked to fix problem the workers and pharmacist came up with multiple stories while each sunk, conferenced together to make up more. Have to report this to medical organization. No customer satisfaction and no good medical care at all.Problem never remedied either.
Medical Equipment
Medical supplies are a necessity for older Americans. As the US population gets older due to increase life expectancies, we find that many people need medical supplies to stay active. Just as every city has a local pharmacy; many cities have multiple medical supply stores to cater to every type of need. Some stores carry a larger inventory than others and some will sale equipment wholesale to the public. Discount stores will allow you to buy common supplies a substantial savings that will allow you to save money for other activities. Since many stores carry different products, please leave a review of your experiences for others.


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Places We Protect
Kansas Preserves
The Nature Conservancy of Kansas owns 46,000 acres in six different properties, which exhibit outstanding examples of prairie landscapes. There properties are managed with conservation as the chief goal; but reasonable and science-supported visitors uses are allowed as well.
Flint Hills
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Konza Prairie
Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
Flint Hills Initiative


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The average profit margin of SABMiller's global beverage business in the year to March 2011 was 17.8 per cent with various divisional profit margins ranging from a low of 4 per cent in Asia to a high of 25.6 per cent in Latin America. Compare that to Foster's, which had a profit margin of 35 per cent in 2011 and was forecast by analysts to lift that nearer to 40 per cent by 2014.
In the hands of the SABMiller operating machine, which is running smoothly in 70 countries with brands such as Grolsch, Miller and Peroni, the Foster's profit margins will probably exceed analysts' forecasts sooner than expected.
The likelihood that SABMiller will crank up Foster's profit margins shows through in its willingness to live with market expectations that it will achieve cost synergy benefits of $130 million, which is more than double the $55 million cost cutting promised by Foster's chief executive John Pollaers.
There are two men behind the SABMiller machine, former chief executive and now chairman Meyer Kahn and chief executive for the past 14 years Graham Mackay. The company's success has obviously come without abiding by the traditional corporate governance rules.
Mackay likes to play down the significance of the Foster's takeover, which is priced at $5.10 or $5.40, depending on whether you see it from the SABMiller perspective or the Foster's point of view. He says SABMiller does not need to do the deal and could have walked away.
But he is being a little cute. After more than a decade of consolidation in the global brewing industry there is nothing left that compares with Foster's. Companies removed from the sector through takeover include Anheuser Busch (bought by InBev), Femsa UBD (bought by Heineken), Grolsch (bought by SABMIller), Lion Nathan (bought by Kirin) and Scottish and Newcastle (bought by Heineken and Carlsberg).
Mackay's determination to buy Foster's is evident from his willingness to move forward without the usual "no change in markets clause". That has given comfort to Foster's shareholders at a time when there is a very real risk that the Australian stockmarket will come under more downward selling pressure between now and the close of the scheme of arrangement in three months.
The lack of inclusion of a clause to protect SABMiller from a collapse in equity markets could be seen as an endorsement of the negotiating strategy of Foster's and its advisers Goldman Sachs and Gresham Partners.
SABMiller prefers to say that it is confident in its fundamental valuation of the business and its ability to make it more profitable. It doesn't care what happens to share prices.
Another indication of the high motivation to get the deal over the line can be seen in the tactics used. Mackay and his fellow board members were presented with the option of playing hardball with Foster's and potentially saving themselves about $200 million to $300 million.
A possible hardline approach could have involved lifting the bid by 10¢ or 15¢ and sticking with that for three to six months. SABMiller could have soaked up stock and got to 30 to 40 per cent of the issued capital from its initial holding of 4 per cent. It could have mopped up the rest later at a higher price and potentially saved itself 10¢ to 15¢ a share.
But that option was rejected in favour of the negotiated arrangement with Foster's chairman David Crawford. This simpler, less messy approach costs more but ensures speedy execution.
SABMiller's ability to move rapidly from hostile takeover offer to agreed scheme of arrangement is partly due to the structure of its board of directors and their links with major shareholders.
About 40 per cent of the company is in the hands of two shareholders, both of which are represented on the board with two directors each. Altria Group owns 27 per cent of the company and Bevco International owns about 14 per cent. The other big shareholders are a sovereign wealth fund from South Africa and a Polish investment company.
Shares in SABMiller, the world's second-biggest brewer, were under pressure in London last night, but the metrics of the deal have won the approval of most analysts.
The bald numbers are that SABMiller is using about $11 billion in borrowed money at an interest rate of 5 per cent to buy a business yielding about 6.5 per cent. That is pretty compelling but you have to take into account the risk that the business will go backwards.
It has grabbed a $1 billion-a-year cash-flow business. Once it's fed into Mackay's machine the results should be accretive to his shareholders.
Shareholders in
Some will blanch at McLeod's $15.6 million remuneration figure for 2011 in the annual report released last night. Although the number includes cash put aside in the first three years of a five-year turnaround, he is now one of the highest paid executives in Australia.
The remuneration figure is the natural outcome of the deal done by McLeod. The more he lifts earnings and return on capital, the more he gets. In fact, if he can achieve his stretch targets, he will pick up $37 million over five years.
In the year to June, 2011, Coles delivered a 21.2 per cent increase in divisional earnings before interest and tax and a 20 per cent increase in return on capital, compared to the 2010 financial year.
Wesfarmers says its remuneration principles are in contrast with other companies, including the former Coles Group, where significant payments have been made despite significant under-performance.
In the year to June, McLeod earned an annual salary of $1.9 million, a short-term incentive of $2.3 million and a long-term incentive for the first three years of the Coles turnaround of $11 million.
The surge in his total package coincides with a decline in the remuneration of Wesfarmers chief executive
The Australian Financial Review


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Most Recently Amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: September 22, 2015
(1) Application. The Professional Standards for Teachers define the pedagogical and other professional knowledge and skills required of all teachers. These standards and indicators referred to in 603 CMR 7.08 (2) and (3) are used by sponsoring organizations in designing their teacher preparation programs and in preparing their candidates. The standards and indicators are also used by the Department in reviewing programs seeking state approval, and as the basis of performance assessments of candidates. Candidates shall demonstrate that they meet the Professional Standards and indicators referred to in 603 CMR 7.08 (2) and (3) by passing a Performance Assessment for Initial License using Department guidelines.
(2) Professional Standards for Teachers.
(3) Indicators. The Department shall publish guidelines with detailed indicators for each standard set forth in 603 CMR 7.08(2). The guidelines shall include at least the following indicators:
Regulatory Authority:M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B; c. 69, §§ 1J and 1K, as amended by St. 2010, c. 12, § 3; c. 71, § 38G.
Disclaimer: For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834.


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Nikon Coolpix S220
Generic Company Place Holder Nikon Coolpix S220 Compact CameraTechHive Rating
The $150 Nikon Coolpix S220 is a decent, basic point-and-shoot, but you can find a few better options among cameras in the $200 price range.
The 10-megapixel Coolpix S220 offers a 3X-optical-zoom lens (35mm to 105mm) and quite a few more controls than the bargain-bin Coolpix L20 that landed near the top of our Top 10 chart of $200-range cameras. It's also a good-looking camera, available in six colors (silver, black, blue, magenta, green, and plum) and ultraportable thanks to its slender 0.7-inch-thick frame.
That said, the S220's image quality wasn't nearly as impressive, and unless you're looking for a very slim camera, the L20 appears to be the smarter buy between the two of them.
Like the L20, the Coolpix S220 has digital-only image stabilization, but it works much better than many software-based stabilization systems we've seen in the past. It functions well in normal circumstances; but when I shook the camera around like a maniac, I did see a bit of blur in the resulting images.
In PC World Test Center jury evaluations, the S220's glaring weak points were exposure quality--especially with the flash turned on--and overall image quality when compared to cameras in the same price range.
Relatively speaking, battery life was the Coolpix S220's strong suit, as it fired off 252 shots on its fully charged lithium ion battery, satisfactory enough for a rating of Good. Though that result isn't in the 300-plus-shots-per-charge range of many point-and-shoot cameras we've seen recently, the battery is no slouch.
Operating the Coolpix S220 is very easy: The power button, the shutter button, and the zoom controls are all on the top of the camera, while four buttons (dedicated to scene-mode selection, playback, menu access, and deleting photos) and a four-way navigational pad are on the back, to the right of the 2.5-inch-diagonal LCD screen.
In addition to one-touch access to flash controls, the timer, exposure compensation, and macro mode, the four-way directional pad handles on-screen menu navigation. All the buttons are well spaced, solid, and easy for hands of any size to use. The SD/SDHC card slot is tucked away in the Coolpix S220's battery compartment; it's slightly inconvenient, but that design is pretty much the norm for the majority of point-and-shoot cameras.
A lot of handy options are lurking in the S220's menus, too. You get six white-balance presets, six color filters ranging from black-and-white to pastel, and 18 scene modes. Among the scenes are old standbys such as Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Fireworks modes.
One handy and unique scene mode is the Panorama Assist feature, which guides you in making a stitched-together panoramic picture by keeping a ghosted image of the last shot you took on screen; that way, you can just overlap your next photo with the previous image. The included ArcSoft software suite (on a CD) takes care of stitching together the photos, with auto-pilot ease.
Blink detection and red-eye correction are also part of the in-camera feature mix, and you can jack up the ISO equivalency to 2000 to help with flash-off, low-light shots. That said, I noticed a lot of noise creeping into images that I had shot at ISO settings above 800.
Another nice surprise was the ability to zoom in and out while using the Coolpix S220's movie mode. The S220 won't replace your camcorder by any means, but I found that it shot decent standard-definition, 640-by-480 AVI clips.
All told, the Coolpix S220 offers about what you'd expect for the $150 price tag: satisfactory images, a useful feature set, and average battery life. It's a nice option if you're looking for a slim, low-cost camera, but the similarly slender Pentax Optio P70 provides a wide-angle lens and 720p HD video in a thin frame for just $30 more.
This story, "Nikon Coolpix S220" was originally published by PCWorld.
Generic Company Place Holder Nikon Coolpix S220 Compact CameraTechHive Rating
The slim Coolpix S220 looks great and has some unique features, but we've seen more enticing options in the price range.


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EMBA Report (EMBA6001)
This unit requires students to provide leadership on a strategic, Board level issue facing their organisation. In doing so students will be required to apply the cross-disciplinary knowledge, skills and personal attributes developed during the degree to a significant strategic issue confronting their organisation. Thus, as in other parts of the course, the approach to the project must be integrative, international in scope, and build in the wider context in which the organisation operates. The unit will require the student to demonstrate the leadership skills, knowledge and attributes developed throughout the course. This is the final component of the EMBA, and as such will allow students to draw on the content and experiences from throughout the course. Students will work closely with an in-company sponsor as well as an academic mentor to ensure the project is both of substantial and practical value to the organisation and completed with academic rigor. The completion of this Unit of Study is the final component of the Executive MBA.
Our courses that offer this unit of study
Further unit of study information
report proposal (10%), verbal board-level (or equivalent) presentation (25%), written business plan or report (30%), reflective essay (35%)
Faculty/department permission required?
Unit of study rules
Assumed knowledge
Additional Information
Only students enrolled in the degree FC065 - Executive Master of Business Administration, are permitted to enrol in this unit of study
Study this unit outside a degree
Non-award/non-degree study
If you wish to undertake one or more units of study (subjects) for your own interest but not towards a degree, you may enrol in single units as a non-award student.
Cross-institutional study
If you are from another Australian tertiary institution you may be permitted to underake cross-institutional study in one or more units of study at the University of Sydney.


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Vietnam at a Crossroads - Engaging in the Next Generation of Global Value Chains
Vietnam has emerged as an Asian manufacturing powerhouse, carving out a role for itself within global value chains (GVCs). In this World Bank Group publication, readers will gain a strong understanding of Vietnam's current and potential engagement with GVCs and will learn about strategic policy tools that can help developing countries achieve economic prosperity in the context of compressed development. Its findings will be of particular interest to policy makers, development practitioners, and academics. Duke CGGC researcher Stacey Frederick authored chapter 7 of this publication. The chapter covers Vietnam's textile and apparel industry and trade networks.Vietnam's Textile and Apparel Industry and Trade Networks - Chapter 7 p. 101 - 109 View PDF
Harnessing Foreign Direct Investment for Local Development? Spillovers in Apparel Global Value Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa
At the beginning of the 2000s, the introduction of the African Growth and Opportunity Act contributed to a boom in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) apparel industry. The possibility of exploiting the spillover potential of this FDI raised significant hopes of developing a locally-embedded SSA apparel export industry. The paper explores the level and nature of FDI spillovers and the factors supporting and constraining them focusing on three of the leading SSA apparel exporter countries - Kenya, Lesotho, and Swaziland. We find that despite significant investments to attract FDI, there are very limited spillovers to local firms and industries. In addition to domestic absorption capacity, the potential for and the nature of FDI spillovers is importantly determined by the strategy of foreign investors and the governance of global value chains (GVCs).OFSE Working Paper 59 View Abstract View PDF
The Gender Dimensions of Global Value Chains
Policymakers are increasingly turning to GVCs as a means of driving development, including generating employment and raising incomes. Access to and benefits from participation in GVCs are closely related to gender issues. The opportunities associated with GVCs differ for men and women as a result of gender-based segregation and constraints that exist to different degrees in all societies. Not seeing these inequalities is problematic from a gender equality perspective and can hinder the broader effectiveness of trade and development policies.Issue Paper for the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) View Report Page View Report
Promoting Decent Work in Global Supply Chains (GSCs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): Key Issues, Good Practices, Lessons Learned and Policy Insights
The report, prepared by Dr. Gereffi, Penny Bamber and Karina Fernandez-Stark for the International Labour Organisation (ILO), uses a case-based approach to analyze circumstances under which both economic and social upgrading have been achieved simultaneously. The report is based on a desk-based review, drawing upon existing studies of GSCs to examine their impacts and implications for the development of domestic firms and workers, their contribution to productive transformation and structural change and their impacts on the quantity and quality of jobs in the LAC region.ILO Americas Technical Reports, 2016/1 View Report (English) View Report (Spanish) View ILO Page
Connecting to the World Market through Regional Value Chains: Partnership Opportunities in Coconut Value Chain for the Small Caribbean Economies
This report presents the advantages of a regional approach and the opportunities of public-private collaboration in connecting the small Caribbean economies to the global market. Findings from this research will inform the strategy of a multi-year program, "Coconut Industry Development for the Caribbean," funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). The report covers nine Caribbean countries: the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, Suriname, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Dominica.Report prepared for the International Trade Center (ITC) View Report PDF
China's Greatest Legacy was to create a Model of Inclusive Development
Gereffi provided an interview for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Integration and Trade Journal on industrial development in China with lessons Latin America can learn from China. It is available in English and Spanish.Integration and Trade Journal, No. 40 (June), p. 298-303 View English PDF View Spanish PDF View Full IDB Publication
Stitches to Riches?: Apparel Employment, Trade, and Economic Development in South Asia
CGGC\'s Stacey Frederick authored chapters 2 and 5 in this World Bank book on the apparel industry. The book is motivated by South Asia\'s need to create more and better jobs for a growing population; it investigates the region\'s potential for expanding and improving jobs in the labor-intensive apparel sector. It estimates the effects of rising wages in China on apparel exports, employment, and wages in South Asia, and provides policy recommendations to leverage the sector for greater job creation.Washington, DC: World Bank: Chapter 2, Benchmarking South Asia in the Global Apparel Industry, p. 39-76; Chapter 5, Policies to Foster Apparel Exports and Jobs, p. 143-177 View Book PDF View World Bank page
Global value chains and upgrading: Export promotion in FTZs
This article highlights the case study of Costa Rica\\\'s medical devices sector based on Duke CGGC\\\'s 2013 report for Costa Rica. This issue of the World FZO Bulletin was distributed to all conference participants at the World FZO conference held in Dubai, May 9-11, 2016.World FZO Bulletin Issue 5 View PDF View Conference Program
Syria Wheat Value Chain and Food Security
This research brief discusses the wheat value chain in Syria and points of disruptions in the chain leading to acute food insecurity in the nation.Duke MINERVA Research Brief No. 8, March View PDF View MINERVA Website
Moroccan Food Security and the Wheat Value Chain
Morocco\'s high dependence on food imports exposes it to international price volatility which puts its food security at risk. This brief examines food security challenges in Morocco, policy responses, the wheat value chain, and the potential for disruptions in the chain, and suggests several policy action areas to address these challenges.Duke MINERVA Research Brief No. 7, January View PDF View MINERVA Website
Bahrain's Position in the Global Apparel Value Chain: How the U.S.-Bahrain FTA and TPLs Shape Future Development Options
This report analyzes the situation and potential future outcomes of Bahrain's apparel industry in light of the upcoming TPL expiration in July 2016.Report prepared for the Embassy of Bahrain, Washington, DC View PDF
Review of Ecuador's Agri-Industries Global Value Chains: Bottlenecks and Roadmap for Implementation
This report was prepared as a background paper to the World Bank Ecuador Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) which was released on March 6th, 2016. The Ecuador Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) is the result of a team effort of the Ecuador Country Team, members from several Global Practices and the IFC.Background Study for Ecuador's Country Economic Memorandum View Report
Regional Trade Agreements and Export Competitiveness: the Uncertain Path of Nicaragua's Apparel Exports under CAFTA
Comparing Russia's and Ukraine's Wheat GVC
Role of Private Firms in the Egyptian Maize Value Chain
Maize impacts both caloric intake and diet quality of the Egyptian population. Such importance is mostly driven by a shift in diets. The private sector, which relies on imports to cater to its maize needs, is the lead actor of the maize value chain. This brief first analyzes the importance of maize to Egypt's food security. In a global context where maize prices are high and volatile, this brief describes the strategies adopted by Egyptian lead firms to secure supply and meet growing demand. Such strategies range from diversification to vertical integration and upgrading.Duke MINERVA Research Brief No. 5, May View PDF
Quantifying the Value of Place-based Exchange within a Global Production Network
The household furniture industry in central North Carolina provided a critical manufacturing base for the American South in the early twentieth century and ultimately encompassed a network of firms throughout the Southeastern United States. At its zenith in the 1980's, the household furniture industry employed over 90,000 workers in North Carolina.Regions 297 No. 297, Issue 1, p.16-18 View PDF
Nanotechnology in Society: An Overview
This Short Subject provides an introduction to nanotechnology, its potential risks and applications, and current regulation in the United States and California. "Nano" refers to particles and effects scaled at billionths of a meter. Emerging applications hold great promise in many areas, including new ways to treat cancer.California Research Bureau, Short Subject February, S-15-002 View PDF
The Future of Manufacturing: Driving Capabilities, Enabling Investments
This report focuses on an analysis of trends in global manufacturing, mostly from a value chain perspective, and represents a joint effort between the WEF Global Agenda Council on the Future of Manufacturing and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It emphasizes that future developments in global manufacturing are increasingly relying upon the development of capabilities related to innovation, labour and infrastructures. Developed countries have experienced a substantial decline in manufacturing employment, but this trend has also been counterbalanced by improvements in manufacturing capabilities. While developed countries remain among the most competitive, as noted by UNIDO's Competitive Industrial Performance Index, many developing countries have substantially improved their industrial competitiveness. An overview of the apparel industry stresses the fact that value chains can be upgraded to help manufacturing actors develop their capabilities.Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Agenda Council on the Future of Manufacturing and UNIDO View PDF View Media
Combining the Global Value Chain and Global I-O Approaches
This discussion paper describes the existing gap between the work of GVC academics and that of economists, international NGOs and statistical agencies analyzing global production fragmentation. The purpose is to explore how these two approaches can be combined. GVC studies compare or describe an industry- or product-specific value chain across countries and regions.Discussion Paper, International Conference on the Measurement of International Trade and Economic Globalization View PDF
Hubs and Communities: A Structural Analysis of MENA's Wheat Network
Changing Food Systems and Inequality: Implications for Food Security and Public Policy
The report looks at food systems, public policy, and inequality in four BRICSAM countries: Brazil, India, Mexico, and South Africa.Report prepared for the European Union and Oxfam View Report
North Carolina's Manufacturing Wage Gap
Inclusive Value Chain Interventions in the High-Value Agrifood Sector in Latin America
Global Value Chains in Latin America: A Development Perspective for Upgrading
Shifting Sources of Wheat Supply for MENA Countries: the Rise of the Black Sea
What Role Can Coal Play in the United States' Energy Future?
Risks and Opportunities of Participation in Global Value Chains
Contemporary globalization has been marked by significant shifts in the organization and governance of global industries. In the 1970s and 1980s, one such shift was characterized by the emergence of buyer-driven and producer-driven commodity chains. In the early 2000s, a more differentiated typology of governance structures was introduced, which focused on new types of coordination in global value chains (GVCs). Today the organization of the global economy is entering another phase, with transformations that are reshaping the governance structures of both GVCs and global capitalism at various levels: (1) the end of the Washington Consensus and the rise of contending centers of economic and political power; (2) a combination of geographic consolidation and value chain concentration in the global supply base, which, in some cases, is shifting bargaining power from lead firms in GVCs to large suppliers in developing economies; (3) new patterns of strategic coordination among value chain actors; (4) a shift in the end markets of many GVCs accelerated by the economic crisis of 2008–09, which is redefining regional geographies of investment and trade; and (5) a diffusion of the GVC approach to major international donor agencies, which is prompting a reformulation of established development paradigms.World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 6847 View PDF
Comparing Egypt and Saudi Arabia's Wheat GVC
Wheat is one of the most important commodities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the region is the largest importer of wheat and other grains. While there are many challenges in terms of securing stable wheat supplies, like storage capacity and water reserves, sub-regional differences exist in the organization of the wheat industry and subsequent challenges. This brief sheds light on these differences through a comparison of Egyptian and Saudi Arabian wheat value chains. We conclude that while many issues, such as availability of currency reserves, span the region, other issues are country or sub-region specific.Duke MINERVA Research Brief No. 2, April View Research Brief
Global Value Chain Analysis and Food Security
This brief compares the GVC approach to understanding food security with more traditional approaches and identifies how GVC analysis allows researchers to identify and investigate important food security challenges facing MENA, particularly the issues of governance and international trade.Duke MINERVA Research Brief No. 1, April View Research Brief
Globalization, Recession and the Internationalization of Industrial Districts: Experiences from the Italian Gold Jewelry Industry
Global value chains in a post-Washington Consensus world
Towards Better Work in Central America: Nicaragua and the CAFTA Context
Latin America's Emergence in Global Services: A New Driver of Structural Change in the Region?
Karina Fernandez-Stark is an editor of this recent ECLAC book on the service industry in Latin America.ECLAC Book View Book
Twelve Years of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Publications in Mexico
This article reviews information from the Web of Science relevant to articles on nanoscience and nanotechnology in Mexico over 12 years (2000 - 2012), and explains the changes in S&T policy.Journal of Nanoparticle Research Volume 16, Issue 1, Article 2193 View Article Link
A Indústria Brasileira e as Cadeias Globais de Valor
As indústrias estão deixando de atuar apenas nos mercados domésticos e tornam-se cada vez mais internacionalizadas. Nos últimos 50 anos, o mundo tem passado por transformações que afetam significativamente a produção e o comércio globais. A manufatura, antes local, agora é mundial. Empresas e países se especializam não na fabricação de bens, mas nas etapas do processo produtivo.Elsevier Read More View Summary
Making Foreign Direct Investment Work for Sub-Saharan Africa: Chapter 7: Sector Case Study: Apparel
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is becoming an increasingly significant catalyst for output and trade in developing countries, in part due to a major expansion in the scope of global value chains (GVCs). FDI delivers a number of important contributions to economic development in terms of investment, employment, and foreign exchange.Making Foreign Direct Investment Work for Sub-Saharan Africa: Local Spillovers and Competitiveness in Global Value Chains Pp. 209-244 in T. Farole and D. Winkler (eds.), Washington, DC: The World Bank. View Publisher's Website View Book PDF
Connecting Local Producers in Developing Countries to Regional and Global Value Chains
This report, commissioned by the Trade and Agriculture Directorate of the OECD, analyzes the specific factors that affect the competitiveness of developing countries in regional and global value chains (GVCs), and how these factors differ across four major economic sectors: agriculture, extractive industries, manufacturing and offshore services. The analysis highlights that in order to participate gainfully in GVCs, developing countries must adopt industry-specific policy frameworks that reflect the changing reality of global business. Keywords: global and regional value chains, developing countries, competitiveness, productive capacity, inclusive growth, trade integrationOECD Trade Policy Paper No. 160 View PDF View Publisher's Website
Brazil in Global Value Chains: Implications for Trade and Industrial Policy
Article in the Brazilian Journal of Foreign Trade. Also available in Portuguese: O Brasil nas cadeias globais de valor: implicações para a política industrial e de comércioFUNCEX: Revista Brasileira de Comércio Exterior (RBCE), Issue 115 (April/June), p. 26-41. View PDF View PDF (Portuguese)
Can Global Brands Create Just Supply Chains? – Response: Governments in Big Emerging Economies Can Pressure Foreign Companies
Joining, Upgrading and Being Competitive in Global Value Chains
In recent years, global value chains have played an increasing role in business strategies, profoundly affecting international trade and development paradigms. Global value chains now represent a major source of socio-upgrading opportunities and a new path for development. Trade, competitiveness and development policies should be reshaped accordingly to seize these opportunities and avoid the risks associated with greater participation in global value chains. This paper provides a framework and analytical tools for measuring and improving a country's performance with respect to participation in global value chains.World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 6406 View PDF
Economic and Social Upgrading and Workforce Development in the Apparel Global Value Chain
Co-evolution of Concentration in Mobile Phone Global Value Chains and Its Impact on Social Upgrading in Developing Countries
Global Value Chain-Oriented Industrial Policy: The Role of Emerging Economies
Regional Competitiveness in the Latin America Offshore Services Value Chain
Global Value Chains, Economic Upgrading and Gender: Case Studies of the Horticulture, Tourism, and Call Center Industries
This book provides an analysis of the horticulture, tourism, and call center global value chains (GVCs) based on a survey of the literature and case studies carried out in Honduras (horticulture), Kenya (tourism), and Egypt (call centers). The studies show that GVCs and their upgrading dynamics have important gender dimensions, and that integration and upgrading are influenced by, and have an impact on, gender relations.World Bank Book Cornelia Staritz and José Guilherme Reis (eds.) View Book View Blog Post
Beyond the Annual Budget: Global Experience with Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (Case Studies)
Ghada Ahmed was a contributor to the case studies on Ghana and South Africa in the appendices of the book.Read More View PDF
Market and Technology Trends in Underwater: Sensors & Instrumentation
Underwater sensors and instrumentation have been developed for a broad range of activities – including mapping the seafloor, communicating underwater, locating underwater objects, and observing underwater animals and plants – carried out by government, industry, and the scientific research community. The Duke University Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness (CGGC) recently completed a study on the global value chains of ocean technologies, including underwater sensors and instrumentation, for a consortium led by Nova Scotia's Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (ERDT). Excerpts from the report on the market and technology trends in acoustic and nonacoustic underwater sensors and instrumentation are provided in this article.Marine Technology Reporter 55(9), p. 36-40 View PDF
ROV/AUV Trends: Market and Technology
The Duke University Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness (CGGC) recently completed a study on ocean technologies, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), for a consortium led by Nova Scotia's Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (ERDT). Excerpts from the report on the market and technology trends in ROVs and AUVs are provided in this article.Marine Technology Reporter September, p. 48-51 View PDF
California in the Nano Economy
Global Value Chains and Agrifoods Standards: Challenges and Possibilities for Smallholders in Developing Countries
The rise of private food standards has brought forth an ongoing debate about whether they work as a barrier for smallholders and hinder poverty reduction in developing countries. This paper uses a global value chain approach to explain the relationship between value chain structure and agri-food safety and quality standards and to discuss the challenges and possibilities this entails for the upgrading of smallholders. Part of the Special Feature on "Agriculture Development and Nutrition Security."Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Vol. 109, No. 31, p. 12326-12331 View PDF View Publication
Why the World Suddenly Cares About Global Supply Chains
The global value chain (GVC) concept has gained popularity as a way to analyze the international expansion and geographical fragmentation of contemporary supply chains and value creation and capture therein. It has been used broadly in academic publications that examine a wide range of global industries, and by many of the international organizations concerned with economic development. This note highlights some of the main features of GVC analysis and discusses the relationship between the core concepts of governance and upgrading.Journal of Supply Chain Management 48(3), July, p. 24-32 View PDF View Publisher's Website
ROVs: A Global Value Chain Perspective
This article discusses the ROV value chain and Nova Scotia's position within the chain.Marine Technology Reporter 55(5), p. 16-21 View PDF
Shipbuilding in Nova Scotia
This article reviews Nova Scotia's shipbuilding capabilities and emerging market opportunities.Maritime Reporter and Engineering News June, p. 50-51 View PDF
Developments in the Global Apparel Industry after the MFA Phaseout and Summaries of the Country Case Studies (Part 2)
The chapter introduces dynamics in the global apparel value chain with a focus on the impacts of the lifting of the Multi-fibre Arrangement on Textiles and Clothing (MFA/ATC) and the global economic crisis in nine countries. A detailed analysis of each country is in Part 2 of this book.Sewing Success? Employment, Wages, and Poverty following the End of the Multi-fibre Arrangement Pp. 41-86 and pp. 211-497 in G. Lopez-Acevedo & R. Robertson (Eds.), Washington, DC: The World Bank View PDF View Publisher's Website
Upgrading and Restructuring in the Global Apparel Value Chain: Why China and Asia are Outperforming Mexico and Central America
This article uses the global value chain approach to analyze the upgrading trajectories of leading apparel exporters adapting to the end of textile and apparel quotas and the economic recession.International Journal Technological Learning, Innovation and Development Vol. 4, No. 1/2/3, p. 67-95 View Publisher's Website View Special Issue
The Offshore Services Value Chain: Upgrading Trajectories in Developing Countries
Global Value Chains and International Competition
Private Employment Agencies in Morocco
This working paper and the Global Dialogue Forum are part of the ILO's Sectoral Activities Programme.ILO Sectoral Activities Programme: Working Paper No. 283 View Report
Global Value Chains, Upgrading and Poverty Reduction
Economic and Social Upgrading in Global Production Networks: A New Paradigm for a Changing World
Economic Development Planning in Bedroom Communities: A Case Study of Chatham County, North Carolina
This article shares lessons learned in the economic development planning experience in Chatham County, North Carolina, a traditionally rural county on the urban fringe of the growing Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area.Journal of Rural and Community Development Vol. 6, No. 1, p. 113-128 View Abstract
Increasing Stakeholder Participation in Industry Cluster Identification
This paper illustrates how one community pursued a collaborative approach to cluster identification and the costs and benefits of the method.Economic Development Quarterly Vol. 25, No. 3, p. 211-220 View Abstract
Traveling Technologies: Societal Implications of Nanotechnology Through the Global Value Chain
Advancing U.S. Competitiveness Means Retooling the Work Force
China's (Not So Hidden) Developmental State: Becoming a Leading Nanotechnology Innovator in the Twenty-First Century
This paper looks at how the debate over innovation is reflected in China's approach to national development, especially with respect to the use of nanotechnology.State of Innovation: The U.S. Government's Role in Technology Development. Pp. 217-235 in Fred Block and Matthew R. Keller (eds.), Boulder, CO: Paradigm Publishers. View PDF
Global Production Networks and Decent Work in India and China: Evidence from the Apparel, Automotive, and Information Technology Industries
The Prospects for Mexico in the North American Automotive Industry: A Global Value Chain Perspective
How Many Highly Skilled Foreign-Born Are Waiting in Line for U.S. Legal Permanent Residence?
Global Value Chains in a Postcrisis World: A Development Perspective
Washington, DC: The World Bank View Book View Publisher's Website
The Global Apparel Value Chain, Trade and the Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries
The Offshore Services Value Chain: Developing Countries and the Crisis
Global Value Chains in a Postcrisis World: Resilience, Consolidation, and Shifting End Markets
Regulation and Economic Globalization: Prospects and Limits of Private Governance
Corporate codes of conduct, product certifications, process standards, and other voluntary, non-governmental forms of private governance have proliferated in the last two decades.Business Politics 12(3), Article 11 View PDF
Sustainable Product Indexing: Navigating the Challenge of Ecolabeling
Powder coating: A global value chain perspective
Employment and Human Resource Services in Egypt
This study was undertaken and written by Ghada Ahmed, a CGGC Research Associate, as her Master's Project toward completion of her Master's in International Development Policy from Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy in 2010.Duke University Master\'s Project, Duke Center for International Development (DCID) Spring View PDF
Development and Application of a Value Chain Research Approach to Understand and Evaluate Internal and External Factors and Relationships Affecting the Economic Competitiveness in the Textile Value Chain
The Marketing and Distribution of Fast Food
This chapter seeks to advance the multi-level approach to studying childhood obesity by focusing on the "macro" level of corporations in the global economy. We use a global value chains (GVC) framework to explain how the structure of food and agricultural value chains, with an emphasis on the fast-food segment, affects individual consumption choices.Pediatric Obesity: Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Treatment Pp. 439- 450 in Michael Freemark (ed.) New York: Humana Press. View Publication
Trade, Transnational Corporations and Food Consumption: A Global Value Chain Approach
This paper explores the connections between the spread of obesity, especially in developing countries, and the interrelated expansion of trade, foreign direct investment, and transnational corporations (TNCs). The authors outline how the main concepts and methods of global value chains analysis can be applied to identify the direct and indirect linkages between the global economic processes of trade, foreign and direct investment, and food consumption.Trade, Food, Diet and Health: Perspectives and Policy Options Pp. 91-110 in Corinna Hawkes, Chantal Blouin, Spencer Henson, Nick Drager, and Laurette Dubé (eds.), Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell View Chapter
U.S.-Based Food and Agricultural Value Chains and Their Relevance to Healthy Diets
This paper outlines the global value chains (GVCs) of the chicken and tomato industries, showing how these industries have changed over time, who is driving that change, and how different segments of the value chain affect healthy diets and impact low-income populations. The authors specifically address how the lead firms in the global value chains of the chicken and tomato industries are a part of the processed food revolution and how this potentially impacts low-income communities.Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition 4(3), p. 357-374 View PDF View Publisher's Website
Powder Coatings in China
Value Chain Governance
This briefing paper explains the importance of identifying governance structures when conducting value chain analysis. It describes the factors, types, and determinants of governance, and gives recommendations for practitioners to intervene. Also available in Spanish (La Gobernabilad de la Cadena de Valor).USAID Briefing Paper View Briefing Paper View Publisher's Website View Spanish Version
The North American Automotive Value Chain: Canada\'s Role and Prospects
This paper deals with the North American automotive value chain and analyzes the prospects for Canadian automotive sector upgrading. Canada continues to have marginally lower operating costs than the USA and a strong industrial culture that attracts invesInternational Journal of Technological Learning, Trade and Development Vol. 2, No. 1/2, p.25–52 View PDF
The American Brain Drain and Asia
This paper examines what motivates individuals from different parts of the world to come to the United States.Asia-Pacific Journal Vol. 14-1-09, April 4 View Article
Globalisation of the Automotive Industry: Main Features and Trends
This paper lays out the main features of the global automotive industry and identifies several important trends.International Journal Technological Learning, Innovation and Development Vol 2, No 1/2, p. 7-24 View PDF
Value Chain Governance & Upgrading
The USAID Microlinks Value Chain wiki is a tool for those interested in learning more about the value chain research approach. Frederick wrote the content for the overview and in-depth upgrading and governance sections.USAID Value Chain Development Wiki View Upgrading Section View Governance Section
The Impacts of Wal-Mart: The Rise and Consequences of the World\\\'s Dominant Retailer
Review and Analysis of Protectionist Actions in the Textile and Apparel Industries
Protectionism in Textiles and Apparel
America's Loss is the World's Gain: America's New Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Part IV
This paper attempts to answer questions on immigration and entrepreneurship through a survey of 1,203 Indian and Chinese immigrants who had worked or received their education in the United States and returned to their home country.America's New Immigrant Entrepreneurs Series Report funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, March 2 View Article on SSRN
A Global Value Chain Approach to Food Safety and Quality Standards
Measuring Success in the Global Economy: International Trade, Industrial Upgrading and Business Function Outsourcing in Global Value Chains
Development Models and Industrial Upgrading in China and Mexico
This article provides a broad comparison of the development models in Latin America and China, with an emphasis on how each has changed in recent decades.European Sociological Review 25(1), p. 37-51 View PDF
The Challenge of Global Value Chains: Why Integrative Trade Requires New Thinking and New Data
Report prepared for Industry Canada. This paper was prepared in response to a request from Industry Canada to develop recommendations for collecting data on the position of Canadian firms in global value chains (GVCs).Report prepared for Industry Canada View Paper
How the Disciple Became the Guru
This paper is based on detailed interviews with the CEOs, HR executives, R&D managers, and employees of 24 leading companies in rapidly growing sectors in India. The authors present an overview of best practices.SSRN Working Paper View Article on SSRN View SSRN Abstract
The Globalization of Innovation: Can India and China Cure the Global Pharmaceutical Market?
Multinational pharmaceutical corporations are searching for means to broaden their capacity for drug development while decreasing costs. Pharmaceutical firms in India and China are increasingly forging partnerships with these corporations to gain revenue and to develop their own expertise. These relationships largely appear to be symbiotic. As a result of the movement of research to their countries, Indian and Chinese scientists are rapidly developing the ability to innovate and create their own intellectual property. Several firms in India and China are performing advanced R&D and are moving into the highest-value segments of the pharmaceutical global value chain. This research was funded in part by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.View Article on SSRN
Skilled Immigration and Economic Growth
This paper explores the educational attainment and career trajectories of immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States.Applied Research in Economic Development Vol. 5, No. 1, p. 6-14 View Article on SSRN
Value Chains, Networks and Clusters: Reframing the Global Automotive Industry
In this article the global value chain (GVC) approach is used to analyze recent trends in the global automotive industry, with special attention paid to the case of North America. Three elements of the GVC framework are used – firm level chain governance,Journal of Economic Geography 8, pp. 297-321 View Article
Getting the Numbers Right: International Engineering Education in the United States, China, and India
This article challenges the commonly cited statistics for engineering graduates in the United States, China, and India. The authors argue that the key issue in engineering education should be the quality of graduates, not just the quantity, since quantityJournal of Engineering Education January 2008 Issue, p. 13-25 View Article
Wal-Mart in China: Can the World\'s Largest Retailer Succeed in the World\'s Most Populous Market?
An article in the Harvard Asia Pacific Review on Wal-Mart\'s place in the China market.Harvard Asia Pacific Review Winter Issue, p.46-49. View Article PDF
A Global Value Chains Approach to Food, Healthy Diets, and Childhood Obesity
A challenge associated with the nutrition transition in developing countries (i.e.,simultaneous presence of over-nutrition and under-nutrition, both being most prevalent in the poorest population segments) is the integration of their markets into the global economy. This integration determined rapid and strong changes in the production and trade of agricultural goods in the developing countries as well as growing foreign direct investments in food processing and retailing, and the expansion of food advertisements with obvious implications for dietary patterns and the risk of obesity.Conference paper for the WHO Early-Stage Expert Meeting on Trade and Healthy Diets November 12-13, 2007 at the Executive Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada View PDF
North Carolina in the Global Economy: A Value Chain Perspective on the State's Leading Industries
This article highlights the features of the North Carolina in the Global Economy (NCGE) website.Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management Volume 5, Issue 4 View Article
Intellectual Property, the Immigration Backlog and a Reverse Brain-Drain: Part III
This Kauffman Foundation-supported study is Part III of the "America's New Immigrant Entrepreneurs" series, which focuses on immigrants' contributions to the competitiveness of the U.S. economy.America's New Immigrant Entrepreneurs Series View Paper
Education, Entrepreneurship and Immigration: America's New Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Part II
Skilled immigrants have achieved great success in starting engineering and technology companies in the United States, and they contribute significantly to the country's economic growth over time. This paper seeks to understand the educational backgrounds and career trajectories of immigrant entrepreneurs, as well as to identify lessons for enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. economy. The research confirms that advanced education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is correlated with high rates of entrepreneurship and innovation.SSRN Working Paper View Paper on SSRN
Prospects for Canada in the NAFTA Automotive Industry: A Global Value Chain Analysis
This paper examines trends in the North American automotive industry, and asks if Canada\'s historical comparative advantage in the industry is sustainable. The report was prepared for Industry Canada.Report prepared for Industry Canada View PDF
Where the Engineers Are
To guide education policy and maintain its innovation leadership, the United States must acquire an accurate understanding of the quantity and quality of engineering graduates in India and China.National Academy of Science Journal, Issues in Science & Technology Sping, p. 73-84 View Article
America's New Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Part I
This paper assesses the contribution of skilled immigrants in the creation of engineering and technology businesses and intellectual property in the United States.Duke Science, Technology & Innovation Working Paper Series No. 23 View Article