Policy & Governance

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 09 oct 2014

The travel industry landscape is finding shifting business dynamics due to the emergence of innovative ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, Sidecar etc. These internet-enabled services have now got critical attention of governments and taxi unions. While economists on the other hand seem to favor these services and want them to operate freely without interference from governments and unions. Moreover they also agreed that the competition on equal footing with taxi services regarding genuine safety and insurance requirements, but without restrictions on prices of routes, raises consumer welfare (56% strongly agreed & 37% agreed). Professor Austan Goolsbee of University of Chicago when asked commented, 'Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes.' A study from University of California at Berkeley found that Uber is more efficient in picking up passengers, 92% arrive within 10 minutes, compared to 10% of taxis. According to MIT study, 95% of all taxi trips in some areas of New York City could be shared. Read on...

VentureBeat: Here's why top economists unanimously agree the government should stop regulating Uber
Author: Gregory Ferenstein

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 29 aug 2014

Institutions imparting education are consistently in debates and discussions as they have direct impact on the society both in short and long-term. These institutions often become the beacons of societal change and transformations. At present the issues facing education are related to rising cost, transformations in the labor market and an important technological shift. But question that article raises is that, will any of these issues revolutionize the way education is imparted and have a substantial impact on the long-term goal and purpose of these institutions? Moreover the argument that Simon Tremblay-Pepin, researcher at IRIS (Institute de Recherche et d'Informations Socio-economique) in Canada, brings into fore is that - university's mission is not only to train professionals for the labor market and the goal of research is not only to pursue profits, but it is beyond that. While citing the case of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), that are potentially considered as creating technology induced educational transformation, he points out that they might have short-term value but if they displace real professor-student interactions it would be an overall loss to education. According to him, this would particularly happen in case of students pursuing long-term work, like Master's thesis or a PhD, that require sustained guidance to help advance a new idea - discussions to check whether the students are on the right track and suggestions to open up unforeseen avenues. Read on...

rabble.ca: There's a revolution transforming universities. But into what?
Author: Simon Tremblay-Pepin

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 27 mar 2014

Access to timely and effective healthcare in developing countries, particularly in the remote and underpriviledged areas, is challenging with prevalence of smuggled and counterfeit drugs, the inefficient supply chains, insufficient resources and poor economic conditions. A panel of experts suggest ways to enhance global healthcare delivery: David Jamieson (Crown Agents, USA) - Multi-sector partnerships bring together unique qualities and boost project's capacities. Tamsin Chislett (Living Goods, Uganda) - Make logistics technology easy to use for consumers and healthcare workers. Andreas Seiter (World Bank, USA) - Create new drug payment systems that ensure against corruption. Simon Berry (ColaLife, Zambia) - Partnerships with governments should run down to the community level. Rose Reis (Center for Health Market Innovations, USA) - Emerging pharmacy chains lead to better, cheaper drugs; Don't overlook informal healthcare providers. Mandy Sugrue (mHealth Alliance, USA) - Work at the community level. George Jagoe (Medicines for Malaria Venture, Switzerland) - New technologies should be adapted to fit broader needs. Read on...

the guardian: Healthcare logistics - delivering medicines to where they're needed most
Author: Anna Scott

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 25 feb 2014

Information transparency in the functioning of the public and private organizations is key to improve processes and eliminate corruption and exploitation. David Cameron, PM of UK, intends to drive this 'Transparency Revolution' in global trade. Nick Murry in this article points out the critical role that sustainability would play in supporting transparency in business exchanges, particularly in case of dealing with emerging markets. Being responsible and sustainable are recognized as two most important criteria for modern businesses. Richard Branson's 'The B Team' project is also intended to create awareness about the profitable benefits of social and environmental responsibility. Companies are applying sustainability principles in their supply chains to drive efficiency and manage risks. The suppliers from emerging markets, to build and maintain relationships with global businesses, have to be open about sustainability, maintain international standards and practices, publish data and assure, as much as possible, to mitigate risks associated with emerging market supply chains. Read on...

Supply Management: Sustainability key to the transparency revolution
Author: Nick Murry

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 18 jan 2014

'Holacracy' is a concept and structural system of oranizational governance that involves non-hierarchical entities that self-govern and come together to work on a common goal. It's a type of flat management system but with a constitution and governance process for discussions and running meetings and that finally results in power and responsibility allocation through specific roles. In the upcoming book 'A Shift Of Power' the concept's creator, Brian Robertson, explains what it's like to operate within 'holacracy' - "It comes as a revelation and a challenge for everyone involved. The workers realize that they are no longer just employees following orders. They have real power and authority - and with that comes responsibility. They no longer have a parent-like manager to solve their problems." Article provides the evolution of 'holacracy' by exploring the main events from Brian Robertson's life - Self learning to code as a child; Teaching programming at age 13; Involvement with agile software development; Experimentation with sociocracy; Influence of philosopher Ken Wilber's concept of 'holarchies' (overarching systems that are made up of other self-organizing systems or entities called 'holons'); Partnership with serial entrepreneur Tom Thomison to crystallize ideas into a firm HolacracyOne. Read on...

QUARTZ: The story of the man who's flattening the world of corporate hierarchies
Author: Aimee Groth

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 16 jan 2014

'Corporatization of governance' - trying to run government like a business might be a popular thought seeking acceptance in political circles but it is important to understand the implications and outcomes of its application. Another important thing would be to understand what models of business are to be considered in this regard. According to the author this type of agenda might include free trade, privatization, weakening labour rights, deregulation, slashing government services and taxes on large corporations, and the advent of the surveillance state. The basic difference between the government and business is regarding the interests they serve - public or private. Article provides perspectives and views on various aspects of this model of governance by sharing specific instances from the Canadian politics. Read on...

The Rossland Telegraph: The problem with running government like a business
Author: Murray Dobbin

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 09 jan 2014

Globalization as an economic and business phenomenon has consistently been a norm and countries have been encouraging and developing collaborations and partnerships with each other. Globalization impacts life of every consumer. For thirty years there has been a consistent trend where global trade grew at about twice the rate of global economy. According to WTO (World Trade Organization), global trade grew at an average 6.2% annually and global GDP at 3.7% during 1988-2007. But a new thing that emerged in the last two years is drop in global trade even below the global GDP growth. Although developments like internet, opening up of Chinese economy, rise of emerging markets, better travel connectivity etc point towards faster globalization. But the rise of protectionism and localism are the probable reasons for the decline. Nature of global politics will play an important role in shaping the future of globalization. Moreover the growing possibilities of large scale use of technologies like 3D printing may shift the global manufacturing patterns by giving rise to self-manufacturing of certain goods that are currently being outsourced, thus encouraging localization. Read on...

CNN: Have we reached the end of globalization?
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 08 jan 2014

After coining the term 'BRIC' (Brazil, Russia, India, China) in 2001 for the emerging economies, economist Jim O'Neill is now focusing on another emerging economic grouping 'MINT' (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey). For the next 20 years, countries in this group will have large and attractive demographics with substantial working population. Thus in a better position to evolve into thriving and attractive economies in future. Article provides analysis of 'MINT' countries based on various parameters and also compares it with 'BRIC' economies. GDP in $US trillions (2012, Estimated 2050) - Mexico (1.18, 6.95); Indonesia (0.88, 6.04); Nigeria (0.26, 4.91); Turkey (0.79, 4.45). Average income in $US thousands (2000, 2012, Projected 2050) - M (7.0, 10.6, 48.0); I (0.8, 3.6, 21.0); N (0.2, 1.4, 12.6); T (4.1, 10.6, 48.5). Some of these economies also face challenges and issues like corruption, infrastructure, energy policies, politics & leadership etc. The future prospects of these economies will depend on how they overcome these challenges and fix the systemic issues. Read on...

BBC News: The Mint countries: Next economic giants?
Author: Jim O'Neill

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 21 dec 2013

Tackling water scarcity and carbon emissions are important issues facing the world. There is continuous debate regarding the methods of energy and power generation and their effects that lead to global warming and climate change. According to recent report by US Department of Energy (DoE), some renewable and clean energy sources use more water then fossil fuel-powered plants. About 90% of power in US is generated by fossil fuel and nuclear power plants and they together use half of the total water consumed by US. The report mentions water consumption by each source per megawatt hour of electricity generation - Hydroelectric (15000 to 68000 litres); Concentrating Solar (3000 litres); Nuclear (2650 litres); Coal (1900 litres); Natural Gas (750 litres); Biofuels use water indirectly to irrigate biofuel crops; Wind farms and photovoltaic solar plants almost consume no water. If US has to meet the target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, it has to rely heavily on renewable and clean energy sources which on the other hand also create water consumption challenges. John Rogers of Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) says that water scarcity shoud be taken into account along with emissions when planning new power sources. Read on...

New Scientist: Thirsty clean energy may add to water stressed world
Author: Sara Reardon

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 11 dec 2013

Global food security, farming associated livelihoods and farming methodologies are important issues around the world. There are competing economic and political ideologies trying to gain acceptance when it comes to the very sensitive agricultural sector. One of the sensitive issue of the present time is that of GM (Genetically Modified) crops and use of biotechnology and genetic engineering in food production and processing. The main issues of concern are related to their effect on human health and the natural environment. The article deals with the GM food and technology debate and its politicization in UK. Eight European countries (Poland, Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Greece, and Bulgaria) have banned GM crops. In 50 countries around the world including Australia, Japan and most European countries GM crops production is either totally banned or there are extremely tight restriction on GM crops production and products. Read on...

Global Research: Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and the Future Of Humanity
Author: Colin Todhunter

Latest             ⊲ Newer Posts             Policy & Governance             Older Posts ⊳             Last