Introduction: Aim and Scope of the Book and Its Structure

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Emma Lantschner
Keyword(s):  
Eu Enlargement ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Policy Options ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Insufficient Attention ◽  
Sustainable Implementation ◽  
Central Hypothesis ◽  
Comparative Review

The introduction lays out the two main aims pursued by the research carried out in the book, its methodology, and its structure. One aim is to investigate how implementation and compliance with norms and policies relating to equality and non-discrimination adopted in the course of EU enlargement could be improved and the likelihood of sustainability (or continuation) of reforms after enhanced accession be enhanced. The central hypothesis is that conditionality is not able to achieve these goals and that reflexive governance is the mode of governance most conducive to an effective and sustainable implementation of the equality acquis through its emphasis on cooperation between all relevant actors and a reflexive learning process. A case study on Croatia has revealed that the lack of consistent and transparent monitoring, as well as insufficient attention to the pooling of results and learning from successes and failures, are among the elements of reflexive governance that have not yet been sufficiently developed. The second aim of this research is, therefore, to make a contribution to both these issues. On the basis of a comparative review of transposition and practical implementation of selected parts of the RED and the EED in EU Member States, it identifies good practices and challenges in the implementation and enforcement of the selected policy options. Drawing from this, indicators are proposed, on the basis of which the progress in the transposition and practical implementation of the EU acquis in the field of equality and non-discrimination can be evaluated.

Indicators for Monitoring Implementation of EU Equality Directives

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-471
Author(s):  
Emma Lantschner
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Member States ◽  
Regular Monitoring ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Comparative Review

Abstract The present article discusses the usefulness of indicators in monitoring not only the legal transposition but also the practical implementation of the two Equality Directives adopted in 2000. It focuses on those provisions of the Directives which have assigned a particular role to ngos, both in reacting to discrimination as well as in preventing discrimination and promoting equality. Indicators have been developed on the basis of a comparative review of transposition and implementation, including case studies on Romania, Hungary and Croatia. Considering the great potential of ngos in contributing to achieve the aims of the Directives and the current worrying trends as to how they are supported in (or obstructed from) taking up their role, the article proposes using these indicators not only in the pre-accession context but also for regular monitoring of all EU member states.

Optimizing preventive maintenance over a finite planning horizon in a semi-Markov framework

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Sánchez Herguedas ◽  
Adolfo Crespo Márquez ◽  
Francisco Rodrigo Muñoz
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Maintenance ◽  
Recurrence Relations ◽  
Direct Calculation ◽  
Planning Horizon ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Mathematical Solution ◽  
Accumulated Reward ◽  
Finite Planning Horizon

Abstract This paper describes the optimization of preventive maintenance (PM) over a finite planning horizon in a semi-Markov framework. In this framework, the asset may be operating, and providing income for the asset owner, or not operating and undergoing PM, or not operating and undergoing corrective maintenance following failure. PM is triggered when the asset has been operating for τ time units. A number m of transitions specifies the finite horizon. This system is described with a set of recurrence relations, and their z-transform is used to determine the value of τ that maximizes the average accumulated reward over the horizon. We study under what conditions a solution can be found, and for those specific cases the solution τ* is calculated. Despite the complexity of the mathematical solution, the result obtained allows the analyst to provide a quick and easy-to-use tool for practical application in many real-world cases. To demonstrate this, the method has been implemented for a case study, and its accuracy and practical implementation were tested using Monte Carlo simulation and direct calculation.

scholarly journals e-Navigating in highly-constrained waters: a case study of the Vistula Lagoon

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Adam Weintrit ◽  
Jacek Pietraszkiewicz ◽  
Wiesław Piotrzkowski ◽  
Wojciech Tycholiz
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Global Solution ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Vistula Lagoon ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
High Resolution Bathymetry ◽  
Marine Navigation ◽  
The Vistula Lagoon

Abstract In recent years the transition of marine navigation to the digital era has been gaining momentum. Implementation of e-Navigation solutions varies from country to country in terms of their priorities, goals, levels and effects. Maritime authorities in Poland have been setting the pace in this transition process, not only in Poland but also in general as a global solution. The most recent example is the planned deployment of a variety of e-Navigation tools in the Vistula Lagoon: from GNSS-RTK Ground-Based Augmentation System, to virtual and synthetic aids to navigation, high-resolution bathymetry and advanced navigational software for piloting. The major objectives of this paper are, first, to summarise recent dynamics in the e-Navigation field, and second, to present a practical implementation of the e-Navigation concept in the Vistula Lagoon area.

scholarly journals To What Extent Retail Chains’ Relationships with Suppliers Make the Business Trustworthy—An Empirical Study on Fast Fashion in Pandemic Times

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
Anna Dewalska-Opitek ◽  
Katarzyna Bilińska-Reformat
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Study Research ◽  
Retail Chain ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Retail Chains ◽  
Fashion Retail

The current pandemic situation has created many challenges for maintaining positive relationships between fast fashion retailers and their suppliers. In the proposed paper it is assumed that strong and ethical relationships may be beneficial for all supply chain members, especially in the era of global pandemic. Therefore, the aforementioned issues (fast fashion retailers’ ethical behavior towards suppliers) constituted the subject of the paper. Our knowledge about relationships between fast retail chains and their suppliers in the times of global pandemic is relatively week. Trying to fill the gap, this paper discussed relationships between fast fashion retail chains and their suppliers’ customers on the basis of literature review and case study research. Purpose: The aim of the paper was to indicate the scope of activities undertaken by retailers and addressed at suppliers by fast fashion retail chains in pandemic times. The following goals of descriptive and cognitive character were assumed in the paper: (a) Identification of the fast fashion retailers’ common behavior in the era of pandemic, and (b) indication of ethical practices applied by fast fashion retail chains which are beneficial for all retail chain members, based on the Inditex example. Methodology: Based on the theoretic deliberation of retail chain relationships with suppliers in the pandemic times, qualitative research was conducted to supplement the theoretical background. The purpose of this study was to identify how fast fashion retailers maintain relationships with their suppliers in supply chains. The conducted research enabled us to reveal answers to the following research questions: What are good practices of fast fashion retailers in terms of relationships with suppliers? Can socially responsible, trustworthy fast fashion retailers stay profitable in the Covid-19 pandemic? The theoretical deliberation was based on a critical literature review. The empirical part of the paper was based on case study research. The conducted research was descriptive in nature, conducted in order to describe a particular phenomenon within its context, and was not intended to provide conclusive evidence, but to have a better understanding of the problem. A descriptive intrinsic case study was the method applied in the research. Results: On the grounds of literature studies, as well as collected information, we can state that close and ethical cooperation with suppliers, based on socially responsible relationships, are becoming a more and more important part of the strategy for commercial chains. There are companies that use any legal measures to not fulfil their obligations as contractors and avoid paying for orders completed and in production. The descriptive case study research allowed us to observe, analyze, and report good practices of fast fashion retailers in terms of relationships with their suppliers based on the Inditex example. The theoretical contribution: On the grounds of the case study, we can state that during pandemic times fast fashion retail chains have focused on the development of relationships with suppliers, which means changing from transactional to relationship marketing in cooperation strategies. Practical implications (if applicable): The paper provided intellectual input into the managerial problem of how to develop mutual beneficiary relationships between fast retail chains and their suppliers. The study suggests that fast fashion retail chains have to take into consideration growing customer expectations, which regard their cooperation’s strategies toward suppliers.

scholarly journals Older adults and hackathons: a qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1895-1930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiesław Kopeć ◽  
Bartłomiej Balcerzak ◽  
Radosław Nielek ◽  
Grzegorz Kowalik ◽  
Adam Wierzbicki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Software Engineering ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Adult Participation ◽  
Modern Technologies

Abstract Globally observed trends in aging indicate that older adults constitute a growing share of the population and an increasing demographic in the modern technologies marketplace. Therefore, it has become important to address the issue of participation of older adults in the process of developing solutions suitable for their group. In this study, we approached this topic by organizing a hackathon involving teams of young programmers and older adults participants. Below we describe a case study of that hackathon, in which our objective was to motivate older adults to participate in software engineering processes. Based on our results from an array of qualitative methods, we propose a set of good practices that may lead to improved older adult participation in similar events and an improved process of developing apps that target older adults.

scholarly journals THE RAILWAY NETWORK AND THE PROCESS OF POPULATION CONCENTRATION IN SPAIN, 1900-2001

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Franch-Auladell ◽  
Mateu Morillas-Torné ◽  
Jordi Martí-Henneberg
Keyword(s):  
Total Population ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Population Distribution ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Population Concentration ◽  
Central Hypothesis ◽  
Municipal Level

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a methodology for quantifying the territorial impact on population distribution of the railway. The central hypothesis is that access to railway services provides the best-connected areas with a long-term comparative advantage over others that are less accessible. Carrying out a historical analysis and providing comparable data at the municipal level allows us to determine the extent to which the railway has fostered the concentration of population within its immediate surroundings. The case study presented here is that of Spain between 1900 and 2001, but the same methodology could equally be applied to any other country for which the required data are available. In this case, key data included a Geographic Information System with information about both the development of the railway network and census data relating to total population at the municipal level. The results obtained suggest the relevance of this methodology, which makes it possible to identify the periods and areas in which this influence was most significant.

scholarly journals Polish Migration’s Socio-Cultural Impact on Wales in the Aftermath of 2004 – Preliminary Findings from Western Wales: An Aberystwyth Case Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweł Wróbel
Keyword(s):  
Eu Enlargement ◽  
Cultural Impact ◽  
Migration Patterns ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Polish Migration ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mutual Relations ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Adaptation Processes

AbstractThis papers looks at the societal and cultural impact of the post-2004 Polish migration to Wales. The history of Polish migration to the UK is introduced together with the relevant statistics and their rationale behind choosing cosmopolitan Wales as their new country of residence. Even though the focus of the paper is rather on the UK as a whole, it is Wales that is central to the investigation. Wales was particularly neglected in the study of migration in the aftermath of the 2004 European Union (EU) enlargement and surprisingly little attention was given to it. Focusing on Polish diaspora is important as it is the most numerous external migration wave to Wales (ONS 2011). The case study of Aberystwyth is introduced as a good example of a semi-urban area to which Poles migrated after 2004. Moreover, the paper elaborates on the characteristics of the Polish newcomers by analysing their distinctive features, migration patterns as well as adaptation processes. Mutual relations between post-1945 and post-2004 immigration waves are investigated, together with Poles’ own image and perception. This paper gives a deeper understanding and provides an insight into the nature of the Polish migrants’ impact on the cultural and societal life of Wales.

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