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Abstract/Sommario: This open access book examines the triangle between family, gender, and health in Europe from a demographic perspective. It helps to understand patterns and trends in each of the three components separately, as well as their interdependencies. It overcomes the widely observable specialization in demographic research, which usually involves researchers studying either family or fertility processes or focusing on health and mortality.

Abstract/Sommario: This volume examines the consequences of activation policies from the individual citizen's perspective. The book offers an original analytical perspective of how the multidimensional concept of social citizenship can be used in comparative research in order to capture underlying policy change which is often underestimated by policy analysts who delimit their perspective to material aspects of social policy reforms. Eight case studies, covering the North, West, and South of Europe, prov ...; [Leggi tutto...] This volume examines the consequences of activation policies from the individual citizen's perspective. The book offers an original analytical perspective of how the multidimensional concept of social citizenship can be used in comparative research in order to capture underlying policy change which is often underestimated by policy analysts who delimit their perspective to material aspects of social policy reforms. Eight case studies, covering the North, West, and South of Europe, provide a comprehensive analysis of labour market reforms, including aspects of labour promotion, income maintenance policies, and labour market regulation. Tackling both the contents and governance, the chapters draw a highly instructive picture of how activation policies affect the whole population, the middle class as well as more vulnerable social groups. The findings indicate a deep normative change of the given patterns of state-citizen relationships to the detriment of the citizens' autonomy.

Abstract/Sommario: An essential reference for intermediate and advanced R programmers, the book presents useful tools and techniques for attacking many types of R programming problems, helping you avoid mistakes and dead ends. With more than ten years of experience programming in R, the author illustrates the elegance, beauty, and flexibility at the heart of R. Moreover, the book develops the necessary skills to produce quality code that can be used in a variety of circumstances.

Abstract/Sommario: This landmark publication, representing a collaboration of over 20 United Nations entities and major international organizations working in the field of ageing, reviews policies and action taken by governments and other stakeholders since the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002. In addition to providing many inspiring examples of innovative programmes that address population ageing and the concerns of older persons, the report captures the voices of some 1300 older persons themselv ...; [Leggi tutto...] This landmark publication, representing a collaboration of over 20 United Nations entities and major international organizations working in the field of ageing, reviews policies and action taken by governments and other stakeholders since the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002. In addition to providing many inspiring examples of innovative programmes that address population ageing and the concerns of older persons, the report captures the voices of some 1300 older persons themselves.

Abstract/Sommario: The book provides the foundation to understand various approaches for analyzing time-to-event data. It is not only a tutorial for learning survival analysis but also a valuable reference for using Stata to analyze survival data. Although the book assumes knowledge of statistical principles, simple probability, and basic Stata, it takes a practical, rather than mathematical, approach to the subject. This updated third edition highlights new features of Stata 11, including competing-risk ...; [Leggi tutto...] The book provides the foundation to understand various approaches for analyzing time-to-event data. It is not only a tutorial for learning survival analysis but also a valuable reference for using Stata to analyze survival data. Although the book assumes knowledge of statistical principles, simple probability, and basic Stata, it takes a practical, rather than mathematical, approach to the subject. This updated third edition highlights new features of Stata 11, including competing-risks analysis and the treatment of missing values via multiple imputation. Other additions include new diagnostic measures after Cox regression, Stata’s new treatment of categorical variables and interactions, and a new syntax for obtaining prediction and diagnostics after Cox regression.

Abstract/Sommario: For nearly 20 years, this has been a valuable text for health practitioners with an interest in the impact of what people do throughout their lives. Now available in an updated and much-anticipated third edition, it continues the intention of the original publication: it encourages wide-ranging recognition of occupation as a major contributor to all people’s experience of health or illness. It also promotes understanding of how, throughout the world, “population health” as well as indi ...; [Leggi tutto...] For nearly 20 years, this has been a valuable text for health practitioners with an interest in the impact of what people do throughout their lives. Now available in an updated and much-anticipated third edition, it continues the intention of the original publication: it encourages wide-ranging recognition of occupation as a major contributor to all people’s experience of health or illness. It also promotes understanding of how, throughout the world, “population health” as well as individual well-being is dependent on occupation.

Abstract/Sommario: The rich have always fascinated, sometimes in problematic ways. Medieval thinkers feared that the super-rich would act 'as gods among men’; much more recently Thomas Piketty made wealth central to discussions of inequality. In this book, Guido Alfani offers a history of the rich and super-rich in the West, examining who they were, how they accumulated their wealth and what role they played in society. Covering the last thousand years, with frequent incursions into antiquity, and integr ...; [Leggi tutto...] The rich have always fascinated, sometimes in problematic ways. Medieval thinkers feared that the super-rich would act 'as gods among men’; much more recently Thomas Piketty made wealth central to discussions of inequality. In this book, Guido Alfani offers a history of the rich and super-rich in the West, examining who they were, how they accumulated their wealth and what role they played in society. Covering the last thousand years, with frequent incursions into antiquity, and integrating recent research on economic inequality, Alfani finds—despite the different paths to wealth in different eras—fundamental continuities in the behaviour of the rich and public attitudes towards wealth across Western history. His account offers a novel perspective on current debates about wealth and income disparity.

Abstract/Sommario: From hidden connections in big data to bots spreading fake news, journalism is increasingly computer-generated. An expert in computer science and media explains the present and future of a world in which news is created by algorithm.

Abstract/Sommario: Creating more and better jobs has become a top priority for policy makers in Europe and Central Asia. This book addresses the timely questions of what steps countries can take to do just that, and how to make work opportunities accessible to all. These questions are examined through the lens of two factors that make most of the region unique: the legacy of centrally planned economies (which is related to progress with market economy reforms) and the region's demographic shifts (with so ...; [Leggi tutto...] Creating more and better jobs has become a top priority for policy makers in Europe and Central Asia. This book addresses the timely questions of what steps countries can take to do just that, and how to make work opportunities accessible to all. These questions are examined through the lens of two factors that make most of the region unique: the legacy of centrally planned economies (which is related to progress with market economy reforms) and the region's demographic shifts (with some countries' populations aging rapidly while others experience youth bulges).

Abstract/Sommario: From technology and globalization to the increaing power of customers, the forces that have created the seismic changes in business today also serve as the foundation stones for the next generation of learning organizations. This book shows how to follow the path forged by such world-class leaders as Nokia, Lcoa and Canadian Imperial Bank to adapt and survive broad-based change and scale the ladder of corporate learning. In the second edition of this title, Michael Marquardt brings up ...; [Leggi tutto...] From technology and globalization to the increaing power of customers, the forces that have created the seismic changes in business today also serve as the foundation stones for the next generation of learning organizations. This book shows how to follow the path forged by such world-class leaders as Nokia, Lcoa and Canadian Imperial Bank to adapt and survive broad-based change and scale the ladder of corporate learning. In the second edition of this title, Michael Marquardt brings up to date his advice on how to harness the collective genius of people in organizations to build, maintain and sustain the power of his Systems Learning Organization model and to illustrate how each of the five subsystems - learning, organization, knowledge and technology - support and energize eachother. With specific recommendations for using the tools of action learning to build each of the critical subsystems, this resource includes assessments, examples and actions steps for reaching the next stage of organizational success.

Abstract/Sommario: Managers and entrepreneurs in the digital age must learn to live in two worlds: the conventional economy and the platform economy. Platforms that operate for business purposes typically exist at the level of an industry or ecosystem, bringing individuals and organizations together so they can innovate and interact in ways that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. Platforms create economic value far beyond what we see in conventional companies. The Business of Platforms is a valuable and in- ...; [Leggi tutto...] Managers and entrepreneurs in the digital age must learn to live in two worlds: the conventional economy and the platform economy. Platforms that operate for business purposes typically exist at the level of an industry or ecosystem, bringing individuals and organizations together so they can innovate and interact in ways that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. Platforms create economic value far beyond what we see in conventional companies. The Business of Platforms is a valuable and in-depth look at platform strategy and digital innovation. The authors explore how a small number of companies have come to wield extraordinary influence over every dimension of our personal, professional, and political lives. They explain how these new entities differ from the powerful corporations of the past. They also ask whether there are limits to the market dominance and expansion of these digital giants. Finally, they discuss the role that governments should play in rethinking data privacy laws, antitrust regulations, and other regulations that could curb abuses by these powerful companies.

Abstract/Sommario: The number of workers aged 55 and over experiencing long-term unemployment has grown substantially since the recession. In light of these developments, this book examines how older workers' status has changed since the recession; what risks unemployed older workers face and what challenges they experience in finding reemployment; how long-term unemployment could affect older workers' retirement income; and what other policies might help unemployed older workers.

Abstract/Sommario: The last three decades of economic, social, and political development in the world have been nothing short of spectacular. Japan rose to become a great economic power after its defeat in World War II. Its success was followed by rapid growth in the East Asian Tigers—Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. Thanks to Deng Xiaoping’s reforms in 1978, China has risen to become a global economic superpower. India is growing at a similar speed, with the former Soviet bloc joining in t ...; [Leggi tutto...] The last three decades of economic, social, and political development in the world have been nothing short of spectacular. Japan rose to become a great economic power after its defeat in World War II. Its success was followed by rapid growth in the East Asian Tigers—Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. Thanks to Deng Xiaoping’s reforms in 1978, China has risen to become a global economic superpower. India is growing at a similar speed, with the former Soviet bloc joining in the growth feat, reaching an annual average growth rate of 9 percent in recent years. However, one of the greatest global booms ever is now ending following the eruption of a financial crisis that began in the United States and may spread to other regions. Global imbalances, exceedingly accommodative monetary policy and loose regulation have caused the current US financial crisis and global overheating, which has resulted in surging commodity prices and global inflation. In many countries, reform fatigue has followed the reform impetus of the 1990s. The current round of multilateral trade negotiations in the World Trade Organization, the Doha Round, is paralyzed. A major macroeconomic concern derives from the inordinate imbalances in international payments. China, Japan, Russia, and East Asian and oil-exporting countries have accumulated huge international reserves, while the United States has run a large and persistent current account deficit. Another worry is that inequality appears to have increased in the last two decades in virtually all countries. This book—based on the international conference on “Winds of Change: The Impact of Globalization on Europe and Asia” held in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 23–24, 2007 and organized by Warsaw-based CASE-Center for Social and Economic Research and CASE-Ukraine—addresses the growing macroeconomic imbalances and the challenges of globalization and long-term economic growth, with a focus on Europe and Asia. Various aspects of the macroeconomic imbalances are the theme of the first six chapters. The second part of the book discusses how the capitalist model of economic development, which has delivered this growth, is developing or should evolve. The last two chapters consider options available to European policymakers to compete with and adjust to the rapidly growing East Asian Tigers and China.

Abstract/Sommario: As the average age of the population continues to rise in industrialized nations, the fiscal impacts of aging demand ever-closer attention. This book examines one oft-discussed approach to the issue—encouraging people to work longer than they now do. Workers would spend more years paying taxes and fewer years drawing pension and health benefits. But how much difference to spending and revenues would longer working lives make? What steps could be taken to make longer working lives attra ...; [Leggi tutto...] As the average age of the population continues to rise in industrialized nations, the fiscal impacts of aging demand ever-closer attention. This book examines one oft-discussed approach to the issue—encouraging people to work longer than they now do. Workers would spend more years paying taxes and fewer years drawing pension and health benefits. But how much difference to spending and revenues would longer working lives make? What steps could be taken to make longer working lives attractive? And what would happen to older Americans not in a position to prolong their work lives? Leading scholars examine these issues in this book.

Abstract/Sommario: Current trends reveal that increasing intensity at work has major consequences at individual, organizational and societal levels. Sustainability in work systems thus requires a multi-stakeholder approach, emphasising a value-based choice to promote the concurrent development of various resources in the work system. This sustainability grows from intertwined individual and collective learning processes taking place within and between organizations in collaboration. In exploring the deve ...; [Leggi tutto...] Current trends reveal that increasing intensity at work has major consequences at individual, organizational and societal levels. Sustainability in work systems thus requires a multi-stakeholder approach, emphasising a value-based choice to promote the concurrent development of various resources in the work system. This sustainability grows from intertwined individual and collective learning processes taking place within and between organizations in collaboration. In exploring the development of sustainable work systems, this book analyzes these problems, and provides the basis for designing and implementing 'sustainable work systems' based on the idea of regeneration and the development of human and social resources. The authors, who are leading researchers and practitioners from around the world, consider the existing possibilities and emerging solutions and explore alternatives to intensive work systems.

Abstract/Sommario: The purpose of this textbook is to provide an accessible, yet comprehensive textbook intended for students interested in gaining a better understanding of the mathematics and statistics that underpin the rich variety of ideas and machine learning algorithms in data science.

Abstract/Sommario: The number of Americans eligible to receive social security benefits will increase from forty-five million to nearly eighty million in the next twenty years. Retirement systems must therefore adapt to meet the demands of the largest aging population in our nation’s history. This book examines the economic issues that will confront policy makers as they seek to design policies to protect the economic and physical health of these older Americans.The volume looks at such topics as factors ...; [Leggi tutto...] The number of Americans eligible to receive social security benefits will increase from forty-five million to nearly eighty million in the next twenty years. Retirement systems must therefore adapt to meet the demands of the largest aging population in our nation’s history. This book examines the economic issues that will confront policy makers as they seek to design policies to protect the economic and physical health of these older Americans.The volume looks at such topics as factors influencing work and retirement decisions at older ages, changes in life satisfaction associated with retirement, and the shift in responsibility for managing retirement assets from professional money managers of traditional pension plans to individual account holders of 401(k)s. The complicated relationship between health and economic status, including why health behaviors vary across populations and how socioeconomic measures correlate with health outcomes, are also dealt in this publication.

Abstract/Sommario: Distance education, or distance learning, is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy, technology, and instructional system designs that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically "on site" in a traditional classroom or campus. This book presents current research in the field of distance learning including such topics as virtual classrooms in collaborative distance learning; metacognitive knowledge and distance education; using a Web-based e-Learning system (W ...; [Leggi tutto...] Distance education, or distance learning, is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy, technology, and instructional system designs that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically "on site" in a traditional classroom or campus. This book presents current research in the field of distance learning including such topics as virtual classrooms in collaborative distance learning; metacognitive knowledge and distance education; using a Web-based e-Learning system (WebELS) to support flexibility and globalization of higher education in science and technology; and distance education initiatives for people with disabilities.

Abstract/Sommario: The paper proposes an approach to understand the relationship between inequality and economic growth obtained by shifting the analysis from the space of final achievements to the space of opportunities. To this end, it introduces a formal framework based on the concept of the Opportunity Growth Incidence Curve. This framework can be used to evaluate the income dynamics of specific groups of the population and to infer the role of growth in the evolution of inequality of opportunity ove ...; [Leggi tutto...] The paper proposes an approach to understand the relationship between inequality and economic growth obtained by shifting the analysis from the space of final achievements to the space of opportunities. To this end, it introduces a formal framework based on the concept of the Opportunity Growth Incidence Curve. This framework can be used to evaluate the income dynamics of specific groups of the population and to infer the role of growth in the evolution of inequality of opportunity over time. The paper shows the relevance of the introduced framework by providing two empirical analyses, one for Italy and the other for Brazil. These analyses show the distributional impact of the recent growth experienced by Brazil and the recent crisis suffered by Italy from both the income inequality and opportunity inequality perspectives.

Abstract/Sommario: Today's labor markets are witnessing seismic changes brought on by such factors as rising self-employment, temporary employment, zero-hour contracts, and the growth of the sharing economy. This fully updated and revised third edition of The Economics of Imperfect Labor Markets reflects these and other critical changes in imperfect labor markets, and it has been significantly expanded to discuss topics such as workplace safety, regulations on self-employment, and disability and absence ...; [Leggi tutto...] Today's labor markets are witnessing seismic changes brought on by such factors as rising self-employment, temporary employment, zero-hour contracts, and the growth of the sharing economy. This fully updated and revised third edition of The Economics of Imperfect Labor Markets reflects these and other critical changes in imperfect labor markets, and it has been significantly expanded to discuss topics such as workplace safety, regulations on self-employment, and disability and absence from work. This new edition also features engaging case studies that illustrate key aspects of imperfect labor markets. Authoritative and accessible, this textbook examines the many institutions that affect the behavior of workers and employers in imperfect labor markets. These include minimum wages, employment protection legislation, unemployment benefits, family policies, equal opportunity legislation, collective bargaining, early retirement programs, and education and migration policies.

Abstract/Sommario: Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the public finance landscape of today, the book focuses on the heavily changed, post-global recession world. This new approach includes a discussion on global public goods, which addresses the difficulty of coping with public health and security threats when they transcend government coping mechanisms. Chapter 8 examines corporatization and the transition from government enterprise to private enterprise. The text teaches conceptual mastery inst ...; [Leggi tutto...] Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the public finance landscape of today, the book focuses on the heavily changed, post-global recession world. This new approach includes a discussion on global public goods, which addresses the difficulty of coping with public health and security threats when they transcend government coping mechanisms. Chapter 8 examines corporatization and the transition from government enterprise to private enterprise. The text teaches conceptual mastery instead of technical detail. Stiglitz and Rosengard write with the student in mind using accessible language, but also the graphs throughout the text are simple and easy to understand. Case studies and references to real-world programs and policies, such as Welfare Programs and the Redistribution of Income are found in the body of the text.

Abstract/Sommario: The book elaborates key aspects and problems of generalized policy models of knowledge-based economies and learning societies in contexts of liberalized firm action, accelerated competitiveness and labor market flexibility. It discusses limits and paradoxes of higher skilled, knowledge-based economies which include significant disparities in labor market absorption of higher level skills, a deterioration of qualitative conditions of work and a re-subordination of workers.

Abstract/Sommario: The World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Education & Skills with this publication offers the latest thinking on the critical importance of education and highlights what can be done to ensure that all people around the world can benefit. To this end, the book critically reviews existing and new ideas, perspectives and frameworks on education through relevant analyses and case studies. It explores the full array of social benefits of different programmes and interventions and ...; [Leggi tutto...] The World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Education & Skills with this publication offers the latest thinking on the critical importance of education and highlights what can be done to ensure that all people around the world can benefit. To this end, the book critically reviews existing and new ideas, perspectives and frameworks on education through relevant analyses and case studies. It explores the full array of social benefits of different programmes and interventions and related evidence of return on investment. The real value-added is on conceptualizing and describing innovative, plausible, scalable, compelling and high-impact solutions that will improve access to education, strengthen educational quality, improve workers’ skills and increase equity – across income level, gender and other demographic subgroups. At the same time, the book tries to shine a light on the relevance of education and training to the labour market and the need to facilitate school-to-work transitions. In pursuing these goals, it takes a lifecycle approach, examining the full range of educational experiences – from pre-primary education to postgraduate training to worker education and training to mature worker reskilling. This vast educational experience can occur in both formal educational settings and informal systems. This book also can contribute to decision-making and research by presenting an accessible and up-to-date compilation of quantitative and qualitative education data across countries.

Il report del Global Agenda Council on Education & Skills, promosso dal World Economic Forum, riflette sull'importanza fondamentale dell'istruzione, mettendo in evidenza cosa può essere fatto per garantire che le persone di tutto il mondo possano trarre i benefici che derivano dall’istruzione. In tale contesto, lo studio passa in rassegna criticamente le idee nuove e quelle preesistenti, le prospettive e gli schemi educativi avvalendosi di analisi rilevanti e studi di caso. Viene analizzata l'intera gamma dei benefici sociali derivanti dai diversi programmi ed interventi, fornendo anche evidenze e testimonianze sul “ritorno” degli investimenti in educazione. Il vero valore aggiunto sta nella concettualizzazione e descrizione di soluzioni innovative, plausibili, replicabili e di grande impatto in grado di migliorare l'accesso all'istruzione, rafforzare la qualità dell’educazione, migliorare le competenze dei lavoratori ed aumentare l’equità a tutti i livelli (reddituali, di genere, etc) . Il rapporto si focalizza, inoltre, sul grado di rispondenza dei sistemi educativi (istruzione e formazione) alle esigenze del mercato del lavoro e sulla necessità di facilitare le transizioni scuola-lavoro. Per raggiungere questi obiettivi, l’approccio operativo deve considerare l’intero ciclo di vita, ovvero tutta la gamma di esperienze educative, dall’istruzione pre-primaria alla formazione post accademica, fino a ricomprendere la formazione sul lavoro e la riqualificazione dei lavoratori anziani. Senza trascurare che questa vasta esperienza educativa può verificarsi sia in contesti educativi formali che in sistemi informali. In conclusione, il rapporto si propone anche di contribuire al processo decisionale e di ricerca presentando una serie accessibile e aggiornata di dati quantitativi e qualitativi relativi ai sistemi educativi nei diversi paesi.

Abstract/Sommario: This book originates from the research project 'New discourses in labour law' held at the European University Institute. A detailed analysis of part-time work regulation is presented for seven European countries, in order to ascertain how internal domestic choices of the legislatures have merged into the 'Open method of co-ordination'. The impact of European employment policies is considered in parallel with the implementation of the Directive on part-time work, thus providing a comple ...; [Leggi tutto...] This book originates from the research project 'New discourses in labour law' held at the European University Institute. A detailed analysis of part-time work regulation is presented for seven European countries, in order to ascertain how internal domestic choices of the legislatures have merged into the 'Open method of co-ordination'. The impact of European employment policies is considered in parallel with the implementation of the Directive on part-time work, thus providing a complete overview of both soft and hard law mechanisms available to national policy-makers. In this 2004 work, the interaction between law and policy emerges as a dynamic and constantly changing process of exchange between national and supranational actors, through the use of concrete examples of lawmaking. Labour law is put forward as being central in the current evolution of European law, and this centrality is presented as a confirmation of innovation and continuity in regulatory techniques.

Abstract/Sommario: The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) specifies a complex set of numerical limits and preference categories that include economic priorities among the criteria for admission. The INA allocates 140,000 visas annually for employment-based legal permanent residents (LPRs), and they were 14.2% of the total 1.0 million LPRs in 2010. The INA further specifies that each year, countries are held to a numerical limit of 7% of the world-wide level of U.S. immigrant admissions, known as per-c ...; [Leggi tutto...] The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) specifies a complex set of numerical limits and preference categories that include economic priorities among the criteria for admission. The INA allocates 140,000 visas annually for employment-based legal permanent residents (LPRs), and they were 14.2% of the total 1.0 million LPRs in 2010. The INA further specifies that each year, countries are held to a numerical limit of 7% of the world-wide level of U.S. immigrant admissions, known as per-country limits or country caps. Even as U.S. unemployment levels remain high, some employers assert that they continue to need the "best and the brightest" workers, regardless of the country of birth, to remain competitive in a world-wide market and to keep their firms in the United States. While support for the option of increasing employment-based immigration may be dampened by economic conditions, proponents argue it is an essential ingredient for economic growth. This book provides an overview of employment-based immigration and its economic considerations.

Abstract/Sommario: Environmental issues are of fundamental importance, and a broad approach to understanding the relationship between the human economy and the natural world is essential. In a rapidly changing policy and scientific context, this new edition of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics reflects an updated perspective on modern environmental topics. Now in its fifth edition, this textbook includes enhanced and updated material on energy, climate change, greening the economy, population, ...; [Leggi tutto...] Environmental issues are of fundamental importance, and a broad approach to understanding the relationship between the human economy and the natural world is essential. In a rapidly changing policy and scientific context, this new edition of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics reflects an updated perspective on modern environmental topics. Now in its fifth edition, this textbook includes enhanced and updated material on energy, climate change, greening the economy, population, agriculture, forests and water―reflecting the greater urgency required to solve the big environmental problems in these areas. It introduces students to both standard environmental economics and the broader perspective of ecological economics, balancing analytical techniques of environmental economics topics with a global perspective on current ecological issues such as population growth, global climate change and "green" national income accounting.

Abstract/Sommario: Environmental Econometrics Using Stata is written for applied researchers that want to understand the basic theory of modern statistical methods and how to use them. It is also perfectly suited for teaching. Each chapter is motivated with real data and ends with a set of exercises. The book is also inherently interdisciplinary. The questions posed by environmental issues are relevant to researchers in the physical sciences, economics, sociology, political science, and public health, am ...; [Leggi tutto...] Environmental Econometrics Using Stata is written for applied researchers that want to understand the basic theory of modern statistical methods and how to use them. It is also perfectly suited for teaching. Each chapter is motivated with real data and ends with a set of exercises. The book is also inherently interdisciplinary. The questions posed by environmental issues are relevant to researchers in the physical sciences, economics, sociology, political science, and public health, among other fields.

Abstract/Sommario: Lifelong learning is a key concept for the development of adult education as an area of practice and theoretical consideration. In recent decades, meanwhile, the idea of lifelong education and learning has been central to the guidance of various international organizations of many countries. Currently, lifelong learning is widely accepted in terms of its benefits, thus the meanings it can contain are rarely questioned. This book proposes three models for analyzing public adult educatio ...; [Leggi tutto...] Lifelong learning is a key concept for the development of adult education as an area of practice and theoretical consideration. In recent decades, meanwhile, the idea of lifelong education and learning has been central to the guidance of various international organizations of many countries. Currently, lifelong learning is widely accepted in terms of its benefits, thus the meanings it can contain are rarely questioned. This book proposes three models for analyzing public adult education policies: the democratic-emancipatory model, the modernization and state control model, and the human resources management model. The models guide a critical discussion on European Union policies for the adult education and training sector. This analysis also contains references to national adult education policies. The book further describes the proposals presented by UNESCO since the 1970s with respect to lifelong education and lifelong learning. The book will prompt the reader to question ways of looking at a priority issue in contemporary public policies.

Abstract/Sommario: Evaluation—whether called by this name, quality assurance, audit, accreditation, or others—is an important social activity. Any organization that "lives in public" must now evaluate its activities, be evaluated by others, or evaluate others. What are the origins of this wave of evaluation? And, what worthwhile results emerge from it? This book argues that if we want to understand many of the norms, values, and expectations that we, sometimes unknowingly, bring to evaluation, we should ...; [Leggi tutto...] Evaluation—whether called by this name, quality assurance, audit, accreditation, or others—is an important social activity. Any organization that "lives in public" must now evaluate its activities, be evaluated by others, or evaluate others. What are the origins of this wave of evaluation? And, what worthwhile results emerge from it? This book argues that if we want to understand many of the norms, values, and expectations that we, sometimes unknowingly, bring to evaluation, we should explore how evaluation is demanded, formatted, and shaped by two great principles of social order: organization and society. With this understanding, we can more conscientiously participate in evaluation processes; better position ourselves to understand many of the mysteries, tensions, and paradoxes in evaluation; and use evaluation in a more informed way.

Abstract/Sommario: The volume provides an introduction to event history modeling techniques using Stata (version 9), a widely used statistical program that provides tools for data analysis. The book emphasizes the usefulness of event history models for causal analysis in the social sciences and the application of continuous-time models. The authors illustrate the entire research path required in the application of event-history analysis, from the initial problems of recording event-oriented data, to data ...; [Leggi tutto...] The volume provides an introduction to event history modeling techniques using Stata (version 9), a widely used statistical program that provides tools for data analysis. The book emphasizes the usefulness of event history models for causal analysis in the social sciences and the application of continuous-time models. The authors illustrate the entire research path required in the application of event-history analysis, from the initial problems of recording event-oriented data, to data organization, to applications using the software, to the interpretation of results. The book also demonstrates, through example, how to implement hypotheses tests and how to choose the right model. The strengths and limitations of various techniques are emphasized in each example, along with an introduction to the model, details on how to input data, and the related Stata commands. Each application is accompanied by a brief explanation of the underlying statistical concept.

Abstract/Sommario: In a relatively short time, the EU has become one of the most important actors on the world stage.The updated second edition of The foreign policy of the European Union explores the goals and effectiveness of the EU’s external actions after adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. The book brings together prominent scholars and policymakers who provide an up-to-date view of the EU’s foreign policy merits and challenges.

Abstract/Sommario: This book shows why addressing fragility and conflict is vital for poverty goals and charts directions for action. It presents new estimates of welfare in FCS, filling gaps in previous knowledge, and analyzes the multidimensional nature of poverty in these settings. It shows that data deprivation in FCS has prevented an accurate global picture of fragility, poverty, and their interactions, and it explains how innovative new measurement strategies are tackling these challenges. The book ...; [Leggi tutto...] This book shows why addressing fragility and conflict is vital for poverty goals and charts directions for action. It presents new estimates of welfare in FCS, filling gaps in previous knowledge, and analyzes the multidimensional nature of poverty in these settings. It shows that data deprivation in FCS has prevented an accurate global picture of fragility, poverty, and their interactions, and it explains how innovative new measurement strategies are tackling these challenges. The book discusses the long-term consequences of conflict and introduces a data-driven classification of countries by fragility profile, showing opportunities for tailored policy interventions and the need for monitoring multiple markers of fragility. The book strengthens understanding of what poverty reduction in FCS will require and what it can achieve.

Abstract/Sommario: The book provides evidence and argument to illuminate contemporary debates about the involvement of men and women in education, in which some academics, practitioners and policy-makers have referred to a crisis of masculinity. Among questions dealt: Are men under-represented in education? Are women outstripping men in terms of achievement? What evidence supports the view that men are becoming educationally disadvantaged? Drawing on research from a number of countries, including the UK, ...; [Leggi tutto...] The book provides evidence and argument to illuminate contemporary debates about the involvement of men and women in education, in which some academics, practitioners and policy-makers have referred to a crisis of masculinity. Among questions dealt: Are men under-represented in education? Are women outstripping men in terms of achievement? What evidence supports the view that men are becoming educationally disadvantaged? Drawing on research from a number of countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the contributors' discuss a range of issues which intersect with gender to impact on education, including structural factors such as class, ethnicity and age as well as colonisation and migration.

Abstract/Sommario: This book unifies and extends latent variable models, including multilevel or generalized linear mixed models, longitudinal or panel models, item response or factor models, latent class or finite mixture models, and structural equation models. Following a gentle introduction to latent variable modeling, the authors clearly explain and contrast a wide range of estimation and prediction methods from biostatistics, psychometrics, econometrics, and statistics. They present exciting and rea ...; [Leggi tutto...] This book unifies and extends latent variable models, including multilevel or generalized linear mixed models, longitudinal or panel models, item response or factor models, latent class or finite mixture models, and structural equation models. Following a gentle introduction to latent variable modeling, the authors clearly explain and contrast a wide range of estimation and prediction methods from biostatistics, psychometrics, econometrics, and statistics. They present exciting and realistic applications that demonstrate how researchers can use latent variable modeling to solve concrete problems in areas as diverse as medicine, economics, and psychology. The examples considered include many nonstandard response types, such as ordinal, nominal, count, and survival data. Joint modeling of mixed responses, such as survival and longitudinal data, is also illustrated.

Abstract/Sommario: As the world becomes more interdependent, and economies struggle, global philanthropy continues to increase. More than that, nonprofits are taking up roles that have traditionally been filled by the government—including social welfare, healthcare, and human rights. Global Fundraising provides complete coverage of the implications of this growth for nonprofit culture and how it drives changes in fundraising practices.

Abstract/Sommario: The effects of globalization have long been dealt with in terms of economic and technological consequences, but what about the influence on education? Though still not a precise concept, what we understand as “globalization” is bringing forth numerous and profound changes in the economic, cultural, and political life of nations. With increased opportunities for interaction and learning, education around the world is rapidly becoming transformed. The essays contained in this comprehensi ...; [Leggi tutto...] The effects of globalization have long been dealt with in terms of economic and technological consequences, but what about the influence on education? Though still not a precise concept, what we understand as “globalization” is bringing forth numerous and profound changes in the economic, cultural, and political life of nations. With increased opportunities for interaction and learning, education around the world is rapidly becoming transformed. The essays contained in this comprehensive yet readable book, strive to provide a thorough examination of the impact these changes are having on how education is defined, whom it serves, and how it is assessed around the world.

Abstract/Sommario: In this comprehensive overview of current research, theories, and models related to the globalization of educationt the author introduces readers to the processes, institutions, and forces by which schooling has been globalized, and examines the impact of these forces on schooling in local contexts.

Abstract/Sommario: Providing a theoretical and empirical foundation in governance networks, the book offers a conceptual framework for describing governance networks and provides a holistic way to conceive their construction. The text details the skills and functions of public administrators in the context of networked relationships and presents the theoretical foundations to analyze governance networks. It identifies the reforms and trends in governing that led to governance networks, explains the roles ...; [Leggi tutto...] Providing a theoretical and empirical foundation in governance networks, the book offers a conceptual framework for describing governance networks and provides a holistic way to conceive their construction. The text details the skills and functions of public administrators in the context of networked relationships and presents the theoretical foundations to analyze governance networks. It identifies the reforms and trends in governing that led to governance networks, explains the roles that various actors take on through networked relationships, highlights the challenges involved in the failure of networked activities, and illustrates how policy tools are mobilized by these relationships.

Abstract/Sommario: Educational policy continues to be of major concern. Policy debates about economic growth and national competitiveness, for example, commonly focus on the importance of human capital and a highly educated workforce. Defining the theoretical boundaries and methodological approaches of education policy research are the two primary themes of this comprehensive handbook. Organized into seven sections, the handbook focuses on: disciplinary foundations of educational policy, methodological p ...; [Leggi tutto...] Educational policy continues to be of major concern. Policy debates about economic growth and national competitiveness, for example, commonly focus on the importance of human capital and a highly educated workforce. Defining the theoretical boundaries and methodological approaches of education policy research are the two primary themes of this comprehensive handbook. Organized into seven sections, the handbook focuses on: disciplinary foundations of educational policy, methodological perspectives, the policy process, resources, management, and organization, teaching and learning policy, actors and institutions, and education access and differentiation.

Abstract/Sommario: Through a series of recent breakthroughs, deep learning has boosted the entire field of machine learning. Now, even programmers who know close to nothing about this technology can use simple, efficient tools to implement programs capable of learning from data.

Abstract/Sommario: Aimed at researchers, graduate students, and practitioners, this book introduces readers to widely used methods, shows them how to perform these methods in Stata, and illustrates how to interpret the results. Each method is discussed in the context of an example using an extract from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. After the overview chapters, the book provides excellent introductions to a series of topics aimed specifically at those analyzing healthcare expenditure and use data ...; [Leggi tutto...] Aimed at researchers, graduate students, and practitioners, this book introduces readers to widely used methods, shows them how to perform these methods in Stata, and illustrates how to interpret the results. Each method is discussed in the context of an example using an extract from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.
After the overview chapters, the book provides excellent introductions to a series of topics aimed specifically at those analyzing healthcare expenditure and use data. The basic topics of linear regression, the generalized linear model, and log and Box-Cox models are covered with a tight focus on the problems presented by these data. Using this foundation, the authors cover the more advanced topics of models for continuous outcome with mass points, count models, and models for heterogeneous effects. Finally, they discuss endogeneity and how to address inference questions using data from complex surveys.

Abstract/Sommario: The 2014 Human Development Report looks at two concepts which are both interconnected and immensely important to securing human development progress: reducing vulnerabilities and building resilience. Since the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) first global Human Development Report (HDR) in 1990, most countries have registered significant human development. This year’s Report shows that overall global trends are positive and that progress is continuing. Yet, lives are being ...; [Leggi tutto...] The 2014 Human Development Report looks at two concepts which are both interconnected and immensely important to securing human development progress: reducing vulnerabilities and building resilience. Since the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) first global Human Development Report (HDR) in 1990, most countries have registered significant human development. This year’s Report shows that overall global trends are positive and that progress is continuing. Yet, lives are being lost, and livelihoods and development undermined, by natural or human-induced disasters and crises. However, these setbacks are not inevitable. While every society is vulnerable to risk, some suffer far less harm and recover more quickly than others when adversity strikes. This Report asks why that is and, for the first time in a global HDR, considers vulnerability and resilience through a human development lens.

Abstract/Sommario: This volume provides a critical history of the modern tradition of documentation, tracing the representation of individuals and groups in the form of documents, information, and data.

Abstract/Sommario: A short, informal account of our ever-increasing dependence on a complex multiplicity of messages, records, documents, and data. The book invites us to take a step back from ever-changing technological characteristics, regulatory reactions, and accumulating caselaw and to take a fresh look at what all this is about, at how our societies create, handle, organize, share and restrict information and at how all this should be done considering our constitutional value systems—in short, to l ...; [Leggi tutto...] A short, informal account of our ever-increasing dependence on a complex multiplicity of messages, records, documents, and data. The book invites us to take a step back from ever-changing technological characteristics, regulatory reactions, and accumulating caselaw and to take a fresh look at what all this is about, at how our societies create, handle, organize, share and restrict information and at how all this should be done considering our constitutional value systems—in short, to look at information law properly and then from there to discuss and evaluate the implications of technological change.

Abstract/Sommario: This text on public economics covers the core topics of market failure and taxation as well as recent developments in both policy and the academic literature. It is unique not only in its broad scope but in its balance between public finance and public choice and its combination of theory and relevant empirical evidence. The book covers the theory and methodology of public economics; presents a historical and theoretical overview of the public sector; and discusses such topics as depa ...; [Leggi tutto...] This text on public economics covers the core topics of market failure and taxation as well as recent developments in both policy and the academic literature. It is unique not only in its broad scope but in its balance between public finance and public choice and its combination of theory and relevant empirical evidence. The book covers the theory and methodology of public economics; presents a historical and theoretical overview of the public sector; and discusses such topics as departures from efficiency (including imperfect competition and asymmetric information), issues in political economy, equity, taxation, fiscal federalism, and tax competition among independent jurisdictions.

Abstract/Sommario: Uncovering precisely why International Human Resource Management is important for success in international business and how International Human Resource Management policies and practices function within the multinational enterprise, this comprehensive textbook provides an outstanding foundation for understanding the theory and practice of International Human Resource Management. Featuring data and examples from international business, consulting practice, academic research, and intervi ...; [Leggi tutto...] Uncovering precisely why International Human Resource Management is important for success in international business and how International Human Resource Management policies and practices function within the multinational enterprise, this comprehensive textbook provides an outstanding foundation for understanding the theory and practice of International Human Resource Management. Featuring data and examples from international business, consulting practice, academic research, and interviews with IHRM managers in multinational and global organizations, it covers almost everything that is currently known in the field. The approach offers both a theoretical and practical treatment of this important and evolving area.

Abstract/Sommario: Introduction to Time Series Using Stata provides a practical guide to working with time-series data using Stata and will appeal to a broad range of users. The many examples, concise explanations that focus on intuition, and useful tips based on the author’s decades of experience using time-series methods make the book insightful not just for academic users but also for practitioners in industry and government. The book is appropriate both for new Stata users and for experienced users w ...; [Leggi tutto...] Introduction to Time Series Using Stata provides a practical guide to working with time-series data using Stata and will appeal to a broad range of users. The many examples, concise explanations that focus on intuition, and useful tips based on the author’s decades of experience using time-series methods make the book insightful not just for academic users but also for practitioners in industry and government. The book is appropriate both for new Stata users and for experienced users who are new to time-series analysis.

Abstract/Sommario: Introduction to Time Series Using Stata, Revised Edition provides a step-by-step guide to essential time-series techniques–from the incredibly simple to the quite complex– and, at the same time, demonstrates how these techniques can be applied in the Stata statistical package. The emphasis is on an understanding of the intuition underlying theoretical innovations and an ability to apply them. Real-world examples illustrate the application of each concept as it is introduced, and care i ...; [Leggi tutto...] Introduction to Time Series Using Stata, Revised Edition provides a step-by-step guide to essential time-series techniques–from the incredibly simple to the quite complex– and, at the same time, demonstrates how these techniques can be applied in the Stata statistical package. The emphasis is on an understanding of the intuition underlying theoretical innovations and an ability to apply them. Real-world examples illustrate the application of each concept as it is introduced, and care is taken to highlight the pitfalls, as well as the power, of each new tool. The Revised Edition has been updated for Stata 16.

Abstract/Sommario: For the free movement of labour across the European Union, establishing transparency and comparability of qualifications across member states is vital. This book examines how qualifications, knowledge, skills and competences are understood in different national contexts and trans-nationally and reveals a complex picture of differences and similarities both within and between countries. Against the background of EU policy initiatives, and in particular the European Qualifications Framew ...; [Leggi tutto...] For the free movement of labour across the European Union, establishing transparency and comparability of qualifications across member states is vital. This book examines how qualifications, knowledge, skills and competences are understood in different national contexts and trans-nationally and reveals a complex picture of differences and similarities both within and between countries. Against the background of EU policy initiatives, and in particular the European Qualifications Framework, an important focus is on the prospects and difficulties of establishing cross-national recognition of qualifications. Drawing on case studies of particular sectors and occupations in England, France, Germany and the Netherlands, this insightful book, written by leading academics in the field, will be a vital resource for students and researchers involved with vocational education and training, continuing professional development, human resource management and European Union policy.

Abstract/Sommario: This landmark graduate-level text combines depth and breadth of coverage with recent, cutting-edge work in all the major areas of modern labor economics. Its command of the literature and its coverage of the latest theoretical, methodological, and empirical developments make it also a valuable resource for practicing labor economists. This second edition has been substantially updated and augmented. It incorporates examples drawn from many countries, and it presents empirical methods u ...; [Leggi tutto...] This landmark graduate-level text combines depth and breadth of coverage with recent, cutting-edge work in all the major areas of modern labor economics. Its command of the literature and its coverage of the latest theoretical, methodological, and empirical developments make it also a valuable resource for practicing labor economists. This second edition has been substantially updated and augmented. It incorporates examples drawn from many countries, and it presents empirical methods using contributions that have proved to be milestones in labor economics. The data and codes of these research publications, as well as numerous tables and figures describing the functioning of labor markets, are all available on a dedicated website (www.labor-economics.org), along with slides that can be used as course aids and a discussion forum. This edition devotes more space to the analysis of public policy and the levers available to policy makers, with new chapters on such topics as discrimination, globalization, income redistribution, employment protection, and the minimum wage or labor market programs for the unemployed. Theories are explained on the basis of the simplest possible models, which are in turn related to empirical results. Mathematical appendixes provide a toolkit for understanding the models.