120 research outputs found
Inflation in Czechoslovakia, 1985-91
No full textThe authors assess inflation in Czechoslovakia between 1985 and 1991 and identify the main causes of inflation through a literature survey and empirical studies. The official prices in centrally planned economies were never perceived by central planners to be fully market clearing. Only by coincidence would the overall price level correspond to the level associated with general equilibrium. What is missing in official price indices in centrally planned economies - including the consumer price index - is suppressed inflation, manifast in queuing for products, forced substitution of demand, and forced savings. Also missing is hidden inflation, associated with practices that disguise price increases behind cosmetic or other change in product quality. The authors argue that inflationary pressures in Czechoslovakia in 1985-89 originated mainly in the investment sector. Even though the investment sector was strictly controlled, making it difficult for open inflation to emerge, the scope for inflationary pressures was great in Czechoslovakia. Such pressures arose from a mixture of factors, including poor investment planning, accommodating government finance, and the high priority given to investments and social consumption. For Czechoslovakia, the official price indices show virtually no inflation between 1985 and 1989, when there were long waiting lists for such products as cars and state and cooperative flats. Trends in these price indices do not seem to depend on the method used for constructing them, according to the sensitivity tests conducted by Czechoslovakia's Federal Statistical Office. Obviously, the official price indices failed to capture the full extent of economic disequilibrium in that period. But the extent to which official price indices understated inflationary pressures was not serious in Czechoslovakia, compared with other centrally planned economies. Estimates of hidden inflation for 1985-89 range from 0.5 percent to 2 percent a year in consumer markets and about 3 percent in the industrial sector. Estimates for suppressed inflation were less than 5 percent. The relatively small inflationary gap is indirectly confirmed by the sharp inflation associated with the recent price liberalization that subsided in a relatively short period, and both suppressed and hidden inflations have virtually disappeared. Estimates of hidden inflation were based on benchmark price comparisons between Czechoslovakia and such market economies as Austria. Those for suppressed inflation were based on disequilibrium econometric models of asset holdings and on conjecture tests.Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Markets and Market Access,Access to Markets,Financial Intermediation
Rent - seeking trade policy : a time series approach
No full textUsing a time-series approach, the author analyzes the relationship between the extent of rent-seeking trade policy and both political and economic variables. For rent-seeking trade policy, the indicator he uses is the number of foreign-trade regulations passed each year for the benefit of a single firm or industry. The author uses data from Uruguay for 1925-83. Uruguay, which experienced an impressive economic decline, is an outstanding example of a rent-seeking society. After being a wealthy economy in midcentury, it suffered almost complete stagnation, which led to social and policital disintegration by the end of the 1960s. Three decades of restrictive regulations on foreign trade had created a nearly closed economy by the end of the 1960s. It was worth analyzing whether policymakers'great receptiveness to demands for protection could account for Uruguay's decline. Over the period 1925-83, the author finds almost 4,000 laws, decrees, and administrative resolutions that create, maintain, or modify a foreign-trade regulation for the benefit of a single firm or industry. About half of them explicitly identify the petitioner - usually a firm or guild. Since the size of the Uruguayan economy changed over the period studied, the author scales the annual number of regulations by output or exports to measure the extent of rent-seeking trade policy. The author shows that the extent of rent-seeking trade policy increased with discretionary policies and under dictatorship. (In the period studied, there were two stages of democracy - until 1932 and from 1943-72 - and two stages of dictatorship.) He also shows that rent-seeking trade restrictions increased under import-substitution strategies and, more unexpectedly, under active export promotion. This suggests that discretionary power leads to wasteful distribution, whether it is used to support inward- or outward-oriented policies. Finally, the author analyzes the correlation between innovations in the trade policy indicator and innovations in the growth rates of output and exports, with a lag of up to 20 years. Surprisingly, he finds a positive correlation with output growth rates after two or three years. But the correlation becomes negative some years later, particularly in the case of exports. The short-run positive impact on growth rates, together with the surprisingly long time lag before the negative impact, may account for policymakers'receptiveness to demands for protection.Trade Policy,Achieving Shared Growth,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT,Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies
Price and quality competitiveness of socialist countries'exports
No full textIn this report the authors have analyzed pricing of the centrally planned economies (CPEs) in the highly competitive export markets of the EC countries in the first half of the 1980s. They found that the CPEs'export prices were lower than prices in both developed and developing countries. Manufactured goods from CPEs were underpriced an average 31 to 45 percent - even more on some commodities. Protection of EC countries doesn't seem to be a factor in CPE underpricing of manufactured goods. This could not be explained either by a deliberate policy of CPEs to penetrate Western markets. The CPEs inability to upgrade manufactured exports that are subject to quotas suggests serious quality constraints on exports of manufactured goods. They appear to underprice their manufactured exports not because of cost advantages that make them more competitive, but because most of their manufactured goods are inferior in quality to their competitors.Environmental Economics&Policies,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT,Economic Theory&Research,Markets and Market Access,Access to Markets
Les enjeux des changements sociaux dans les sociétés post-communistes
No full textZDENEK STRMISKA This article starts with a reflection upon the epistemological status of sociological research on global societies and specific types of societies. The article addresses the question of the role of sociological studies about Soviet Type Societies (STS), specifically those done in France, where this type of research is present but not sufficiently developed. In his analysis of the social system of these societies the author defines general and specific characteristics of the monocratic system of management. He maintains that major difficulties of functioning and development within this system are rooted in the bolchevik concept of the society, its representations and underlying value orientations. The insurmountable difficulties of the system find their expression in the legitimation crisis of the STS. The author examines the crisis and collapse of the social system of the STS as a joint product of structural characteristics and particular changing conditions, and attempts to explain specific patterns of social change in some of these societies. The article summarizes major data which constitute the point of departure for the transition of the former Soviet Type Societies to a new social system. И also attempts to characterize social and cultural features of the transitional post-communist societies. The article examines the development of social and political cultures and the first changes in the social structures of STS. Attention is accorded toward democracy, market economy, the forms of privatization and political and social strategies used for the implementation of the changes.Résumé : L'étude part d'une réflexion sur le statut épistémologique des recherches sociologiques sur les sociétés globales et les types de sociétés, et aborde la question de la signification des recherches sociologiques sur les les sociétés de type soviétique, présentes, mais non encore suffisamment développées en France. Dans la description du système social de ces sociétés, l'auteur présise les caractéristiques, générales et spécifiques, du système monocratique de direction et montre que leurs difficultés majeures de fonctionnement et de développement sont ancrées déjà dans les projets bolcheviques de société, les représentations et surtout les valeurs de base qui les sous-lendent. Ces difficultés insurmontables se reflètent dans la crise de légitimité de ces sociétés. L'auteur analyse le processsus de crise et d'écroulement de leur système social comme un produit d'interaction entre les caractéristiques structurelles et des conditions conjoncturelles et essaie d'appréhender les caractéristiques spécifiques du processus de changement dans certaines de ces sociétés. L'étude résume les données majeures constituant les points de départ pour le passage des anciennes sociétés de type soviétique à un nouveau système social et tente de caractériser les enjeux sociaux et culturels de ces sociétés post-communistes de transition. Elle tient compte du développement des cultures sociales et politiques et des premiers changements dans la structure sociale, caractérisant surtout les attitudes des gens à l'égard de la démocratie, de l'économie de marché, des formes de privatisation et des stratégies politiques et sociales adoptées pour la réalisation des changements.Strmiska Zdenek. Les enjeux des changements sociaux dans les sociétés post-communistes. In: Sociétés contemporaines N°2, Juin 1990. Europe de l'Est des sociétés en mutation. pp. 7-42
Programme socialiste et rapports sociaux en U.R.S.S. et dans les pays socialistes
No full textThe Socialist Program and Social Relationships in the U.SJS.R. and Eastern Europe.
This study focuses on certain key problems in the sociological analysis of soviet-type societies, id. est, the U.S.S.R. and the socialist countries of Eastern and Central Europe.
In the first chapter the author sets forth the theories and ideologies of these societies and their place in contemporary Sociology, adding a brief personal commentary on these trends of thought.
The second chapter deals with the problems of the description and synchronie analysis of these societies. Discussions concerning the content and general effectiveness of economic transformations are usually centered on the rapport between ownership and appropriation, the status of the worker in the economy (the salary question) and the division of labor. By adding to this a description of political relationships and social differences, the author attempts to present a more developed study of these factors.
Certains specific problems linked with the historical development of the soviet society are also presented in confrontation of Charles Bettelheim's analysis of this question in Luttes de classe en U.R.S.S.
The interplay of Bolchevic ideology on the development of soviet society is also raised, and a study of Leninism and Stalinism is undertaken in the light of the general elementary structures of this ideology.
In conclusion the author tries to determine the relationship between the social systems of the countries studied, the meaning of "capitalism", "socialism" or "investment" in a theoretical analysis of the socialist reality.Cette étude pose certains problèmes-clés concernant l'analyse sociologique des sociétés de type soviétique, c'est-à-dire de la société soviétique et des sociétés socialistes d'Europe de l'Est et d'Europe centrale. Dans le premier chapitre, l'auteur propose une typologie des approches théoriques et idéologiques de ces sociétés, jouant un rôle important dans la production sociologique contemporaine, et se situe brièvement par rapport à ces courants de pensée. Le deuxième chapitre concerne quelques problèmes de description et d'analyse synchroniques des sociétés en question ; les discussions sur le contenu et la portée des transformations réalisées dans les rapports économiques se concentrent habituellement sur les rapports de propriété et l'appropriation, le statut du travailleur dans l'économie (la question du « salariat »), et la division du travail. Dans la description des rapports politiques et de la différenciation sociale, l'auteur cherche à définir des points de vue essentiels pour une étude plus poussée de la problématique. Troisièmement, certains problèmes choisis du développement historique de la société soviétique sont examinés sur la base d'une confrontation avec l'analyse de Charles Bettelheim, faite dans son dernier ouvrage sur les Luttes de classes en U.R.S.S.
Dans l'avant-dernier chapitre, ce sont les relations et les interactions entre l'idéologie bolchevique et le développement social soviétique qui sont l'objet central de la réflexion. S'appuyant sur une détermination globale des structures élémentaires de l'idéologie bolchevique, l'étude aborde le problème des rapports entre cette idéologie, le léninisme et le stalinisme. Dans la partie finale, l'auteur essaie de donner une réponse à la question de savoir quelles sont les relations entre le système social des sociétés en question, le capitalisme et le socialisme, ou inversement, quelle est la portée de ces notions pour une analyse empirico-théorique de la réalité sociale. Etant donné la largeur de la thématique, la présente étude n'a pas pu apporter une plus large documentation (en anglais, evidence) empirique susceptible de soutenir suffisamment les thèses proposées ; elle s'oriente vers l'élaboration d'un cadre de référence théorique, nécessaire pour l'analyse des sociétés de type soviétique.Strmiska Zdenek. Programme socialiste et rapports sociaux en U.R.S.S. et dans les pays socialistes. In: Revue d'études comparatives Est-Ouest, vol. 7, 1976, n°3. pp. 107-233
Existing Model-based Techniques Analysis
No full text: The methodology of general systems theory (GST) is briefly introduced. Existing model-based diagnostic techniques are described. Various tasks are analyzed within the conceptual framework of GST and it is shown that they can be derived from the basic paradigm of a system with a parallel model. It is suggested that the tool to be integrated with VITAL is based on this architecture. Author: Zdenek Zdráhal Collaborators (VITAL Partners): SYSECA - SYSECA TEMPS REEL (Coordinator) NOTT - UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM BULL - BULL CEDIAG AC - ANDERSEN CONSULTING ONERA - ONERA PTT - ROYAL PTT NEDERLAND NV * OU - THE OPEN UNIVERSITY NOKIA - NOKIA RESEARCH CENTER * marked partners are involved in this task - 1 - 1. INTRODUCTION This report presents an overview of model-based diagnostic techniques which are expected to be applicable within VITAL i.e. which can be integrated into the VITAL workbench and supported by the VITAL methodology. Since VITAL aims to provide life cycle support for a re..
Zdenek Sykora's Lines
No full textTato bakalářská práce je věnována tvorbě českého malíře Zdeňka Sýkory zejména jeho liniím. Jsou popsány základní principy tvorby jeho linií, které jsou tvořeny hladce navazujícími oblouky určenými náhodně generovanými parametry (doba života linie, směry, délka tečny, počáteční bod a tloušťka čáry). V první části autor studuje principy Sýkorovy tvorby. Následně se zabývá vytvořením počítačové aplikace, která dokáže zkonstruovat Sýkorovy obrazy podle tzv. partitur. Část diskuze shrnuje všechny poznatky, které autor práce shromáždil při tvorbě napodobenin originálních obrazů.This bachelor work is devoted to creation of the Czech artist Zdeněk Sýkora, specifically his lines. The guiding principle of the creation of his lines is explained. Lines are created by smoothly connecting arcs which are described by randomly generated parameters (the lifetime of line, directions, length of tangent, starting point and line weight). In the first part, the author studies Sýkora´s principles of his artworks. Then he deals with creation of software that can construct Sýkora´s paintings according to so-called scores. The discussion part summarises all the knowledge which the bachelor work author has collected when he was creating imitations of the original paintings.Fakulta elektrotechniky a informatikyV práci byly popsány principy, které používal český výtvarník Zdeněk Sýkora při tvorbě Linií. Cílem práce bylo naprogramovat aplikaci, která umožní rekonstruovat vybrané dílo Zdeňka Sýkory z jeho partitury a která dokáže na základě simulace náhodných čísel vytvářet podle Sýkorových principů díla jiná. Bakalářská práce byla vypracována na výborné úrovni. Komise hodnotila práci jako mimořádně kvalitní.Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobo
Developing environmental sensitivity through the fine art
No full textThe thesis is focused on searching for the ways, how to develop environmental sensitivity through the fine art, specifically painting or drawing and work with own body. Author strives about how to perceive own everyday surroundings more sensitively, to experience own presence in it more deeply and also to be able to rationally reflect own experience. This should make in a man personal relationship to the environment and stimulate pro-environmental behavior. The work is directed through theoretical excursion to the issue and author's art research to development the art method that author applies in his art-experiential action
Ezopovy bajky
No full textThis nicely produced book has several unusual features. First, it has two identical dust-jackets! I do not think I have run into that before. Secondly, it uses verse translations of the fables from an author who first published his versions of Aesop's fables in the book of the same title that we have from 1941. Thirdly, the top, bottom, and right-hand margins are ruled on every page. Fourthly, the fables are decorated with strong designs that may well be woodcuts. In any event, they are bold. These full-page designs occur about every four pages. Fifthly, the fables' titles are given in red ink. Finally, the T of C on 62 is arranged in two columns that are squared at the center, so that both edges are uneven. Two of the strongest illustrations are FG (19) and "The Fox and the Acorns" (47 and front cover of the dust-jacket).Language note: CzechRudolf Kutha
Journey diary. Animated movie as a way of reflecting experience
No full textThis thesis is focused on fenomén of journey travel and Genius Loci. The work is on reflection of experiences in a form of travel journal and analysis of methods used for transfering personal experiences in perspective of search for parallels between literature and fine art medium. In the chapter on applied works, author¨s own animated movie as way of reflecting experience from Barcelona
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