The relationship between supplier networks and industrial clusters: an analysis based on the cluster mapping method

Michael Porter’s concept of competitive advantages emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation of various actors in order to gain competitiveness on globalized markets. Foreign investors may play an important role in forming such cooperation networks. Their local suppliers tend to concentrate regionally. They can form, together with local institutions of education, research, financial and other services, development agencies, the nucleus of cooperative clusters. This paper deals with the relationship between supplier networks and clusters. Two main issues are discussed in more detail: the interest of multinational companies in entering regional clusters and the spillover effects that may stem from their participation. After the discussion on the theoretical background, the paper introduces a relatively new analytical method: “cluster mapping” - a method that can spot regional hot spots of specific economic activities with cluster building potential. Experience with the method was gathered in the US and in the European Union. After the discussion on the existing empirical evidence, the authors introduce their own cluster mapping results, which they obtained by using a refined version of the original methodology.cluster, transnational company, supplier network

The Scott\u27s Addition Complete Streets Plan

Scott’s Addition was once an industrial neighborhood. In recent years, however, the neighborhood has experienced a rapid transition of uses. It has become a growing residential and commercial neighborhood that features numerous breweries as its most popular attractions. Regrettably, the streets and sidewalks of the neighborhood have not seen a transition and still reflect the industrial uses of the past. The neighborhood is virtually devoid of bicycle infrastructure. The pedestrian infrastructure is incomplete and unsafe. The neighborhood is car-centric with little effort to provide for other modes of transportation. As new apartment buildings enter the neighborhood, the transportation issues facing Scott’s Addition are expected to worsen. The purpose of this plan is to provide Scott’s Addition with a set of recommendations for Complete Streets additions to service multiple modes of transportation and address foreseeable problems. A survey conducted during the preparation of the plan revealed that a majority of responders accessed Scott’s Addition via personal car. There was a significant group of responders, however, that cycle or walk in spite of the missing infrastructure. Furthermore, the survey revealed that the majority of responders would be inclined to bike into the neighborhood if proper infrastructure was implemented. Aside from the weaknesses the neighborhood currently faces, there are many strengths that can aid the implementation of Complete Streets. The neighborhood has a growing young professional population, which could strengthen the need and call for active transportation infrastructure and a more livable environment. The City of Richmond is also showing an initiative to increase multi-modal transportation, with the development of new plans that have a focus on developing multi-modal infrastructure and policy. The city seems to be motivated to change and become a more sustainable and progressive city. The final recommendations were formed by referencing the stakeholder outreach, best practices, and precedent plans. The recommendations strive to improve the pedestrian environment, increase bicycle infrastructure, create a safer and more efficient vehicle thoroughfare, and develop a more livable neighborhood

Emergence and Development of Industry Clusters in Hungary : Searching for a 'Critical Mass' of Business via Cluster Mapping

In the epoch of globalization, small or medium-sized national companies have great difficulties in finding an appropriate place for themselves in global labor division systems. They most frequently apply either strategies that help them becoming part of global value chains as regular suppliers, or they try to locate in which they might cooperate with other small companies in industrial clusters to compete with larger multinational companies. In both cases, communication, knowledge transfer, and cooperative actions among companies are essential for improving competitive capacities. Since this type of cooperation relies heavily on close, regular contact and face-to-face interaction, the spatial concentration of actors can improve the chances for success. Literature on the topic of supplier networks and spillover effects, as well as that on industrial clusters, emphasizes the importance of a "critical mass" of companies and other organizations and institutions. The authors first define and describe the types of synergies that stem from co-location of cooperating market actors. In addition the potential linkages among the two types of networks, supplier chains and clusters are explained. After a brief overview of the related literature, the authors introduce a new, refined measurement method of spatial concentration with empirical survey results from Hungary.industry cluster, supplier network, foreign direct investment, Hungary

CCTV placement in Gaborone City, Botswana: A critical review through the lens of Situational Crime Prevention theory

Public surveillance technology through the installation of Closed-Circuit Television cameras (CCTV) has been widely acknowledged as a tool for monitoring population movements and preventing crime. Based on this technological value, the installation of CCTV cameras has become a growing trend in many cities globally. The year 2018 will be remembered as the year when CCTV cameras were first installed in the city of Gaborone, Botswana, and its surrounding villages for purposes of detecting criminal activities and preventing crime. The value of CCTV cameras in preventing crime and as an investigative tool has been an area of interest among researchers. Among scholarly studies on this field, the focus has been on the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in preventing crime and their value as an investigative tool. Since CCTV cameras have just been installed in the city of Gaborone, it may be too early to evaluate the extent to which they effectively prevent crime in this city. The purpose of this study is to document the use of public surveillance cameras in Gaborone and its surrounding areas and assess their geographic placement in light of the principles of Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) theory. Using data collected through site observation and key informant interviews, we argue for a rigorous review and assessment of the current installation and placement of CCTV cameras in Gaborone city and further scholarly study to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of CCTV camera use for crime prevention in this city

The development of improvements to drivers' direct and indirect vision from vehicles - phase 1

This research project concerning "The development of improvements to drivers' direct and indirect vision from vehicles" has been designed to be conducted in two phases: . Phase 1 whose aim is to scope the existing knowledge base in order to prioritise and direct activities within Phase 2; . Phase 2 whose aim is to investigate specific driver vision problems prioritised in Phase 1 and determine solutions to them. This report details the activities, findings and conclusions resulting from the Phase 1 tasks undertaken

Insuring Shared Value: How Insurers Gain Competitive Advantage by Better Addressing Society's Needs

Insurers benefit from societal advances more than almost any other industry. Reducing accidents, improving health, and helping organizations better prepare for economic risks all improve profits for insurance companies, making it the ultimate shared value industry.Yet the industry has yet to proactively target the societal conditions that most affect their business.Featured recently in Harvard Business Review, Insuring Shared Value details how some insurers are reinventing their industry by embedding strategies into their core business models to gain competitive advantage while pursuing large-scale social impact.Researched in collaboration with Shared Value Initiative, Discovery Vitality, IAG, and Skandia, Insuring Shared Value also offers ideas for how actors such as NGOs and consumer groups can work with insurers to reduce risk and advance their own missions to improve society. Any company that offers insurance to their employees will find valuable information

Spartan Daily, October 30, 1992

Volume 99, Issue 45https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/8329/thumbnail.jp

Light environment - A. Visible light. B. Ultraviolet light

Visible and ultraviolet light environment as related to human performance and safety during space mission