Negotiation Capacity Research Articles

Translating Humanitarian Aid into Technical Cooperation: Yugoslavia’s Medical Assistance to the Algerian National Liberation Movement (1958–1965)

Shedding light on the complexities of humanitarian aid, this study showcases its intersection with national interests and exposes the agency of beneficiaries in shaping international aid agendas. The paper examines Yugoslavia’s medical assistance to the Algerian national liberation movement, tracing its evolution from humanitarian emergency relief amidst decolonisation conflict into technical assistance aid in post-colonial reconstruction. Spanning the years 1958 to 1965, it demonstrates the transitions and the nexus between humanitarian aid and development assistance, revealing blurred lines between the two. Yugoslavia’s humanitarian efforts in Algeria were not merely acts of solidarity but strategic manoeuvres to enhance its image and influence in the Third World. Following the conflict’s end and Algerian independence, the Yugoslav government translated humanitarian aid into technical assistance, thereby exhibiting a shift towards a commercialised approach to aid. However, the research underscores the significant role of non-political actors, particularly the Yugoslav Red Cross, in building bridges to the post-colonial world and shaping effective humanitarian responses. Moreover, emphasising the donor-recipient dynamic, it challenges the idea of aid relationships as exclusively hierarchical. Possessing a significant negotiation capacity, evident at both state and individual levels, the paper revealed how the Algerians were able to direct Yugoslav aid agendas.

Artificial intelligence as a mode of ordering. Automated-decision making in primary care

ABSTRACT This paper examines the process of organizing primary care from the increasing production of digital data and algorithms, leading to decision-making being delegated to automated processes. Based on a case study of primary care in Catalonia (Spain), we develop an interpretative framework to analyze the effects and controversies of the introduction of AI in primary care, stressing the need to understand these technologies as historically situated trends, as part of a growing automation process of ordering frontline clinical care. To foster a nuanced discussion on the mode of ordering of automation, we replace the notion of AI with Automated Decision-Making (ADM) and use the conceptual distinction between striated and smooth spaces, as developed by Deleuze & Guattari. With the analysis we identify four dynamics that order and organize health, illness, and public health systems: (1) The capacity of Electronic Health Records and associated software to shape the daily routines of primary care; (2) The dual role of healthcare professionals, who serve as both data users and data collectors; (3) The system of values and priorities configured by the network of classification systems in use and; (4) The emerging tensions during the progressive automation processes. These dynamics configure a mode of ordering characterized by diminishing the importance of experiential knowledge, the reduction of patient negotiation capacity, the professionals’ discomfort with being constantly monitored and controlled, as well as the gradual neglect of factors related to socio-economic determinants of health.

The European Union’s leadership in the eyes of others at the UN Human Rights Council

ABSTRACT The policy documents of the European Union underline its self-image as a leader in promoting and protecting human rights in multilateral fora. The leadership claims are based on the EU’s example in domestic human rights protection and willingness to promote externally the same set of values and norms. However, drawing on interactionist role theory, this article emphasises the extent to which the roles depend on recognition by others. Hence, leadership claims need acceptance from other stakeholders. The article studies external perceptions of EU’s leadership in the Human Rights Council framework using data from interviews of Geneva-based, non-EU diplomats and human rights experts. The findings present a variable picture; while structural and exemplary leadership is recognised, incoherencies diminish EU’s credibility. The EU has improved its cognitive leadership, but its agenda is contested by others. Finally, the EU has negotiation capacities, but its strategy does not always optimally support the leadership ambitions.

Financial inclusion of urban agro-processors: effect of credit on poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria

This study analysed the effect of credit on the poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria. The study described sources of credit, comparing the poverty status of credit recipients versus non-recipients, and the relationship between credit access and poverty index alongside the relationship between socioeconomic factors and poverty index. Data was collected from 110 randomly sampled roasted plantain vendors with the use of structured questionnaire. Poverty was measured with the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model class of weighted poverty measures. Descriptive statistics were used to examine poverty status, access to credit and the sociodemographic attributes of the roasted plantain vendors. Next, using descriptive statistics, the poverty status of the vendors who accessed credit was compared to those who did not access credit. Finally, the association between access to credit and poverty index was analyzed with logistic regression model while adjusting for the effects of sociodemographic factors. Descriptive statistics showed that 60% of the vendors were female, the average age was 35 years, and the average household size was four persons. Precisely, 91% of the roasted plantain vendors had completed primary or higher education. Exactly, 64.5% received credit, while 30.79% reported non-institutional lenders as sources of credit. The mean monthly income was N48,036.36 (US$116.89). Poverty incidence was lower among credit recipients (0.268) compared to non-recipients (0.487). Credit access (OR = .083, p<.01) and household (OR=2.496, p<.01) had statistically significant associations with the poverty index. Policies promoting structural transformation are recommended for sustainable financial inclusion. An effective economic growth and development program, for example, will increase productive capacities and reduce capital losses, increase creditworthiness, motivate capital expansion and sustainable growth. Also, it was recommended that cooperative formation among the vendors is required. Membership of such a cooperative will increase credit access through reduced transaction cost, higher group’s creditworthiness/borrowing experience and stronger negotiation capacity. A Nigerian economic transformation program to promote increased productive capacities and reduced capital losses is necessary for any financial inclusion policies to sustainably alleviate poverty among deprived agro-processors such as the roasted plantain vendors. Such programs will include financial literacy including banking and loan repayments, business innovations, and business plan development. Key words: Credit, Financial inclusion, Micro-agro-processors, Plantain roasting, Poverty, Urban agriculture

Financial inclusion of urban agro-processors: effect of credit on poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria

This study analysed the effect of credit on the poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria. The study described sources of credit, comparing the poverty status of credit recipients versus non-recipients, and the relationship between credit access and poverty index alongside the relationship between socioeconomic factors and poverty index. Data was collected from 110 randomly sampled roasted plantain vendors with the use of structured questionnaire. Poverty was measured with the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model class of weighted poverty measures. Descriptive statistics were used to examine poverty status, access to credit and the sociodemographic attributes of the roasted plantain vendors. Next, using descriptive statistics, the poverty status of the vendors who accessed credit was compared to those who did not access credit. Finally, the association between access to credit and poverty index was analyzed with logistic regression model while adjusting for the effects of sociodemographic factors. Descriptive statistics showed that 60% of the vendors were female, the average age was 35 years, and the average household size was four persons. Precisely, 91% of the roasted plantain vendors had completed primary or higher education. Exactly, 64.5% received credit, while 30.79% reported non-institutional lenders as sources of credit. The mean monthly income was N48,036.36 (US$116.89). Poverty incidence was lower among credit recipients (0.268) compared to non-recipients (0.487). Credit access (OR = .083, p<.01) and household (OR=2.496, p<.01) had statistically significant associations with the poverty index. Policies promoting structural transformation are recommended for sustainable financial inclusion. An effective economic growth and development program, for example, will increase productive capacities and reduce capital losses, increase creditworthiness, motivate capital expansion and sustainable growth. Also, it was recommended that cooperative formation among the vendors is required. Membership of such a cooperative will increase credit access through reduced transaction cost, higher group’s creditworthiness/borrowing experience and stronger negotiation capacity. A Nigerian economic transformation program to promote increased productive capacities and reduced capital losses is necessary for any financial inclusion policies to sustainably alleviate poverty among deprived agro-processors such as the roasted plantain vendors. Such programs will include financial literacy including banking and loan repayments, business innovations, and business plan development. Key words: Credit, Financial inclusion, Micro-agro-processors, Plantain roasting, Poverty, Urban agriculture

Analysis of China and Chinese Foreign Trade Enterprises' Response to Anti-Dumping

In the era of fierce competition in the global economy, the country which suffers the most from anti-dumping in the world is China. This implies the importance of the current Chinese foreign trade enterprises to deal with anti-dumping measures, with the possibility for enterprises to make appropriate strategic adjustments to cope with the damage to their interests in the face of anti-dumping. In view of this, based on a comprehensive analysis of the literature of the past nearly 20 years, the impact from the point of view of productivity and exports is explored, the important impact caused by the EU and the United States is analyzed, as well as some analyses of developed and developing countries for anti-dumping in the past. The conclusion is that China will likely adjust its economic structure in the face of anti-dumping, enhance its trade negotiation capacity, and eliminate anti-dumping trade barriers; and that enterprises will be able to reasonably increase productivity as well as technological progress under the pressure of anti-dumping, and reduce costs by upgrading and iterating within the enterprise. However, in the long run, this does not mean that China benefits from anti-dumping measures.

Implementation considerations for a point-of-care Neisseria gonorrhoeae rapid diagnostic test at primary healthcare level in South Africa: a qualitative study

BackgroundSouth Africa maintains an integrated health system where syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is the standard of care. An estimated 2 million cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) occur in South Africa every year. Point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCT) may address existing STI control limitations such as overtreatment and missed cases. Subsequently, a rapid lateral flow assay with fluorescence-based detection (NG-LFA) with a prototype reader was developed for N. gonorrhoeae detection showing excellent performance and high usability; however, a better understanding is needed for device implementation and integration into clinics.MethodsA qualitative, time-series assessment using 66 in-depth interviews was conducted among 25 trained healthcare workers involved in the implementation of the NG-LFA. Findings were informed by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as per relevant contextual (strategic intentions, adaptive execution, and negotiation capacity) and procedural constructs (coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflexive monitoring) to examine device implementation within primary healthcare levels. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using a thematic approach guided by NPT to interpret results.ResultsOverall, healthcare workers agreed that STI POCT could guide better STI clinical decision-making, with consideration for clinic integration such as space constraints, patient flow, and workload. Perceived NG-LFA benefits included enhanced patient receptivity and STI knowledge. Further, healthcare workers reflected on the suitability of the NG-LFA given current limitations with integrated primary care. Recommendations included sufficient STI education, and appropriate departments for first points of entry for STI screening.ConclusionsThe collective action and participation by healthcare workers in the implementation of the NG-LFA revealed adaptive execution within the current facility environment including team compositions, facility-staff receptivity, and STI management experiences. User experiences support future clinic service integration, highlighting the importance of further assessing patient-provider communication for STI care, organizational readiness, and identification of relevant departments for STI screening.

Gender Equality Provisions in Trade and Investment Agreements: Are They Widening the Negotiation Capacity Gap?

AbstractIn the recent years, there has been an upsurge in the number of countries that are mainstreaming gender equality concerns in their trade and investment agreements. These recent developments challenge the long-standing assumption that trade, investment, and gender equality are not related. They also show that gender mainstreaming in trade and investment agreements is here to stay. However, very few countries – mostly developed countries – have led this mainstreaming approach and have made efforts to incentivize other countries to negotiate gender-responsive trade and investment agreements. The majority of developing countries are yet to take their first steps in negotiating such policy instruments with a gender lens, and their hesitation can be grounded in various reasons including fears of protectionism, lack of data, paucity of understanding and expertise, and, more broadly, constraints relating to their negotiation capacity. Moreover, the inclusion of gender-related concerns in the negotiation of such agreements has deepened and widened the negotiation capacity gap between developed and developing countries. In this article, the authors attempt to assess this widening negotiation capacity gap with the help of empirical research, and how this capacity gap can lead to disproportionate and negative repercussions for developing countries more than developed countries.

Composition of the suppliers in the value chain of the automotive industry of Durango

Define the characteristics of the supply companies linked to an automotive company, inquire about the position of the value chain, and supplier development. Information was collected from 30 companies directly linked to the company's production process. A descriptive analysis of the main characteristics of these is presented. To know their differences, the information obtained was subjected to hypothesis tests applying non-parametric statistics through the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann Whitney test. Supplier companies are mainly small and medium-sized, delivery times for national companies are shorter than for foreign ones, national companies are limited by their ability to obtain additional machinery compared to foreign companies, the latter maintain a greater negotiating capacity and carry out MTP. The oldest have global capitalization. The large ones are more rigid in their negotiation policies and the small ones are affected by the client's negotiation capacity, sometimes presenting a captive relationship. The bigger, the better position the supplier companies have in the value chain in terms of diversity of clients and foreign capital. The results obtained provide information on the conditions in which the supplier companies linked to an automotive company relate to it and the position they hold in the value chain.

Vehicle-track coupled dynamics model for superconducting electrodynamic suspension train

In the previous studies of superconducting EDS train, the magneto-electric coupling between superconducting magnets (SCMs) and null-flux coils (NFCs), was equivalent to a vibration system with constant stiffness. This premise has decoupled the magnetic/track interaction and is not able to study the dynamics issues in an accurate and comprehensive level. Therefore, the vehicle-track coupled dynamics model of superconducting EDS train, with magneto-electric-force coupling fully considered, was established to explore the vehicle-track interaction relationship in this paper. A mathematical model based on Newton’s laws and 3-D dynamic co-simulation model were built respectively by Simulink and MATLAB-SIMPACK to compare the operating performances with the time/frequency domain. Meanwhile, the dynamic electromagnetic forces were calculated by dynamic circuit theory rather than merely assuming the constant stiffness. The dynamic responses of suspension vehicle show that, the vibration of carbody and frame are mainly concentrated about 1 Hz and 5 Hz respectively. The use of equivalent model in the previous studies has overestimated the negotiation capacity of superconducting EDS train. Furthermore, the vertical vibration accelerations of frame in the coupled model are relatively larger, whereas the lateral vibration is comparatively smaller. Therefore, the electromagnetic calculation of superconducting EDS train with constant stiffness overestimates/underestimates the dynamic performances.

Collaborative Modeling to Construct a Hedging Policy for Drought Management in Reservoir Systems

In situations of fluctuating water availability, the optimal reservoir operation policy, resulting from classical models, fails to be implemented for political reasons. This paper proposes a collaborative modeling approach to define the hedging rules of a two-basin reservoir system, in which the acceptable risks, rationing ratio, and reasonable transfer values are defined by the water allocation agents for different phases/drought states. An optimization algorithm is then applied to determine a politically viable hedging operation policy. The methodology showed good results for the Jaguaribe–Metropolitan system in Brazil, and the resulting policy could be applied to the real operation, as the simulated rationing frequencies were close to those defined by the managers’ consensus. The proposed methodology guarantees a politically viable alternative with conflict management possibilities. However, the performance of the resulting hedging rules depends on the negotiation capacity and tacit knowledge of the stakeholders. The proposed approach is a good alternative when the implementation of the mathematically optimum policy fails.

The Role of Languages in International Trade Disputes

This paper examines the role of languages in international trade disputes using a comprehensive data set of 160 countries covering 565 WTO trade dispute cases from 1995 to 2018. In international trade disputes, languages play a notable positive role either as a language similarity or as a language barrier. The findings indicate that language-like trading countries tend to be more actively involved in trade disputes, such as similarity in spoken language between trading countries increase trade disputes likelihood by 0.34% and language similarity with both trade partners and WTO increase trade disputes probability by 0.79%, suggesting that more communication and negotiating capacity increase the probability of trade disputes. The findings further indicate that trade partners having language barriers are also involved in trade conflicts with an average probability of 0.19 %, which implies language barriers increase ineffective communication and misunderstandings. English and Spanish speaking countries participation in trade disputes are noteworthy. This paper contributes to the existing literature by illustrating the role of languages as language similarity and barriers with inherent communication, negotiation capacity, and incapacity channels in international trade disputes. Keywords: Trade Disputes, Language similarity, Language Barriers, Common Spoken Language, WTO official languages.

The Importance of Institutional Capacity and Negotiation Capacity in Affordable Housing Agreements: The Potential for Collective Action in Melbourne, Australia

ABSTRACT New legislation was introduced in 2018 in Victoria, Australia to encourage the negotiation of affordable housing agreements. This change resulted in the expansion of formal and informal mechanisms for cross-sectoral affordable housing delivery. In this paper we draw on 20 interviews with housing stakeholders, focusing on the process of negotiation. We propose a novel theoretical framework to interpret capacity for collective action in a loosely regulated policy area, combining insights from negotiation theory and Institutional Capacity Development (ICD) literature. We find widespread concerns about the opaque, inefficient and potentially exploitative nature of outcomes. We also find that agreements varied across projects based on levels of trust; access to information; political capital; capacity for mutual gain; and the presence of shared rules for interacting. We conclude that competition-based negotiations may lead to increased institutional capacity while also highlighting the challenges of housing delivery in the context of institutional uncertainty.

Vietnamese-American Diaspora Engagement in Homeland Development: Reciprocities, Potentials, and Challenges

This article explores the reciprocal relationship between Vietnam and its diaspora in the United States, and suggests that they have adopted a “reconciliatory approach” to promote development progress within the context of transnational interactions triggered by globalization. The diaspora acts reactively to the home state’s responses, but proactively to its capacity for effective communication and negotiation. Conversely, the home state at first acts reactively toward transnational interactions and then gradually adopts expatriate-oriented policies to proactively steer diaspora engagement for development impacts. Reciprocal interactions help to expand the scope of diaspora engagement from low- to high-level transnational practices, which go beyond income-based and material supports and center on social development aiming to improve the wellbeing of every individual in Vietnamese society. These reactions may also push for further policy change in the home country and result in improved institutional conditions in which deeper contributions of the diaspora could be expected for the consolidation of peace and development in a post-conflict society.

Integrating the concept of peacebuilding in sustainability impact assessment

This paper integrates peacebuilding components into sustainability impact assessment (SIA) for application in geographies vulnerable to, recovering from, or experiencing conflict. Based on the understanding that peace is a crucial pre-requisite for sustainable development and vice versa, it argues that integrating peacebuilding into SIA will enhance the development potential; particularly in conflict-affected countries. So far, SIA does not address this nexus of development and peace. Comprehensive SIA prior to implementation (i.e. ex-ante) facilitates reflections on outcomes (positive and negative), helping to design context-specific best-fit interventions. The objective of this study is to develop a set of peacebuilding indicators for future impact assessments. The study finds that existing SIA tools address many aspects, particularly economic and environmental impacts, but, although crucial to enhance societal relations and peace(building), these neglect societal aspects relating to social cohesion, agency, and transformation capacity. Thus, 17 indicators for assessing peacebuilding potential are proposed for integration in SIA in conflict-affected areas. The indicators are grouped into four components aligning with the key areas identified as missing in existing SIA frameworks but also crucial for positive peace: social cohesion, agency, negotiation capacities, and compensations.

Student nurses' views on shift patterns: What do they prefer and why? Results from a Tweetchat.

AimThe main aim of the study was to understand student nurses’ views around shift patterns.DesignQualitative study.MethodWe held a Tweetchat in May 2019, where we asked questions around the frequency of 12‐hr shifts working on placement; schedule flexibility while on placement; which shift patterns they preferred and why. Data from the Tweetchat were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes from initial codes.ResultsSeventy‐three nursing students participated in the Tweetchat. The majority reported that they work 12‐hr shifts on placements, particularly when based in a hospital. We identified three themes: ‘Achieving a personal equilibrium’; ‘Meeting the needs of the care environment’; ‘Factors affecting negotiation capacity’. Data highlighted a conflict for most students, where they preferred 12‐hr shifts because of more time off for study, paid work and leisure, while acknowledging 12‐hr shifts negatively affected their fatigue, exhaustion and led them to follow a poor diet and neglect exercise and sleep.

Is it rational for a large-retailer to sell an own-brand product similar to the branded product of a large manufacturer? A Vertical Product Differentiation Model

A theoretical model was constructed to investigate the conditions that a large retailer must satisfy to increase the quality of the retailer-owned brands towards a greater number of groceries. The key result shows that the restraint given by a vertical integration scheme (producer-distributor) is relaxed for a higher quality-production cost ratio under the assumption of modelling with endogenous quality. Another finding is that the national brand´s production is not altered, which is explained by the fact that this brand is demanded by consumers with high willingness to pay for it. However, the wholesale price decreases and hence the manufacturer’s profit always falls as the quality of own brands rises. This is consistent with the argument that the retailer improves its negotiation capacity with the private manufacturer when it sells an own brand that is a close substitute for the manufacturer’s label, which always forces the wholesale price of the branded product down.

Influence of bolster-hanger length on the dynamic performance of high-speed EMS maglev vehicles

To investigate the dynamic effects of bolster-hanger length on the 600 km/h high-speed EMS maglev vehicles, a dynamic model of three-car trainset is established, considering the kinematic relation of the bolster-hanger mechanism and the active levitation/guidance control system. Model validation is carried out by comparing simulated results with test results of Shanghai high-speed maglev vehicles. Then, the proposed model is used to simulate the dynamic response of maglev vehicles with four different hanger lengths of 0.12, 0.18, 0.24, 0.36 m and passing through the straight track, the horizontal curve and the vertical curve. Simulated results indicate that because of the too short hanger maglev vehicles cannot pass through safely the sharp horizontal curve, and deteriorate the lateral dynamic performance of maglev vehicles on the straight track. The too long hanger may increase the lateral displacement of the carbody and lateral forces of rubber stops of maglev vehicles on the large-radius horizontal curve. The hanger length has little influence on the dynamic response of maglev vehicle on the vertical curve. In sum, the medium-long (0.24 m) hanger can provide a stronger curve negotiation capacity and better ride quality of high-speed maglev vehicles.

Recognizing invisible work: The women domestic workers' movement in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Domestic work is a highly feminized sector of work in Bangladesh, where women from poor neighborhoods of Dhaka city are found laboring for very low wages, without legal or social protection. Such work remains unrecognized and invisible, although it has been done for generations. Over the years, mobilization of domestic workers (DWs) by the National Domestic Women Workers Union (NDWWU) has helped to develop the leadership and negotiation capacities of its members, resulting in some improvement in their working conditions. This article is based on the qualitative findings of a study on social protection for DWs in three South Asian countries, namely, Bangladesh, Nepal and India, conducted by the Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) in collaboration with International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF). This article presents the challenges and major risks such workers face in Bangladesh. In addition, it also examines the struggle that the biggest domestic workers union, NDWWU and its allies have undertaken in order to ensure decent work conditions as well as legal and social protective measures for DWs in the country. In doing so, I aim to contribute to the limited literature on mobilization of the workers and related policy concerns in Bangladesh and the wider region.

Housing coalition dynamics: a comparative perspective

Social movement coalitions are a vital component within the dynamics of political mobilization. While previous research has established why and how coalitions emerge and dissolve, how they are maintained and the outcomes they generate have been less explored, especially in housing studies. This research contributes to the study of movement coalitions through an empirical examination of the dynamics of how coalitions interact, cooperate, and sustain alliances, in addition to exploring the outcomes that are produced as a result of these coalitions. It draws upon a comparative approach of housing coalitions in Dublin and Lisbon, where local housing groups have played a critical role in protesting against housing injustices and in articulating alternative policy solutions to the housing crisis. In mapping the diversity of coalition members, this research finds that tolerance for difference and negotiation capacity impacts how long coalitions last as well as the outcomes that they lead to. This study contributes to the study of coalitions by analyzing the relationship between outcomes and the mechanisms which sustain coalitions using a comparative framework.