Outsourcing Of Jobs Research Articles

An Examination of Populist Attitudes With Social Values and the Motivational Differences Between Right-Wingers and Left-Wingers.

Populism continues to become commonplace, not just among politicians and political parties, but also among individuals. The prevalence of populist attitudes may have soared because of economic and social issues like the outsourcing of jobs and the influx of immigrants, as well as the perceived injustice against ordinary people. Populism, as a psychological construct, is a relatively nascent research area. The present study contributes to this literature by examining the link between values and populist attitudes, noting the motivational differences between right-wingers and left-wingers with a U.S. student sample. An online survey was conducted, and regression results revealed that populist attitudes were associated with openness to change, self-enhancement and self-transcendence. Moreover, conservation amplified the link between populist attitudes and right-wing identification whereas openness to change increased the relationship between populist attitudes and left-wing identification. The discussion focuses on the value priorities of populism broadly as well as the moderating effects of values in the endorsement of populist attitudes for right-wingers and left-wingers, respectively.

A self-learning interior search algorithm based on reinforcement learning for energy-aware job shop scheduling problem with outsourcing option

Energy-aware scheduling has been viewed as a feasible way to reduce energy consumption during the production process. Recently, energy-aware job shop scheduling problems (EAJSPs) have received wide attention in the manufacturing area. However, the majority of previous literature about EAJSPs supposed that all jobs are fabricated in the in-house workshop, while the outsourcing of jobs to some available subcontractors is neglected. To get close to practical production, the outsourcing and scheduling are simultaneously determined in an energy-aware job shop problem with outsourcing option (EAJSP-OO). To formulate the considered problem, a novel mathematical model is constructed to minimize the sum of completion time cost, outsourcing cost and energy consumption cost. Considering the strong complexity, a self-learning interior search algorithm (SLISA) is developed based on reinforcement learning. In the SLISA, a new Q-learning algorithm is embedded to dynamically select search strategies to prevent blind search in the iteration process. Extensive experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results indicate that the SLISA is superior to the compared existing algorithms in more than 50% of the instances of the considered EAFJSP-OO problem.

A “terceirização” na administração pública: o uso do direito e da linguagem jurídica no contexto do RE nº 760.931/DF

Esse artigo tem como objetivo apontar alguns dos principais elementos da teoria e da prática da “terceirização” das condições laborais do trabalhador, compreendida sob a forma de contratos de gestão ou termos de parcerias para a execução de atividades-meio, depois atividades-fim, entre a Administração Pública e a pessoa jurídica de direito privado, desde um contexto histórico normativo de resultados, tanto do ponto de vista da extensão, quanto da ampliação de seus conteúdos. Além disso, seguindo a perspectiva bourdiana, propõe-se a realizar uma abordagem sobre o Estado e o direito, sua função e seu funcionamento, a partir do uso da linguagem jurídica, especialmente identificada na decisão do RE 760.931/DF. Nessa pesquisa será utilizado o método de abordagem hipotético dedutivo, em que se busca testar a hipótese da “satisfação da eficiência e modernidade” mediante os contratos de terceirização, a partir da demonstração das consequências jurídico-normativas e sociais.

The making of the German minimum wage: a case study of institutional change

AbstractIn the more recent dualistic theories, Germany is cited as an example of a less solidaristic equilibrium, in which ‘producer coalitions’ between core workforces supposedly unaffected by deregulation and their employers prevented the introduction of a minimum wage. The present article shows that such an equilibrium never existed. Core workforces are being threatened by the outsourcing of jobs to the low‐wage sector. This threat created the breeding ground for a joint campaign by manufacturing and service unions for a minimum wage, which made it possible to amalgamate the unions' considerable resources at company level, their strength being derived from the German system of codetermination. Under pressure from the manufacturing unions in particular, the arrangements for the minimum wage follow, as far as possible, the traditions of free collective bargaining. As a result, the social partners in Germany have a considerably stronger influence on the minimum wage than those in the UK.

Student Attitudes toward Information Systems Management as Major and Career Options

 Abstract—In today's world of fast paced technology growth and the ability in incorporating information technology (I.T.) into business, students who desire careers in Information Systems Management (ISM) are declining. The decline is due to a number of causes, including outsourcing of jobs and recent lackluster economic activity. Information Systems Management is a major where students study how to analyze, design or prescribe and manage systems which integrate data a company creates into value-addedand usable information for use at the management level. Information Systems professionals' foci include but not limited to, managing databases for a company and ascertaining that data captured and maintained within the databases and systems provides integrity and value. Careers in Information Systems Management has high job security in today's marketplace and a higher than average salary. But, there is a stigma associated with those career options and it is preventing current generation of students from considering the major. There has been such a severe shortage of trained professionals within the field of Information Systems Management that companies have to continue to outsource because there are relatively few or no qualified individuals available domestically for hire. The main reasons for the decline are students' misperception of Information Systems Management as a field of study and that young college entrants are not educated aboutits career possibilities and future prospects in the field.

Eliminating sexual harassment at the workplace: broadening the discourse on gender equality

In India, women are entering the formal labour workforce in unprecedented numbers, yet as a proportion of the workforce, the percentage of women workers is declining [Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012–17), Planning Commission, Government of India, Volume III – Social Sectors; Table 22.8 at page 133 notes that the labour force participation rate of women workers has declined both in the rural as well as in the urban areas from 2004–05 to 2009–10]. More than ever before, India as a country of contradictions presents a challenge to women in the work force. Deep-rooted ideologies of gender bias and discrimination remain the most pervasive and persistent form of inequality in the world today. The global economic crisis, characterised by increasing de-regularisation, privatisation and outsourcing of jobs down the supply chain is leading to a transformation of employment relationships. These changes resonate in Indian workplaces as well, creating a counter movement towards the invisibilisation of workers, more particularly women, what we call in India the movement of women workers from the formal sector to the informal sector. The rapidly changing work environment also reinforces the increasing importance of job security, social protection, decent work, financial regulation and fair taxation as the key to a more just world order enhancing the participation of women in the workforce. It is in this context that we must view the emerging challenges that working women face. In the light of these developments, there is, more than ever before, a pressing need for the rights of women to be respected, protected and fulfilled, particularly in the workplace. The right to work encompasses the right to work free from sexual harassment. This article examines the key provisions of the Sexual Harassment at The Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (2013 Act) and the Sexual Harassment at The Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Rules, 2013 (The Rules) [The 2013 Act came into force on 9 December 2013, vide notification issued by the Central Government (S.O. 3606(e)). On the same date, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Rules, 2013 have also been notified]. The article scrutinises some of the weaknesses and strengths of the said law and it is from this perspective that it approaches the rights of working women, attempting to include within this rubric the widest possible range of women.

Outsourcing U.S. Jobs Abroad: Why?

Although the United States is the worlds biggest proponent of capitalism and free trade, the time has come to address what global economic pressures have done to Americas labor force. From the Second World War to approximately the late 1990s, the U.S. labor market was robust and full employment without inflation appeared to be feasible. However, the rapid spread of global technology provided the means by which all resources, including labor, could be transferred or utilized around the world with ease. From the 1980s forward, the American government began to favor deregulation, less government regulation on business, as well as more favorable business taxes. From 2000 to the present, the U.S. government encouraged the exporting of American jobs to other countries that provided less expensive labor as well as other favorable political and economic incentives. This was done by passing favorable domestic tax legislation for those firms that wished to outsource production. This paper addresses the dilemma that the U.S. economy now faces with high unemployment and its contribution to slow economic growth. Some of the economic, legal, and political factors that have encouraged the outsourcing of jobs are also addressed. A brief review of some of the suggested ways to help reverse U.S. job losses due to outsourcing is also explored.

Offshore Outsourcing: Will the Robust Growth Continue?

The growth in offshore outsourcing of jobs from the United States and European Union has been robust. Low-cost countries such as India and China have attracted employment with their impressive skill attainment and cost structure. While the exact number of jobs moved to offshore locations since the beginning of the New Millennium is unknown, it is modest compared to forecasts of more than 15 million by 2015. The reasons for this growth are compelling. Organizations initially viewed offshore outsourcing as a method for reducing costs, especially in their non-core operations, thereby leveraging their resources for more productive, higher-level deployment. In addition to wage and salary levels that were often a fraction of onshore levels, employers were able to shed the high costs of health care, pensions, unionization, and many other expenses that typically accompany employment in Western businesses. The study concluded that, while offshoring will remain attractive, the growth is likely to slow. In the vendor nations, upward wage pressures and a diminishing number of qualified workers will limit growth. In the offshoring nations, political pressures against offshoring will mount as Western economies slow, worker debt levels rise, and well-paying job opportunities decline.

How Leaders Can Build or Rebuild Trust on Campus

How Leaders Can Build or Rebuild Trust on Campus

Improving Employment - Income of Region

Many researchers have come up with many methods to deal with the issue of unemployment up to date we have numerous methods to deal with unemployment. The question here is why is it that all these methods have not done anything significant to cope unemployment? because in 2012 the world record of unemployment featured only nine nations with unemployment rate of 5%.My idea of employment - income is that, if nations focused on employment - income they will be cautious more on outsourcing of jobs, and that, if nations focused to improve the skills of their people with environmental issues and health taking into consideration and train the people on what the nations are good at producing, it will yield significant result on employment and production because improvement in production will improve employment. The principal idea is that, the stronger the workforce the more productivity and more jobs created.

Second-class citizen? Contract workers' perceived status, dual commitment and intent to quit

Outsourcing of jobs to contract workers who work alongside a client's employees has changed the human resource landscape of many organizations. In this study we examine how a contract worker's perceived employment status similarity to the client's own standard employees influences his/her affective commitment to both the client and the employer and ultimately intent to quit the employer. Using a sample of 623 contract workers, we found strong support for our hypotheses. In particular, findings indicate an important role for perceived employment status at the client organization in driving contract worker's attitudes and that contract workers consider both the client and the employer when making decisions to leave the employer. Implications for managing contractor relationships are discussed.

Global Impact Of Tax Considerations For Displaced Workers

The current recession, combined with the globalization of the economy, outsourcing of jobs, and business downsizing, has resulted in thousands of workers experiencing the loss of their job. In addition to other circumstances that arise through the loss of a job, a new and unfamiliar set of tax issues can result through this new situation. This article will address some of the tax issues affecting displaced workers. The discussion will include strategies for displaced worker’s income, deductions, tax credits and special considerations.

Employee Reactions to Forms of Downsizing: Are There Any Lesser Evils?

The article focuses on employee reactions to different forms of organizational downsizing. It examines how job layoffs, outsourcing of jobs, and offshoring is perceived by job survivors compared to workers who do not experience downsizing. It states that employees who survived organizational layoffs had an increased likelihood of negative attitudes toward employers and poorer perceptions of their work environment. It mentions that outsourcing and offshoring did not result in a similar effect as employees may perceive these as less harmful for their jobs. It comments that outsourcing is considered more benign than offshoring to employees. It talks about the effect managerial ethics and management communication to employees did counterbalance some of the negative influence of downsizing.

Employee Reactions to Forms of Downsizing: Are There Any Lesser Evils?

The article focuses on employee reactions to different forms of organizational downsizing. It examines how job layoffs, outsourcing of jobs, and offshoring is perceived by job survivors compared to workers who do not experience downsizing. It states that employees who survived organizational layoffs had an increased likelihood of negative attitudes toward employers and poorer perceptions of their work environment. It mentions that outsourcing and offshoring did not result in a similar effect as employees may perceive these as less harmful for their jobs. It comments that outsourcing is considered more benign than offshoring to employees. It talks about the effect managerial ethics and management communication to employees did counterbalance some of the negative influence of downsizing.

The Crisis of Globalization as an Opportunity to Create a Fairer World

After having reviewed trends leading to greater international inequality, this article argues for a more stable international financial system allowing developing countries greater participation in international trade combined with full exploitation of their development potential. As emerging economies tap deeper into global supply chains, outsourcing of jobs will influence employment and there is need for a more transparent, coherent and balanced framework at the global level. Also a more balanced pattern of domestic demand will only be achieved with rising wages rather than through increased debt levels. Economies need continuously to increase their skill and knowledge base in order to successfully integrate themselves into the global production process. Active labour market policies (including skill development) should be strengthened to better prepare workers for the future job market. When temporary dislocation of workers cannot be avoided, appropriate social protection measures provide worker security. In all cases, the benefits that global production can bring should be properly weighted against the costs, and these costs can only be minimized through active involvement of all the major actors.

Is there a Causal Effect of High School Math on Labor Market Outcomes?

Outsourcing of jobs to low-wage countries has increased the focus on the accumulation of skills - such as Math skills - in high-wage countries. In this paper, we exploit a high school pilot scheme to identify the causal effect of advanced high school Math on labor market outcomes. The pilot scheme reduced the costs of choosing advanced Math because it allowed for at more flexible combination of Math with other courses. We find clear evidence of a causal relationship between Math and earnings for the students who are induced to choose Math after being exposed to the pilot scheme. The effect partly stems from the fact that these students end up with higher education.

QUANTIFYING THE OUTSOURCING OF JOBS FROM MANUFACTURING TO SERVICES

AbstractThere has been debate internationally and in South Africa about the extent to which a relative decline in manufacturing employment and rise in services employment can be accounted for by intersectoral outsourcing of jobs in the domestic economy. This article develops a new methodology for testing for and quantifying outsourcing at an economy‐wide level. This methodology is used to analyse intersectoral shifts in employment in South Africa between 1997 and 2005. Trends in employment in the business services subsector of services are also examined for what they suggest about the extent of outsourcing. Overall, the results suggest that intersectoral outsourcing accounts for some but by no means all of the apparent shift in employment between the manufacturing and services sectors in South Africa.

India: Employment Black Hole?

With a very low wage level, an abundance of college graduates, and an ability to speak English, India has become the most favored nation for the outsourcing of back-office operations. Not only are clerical and customer service jobs being outsourced to India, increasingly the outsourcing has moved up the job food chain to include financial analysis and medical support tasks. The case explores the increasing practice of the outsourcing of jobs to India, the competition India faces as other developing countries seek to attract outsourced work, and the impact the practice has on the economies of developed countries.

Capability enhancement of a metal casting process in a small steel foundry through Six Sigma: a case study

Six Sigma is a proven disciplined approach for improving measurable efficiency parameters for any organisation. In this case study, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) for a 0.5 Ton induction furnace, which is a metric for Total Productive Maintenance initiative, has been calculated. As this performance was below the expectation level and resulting into outsourcing of jobs at higher cost, the Six Sigma methodology for overall improvement of performance of the furnace and the steel foundry was taken up. This case study shows how Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) methodology of Six Sigma has been applied for process improvement considering OEE as a parameter. A multi-functional team of five members was formed. The application of statistical data analysis was performed with the help of standard statistical software packages like MINITAB and STATISTICA. Successful implementation of this project has helped to turnaround the foundry and stopped drainage of capital through outsourcing after successful completion of the project.

Knowledge and Media Workers in the Global Economy: Antimonies of Outsourcing

The outsourcing of jobs, particularly the growing practice of sending the jobs of US knowledge and communication sector workers to other countries, has become a significant issue in academic, policy and media circles. This paper draws from a research project that examines labour, its unions and social movements in the knowledge and media sectors to describe what we know about outsourcing and assess its significance for media scholars. The paper begins by defining the knowledge worker category and by assessing debates about its significance which date from the 1950s. It next considers major views about the problems which centre on the fear of massive job loss to low-wage nations, especially India and China, and addresses solutions offered by organized labour which call for stopping outsourcing wherever possible, and by business which maintains that outsourcing can only be curtailed when business and labour grow smarter. Each of these views conveys an essential truth but each deals only with symptoms of a significant transformation in the international division of labour. Understanding this transformation, and the role of information and communication technologies, leads us to consider key dimensions in the complexity of outsourcing, Specifically, developed nations like Canada, especially in film and video, and Ireland, in new media and IT, have benefited as recipients of outsourced jobs. Less developed nations like India are not just recipients of outsourced jobs, they are beginning to lead the process. In spite of ‘end of geography’ promises, place matters and culture counts. Finally, resistance takes a multiplicity of forms, including new forms of old unions and new types of worker movements in the knowledge and media sectors. The paper concludes that we need to go beyond the generally accepted views that outsourcing is about sending jobs to low wage countries and that it can be stopped, or at least limited, either by regulation or by developing new and smarter business practices. It signals a fundamental transformation in the international division of labour that is accelerating especially in the knowledge and media sectors. Media scholars need to pay closer attention to these significant changes in the global production process.