Value Framework Research Articles

Conceptualizing Value Creation in the Platform Era

Platforms have entered many industries and increasingly dominate markets. As such, they increasingly displace the traditional linear pipeline model of value creation with a web of value-creating interactions among three key players: the platform provider, platform consumers and platform suppliers. Existing conceptualizations of consumer value, however, are still based in the linear pipeline world which raises the need to update these frameworks to the platform era. In this article, we make first important strides towards an overarching platform-based valuation framework which can be applied to any type of platform. We build upon Kumar et al. (2010) by applying and extending the concept of customer engagement value to the platform context. In doing so, we delineate a variety of value components that (a) originate from a platform’s consumers as well as suppliers, (b) generate monetary and non-monetary value for the platform provider, and (c) generate direct and indirect value for the platform provider. Together, these value components holistically capture platform participants’ value creation and assist managers in evaluating the health and sustainability of their platforms.

Corporate culture and firm value: Evidence from crisis

Based on the Competing Values Framework (CVF), we score 10-K text to measure company culture in four types (collaborative, controlling, competitive, and creative) and examine its role in firm stability. We find that firms with higher controlling culture fared significantly better during the 2008–09 crisis. Firms with stronger controlling culture experienced fewer layoffs, less negative asset growth, greater debt issuance, and increased access to credit-line facilities during the crisis. The positive effect of the controlling culture is stronger among the financially-constrained firms. Overall, the controlling culture improves firm stability through greater support from capital providers.

Ecosystem services valuation in developing countries: a review of methods and applicability approach

Urban growth has compromised the capacity of ecosystem services (ES), causing impacts such as degradation, urban heat islands, climate change and floods. Importance of ES can help improve their condition and management through political and urban planning instruments. This study was developed by reviewing the literature using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses disclosure guidelines to identify ES valuation methods based on the total economic value (TEV) framework. The literature review included 117 articles that (a) were based on the TEV framework and (b) offered quantitative results. The results show that: (a) 52 studies evaluated more than one ES and that the regulation service is the most investigated, (b) the contingent valuation method is the most used and the least used was the production function and (c) that 78 of the 117 studies conclude with proposals for the implementation of public policies, of which conservation, protection and restoration policies are the most important and the method most used for public proposals was the contingent valuation method. It is essential to mention that implementation of ES valuation in urban planning benefits users and ecosystems.

Does the European Society of Medical Oncology-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS v1 .1) Apply to Radiation Oncology? A Constructive Critique

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> There is an ongoing desire to define "value" in clinical research. ESMO-MCBS is a commonly used framework, endorsed by ESMO and used by several governments in their health technology assessments in various settings. Such value frameworks have not been validated for assessing benefit derived from radiotherapy (RT). We herein assess the applicability of the ESMO-MCBS in radiation oncology, using breast cancer as a test-case. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> We reviewed the supportive literature used by the ASTRO Evidence-Based Guideline on Radiation Therapy for the Whole Breast for adjuvant whole breast Radiation Therapy. We delineated a pool of "core" (112 studies) and "supplemental" articles (additional 65 studies). Among these, we identified a subset of 15 randomized trials, 1 systematic review and 1 big data study. The goals of our exercise were (1) to evaluate the "scorability" of data, (2) to evaluate the reasonableness of the generated grades for clinical benefit using the current version of the ESMO-MCBS tool, and (3) to identify shortcomings in the instrument when applied to RT approaches, and suggest amendments to improve the efficacy and validity of the ESMO-MCBS tool. <h3>Results</h3> Few studies met the ESMO-MCBS criteria for crediting clinical benefit; i.e., in (1) superiority of the trials in overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS), or, (2) non-inferiority in OS or DFS with benefit in either life quality (QOL) or toxicity or reduced treatment costs as secondary end-points. OS was the primary end point in only one trial (which was a negative study). However, that study (EORTC boost trial) was practice-changing because it showed a significant improvement in local control (LC) which was a secondary outcome. Since the ESMO-MCBS does not credit local control (i.e., "local DFS"), superiority studies using this endpoint were not scoreable. Arguably, the 4 non-inferiority studies and one meta-analysis comparing hypo-fractionation with standard fractionation (that demonstrated non-inferior disease control with reduced acute and late toxicity) could be scored. Finally, reports describing cosmetic, clever technical or dosimetric advances, without verification of improved patient outcomes nor associated with clinical benefit, were not scoreable. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Currently, ESMO-MCBS does not credit LC as distinct from DFS or RFS. Since local recurrence results in a cascade of adverse events for patients, this is a clinically meaningful outcome, albeit often not always a good surrogate for OS. For consistency in research design and description of results, we propose replacing the conventional nomenclature of LC with Local-DFS (L-DFS)- a subtype of DFS most-relevant to local treatments (e.g., RT and surgery). The utility of the ESMO-MCBS in studies involving RT and surgery would be improved by incorporation of credit for statistically and clinically significant improvements in L-DFS.

Financial toxicity in lung cancer.

In the United States, lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the overall leading cause of cancer death. Due to advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy, 5-year survival is increasing. The growing population of patients with lung cancer and cancer survivors highlights the importance of comprehensive cancer care, including recognizing and addressing financial toxicity. Financial toxicity is a term used to contextualize the negative effects of the costs of cancer treatment in terms of patient quality of life. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Value Framework places emphasis on high-value care as it evaluates cancer treatments "based on clinical benefit, side effects, and improvements in patient symptoms or quality of life in the context of cost". Prior studies have shown that risk factors for financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer include lower household income or savings, inability to afford basic necessities, higher than anticipated out of pocket expenses, and taking sick leave. Among lung cancer survivors, patients experience increased unemployment and lower wages compared to the general population underscoring the lasting effects of financial toxicity. Financial toxicity is associated with increased psychosocial distress and decreased quality of life, and bankruptcy is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with cancer. Despite the negative implications of financial toxicity on patients, standardized screening practices and evidence-based interventions are lacking. The "COmphrensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST)" tool has been validated for assessing financial toxicity with correlation with health-related quality of life. Further research is needed to understand the utility of incorporating routine screening for financial toxicity into clinical practice and the efficacy of interventions. Understanding the relationship between financial toxicity and quality of life and survival is critical to providing high-value cancer care and survivorship care.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND TACIT KNOWLEDGE SHARING: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM CROATIA

The paper aimed to investigate the influence of organizational culture types on tacit knowledge sharing in medium and large enterprises in Croatia. For research, organizational culture is differentiated according to the typology based on the Competing Values Framework. In the theoretical part, the basic concepts and open questions related to the issues of the subject research are systematized and analyzed. The empirical part of the paper presents the results of a survey conducted on 14 medium and large companies in the Croatian economy. A total of 492 knowledge workers were surveyed in these companies. Multiple regression was used to assess the research model. The results of the research showed that organizational culture significantly influences tacit knowledge sharing, where the mentioned influence can be positive or negative, depending on the culture type. More precisely, it was found that clan and adhocracy cultures have a positive, and market culture has a negative impact on tacit knowledge sharing. However, no statistically significant influence of hierarchy culture on tacit knowledge sharing has been proven. The results of this paper have significant theoretical and practical implications.

Joint models for longitudinal and discrete survival data in credit scoring

The inclusion of time-varying covariates into survival analysis has led to better predictions of the time to default in behavioural credit scoring models. However, when these time-varying covariates are endogenous, there are two major problems: estimation bias of the survival model and lack of a prediction framework for future values of both the event and the endogenous time-varying covariates. Joint models for longitudinal and survival data is an appropriate framework to model the mutual evolution of the survival time and the endogenous time-varying covariates. To the best of our knowledge, this paper explores for the first time the application of discrete-time joint models to credit scoring. Moreover, we propose a novel extension to the joint model literature by including autoregressive terms in modelling the endogenous time-varying covariates. We present the method via simulations and by applying it to US mortgage loans. The empirical analysis shows, first, that discrete joint models can increase the discrimination performance compared to survival models. Second, when an autoregressive term is included, this performance can be further improved.

Factor Investing: From Theory to Practice

Although factor investing has become an industry standard, the debate over which factors drive the risk and return of various asset classes across the globe is ongoing. The literature documents more than 400 of such factors claiming to deliver an attractive risk and return trade-off. Although promising, this research also imposes a heavy burden on practitioners who seek to identify the true factors that can help generate ongoing investment returns in excess of benchmarks. Modern multiple-testing techniques proposed by academics typically fall under traditional hypothesis testing and can generally be summarized as imposing more-stringent statistical thresholds for factor premiums to satisfy. In addition, such statistical techniques may ignore prior economic beliefs that investors might have that are important for the optimal design of investment strategies. This article proposes a parsimonious yet rigorous paradigm for practitioners to determine factor existence by focusing on economic theory alongside robust empirical evidence and incorporating real-world implementation considerations. The main goal of the framework is to guide practitioners in factor selection while designing investment strategies that can maximize the probability of generating ongoing investment performance. The authors apply this framework for value, momentum, quality, low-volatility, and size factors in equity and fixed-income markets across the globe. They find compelling evidence for value, momentum, quality, and low-volatility factors, but not the size factor. Their framework can be readily extended to evaluate broad factor categories across different asset classes, alternative factor signals, or additional investment constraints.

Organizational cultures that support community: Does the competing values framework help us understand experiences of community at work?

Recent evidence has shown that when employees experience perceptions of community at work (i.e., a sense of community and a sense of community responsibility), psychological well-being and behavioral engagement improve (e.g., greater job engagement, organizational citizenship, and leadership). Recent evidence also shows that experiences of community, as a motivational state, are better able to predict employee outcomes compared to a series of factors that have long been studied in the general management (i.e., affective organizational commitment, organizational identity) and in the public management literature (i.e., public service motivation). However, we know less about the conditions that lead to perceptions of community experiences at work. One recent qualitative investigation exposed a series of organizational conditions that appear to stimulate perceptions of community at work including C-Suite leadership support, organizational structure and context, characteristics of connection, managerial, job, and work unit characteristics, and responsibilities of human resource management professionals. The present study extends this study by empirically investigating organizational cultural conditions that are associated with perceptions of community at work. We test the ability of the Competing Values Framework, which includes constructs of Hierarchy, Market, Adhocracy, and Clan organizational cultures, and their ability to predict perceptions of the community. Findings showed that clan culture was most associated with perceptions of community in general and that clan culture within a department plays an important role in perceiving community at work. This study helps scholars understand cultural conditions that can lead to psychological experiences of community, it begins to frame cultural factors that scholars can empirically test in future studies, and it assists executives and managers in conceiving approaches to building cultures of community at work.

Which predictive uncertainty to resolve? Value of information sensitivity analysis for environmental decision models

Uncertainties in environmental decisions are large, but resolving them is costly. We provide a framework for value of information (VoI) analysis to identify key predictive uncertainties in a decision model. The approach addresses characteristics that complicate this analysis in environmental management: dependencies in the probability distributions of predictions, trade-offs between multiple objectives, and divergent stakeholder perspectives. For a coral reef fisheries case, we predict ecosystem and fisheries trajectories given different management alternatives with an agent-based model. We evaluate the uncertain predictions with preference models based on utility theory to find optimal alternatives for stakeholders. Using the expected value of partially perfect information (EVPPI), we measure how relevant resolving uncertainty for various decision attributes is. The VoI depends on the stakeholder preferences, but not directly on the width of an attribute’s probability distribution. Our approach helps reduce costs in structured decision-making processes by prioritizing data collection efforts.

NORMATIVE POWER POLICY IN EUROPEAN UNION-AFRİCA RELATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COTONOU AGREEMENT AND THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS AND ITS IMPACTS ON EMPOWERING AFRICA

This study analyzes the normative power policy of the European Union (EU) in its relationships with Africa through the Cotonou Agreement, which includes normative provisions and conditionality, and the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The study also tries to evaluate how effective the EU's normative power policy towards the continent and these agreements developed within the framework of the normative values are in the strengthening of the region. In the study, which was conducted by using the literature review method, current articles, books, and reports on the subject have been examined. The results of the study revealed that the normative power policy of the EU in its relations with Africa has been based on a realistic strategy rather than an idealist approach, and this policy has been used to realize the EU's political and economic interests, which have been the basis of its relations with the countries in the continent where the EU has a colonial past. In other words, the study argues that the normative power used by the EU in its relations with Africa is based on the economic interests of the EU. Therefore, it has been argued that the normative power policy of the EU towards the continent, the Cotonou Agreement developed within the framework of normative values, and the EPA has not been effective in improving and developing Africa. In particular, the EU practices cannot be implemented in compliance with the normative values it has set forth as part of the economic and commercial cooperation. The promotion of the values, the strengthening, and development of the continent might be kept relatively in the second place by the Union by prioritizing its own interests in economy and commercial cooperation. In this context, considering the structure and basic needs of the continent rather than the interests of the member states in the EU's normative approach to the continent will both ensure consistency in the normative approach of the EU by preventing the interests of the Union and its member states from getting ahead of EU norms and will be extremely important in the development and strengthening of the continent.

Informal mentoring in prison. Guide for volunteer mentors

The idea of mentoring is used in different areas of life – they vary from students’ support to help for drug-addicted people. Today mentors can and should provide expertise to essentially less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. While mentoring is an important aspect to leadership training, it doesn't hold to a typical training environment or process. It is tradition has existed even longer than traditional training. Mentoring is a unique and valuable volunteer service in prisons. It can often be the foundation for fundamental, positive change. Mentoring is provided so that each prisoner or ex–prisoner will have a positive influence in life and have a positive contact to assist the prisoner upon release. Mentoring is intended to enhance personal growth through the sharing of experiences and wisdom and to offer a framework for teaching and modeling values and life skills (Sapouna et al., 2011). Mentoring it is mentor’s and mentee’s interaction with a common objective.

Influenza Vaccination Assessment according to a Value-Based Health Care Approach.

Background: Seasonal influenza has a considerable public health impact, and vaccination is the key to preventing its consequences. Our aim was to describe how the value of influenza vaccination is addressed in the scientific literature considering a new value framework based on four pillars (personal, allocative, technical, and societal value). Methods: A systematic review was conducted by querying three databases. The analysis was performed on international studies focused on influenza vaccination value, and the four value pillars were taken into consideration for their description. Results: Overall, 40 studies were considered. Most of them focused on influenza vaccination in the general population (27.5%), emphasizing its value for all age groups. Most studies addressed technical value (70.4%), especially in terms of economic models and cost drivers to be considered for the economic evaluations of influenza vaccines, and societal value (63%), whereas few dealt with personal (37%) and allocative values (22.2%). Conclusions: The whole value of influenza vaccination is still not completely recognized. Knowledge and communication of the whole value of influenza vaccination is essential to guide value-based health policies. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to implement initiatives that involve all relevant stakeholders.

Repeatable high-resolution statistical downscaling through deep learning

Abstract. One of the major obstacles for designing solutions against the imminent climate crisis is the scarcity of high spatio-temporal resolution model projections for variables such as precipitation. This kind of information is crucial for impact studies in fields like hydrology, agronomy, ecology, and risk management. The currently highest spatial resolution datasets on a daily scale for projected conditions fail to represent complex local variability. We used deep-learning-based statistical downscaling methods to obtain daily 1 km resolution gridded data for precipitation in the Eastern Ore Mountains in Saxony, Germany. We built upon the well-established climate4R framework, while adding modifications to its base-code, and introducing skip connections-based deep learning architectures, such as U-Net and U-Net++. We also aimed to address the known general reproducibility issues by creating a containerized environment with multi-GPU (graphic processing unit) and TensorFlow's deterministic operations support. The perfect prognosis approach was applied using the ERA5 reanalysis and the ReKIS (Regional Climate Information System for Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia) dataset. The results were validated with the robust VALUE framework. The introduced architectures show a clear performance improvement when compared to previous statistical downscaling benchmarks. The best performing architecture had a small increase in total number of parameters, in contrast with the benchmark, and a training time of less than 6 min with one NVIDIA A-100 GPU. Characteristics of the deep learning models configurations that promote their suitability for this specific task were identified, tested, and argued. Full model repeatability was achieved employing the same physical GPU, which is key to build trust in deep learning applications. The EURO-CORDEX dataset is meant to be coupled with the trained models to generate a high-resolution ensemble, which can serve as input to multi-purpose impact models.

Scientific Research Management Helping the Development of Regional Cultural Industry from the Perspective of Artificial Intelligence

In order to solve the problem that traditional scientific research management is restricted by management methods and tools, and it is difficult to realize the development of cultural industry, this paper proposes a research method that scientific research management helps the development of the regional cultural industry from the perspective of artificial intelligence. Based on a wavelet neural network based on artificial intelligence, this paper establishes the goodwill value evaluation of cultural industry development under scientific research management. Firstly, the paper uses the hierarchical structure theory to construct the theoretical analysis framework and evaluation index system of cultural value and divides the influencing factors of cultural industry value into three levels: input layer network structure, hidden layer network structure, and output layer network structure. Then the wavelet neural network method is used to analyze, and the three-layer network structure is superimposed to reflect the hierarchical relationship between the index systems. Through the combination of normative analysis and empirical analysis, it verifies that the method has unique advantages and feasibility and realizes the promotion of scientific research management to the development of the regional cultural industry.

Consumer Acatalepsy Towards Buying Behaviour for Need-Based Goods for Sustainability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose : The study aimed to examine the consumer acatalepsy towards buying behavior for need-based goods (NBGS) for sustainability during COVID-19 and behavioral intentions for NBGS using the framework of value – attitude – behavior in India. Design/Methodology/Approach : Using the extant literature review, the study developed a conceptual model describing consumers’ buying behavior and behavioral int entions related to NBGS. The research employed the hypo-deductive research design approach for carrying out the study. Findings : The study found that attitude, economic depression, subjective norms, perceived consumer effectiveness, availability of control, and buying intention were positively related to the buying behavior of consumers in the NBGS category. Research Limitations/Implications : The research offered new insights into academia and practice using instrumental values, terminal values, and consumer buying behavior. It is unique for providing a fresh perspective on the NBGS and consumer behavior in COVID-19 times. Practical Implications : As the study deep dived into the behavioral aspects of the consumers, it will help shape the attitude of market professionals to analyze the instrumental and terminal values thoroughly. The findings of the research will prove instrumental in more effective and efficient decision-making processes for need-based goods in the consumer market. Social Implications : At individual and social levels, values represent the guiding force that shapes human behavior. This study will help to extend the overall understanding related to consumer behavior in the domain of NBGS using the basis of value and its impact on the behavioral patterns of consumers. Originality/Value : In the context of NBGS, this research paper dealt explicitly with the behavioral factors related to instrumental and terminal values. The study is also unique in that it evaluates the various parameters related to consumers’ buying behavior in the NBGS category during COVID-19. Evaluating these factors makes the research unique and one of its kind in consumer behavior.

Stakeholder perception of pharmaceutical value: A multicriteria decision analysis pilot case study for value assessment in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Recent attention to value frameworks has highlighted limitations of current conventional value and health technology assessment (V/HTA) methods (eg, cost-effectiveness). Multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) has potential as a supplemental tool to incorporate additional value criteria into conventional value assessment. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pilot study to illustrate the impact of an MCDA approach on the value perceptions of hypothetical treatment profiles from a multistakeholder panel. METHODS: Participants voted on value perceptions of 2 hypothetical treatments with similar cost-effectiveness evidence: Treatment A for aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults and treatment B for episodic migraine in adults. Participants voted treatments A and B as low, intermediate, or high value before and after a weighting exercise on prespecified, additional value criteria. Weights from participants were used to calculate treatment-specific MCDA scores from 0 (least favorable) to 100 (most favorable) and were presented to participants for a second value-perception vote. Analyses compared changes in value perceptions within treatments A and B post-MCDA exercise. RESULTS: Before considering MCDA scores for treatment A, 0% of participants considered it to be low, 52% intermediate, and 48% high value. After considering MCDA scores for treatment A, 4% considered it low, 29% intermediate, and 67% high value. Both before and after considering MCDA scores for treatment B, 13%, considered it low, 57% intermediate, and 30% high value. Mean MCDA scores for treatments A and B were 67 and 63, respectively. Of all stakeholders, 41% altered their perception of value for treatment A (9% negatively and 32% positively) and, separately, 45% for treatment B (23% both negatively and positively) after considering MCDA scores. CONCLUSIONS: With nearly half of participants altering their perception of value after consideration of additional value criteria, findings support the need for a more inclusive and flexible value assessment process. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by The National Pharmaceutical Council. Dr Perfetto was employed by the National Health Council (NHC) at the time this work was completed, and all honoraria and consulting and travel fees were paid to the NHC. The NHC is a not-for-profit, membership organization. It is supported through membership dues and sponsorship funds. The complete list of members and sponsors is located on the NHC's website at www.nationalhealthcouncil.org. She is also an advisor for the Brain Injury Association of America, Dan Lewis Foundation, and Canter for Medical Technology Policy.

Association between oncology clinical pathway utilization and quality and cost outcomes in patients with metastatic solid tumors.

430 Background: Anticancer drug regimens that are approved by accepted drug compendia and also considered high value based on their efficacy, toxicity, and costs are designated as “on-pathway” for a national commercial payer. This study compared quality and cost of cancer care among patients with metastatic solid tumors treated in the first line setting who were prescribed on- vs. off-pathway regimens. Methods: Using administrative claims data and prior authorization data from a national commercial payer, we identified 8,357 commercially insured or Medicare Advantage adult patients with solid tumor cancers including breast, lung, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, kidney, bladder, gastric, or uterine cancer, who were prescribed first-line anti-cancer regimens in the metastatic setting from 2018 to 2021. Patients were classified into on- vs. off pathway group based on the initial anticancer regimen that was prescribed. On-pathway status was prospectively defined by a panel of practicing oncologists based on review of curated evidence and general application of relative clinical value frameworks accepted in the field. We compared post–6-month quality-of-care outcomes including chemotherapy-related avoidable hospitalizations, emergency room (ER) visits, immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) such as endocrinopathies owing to immune checkpoint inhibitors, need for supportive drugs such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor, and cost outcomes between groups. Generalized linear models were used to assess the association between on-pathway regimens and outcomes adjusting for key patient demographics, clinical and provider characteristics. Results: A total of 5,453 (65.3%) patients were prescribed on-pathway regimens. Both groups had similar age (60.1 vs. 59.6, p = 0.06) and ECOG performance status (0.63 vs. 0.62, p = 0.40), with more females in the off-pathway group (54.6% vs. 57.3%, p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in chemotherapy-related avoidable hospitalizations, IRAEs and need for supportive drugs between the two groups after modeling adjustment. However, patients treated on-pathway had higher rates of chemotherapy-related avoidable ER visits (18% vs. 15%, adjusted odds ratio: 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 1.33, p = 0.03). Patients in the on-pathway group had significantly lower 6-month anticancer treatment cost (adjusted cost difference: -$10410, 95% CI: -$14935 to -$5886, p &lt; 0.01), resulting in an overall lower total healthcare costs (adjusted cost difference: -$12826, 95% CI: -$18879 to -$6773, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Pathway regimens for metastatic solid tumors were associated with reduced total healthcare costs and similar quality of care compared with off-pathway regimens. These findings support the use of high value, evidence-based regimens for metastatic cancer patients.

A good life story: Deconstructing (and integrating) elements of narrative identity and a good life, featuring themes of humanistic growth

We draw on a new framework of value to show how deconstructed elements of narrative identity (and hybrids of them) convey core elements of broad goods in life. An interview-based study of 95 adults suggests the following. Narrative tones of affectively positive outcomes uniquely convey hedonic satisfaction. Narrative themes of humanistic, experiential-growth motives (regardless of positive or negative outcomes, but also in hybrid with positive outcomes, i.e., growth fulfilled) uniquely convey eudaimonic meaningfulness. Narrative structural complexity (especially in hybrid with themes of humanistic, reflective-growth motives to form autobiographical reasoning) uniquely conveys wisdom. Findings are discussed in terms of humanistically motivated themes of growth and the bildungsroman genre as a cultural master narrative of a good life, notably in marginalized contexts.

Human Wealth - Employment Policy - Competitiveness : Review of the Book Versenyképességi mozaik/Mosaic of Competitiveness (Edited by Magdolna Csath)

The Mosaic of Competitiveness is the work of several experienced authors coordinated by a respected editor with a clear vision. A mosaic is something that is made up of several elements, and the picture is complete when viewed from a slightly more distant perspective. This is a definition that this volume clearly meets. It takes a thorough look at the subject of competitiveness, giving scope to different perspectives within each study, but still presenting the different aspects within a coherent value framework. As the editor notes in the introduction, "As you can see from the topics, the book takes a thorough look at competitiveness, returning to the key messages - such as the importance of people, knowledge, innovation and learning. A conscious choice of values is also reflected in the book: an appreciation of performance, an emphasis on quality over quantity in all areas, and the importance of reliability, honesty and trust." (p.15) Hence, it is important to note that the conceptual framework of the book expands the general framework used in Hungarian higher education and highlights the need for economists to interpret concepts broadly and to move beyond the neoliberal worldview in order to contribute to the conceptual framework needed to address current global economic challenges. In this regard, the editor concludes her introductory thoughts with a quote from US President Theodore Roosevelt: "If education gives a man only knowledge, but not values, it is a danger to society." (p.15) After the general introduction, let us now move on to the 13 studies presented in the volume.