Abstract

Based on the concept of information, we begin with a brief review of the definition of the knowledge economy. There are two lines of evaluating the knowledge economy: the first is based on the use of summary indicators in a model with four pillars: regulatory environment, education, ICT infrastructure and innovation; the second is more quantitative, using economic techniques of accounting knowledge. We then defend the use of an existing international summary indicator that provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities for the generation and use of knowledge in Spain, enhanced by the results of a recent study on the dissemination of knowledge in various productive sectors. After completing the analysis from both perspectives, we obtain some conclusions and recommendations that would enable a more optimal use of knowledge in Spain.

Abstract

The advantage of identifying the influence of sociodemographic profiles on work interruptions among knowledge workers is that it allows researchers to predict which individuals are more likely to be interrupted during their work day. For example, there is a relationship between the use of social networks and the profession (engineers are likely to be interrupted more often); between the use of social networks and marital status (knowledge workers who have no partner have more work interruptions); between social origin and working in public administration, and also the socioeconomic situation and working in humanities-social sciences. In contrast, technological disruptions seem to equally affect married and unmarried workers, although singles tend to be more interrupted by their phones. Administrative workers are also more interrupted by mobile phones. All these data are important because of the great impact of interruptions on productivity. More research is needed to identify other variables of a social nature that predispose to labour disruptions.

Abstract

This paper develops a port productivity and efficiency analysis of all developing regions between 2000 and 2010, using both parametric and nonparametric approaches. From a unique dataset -our sample covers 70 developing countries, 203 ports, and 1,750 data points-, we carry out an analysis of the evolution and drivers of productivity and efficiency changes across developing regions. We show that productivity growth rates between 2000 and 2010 vary significantly and that this heterogeneity is explained by pure efficiency changes rather than scale efficiency of technological changes. Therefore, we carry out a detailed efficiency analysis to determine the drivers of port efficiency. Time series results show an upward trend for port efficiency in developing regions, as it increased from 47 percent in 2000 to 57 percent in 2010. Our analysis indicates that private sector participation, the reduction of corruption in the public sector and improvements in liner connectivity and the existence of multimodal links increase the level of port efficiency in developing regions. Document type: Article

Abstract

This paper examines the linkages between urban form and city productivity, using alternative metrics for urban form and applying them to a comprehensive sample of Latin American cities. Although most of the literature has concentrated on the effects of population density (compact versus sprawling urban development), this paper seeks to assess whether different dimensions of a city's urban form, such as shape, structure, and land-use, affect its economic performance. The paper finds that the shape of the urban extent, the inner-city connectedness, and fullness have a statistically significant influence on the productivity level of the city. Document type: Book

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to help policymakers improve economic development and job creation in Cameroon’s cities. The report is part of the World Bank’s Technical Assistance project on Enhancing Economic Performance of African Cities, supporting clients in the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Ministry of Urban Development (MINDHU) and the Urban Metropolitan Councils (Communauté Urbaines), particularly of Douala, Kribi and Bamenda, in the areas of: a) economic analyses and b) institutional support to strengthen their ability to plan and implement relevant reforms. This study utilized various research methodologies including (1) desk based analysis of quantitative data; (2) focus group discussions with over 120 local firms and stakeholders in Douala, Bamenda, Kribi; and (3) institutional analysis of Cameroon’s decentralization framework to identify appropriate institutional mechanisms for promoting local economic development. The report highlights the importance of investing in Cameroon’s cities and makes key recommendations to national and local government for the key investments and reforms needed to improve economic competitiveness and job creation.

Abstract

"jats:p" Seaport efficiency and productivity are the critical factors for handling of goods in the international supply chains and plays an important role in trade exchange with other countries. It is important to evaluate efficiency and productivity of seaports to reflect their status and reveal their position in competitive environment. The main purpose of this article is to use Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Productivity Index to measure the technical efficiency and total factor productivity of container ports. DEA analysis enables one to assess how efficiently a seaports uses the available inputs to generate a set of outputs relative to other units in the data set. This article presents the use CCR and BCC DEA model, to determine overall technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of container ports. The analysis gives a possibility to create a efficiency ranking of seaports. The study also applies the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI), which was used to analyze changes in seaports productivity. The study indicated that technological progress had a greater impact on the change in productivity of container ports than changes in technical efficiency. Document type: Article

Abstract

Successful companies are continually striving to streamline costs and optimize processes, enabling them to grow progress, develop and ensure competitiveness on the market. A large part of the costs arises in warehouses, where up to 55% of total costs are generated by order- picking, which makes it important and interesting in terms of research. The paper explores "picker to part" order- picking concept, which enables flexible work and is the optimal choice for most companies. The concept is associated with a high level of work- related injuries and work -related illnesses. Work requires physical efforts resulting from handling heavy goods, performing repetitive movements and using manipulative means. Hum an as the main actor of the concept affects the costs caused by picking and the quality of work done, which depends on technological support, physically and psychologically capable and motivated people. Due to the high costs of service, the focus on time planning and productivity increases. Contrary, the lack of attention is paid to the working conditions and the health status of the pickers. To overcome this gab, a review of scientific and professional literature on ergonomic principles in picking concept "picker to part" was carried out, followed by a quantitative survey of ergonomic properties in warehousing activities. Results revealed that more than 60% of the surveyed order-pickers associate problems with health with the characteristics of work, about 24% of them associate health problems with the use of a particular means of transport, and all agree that provided measures to reduce physical effort and greater support of technologies influence on increased speed of work and better health status of order-pickers. Document type: Article