Globalization: a theoretical reflection
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and situate globalization within the context of different theoretical perspectives, with a view to developing a theoretical framework for understanding and interpreting this phenomenon.Design/methodology/approach – In the light of historical and empirical evidence, this paper uses the idea of parallax to explore, synthesize and interpret globalization. Evidence is marshalled in order to enable comparative assessments on the merits of the globalized system to take place.Findings – A materialist approach is identified as appropriate for aiding and deepening our understanding of the processes at work. It best captures the complexities and contradictions in the global economy.Originality/value – This paper develops a critique that locates globalization within the process of accumulation and teases out its attendant crises and efforts to restore profitability. The materialist approach developed here may be successfully applied in a holistic manner.
Free Trade Doesn't Work: What Should Replace It and Why
SLO #1 think sociologically SLO #2 bracket or set aside common sense knowledge about the social world SLO #3 see the individual achievement in social context SLO #4 understand social, structural explanations of globalization SLO #5 understand the principles of global stratification SLO #6 demonstrate a basic understanding of stratification theories SLO #7 appreciate the constructedness of social reality
Economics of General-Purpose Assembly Robots
Summary A study of the comparative economics of various automatic assembly systems using general-purpose assembly robots is described. In the study, use is made of a “typical” candidate assembly whose profile is obtained from statistical analysis of actual products submitted by interested companies. It is shown that the choice of assembly system and the various parts presentation methods depends on three main factors, namely: the annual production volume per shift, the number of parts in the product and the equipment payback period.