Russian gas at European energy market: Why adaptation is inevitable
Abstract Economic crisis of 2009–2010 plus steady decarbonisation of the European Union (EU) energy policy decrease EU energy demand while gas supplies to the EU continue to increase as well as its multiplicity. Thus competitive niche for gas in Europe tightens, especially for Russian gas supplies with rather non-flexible contractual structures and pricing mechanisms such as long-term gas export contracts (LTGEC) with oil indexation. On top of this, Third EU Energy Package changes the whole architecture of the wholesale EU internal gas market. So risks and uncertainties for oil-indexed LTGEC within this tightening market niche for gas increase. To effectively address them, LTGEC need to become more flexible and adaptable. Gazprom has recently started such adaptation of its LTGEC. Whether this will stay as a temporary step-back or will become company's new regular policy towards more flexible contractual structures and pricing mechanisms in Europe?
Global Oil Market Developments and Their Consequences for Russia
Below, Andrey A. Konoplyanik describes the five stages of global oil market developments from 1928 to the present and considers the current two-segment structure of physical and paper oil segments, dominated by Saudi Arabia and the US. The author suggests the movement from a bipolar to unipolar oil world with the US in both segments, and addresses the challenges for Russia as a price-taker, not price-maker in this market.
The evaluation of the competency perception of inspectors in using new instructional technology
Abstract The purpose of this study is to find out the evaluation of inspectors in regards to their competency perceptions towards the use of new instructional technologies. This is a qualitative model research. The target population of this study consisted of 25 inspectors serving within the borders of TRNC in 2011. Data was collected by an “interview form” developed by the researcher. The interview form consisted of 6 items. Content analyze, frequency (f) and percentage (%) techniques were used to analyze the data. This research pointed out that: “concerns on falling behind the teacher”, “training needs”, “decreasing training support within the years” and “non existing policy on IT support” are critical factors affecting an inspector's competency perceptions in using new instructional technologies.