The future of telecommunications operator alliances
This paper deals with the issue of telecommunications operator alliances,and their relevance from the point ofview of globalization. Considering theimportance of symmetries in theoreticalphysics, we try to use a standard principle of symmetry, which can be simplytranslated in 'homogenisation of socioeconomic space', a new concept whichencompasses the convergence of social trends and economics. After studying telecommunications liberalisationin the US, in EU and in Japan, andanalysing the forces engendered by the homogenisation of socioeconomicspace, we conclude that telecommunications operators will have to reviewtheir alliances strategy to match this on-going movement.
NTT's transformation: From Public Telephone Operator to major multimedia enterprise
NTT's strong desire to become a multimedia company was revealed in its recent announcement in support of network opening and an open computer network (OCN). Since NTT's plans were made public during the NTT divestiture debate, they were taken by some to be primarily a tactical counterproposal to stave off a break-up. In fact, if we trace the history of technology and service visions since the early 1970s, we can see that this interpretation of NTT's motivations is erroneous. This paper traces that history, and attempts to shed light on the forces both inside and outside NTT, that culminated in its detailed plans to transform itself from a Public Telephone Operator (PTO) into a major multimedia enterprise.
Did the metamorphosis from Export Processing Zones to Special Economic Zones improve the efficiency of trade enclaves in India?
In this paper, the efficiency of seven conventional Special Economic Zones in India is analyzed, by adopting a stochastic production frontier technique, for the period between 1986–1987 and 2007–2008.Results indicate that although the efficiency scores of these enclaves have improved over the years, specifically with the introduction of the SEZ policy (2000–2001), it is far below the threshold level as identified in the literature. Besides, one can also observe a discrepancy emerging between better export earning zones and efficient zones. On the determinants side, policy intervention and large geographical area, accompanied by clustering of units, are found to have impacted the efficiency scores of these enclaves positively.