Centre for Global Studies

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https://dspace.library.uvic.ca/handle/1828/4413

The Centre for Global Studies was created in 1998 with a mandate to conduct collaborative, policy-oriented inquiry into the impacts of globalization on a broad spectrum of inter-related issues encompassing international governance and finance, the environment, security, and sustainable development. Building on the university’s existing base of interdisciplinary expertise, the Centre provides a vehicle for bridging scholarship with the needs of policy-makers for concise and accessible analysis in response to the pressing challenges of global change.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 131

The Arithmetic of Risk: Analytical Problems and Political Solutions
(The Institute for Research on Public Policy, 1980) Dobell, Rod
Pressing the Envelope
(The Institute for Research on Public Policy, 1981) Dobell, Rod
Doing a Bennett
(The Institute for Research on Public Policy, 1984) Dobell, Rod
How Ottawa Decides Economic Policy: Implications for the Powers that the Federal Government Needs
(The Institute for Research on Public Policy, 1980) Dobell, Rod
Some Characteristic Features of Optimal Control Problems in Economic Theory
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 1969-02) Dobell, Rod
This paper formulates the system equations, state and control space constraints, and a criterion functional for an elementary example of a problem in economic growth, and discusses some further interpretation of the underlying economic structure. Several examples are presented to illustrate particular features of control problems in economics; references to further examples, and to more general work in mathematical economics, are cited.
A Note on the Global Stability of a Simple Growth Model with Many Capital Goods
(M.I.T. Press, 1968-11) Burmeister, Edwin; Dobell, Rod; Kuga, Kyoshi
This article analyzes the global stability growth model which has more than one capital good. Growth models with many assets represent an obvious advance beyond the simple one-sector model involving only a single real capital good, and permit discussion of portfolio choice, capital market trading conditions and other important features of a general equilibrium system. One of the particularly interesting features of such models is the emergence of certain dynamic efficiency conditions, or capital market equilibrium conditions, when auxiliary variables interpreted as shadow prices of assets are introduced. These efficiency conditions, however, involve capital gains terms in a crucial way and the behavior of asset prices may often be such that undue attention to expectations of capital gains can create unstable development.
Random number generators
(Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, 1962-07) Hull, T.E.; Dobell, Rod
Guidance and Optimal Control of Free-Market Economies: A New Interpretation
(The lnstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 1972-01) Burmeister, Edwin; Dobell, Rod
The biological and social sciences offer many examples of complex systems which were not consciously designed or engineered but which have evolved over long periods from more primitive forms. Built-in mechanisms for control or guidance of such systems may be elaborate but somewhat imperfect or indirect. Two primary propositions are discussed. The first is that the evolution of the complex markets basic in western economies has realized an institutional structure through which decentralized guidance of the economy can be implemented. The second is that with such market structures it may be possible to design economic policies which realize sufficient control of the economic system without direct intervention in the optimizing decisions of individual elements in the system. The paper is primarily tutorial and surveys the relevant technical literature on models of economic growth. However some new results and a new interpretation of known results are presented.
Optimal Investment Policy: An Example of a Control Problem in Economic Theory
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 1967-02) Dobell, Rod; Ho, Y. C.
A problem in mathematical economics concerning the optimal investment of resources is solved via the techniques of optimal control theory. Interesting theoretical complications include the simultaneous presence of interdependent control variable inequality constraints, state variable inequality constraints, and singularity conditions. Economic implications of the results are briefly discussed.
An Optimal Unemployment Rate
(M.I.T. Press, 1967-11) Dobell, Rod; Ho, Y. C.
This article describes a model of capital cost of occupational training. Thus, in an extension of standard optimal accumulation models, we do find a criterion which tells us when increasing the employment rate would lead to lower consumption per capita and, in this model, a lower rate of growth. Qualifying people to enter employment costs resources and probably more resources the higher is the present employment rate. Since, however, the cost is in the nature of a capital cost, and the benefits more like flows, care has to be taken to ensure that the asset evaluations are correctly made.
A Comment on A. Y. C. Koo's "An Empirical Test of Revealed Preference Theory"
(The Econometric Society, 1965-04) Dobell, Rod
Focuses on the objection and modification of Koo's paper on standard results in graph theory. Development of the theory of revealed preference from a binary relation; Definition of binary relation; Demonstration on the axiom of individual demand functions.
From stream to steam: Emerging challenges for BC’s interlinked water and energy resources
(POLIS Project on Ecological Governance / Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2012-11) Parfitt, Ben; Baltutis, Jesse; Brandes, Oliver M.
British Columbia's water and water-derived energy resources are vital assets that show signs of being under increased stress across the province—the result of mounting pressures such as population growth, climate change, and water-intensive industrial activities. This report examines the importance of policy coherence and improved governance around the management of these interlinked resources. It was co-published by the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. It is the first report in a two-part series addressing the water-energy nexus in British Columbia.
Building professional capacity for a water-sensitive future in Ontario
(POLIS Project on Ecological Governance Water Sustainability Project, 2012-12) Maas, Carol; Wolfe, Sarah E.
This paper has been prepared to provide a concise and integrated summary of emerging research on social and process changes in water management. It is designed to build on existing literature and practice by offering ideas for the application of current research insights. The paper is structured to first provide an overview, in Section 1, of the rationale for considering the social processes that enable the implementation of innovative water practices. This is followed, in Section 2, by a series of recommendations and examples of relevant activities in a range of jurisdictions. The recommendations are woven throughout the text of Section 2 and divided into three broad categories: networks, collaboration, and continuing education. This paper is intended to emphasize the importance of experiential knowledge and social knowledge sharing in hopes that both local and provincial decision-‐makers will consider budgeting sufficient time and resources for these often overlooked activities. In the interest of a more integrated dynamic between community and government, this paper is also intended to inform community groups and offer insight into activities they may choose to organize themselves or advocate for at the local level.
A history of change: An exploration of environmental and social change in Ban Tha Khao through the photographs of locals
(Project IMPAACT, Marine Protected Areas Research Group, University of Victoria, 2012) Bennett, Nathan; Dearden, Phil
Ban Tha Khao is a small village of approximately 1500 people located on Ko Yao Noi island in the middle of Ao Phang Nga bay in Thailand. People began to settle on Ko Yao Noi in 1780 but it was not named as a sub-district until 1903. Originally, inhabitants of Ban Tha Khao made a living from subsistence fishing, farming rice, and growing other food crops. People travelled in self propelled row boats or sail boats and it took a day to travel to the mainland. In more recent years, community livelihoods have shifted away from fisheries and towards rubber plantations and tourism development. More people have moved to the island and infrastructure and transportation have improved. Longtail boats and speedboats have replaced earlier models. The population of other areas in Ao Phang Nga, Krabi, and Phuket have also increased significantly and so has the number of fishers. As a result of these population pressures and a number of factors, both marine and terrestrial resources have declined in the area. Two national parks have been created, including Ao Phang Nga National Park and Than Bhok Khorani National Park. This document tells the story of the many social and environmental changes that Ban Tha Khao has undergone in recent years through the photographs and stories of local people.
A picture of Koh Phrathong: An exploration of change in the environment and in communities on the Andaman Coast of Thailand
(Project IMPAACT, Marine Protected Areas Research Group, University of Victoria, 2012) Bennett, Nathan; Dearden, Phil
Community members in Ban Lions and Ban Tapae Yoi were asked by our team of researchers to participate in a Photovoice process1 to explore social changes in the community and changes in the marine environment. A workshop was held in the community to instruct people on the use of underwater digital cameras and to learn about the photovoice process. Participants spent two weeks taking photos during July and August of 2011. Afterwards, the photographs were printed and interviews were conducted to have participants explain the stories behind the pictures. The photovoice process on Koh Phrathong was part of a broader research project that focuses on conservation of the marine environment, local livelihoods, and climate change across the Andaman coast of Thailand as part of Project IMPAACT
Responses of fishers to a 25-year seasonal closed measure on the Andaman Coast of Thailand
(Project IMPAACT, Marine Protected Areas Research Group, University of Victoria, 2012) Panjarat, Sampan; Bennett, Nathan
To address fisheries declines and protect stocks, a Seasonal Closed Measure (SCM) was established in Phang-Nga and Krabi Bays in 1985 and later amended in 2007. Although the SCM has been in place for more than 25 years, its overall effectiveness has been questioned. Generally, fisheries policy decisions in Thailand are made in a top-down fashion by centralized government agencies. The knowledge and opinions of fishers are not taken into account in the creation of policies or the design of management measures. This practice persists despite the fact that attitudes and perceptions of fishers can indicate whether a regulatory instrument is appropriate within a particular social context and can assist with the effective implementation of the measure over the short and longer term. To address this gap, this report presents the results of a study that examined knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of fishers on the SCM. The study examined levels of knowledge, perceptions of impact, satisfaction, behaviors, and opinions regarding the SCM. An individual questionnaire survey of 100 fishers was undertaken during October-November 2010 in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Trang Provinces, Thailand. The important findings of the study include the following: 1) most fishers had low knowledge on the SCM because of ineffective knowledge mobilization; 2) fishers lacked participation in most management activities because of inappropriate mechanisms for participation; 3) some fishers disagreed with the time and area of the restriction, and some of them opposed the SCM, a few fishers continued to ignore the SCM regulations, 4) fishers were dissatisfied with the performance of patrols and the enforcement of the measure, 5) fishers distrusted patrol officers and did not report violators, 6) fishers distrusted fishers from outside their communities and doubted that they would comply with the SCM, and 7) most fishers were satisfied with the SCM (74%) - however, they felt that it still requires improvement. The following recommendations are made in response to the research findings: 1) the enhancement of the standard knowledge transfer mechanisms especially through social networks and improved participation and involvement, 2) the enhancement of participation requires creation of appropriate and timely processes that incorporate awareness of the social characteristics and the nature of fisheries occupations and the holding of meetings and discussions at the local level preferably via pre-established networks or associations, 3) the re-assessment of various aspects of the SCM including the time and areas of restriction and the exempted fishing gears; the assessment method should integrate the scientific knowledge base and traditional knowledge of fishers and provide for local involvement in order to build trust and commitment, 4) the examination of the capacity and performance of patrol officers in order to ensure effective and equitable enforcement of regulations; further, the building of trust with fishers will enhance information sharing between fishers and patrols, save costs for patrolling, and resolve conflicts. 5) The establishment of appropriate mechanisms to slowdown the race-to-fish that currently occurs after closed season is also recommended. 6) Finally, the provision of capacity building and conservation knowledge, establishment of strict no-take-zones, and creation of incentives for stewardship are also recommended to sustain the SCM and marine resources in Ao Phang-Nga and on the Andaman Sea Coast of Thailand over the long term.
Sustainable livelihoods from theory to conservation practice: An extended annotated bibliography for prospective application of livelihoods approaches in protected area community research
(Marine Protected Areas Research Group (MPARG), University of Victoria Protected Areas and Poverty Reduction (PAPR) Canada-Africa Research and Learning Alliance, Vancouver Island University, 2010) Bennett, Nathan
Conservation is primarily about managing ourselves, people, and the societies we create. There is a wealth of global experience in these kinds of challenges. This annotated bibliography is one contribution towards this effort. It brings together, synthesizes and makes recommendations based on the main sources related to Sustainable Livelihoods, which are at the nexus of many of the challenges society faces both now and in the future.
Scoping study on migrant fishers and transboundary fishing in the Bay of Bengal
(BOBLME, 2012) Kadfak, Alin; Bennett, Nathan; Prugsmatz, Raphealla
The scoping study relates to the assessment of the issue of migratory and transboundary fishing as highlighted above. It will explore the background to the issues and provide specific insight into both (i) working conditions (including reference to safety at sea, as appropriate) on fishing vessels operating outside of national waters, and (ii) issues pertaining to rights of fishing labour and extent of use of legal and illegal foreign labour. The study will cover issues concerning both nationals from the vessel port country and those concerning foreign workers from neighbouring countries. The scoping study will further (iii) cover boats and crews arrested for fishing in traditional fishing grounds that are now part of another country’s EEZ as a result of UNCLOS (either as deliberate acts or due to "straying" across boundaries). The report is broken down into an introduction, three substantive chapters, and a conclusion. The introduction provides definitions and introduces the methodology. The subsequent chapters explore migrant fishers and trafficking, transboundary fishing and arrests, and governance and management of these issues. In conclusion, the report provides a number of recommendations for action and further research.
Maximizing Łutsël K'e community benefit from the proposed national park through capacity building and the social economy
(Łutsël K’e Dene Band; Lakehead University, 2009) Bennett, Nathan; Lemelin, Harvey
The primarily Dene First Nation community of of !utsël K’e, Northwest Territories, located 200km east of Yellowknife on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, is questioning the implications of the creation of a national park in their traditional territory and on the local community and how to maximize local benefit. This document explores the results of a collaboratively developed research project that focused on: 1) perceived and desired community development outcomes related to the creation of a national park; 2) capacity building for the maximization of local benefit; and 3) the role of the social economy in facilitating social and economic development related to park creation. Prior to exploring these three areas of focus, the first section explores the context of this study and provides a brief history of the national park proposal for the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. The research process, methodology and methods are also outlined in this section. The second section of this document explores community perceptions of the reasons that the community initially opposed the formation of a national park and the factors that may have caused the community’s position to change and provides an overview of the perceived and desired community benefits of the park’s creation. A discussion of emergent themes related to capacity building for tourism development, for capitalizing on potential employment and contract opportunities, and for non-economic development is provided in the third section. The fourth section examines the role of the social economy in facilitating community development related to the creation of the park. Recommendations for applying the results of this research are highlighted throughout the document. The goal of this document has been to provide information for the Łutsël K’e Dene First Nation and the Parks Canada agency and to support the maximization of local community development as the formation of the national park proceeds.
Using the social economy in tourism: A study of national park creation and community development in the Northwest Territories, Canada
(Journal of Rural and Community Development, 2010) Bennett, Nathan; Lemelin, Raynard; Johnston, Margaret; Łutsël K’e Dene First Nation
The primary concern of social-economy organizations is the social and economic well-being of individuals in the communities where they work. However, social, economic, and environmental considerations also play a role in the wider community or regional spheres of development. In the Canadian North, local and regional development strategies are linked in many places to a growing number of large-scale conservation efforts, such as parks and protected areas, that can have important positive and negative roles. As a result of their social and economic interests, social-economy organizations might become involved in these community development strategies linked to conservation. This paper explores such involvement by outlining a collaborative community research project undertaken in Łutsël K’e, Northwest Territories, the gateway community to a proposed national park. The research is based on a series of interviews with community members and external parties with particular development responsibilities. The paper explores the ways in which social-economy organizations might facilitate rural community tourism development related to the creation of the park. The paper also considers several activities and approaches that could enhance the support provided by social-economy organizations

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