"This publication discusses the extent to which digital technology can help tackle poverty and social inequality. Does it increase or restrict the opportunities for social and economic participation open to disadvantaged people? We analyse the history of e-commerce in the light of this question. We
...
consider current developments in the world trade regime, because a new dynamic has developed in trade policy almost unnoticed. As the Digital Agenda adopted by the US government in 2000 shows, leading tech companies - principally those from Silicon Valley - are increasingly using commercial law to promote their own interests. This is no longer just about reducing tariffs on digital products such as software, or about uniform standards for telecommunications services. Patents on artificial intelligence and the (non-)regulation of data flows are now elements of commercial regulations and the subject of controversy in the World Trade Organization (WTO). For the countries of the Global South - but not only for them - there is a lot at stake, including the risk of a new, digital colonialism. This publication explores the potentials and limits of digital solutions. It analyses the lessons to be learned from supposedly model projects such as the mobile payment system M-Pesa and the spread of cashless payment in India. We also examine whether the digitalisation of transnational supply chains not only boosts transparency but also increases value creation for workers on the coffee and soya plantations or in factories. The question of how digitalisation can be organised so that it contributes to the welfare of everyone must focus on one issue in particular: how can disadvantaged population groups in the rural parts of Africa or the inhabitants of slums in the megacities obtain better access to work and basic services? What steps must be taken to minimise the risks of the digital transformation for people in Asia and Latin America and enhance its potential? The study therefore concludes with a list of nine ideas that would help make digitalisation fair. Consider them as an invitation to engage in discussion of globally just and humane digitalisation." (Preface)
more
"An Integrated Approach to Communication Theory and Research provides an in-depth overview of communication studies as well as integrating theory with research. This new edition provides a comprehensive overview of current theory and research written by the top theorists and researchers in each area
...
. It has been updated to address the growing influence of technology, changing relationships, and several growing integrated approaches to communication and includes seven new chapters on digital media, media effects, privacy, darks side, applied communication, relational communication, instructional communication, communication and the law. The book continues to be essential reading for students and faculty who want a thorough overview of contemporary communication theory and research." (Publisher description)
more
"Evaluation als Instrument zur systematischen und transparenten Bewertung von Projekten, Massnahmen, Programmen, Gesetzen und anderen Gegenständen hat in den letzten zwei Dekaden in Kontinentaleuropa stark an Bedeutung gewonnen. Evaluationstätigkeiten werden auf der Angebots- und Nachfrageseite pr
...
ofessionalisiert. Die Gründung entsprechender Fachgesellschaften, die Schaffung spezifischer Aus- und Weiterbildungsangebote und die Etablierung fachlicher Standards belegen dies. Dieser Sammelband spiegelt Entwicklungsstand und Leistungsprofil der Evaluation in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz wider. Namhafte, mit der jeweiligen Landessituation vertraute Autorinnen und Autoren leisten Beiträge zu zehn Themenfeldern: Agrarpolitik, Arbeitsmarktpolitik, Bildung, Energie- und Umweltpolitik, Entwicklungszusammenarbeit, Forschung und Technologie, Gesundheit, institutionelle Politik, Raumentwicklungspolitik und Soziale Arbeit. Ländervergleichende Beiträge arbeiten Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede themenspezifisch heraus. Ergänzt werden diese vierzig Beiträge um Querschnittsbeiträge zur Institutionalisierung und zur Nutzung von Evaluation in den drei Ländern. "Expansion, Vielfalt und Divergenz der Evaluation" lautet die Quintessenz des übergreifenden Themenvergleichs im abschliessenden Beitrag." (Verlagsbeschreibung)
more
"Der Band basiert auf einer Tagung der Sektion Religionssoziologie in der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Soziologie. Er vereinigt sowohl theoretische als auch empirische Beiträge." (Verlagsbeschreibung)