Unabated gas flaring menace in Nigeria. The need for proper gas utilization and strict enforcement of applicable laws

This paper examines unabated gas flaring menace in Nigeria and calls for the need for strict gas utilization and enforcement of applicable laws. It adopts the doctrinal method in tackling issues raised. For over sixty years, gas flaring continues unabated in the Niger Delta Region. This has resulted in adverse environmental impacts on the people. The government in a bid to end gas flaring, enacted flare abatement laws and introduced fiscal incentives. These laws and measures have not produced the desired results. The paper concludes by stating that the government needs to be more pro-active by strictly enforcing applicable laws pertaining to gas flaring.     

R&D value mapping: A new approach to case study-based evaluation

This study presents an approach to harnessing the power of case studies for research evaluation calledR&D value mapping (RVM). While this method uses case studies in the traditional manner to provide in-depth insights, it also structures case studies through an analytical framework that yields quantitative data and less subjective “lessons learned”. When properly applied, RVM can yield an inventory of outcomes and empirical generalizations regarding the determining variables. A particular advantage of the approach is that it not only provides an indication of the type and amount (though not a single numerical index) of outcome, but also gives insight into the reasons outcomes are achieved. Thus, RVM is useful for policy management strategies seeking to replicate success. The specific steps associated with the RVM method are illustrated through studies that have applied the technique. The authors gratefully acknowledge support from of the Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences and previous contracts from Sandia National Laboratories and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority. A number of persons have made useful comments on the RVM method. We are particularly grateful to David Roessner, Juan Rogers, Gretchen Jordan and Iran Thomas.     

Beyond innovation: the Small Business Innovation Research program as entrepreneurship policy

Entrepreneurship or new firm formation plays an increasingly important role in knowledge-based economic development. Public policy to encourage new firm formation has not focused on high quality, high potential firms, and the search for entrepreneurship policy with high economic impact is still needed. This research evaluates the efficacy of the US Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program from the perspective of promoting high technology entrepreneurship. In particular, we examine whether the local presence of SBIR awards is associated with increased new firm formation rates in the high technology sector. Although the primary objective of SBIR is to facilitate technological commercialization in small businesses, our policy analysis based on spatial multivariate methods suggests that this program may also serve as an effective entrepreneurship policy.     

A review of the existing legal regime on exploitation of oil and the protection of the environment in Nigeria

Abstract

Since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in Oloibiri town in the present day Bayelsa State of Nigeria in 1956, the Nigerian government has encouraged the development and growth of the oil industry. The government, being conscious of the concomitant effects of the exploration and production of oil on the environment, enacted laws to regulate the exploitation of the oil and the protection of the Nigerian environment. This article examines the legal regime in this respect. It is the view of the writer that some of the laws regulating the protection of the environment are archaic, especially the penalty sections with small fines which do not serve as a deterrent to the oil companies or encourage them to adopt high standards. It is also the view of the writer that the laws regulating the oil industry should be amended to confer standing on citizens groups. The writer suggests that a strict liability regime should be made to apply to the oil industry, and that related laws should be duly enforced by the government agencies charged with responsibility of overseeing the oil industry. Finally, it is the view of the writer that the oil-bearing communities of the Niger Delta should be systematically developed by the Nigeria government so that there can be peace in the region.     

Harvest of arrests but no prosecution: ideation toward strengthening the legal regime for prosecuting pirates in Nigeria

Prosecuting pirates in local courts is one of the most effective ways to suppress piracy. Hence, appropriate legal regime is imperative for prosecuting pirates. Despite the spate of piracy off the Nigerian coast and its attendant consequences, there has been no prosecution of pirates in the country. This paper examined the nature of piracy in Nigeria, the legal basis for prosecuting pirates, challenges in piracy prosecution and measures to enhance the prosecution of pirates in the country. The paper argued that prosecuting pirates is pivotal in curbing piracy and to effectively prosecute pirates, Nigeria should enforce its domestic law criminalising piracy.     

Searching for contracting patterns over time: Do prime contractor and subcontractor relations follow similar patterns for professional services provision?

This paper compares over a 12‐year period (1) patterns of contracting between a state transportation agency and its prime contractors providing engineering design services with (2) patterns between these prime contractors and their subcontractors. We find evidence of different contracting patterns at each level that emerge over time and coexist in the same contracting context. While patterns at the agency–prime level are characterized by repeated contracts, patterns at the prime–sub level indicate fewer repeats and more contractor turnover. Implications for outsourcing practice and theory are discussed. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.     

Soft Power and the Chinese Propaganda System

Chinese party-state officials now openly speak of the importance of increasing the country's soft power. This raises questions, however, about how the soft power concept relates to the party-state's existing propaganda system. This article investigates how the party-state interprets the soft power concept and how this fits into its broader approach to propaganda work. It argues that the way the party-state has interpreted the concept of soft power conforms to its approach to both foreign and domestic propaganda work. Like foreign propaganda, increasing soft power for the party-state involves improving international communication capabilities and is undertaken with domestic objectives in mind; like domestic propaganda work, policies designed to increase soft power are expected to balance the goal of promoting cultural creativity and variety with the goal of strengthening national cohesion.