Nature Protection and the Introduction into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms: Risk Analysis in EC Multilevel Governance

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are usually introduced into the environment through experimental releases or extensive cultivation. The risks involved are controlled via both the authorization for deliberate release and the authorization for the placing on the market of a GMO. In these two steps, the core issues of legal protection are public health and the environment. GMO-free agriculture has been introduced as a third – economic – protected good. This has triggered coexistence measures keeping GM and non-GM agriculture separated. Given the fact that much has already been said about risks of GMOs to human health, this article will rather focus on the environmental dimension, and more precisely on aspects of nature protection. It will accordingly explore whether nature is adequately protected through the authorization for the release and the authorization for the market placement of GMOs. While these questions concern regimes aiming at preventing environmental damage, co-existence, if related to natural ecosystems (rather than to the protection of a variety of agriculture), raises the question of whether ecosystems can be considered as protectable goods even if no traditional damage is caused.     

Motivation for Compliance with Environmental Regulations

A combination of calculated, normative, and social motivations as well as awareness of rules and capacity to comply are thought to foster compliance with regulations. Hypotheses about these factors were tested with data concerning Danish farmers' compliance with agro‐environmental regulations. Three key findings emerge: that farmers' awareness of rules plays a critical role; that normative and social motivations are as influential as calculated motivations in enhancing compliance; and that inspectors' enforcement style affects compliance differently from that posited in much of the literature. It was also found that formalism in inspection can be helpful to a point, while coercion by inspectors can backfire. Taken together, these findings counter arguments concerning the harm of legalism and the benefits of flexible enforcement. This study contributes to the understanding of factors that shape compliance with social and environmental regulations. © 2001 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.     

Defense Conversion in Small Companies: Risk, Activities, and Success Assessment

The defense industry has been experiencing a large draw-down during the 1990s. This has left many companies, large and small, in a situation where they had to examine the viability and future of their businesses. While large and medium-size companies were somewhat assisted by government policies and support, small subcontractors were often left alone, facing higher risks and severe threats to their future. This research investigated the events, decisions, activities and success of small defense contractors, which had to face this new situation. It developed a specific framework, which may be used to help companies in assessing their conversion efforts. The study was conducted by utilizing a within-case and cross-case methodology for case study analysis. Results assert the difficulties for highly defense dependent companies to enter and succeed in the commercial market and explain why many conversion efforts have often failed in the past. Our findings show that to convert successfully, companies must streamline and improve their internal processes, develop a strategic plan, develop their marketing capabilities, and must have management and employee commitment to the process. Although such recommendations were expected, we found, that to many of these companies, they were completely new. As a by-product to this study, we found that managers in small businesses are typically not aware of modern concepts of strategic management and do not normally read the management literature. A new approach to educating such managers is needed, and thus suggested.     

The value of decision analysis in mediation practice

Conclusion To be constructive and effective within the mediation process, a mediator's case evaluation must be carefully derived and reasoned, persuasively articulated, and tactfully delivered. A decision analytic approach allows the mediator to structure and present an intellectually rigorous evaluation while minimizing the risk of perceived loss of neutrality. This approach can enhance the mediator's ability to unlock or redirect participants' emotional and professional investment in litigation and to remove personal and organizational incentives for entrenchment in adversarial and costly disputes.In a particularly complex case, using computer software for decision analysis offers added value by facilitating discussion of the evaluative analysis among additional decision makers who were not at the table. It provides a neutral language and method with which the mediator can probe and challenge the parties' stated positions and tolerance for risk. By helping people focus more clearly and dispassionately on the choices they face, a decision analytic approach and its presentation on computer software should enable them to achieve intelligent settlements.She also specializes in the mediation of legal disputes and the design of curricula in negotiation and mediation practice.