DSpace Collection: 2011-11
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47718
2011-112024-03-28T16:28:48ZNetwork Analysis of the Traffic Lines of the Tourists visiting Kamikawa Central District in Hokkaido, Japan : Based on the Data from the 'Kamui Mintara' Stamp Rally
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47733
Title: Network Analysis of the Traffic Lines of the Tourists visiting Kamikawa Central District in Hokkaido, Japan : Based on the Data from the 'Kamui Mintara' Stamp Rally
Authors: Kichiji, Nozomi
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to provide relevant information to managers and local government officers in designing promotional strategy for tourism by analyzing the traffic lines of the tourists visiting Kamikawa Central district. There is no data for analyzing traffic lines of tourist and it is unlikely that the Japanese government will develop such a database in the near future, owing to the high cost. However, analysis of tourist traffic lines is essential to developing the tourism sector. Luckily, we have been given the opportunity to gather data regarding the traffic lines of tourists in Kamikawa Central district. We obtained the data by tracing stamps on an application form, used by participants in the Kamui Mintara Stamp Rally. We also collected personal data, including gender, age, residence, accommodation type and length of stay, through the questionnaire, which the participants had to answer to be eligible for free gifts offered by the commission of the Kamui Mintara Stamp Rally. Using these data, we can analyze the traffic lines of tourist in Kamikawa Central district and the length of tourist stay. Since the number of samples from the stamp rally is sufficient size, the state of tourism in Kamikawa Central district reflected the result of the Kamui Mintara Stamp Rally. First, we investigated the correlation between seven well-known tourist spots between 2009 and 2010 using the questionnaire. The spots are Asahiyama Zoo; Biei; Furano; Mt. Asahidake; Souunkyou; Tenninkyou; and Shirogane. Second, we use the data from the answers to question 8 in the questionnaire. With these, we can make the network graphs of the traffic lines of tourists going around Hokkaido. Third, we investigate the characteristics of the network of tourists' traffic lines in Kamikawa Central district using network analysis by year and by residence. As a result, we obtained eleven findings in this study. In particular, we summarize three main findings below, --1. Souunkyo is isolated from the other six well-known spots because of geographical position and we found that the correlation coefficient between Asahiyama Zoo and Biei decreased between 2009 and 2010. --2. There are seven well-known spots that are important for tourism in Kamikawa Central district. Additionally, we show that Sapporo; Asahikawa; Abashiri; Shiretoko; Obihiro; Tomamu; Akanko; Teshikaga and Kushiro were closely linked with Kamikawa Central district and are also important for tourism in Kamikawa Central district using visualization of the networks. --3. The average degree of node and the network density of the networks increased incrementally and both the clustering coefficient and the average path length of the networks are large compared to that of the random graph. The high average degree of nodes and density are better than a low average degree of nodes and density in terms of total economic activity and the large clustering coefficient means that 6 spots are closely related to each other. The large average path length means that Kamikawa Central district is divided into two areas in terms of tourism because traffic lines between two areas were often severed. We conclude that visualization and network analysis are both necessary to understand the traffic lines of the tourists.2011-11-29T15:00:00ZKichiji, NozomiThe purpose of this study is to provide relevant information to managers and local government officers in designing promotional strategy for tourism by analyzing the traffic lines of the tourists visiting Kamikawa Central district. There is no data for analyzing traffic lines of tourist and it is unlikely that the Japanese government will develop such a database in the near future, owing to the high cost. However, analysis of tourist traffic lines is essential to developing the tourism sector. Luckily, we have been given the opportunity to gather data regarding the traffic lines of tourists in Kamikawa Central district. We obtained the data by tracing stamps on an application form, used by participants in the Kamui Mintara Stamp Rally. We also collected personal data, including gender, age, residence, accommodation type and length of stay, through the questionnaire, which the participants had to answer to be eligible for free gifts offered by the commission of the Kamui Mintara Stamp Rally. Using these data, we can analyze the traffic lines of tourist in Kamikawa Central district and the length of tourist stay. Since the number of samples from the stamp rally is sufficient size, the state of tourism in Kamikawa Central district reflected the result of the Kamui Mintara Stamp Rally. First, we investigated the correlation between seven well-known tourist spots between 2009 and 2010 using the questionnaire. The spots are Asahiyama Zoo; Biei; Furano; Mt. Asahidake; Souunkyou; Tenninkyou; and Shirogane. Second, we use the data from the answers to question 8 in the questionnaire. With these, we can make the network graphs of the traffic lines of tourists going around Hokkaido. Third, we investigate the characteristics of the network of tourists' traffic lines in Kamikawa Central district using network analysis by year and by residence. As a result, we obtained eleven findings in this study. In particular, we summarize three main findings below, --1. Souunkyo is isolated from the other six well-known spots because of geographical position and we found that the correlation coefficient between Asahiyama Zoo and Biei decreased between 2009 and 2010. --2. There are seven well-known spots that are important for tourism in Kamikawa Central district. Additionally, we show that Sapporo; Asahikawa; Abashiri; Shiretoko; Obihiro; Tomamu; Akanko; Teshikaga and Kushiro were closely linked with Kamikawa Central district and are also important for tourism in Kamikawa Central district using visualization of the networks. --3. The average degree of node and the network density of the networks increased incrementally and both the clustering coefficient and the average path length of the networks are large compared to that of the random graph. The high average degree of nodes and density are better than a low average degree of nodes and density in terms of total economic activity and the large clustering coefficient means that 6 spots are closely related to each other. The large average path length means that Kamikawa Central district is divided into two areas in terms of tourism because traffic lines between two areas were often severed. We conclude that visualization and network analysis are both necessary to understand the traffic lines of the tourists.The ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Economic Community
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47731
Title: The ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Economic Community
Authors: Shimizu, Kazushi
Abstract: The ASEAN Charter was signed at the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007. After each country ratified the Charter, it went into effect on December 15, 2008. This was the first time that a Charter was signed and went to effect for ASEAN. The ASEAN Charter will play a very significant role in the development of ASEAN intra-regional economic cooperation and economic integration including the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). This paper will examine the significance and contents of the ASEAN Charter from the perspective of AEC and intra-regional economic cooperation/economic integration.2011-11-29T15:00:00ZShimizu, KazushiThe ASEAN Charter was signed at the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007. After each country ratified the Charter, it went into effect on December 15, 2008. This was the first time that a Charter was signed and went to effect for ASEAN. The ASEAN Charter will play a very significant role in the development of ASEAN intra-regional economic cooperation and economic integration including the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). This paper will examine the significance and contents of the ASEAN Charter from the perspective of AEC and intra-regional economic cooperation/economic integration.Japanese Recruitment Practices : Before and After the Global Financial Crisis
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47730
Title: Japanese Recruitment Practices : Before and After the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Firkola, Peter
Abstract: Over the past decade, Japanese companies have had to reexamine their personnel management strategies to deal with staffing issues and a rapidly changing economic environment. Furthermore, the global financial crisis in the fall of 2008 forced many Japanese companies to adapt their personnel management practices. Although recruitment is only one part of the personnel management system, it provides insight into understanding the overall management system. Past research has indicated that Japanese company recruitment practices have been resistant to change. The purpose of this paper is to examine recent recruitment practices to determine whether this is still the case. This paper focused on recruitment practices in large Japanese companies from 2006-2011. Information was obtained using company data, newspaper articles, company surveys, and government related data such as white papers. It was found that many large companies have adapted recruitment practices in varying degrees to deal with the changing economic environment. These changes include varying the number of hires, diversifying hiring conditions, extending the recruitment schedule, and dealing with labor turnover issues. The implications of these changes and the impact on companies and university students are then discussed.2011-11-29T15:00:00ZFirkola, PeterOver the past decade, Japanese companies have had to reexamine their personnel management strategies to deal with staffing issues and a rapidly changing economic environment. Furthermore, the global financial crisis in the fall of 2008 forced many Japanese companies to adapt their personnel management practices. Although recruitment is only one part of the personnel management system, it provides insight into understanding the overall management system. Past research has indicated that Japanese company recruitment practices have been resistant to change. The purpose of this paper is to examine recent recruitment practices to determine whether this is still the case. This paper focused on recruitment practices in large Japanese companies from 2006-2011. Information was obtained using company data, newspaper articles, company surveys, and government related data such as white papers. It was found that many large companies have adapted recruitment practices in varying degrees to deal with the changing economic environment. These changes include varying the number of hires, diversifying hiring conditions, extending the recruitment schedule, and dealing with labor turnover issues. The implications of these changes and the impact on companies and university students are then discussed.Methodological Divergence between Coase and Williamson in the History of Transaction Cost Economics
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47727
Title: Methodological Divergence between Coase and Williamson in the History of Transaction Cost Economics
Authors: Mikami, Masahiro
Abstract: The work of Ronald H. Coase is often referred to as an original yet primitive version of Williamson's transaction cost economics. However, if we examine both author's seminal texts, Coase's argument differs in noteworthy respects from Williamson's transaction cost economics. Tracing the short history of transaction cost economics, this study clarifies three conflicting characteristics of Williamson's and Coase's versions of transaction cost economics: instrumentalist vs. realistic methodologies, calculative vs. realistic views of economic agents, and the notion of transaction cost as an analytical device vs. being a real cost for agents.2011-11-29T15:00:00ZMikami, MasahiroThe work of Ronald H. Coase is often referred to as an original yet primitive version of Williamson's transaction cost economics. However, if we examine both author's seminal texts, Coase's argument differs in noteworthy respects from Williamson's transaction cost economics. Tracing the short history of transaction cost economics, this study clarifies three conflicting characteristics of Williamson's and Coase's versions of transaction cost economics: instrumentalist vs. realistic methodologies, calculative vs. realistic views of economic agents, and the notion of transaction cost as an analytical device vs. being a real cost for agents.Trade Patterns and Perpetual Youth in a Dynamic Small Open Economy
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47726
Title: Trade Patterns and Perpetual Youth in a Dynamic Small Open Economy
Authors: Kanamori, Naoshige
Abstract: In this paper, I examine the long-run specialization patterns that arise in a small open economy using a two-sector growth model in which households faced with finite but uncertain lifetimes undertake intertemporal optimization decisions. I show that in a small open economy with a positive birth rate, imperfect specialization requires that the subjective discount rate be less than the interest rate. This finding contrasts sharply with Stiglitz's (1970) finding that a country must be completely specialized if the subjective discount rate differs from the interest rate. In addition, I show that a steady state equilibrium with incomplete specialization can be saddle-point stable.2011-11-29T15:00:00ZKanamori, NaoshigeIn this paper, I examine the long-run specialization patterns that arise in a small open economy using a two-sector growth model in which households faced with finite but uncertain lifetimes undertake intertemporal optimization decisions. I show that in a small open economy with a positive birth rate, imperfect specialization requires that the subjective discount rate be less than the interest rate. This finding contrasts sharply with Stiglitz's (1970) finding that a country must be completely specialized if the subjective discount rate differs from the interest rate. In addition, I show that a steady state equilibrium with incomplete specialization can be saddle-point stable.A Challenge of Microcredit Program in Rural Africa : a Case Study of Fatick Integrated Development Program in Senegal
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47720
Title: A Challenge of Microcredit Program in Rural Africa : a Case Study of Fatick Integrated Development Program in Senegal
Authors: Ikemi, Mayu
Abstract: This case study indicates that there are several factors need to be carefully considered for development assistance donors to implement a microcredit program in rural Africa. One of the important factors is to pay more attention to 'key persons' of local government officers engaged in rural development, as well as the women who are noticeably active for economic activities and development projects in their local communities. In order to solve following three impediments: the weakness of participants' compliance of rules, the lack of their willingness and activeness, and the lack of program donors' flexibility, it is necessary and effective for the program donors to get the best out of those key persons. The practice of this task can also realize to bring some positive effects to other participants, local residents, and process quality of the program.2011-11-29T15:00:00ZIkemi, MayuThis case study indicates that there are several factors need to be carefully considered for development assistance donors to implement a microcredit program in rural Africa. One of the important factors is to pay more attention to 'key persons' of local government officers engaged in rural development, as well as the women who are noticeably active for economic activities and development projects in their local communities. In order to solve following three impediments: the weakness of participants' compliance of rules, the lack of their willingness and activeness, and the lack of program donors' flexibility, it is necessary and effective for the program donors to get the best out of those key persons. The practice of this task can also realize to bring some positive effects to other participants, local residents, and process quality of the program.The 'Growth Triangle' and the Labor Market of Japanese-Affiliated Enterprises on Batam Island
http://hdl.handle.net/2115/47719
Title: The 'Growth Triangle' and the Labor Market of Japanese-Affiliated Enterprises on Batam Island
Authors: Miyamoto, Kensuke
Abstract: One of my research subjects is to cross-nationally compare the labor markets at the forefront of development in Asia. This paper examines the structure of the labor market on Batam Island, based on the survey data of Japanese-affiliated enterprise. The development of Batam has proceeded very rapidly under the Singapore-centered 'Growth Triangle'concept. The formations of the multi-layered labor markets in this region have shown unique evolutions with interactive regulation between the peculiar geopolitical factors and the market principles that pervade with an impact mainly from foreign direct investments.2011-11-29T15:00:00ZMiyamoto, KensukeOne of my research subjects is to cross-nationally compare the labor markets at the forefront of development in Asia. This paper examines the structure of the labor market on Batam Island, based on the survey data of Japanese-affiliated enterprise. The development of Batam has proceeded very rapidly under the Singapore-centered 'Growth Triangle'concept. The formations of the multi-layered labor markets in this region have shown unique evolutions with interactive regulation between the peculiar geopolitical factors and the market principles that pervade with an impact mainly from foreign direct investments.