The Importance of and Barriers to Trade in Services in Developing Countries

The provision of services through trade to Developing countries is a topic which takes careful investigation and analysis. When looking casually, it might be seen as a negative to a local economy where “Fly In, Fly Out” workers come and peddle their wares, leaving with a big suitcase of cash at the end.

When the data is examined however, and compared directly with developing economies which restrict such trade in services, the results a clear – a nearly 5 to 1 advantage in economic growth where foreign expertise is sought.

The Cost of Art versus the Cost of Life

Of course, the cost of a human life is priceless. No parent wants to lose a child, no child their parent and so forth.

That said though, what, in real terms, is the cost of a life, and under what circumstances is it worth risking one? Are the wars in the middle east worth the cost of the lives we pour into them?

This study takes a lighthearted look at the cost of human lives in direct opposition to art; using the 2014 movie The Monuments Men as a backdrop we examine whether art is worth life.

Bus Fare Subsidies - a Perfect Policy Window

Governments and Media within democratic societies tell us that the best process of Governance is one where Public Service Agencies, Elected Officials and other interested parties work together to negotiate and enact positive change.

In this study we will examine an instance where that negotiation framework was the core problem, and that once that framework was removed – albeit through the introduction of a benign dictatorship – it created a perfect Policy Window to implement positive reforms.

Bypassing Policy Networks through Strong Government

Policy Networks can provide critical advice and support in decision making practices, but in this study we examine an instance where the network was an effective agent against positive change; where an incoming Government which circumvented these existing networks, through the replacement of existing Public Service heads with newer, energetic leaders and the replacement of a small, untrained group of advisors with industry experts – were able to effect positive change quickly and effectively.