G<sc>iblin</sc> M. and R<sc>yan</sc> P. Tight clusters or loose networks? The critical role of inward foreign direct investment in cluster creation, <italic>Regional Studies</italic>. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of inward foreign direct investment in instigating a clustering process. In particular, the...

The purpose of this paper is to investigate “leading” firms in an industrial cluster to understand how the balance between global and local dimensions of the cluster can be managed. Two cases of industry clusters, the software and medical technology clusters in the west of Ireland, are...

This paper investigates interindustry patterns of youth employment in the United States and six Western European economies. Statistical analysis is conducted on an institutional model that relates youth employment share to two main aspects of national pay structures: the degree of labor-market...

British apprenticeship, now dependent on the Modern Apprenticeship programme, is compared in this paper to both German apprenticeship and its national predecessor, Youth Training. Modern Apprenticeship shares many of the attributes of Youth Training, and shows some improvement in terms of skills...

In this clinical study, we examine the winnerís curse hypothesis that rational agents, in an auction setting, will impute an inverse relation between bids and price uncertainty and between bids and the level of competition. To accomplish same, we avail of a unique data set of 548 successful...

This paper examines the costs borne by financial institutions, merchants, and consumers in making, facilitating and accepting consumer-to-business payments. It examines the resource costs incurred by these sectors, how these have changed since 2006, and how fees and other transfers determine...

Although trainee pay is central to the economics of work-based training, institutionalists have paid it little attention, while economists typically assume that it is set by market clearing. We document large differences in the pay of metalworking apprentices in three countries: relative to the...

The recent change of government brings to an end a sustained attempt to transform British industrial relations by legislative action. This article explores the consequences. It explains the cumulative effect of the legal changes since 1979, including the growing influence of the European...

In 2009, the G20 leaders agreed that all standardised over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives should be cleared through central counterparties (CCPs). Accordingly, an increasing proportion of OTC derivatives are now centrally cleared, particularly where the trading counterparties are large...