Ricardo Bustillo

The influence of trade union bargaining power on EU processing trade

In this paper, we approach empirically the influence of trade union (TU) bargaining power on delocalization strategies by analyzing the determinants of processing trade data as a proxy for delocalization and using an index that measures TU bargaining power as the main explanatory variable. Trade processing data were collected for European countries for the period 1995-2000. In addition to finding that market- and cost-related determinants exert the expected influence on trade processing flows, our results suggest that TU bargaining power had a negative effect on delocalization strategies in the period considered. This result points to the conclusion that deunionization favors delocalization strategies by firms, which is, in fact, the trend observed in most developed countries recently.

Strategies to Enhance Discussion and Cooperative Learning Among Economics and Business Undergraduate Students

Many universities are recently favouring the introduction of active learning elements inside the teaching-learning process. This research presents a joint strategy of intervention aimed at improving students’ class participation and discussion. The suggested active learning instruments’ design has consisted of a selection of different alternatives of practice lectures and seminars, adapted to the characteristics of the destiny group. In relation to the obtained results, practice exercise use has improved students’ grades. Although participation in class and on-line seminars seem to have no influence on learning outcomes, the redesign of the traditional assignment presentation has permitted an increase in discussion among students. An analysis of the satisfaction of students shows a slightly higher preference for the active learning instruments in comparison with traditional chalk-and-talk lectures.