Reports on a United Nations committee recommendation that the Security Council establish a universal register of arms. Suggests that such a register would limit the destabilizing influence of major arms sales on developing nations. Argues that visibility of arms sales may help reduce their number. (DK)

Second-language learning is becoming essential for employees of companies with international interests. Some companies draw upon internal resources and others choose commercial language schools and cassette-tape programs. (JOW)

As Australian corporations have increased overseas activity, there has been a significant increase in international business degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The curriculum is balanced between business-technical knowledge courses and cultural knowledge courses. (SK)

Using an economic framework, the characteristics of countries in relation to the strength of their intellectual property protection are examined, as well as the relationship between intellectual property protection and U.S. exports to these countries. Findings suggest that country incentives for protecting intellectual property increase as…

Groups differences in American English and British English vocabulary into four categories. Concludes that international business communication teachers and trainers must devote more attention to English as the dominant language of international business, create awareness of important vocabulary differences that have the potential to confound…

Includes six articles that discuss research and statistics relating to the book trade. Topics include prices of U.S. and foreign materials; book title output and average prices; book sales statistics; book exports and imports; book outlets in the U.S. and Canada; and books and other media reviewed. (LRW)

The last decade has witnessed increasing interest in email communication. Research in this area has focused on stylistic conventions, the role of email in the communication patterns of a company and the link between emails and corporate culture. Most of the studies so far published have concentrated on simple, one-way emails. However, evidence…

This article examines the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). There are many WTO Agreements, but TRIPS is likely to have significant implications for areas such as information, education and libraries. The article provides an overview of TRIPS in general. Various intellectual…

This paper looks at the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) as an important part of the international trade law system and explores if and how it affects the steering capacity of a nation state regarding higher education. It offers a new conceptual framework to look on the impact of GATS on higher education within its increasingly…

To compete in a global environment, firms need people with the appropriate international knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA). Undergraduate international business (IB) majors may not be taught the specific KSA that match those business needs. This study surveyed the most active international companies in Minnesota (USA) that had recently hired…

This study explores the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of a U.S.-based transnational education (TNE) program in China. TNE refers to education programs provided by an institution located in another country, and this study focused on higher (tertiary) education. Six questions provided the focus for this study: (1) What are…

In this study, the U.S. arts industry is conceptually defined and measured with respect to statistical size. The contribution and significance of the arts industry to the economy is then assessed within the context of national competitiveness and the emerging knowledge economy. Study findings indicate that the arts industry contributes between 5%…

This report indicates that a proper accounting for the size of the arts industry should be adjusted to incorporate "unmeasured" industry "revenues" stemming from contributions of time and commodities as well as the willingness of the public to pay more in taxes to support the arts. The contributions of the arts industry will be…

Adopted by the 18th Convention of the AFL-CIO, this document contains discussions and resolutions in four areas: economics; international trade and investment; takeovers, mergers, and leveraged buyouts; and employment and training. The discussion on the economic situation focuses on unemployment and the economy, inadequate jobless benefits, jobs…

This paper notes that most Americans believe that Black African firms operate their businesses along European lines. Within America's business community, the study of Black Africa now enters its third decade of benign neglect. Reasons for Americans remaining blind to Black African business principles include ignorance of Africa's complex past,…