This case study describes an online qualitative research project that used innovative study design, interviewing technologies (multimedia interviewing, mobile research), and voice analysis in an effort to refine public policy for the US presidential campaign of Barack Obama.
The presentation comprises an analysis of Latin Americans' points of view regarding the globalization process. It presents the Latin American mixed feelings towards this process, focusing three dimensions: political, economical and cultural. Based on Voice of the People Survey (year 2006 and 2007), a worldwide systematic poll, It will provide an international and interregional comparison, bringing insights and providing a better understand of Latin America citizens and a guidance for strategic planning as well. Additionally, it offers an original scope of analysis: the impact of globalization in Kid's world using a case study: the TNS Moms and Kids Survey 2007.
Based on empirical trend data about general economic and political attitudes in Hungary, Poland and the former CSFR the paper deals with the problems of establishing stable market democracies in the new East-Central European democracies. The data sources are representative surveys by the GfK-Group conducted between 1990 and 1993. The overall picture is one of widespread and growing disappointment with the course of the transformation process. Disillusionment, political alienation and growing uneasiness stem not only from economic insecurity (fears of unemployment, of deteriorating living standards, etc.), but are also rooted in perceived shortcomings in the political process and the performance of political actors. Using comparative data from traditional (Western) market democracies, one finds a particular lack of confidence in/and identification with intermediate social and political institutions. However, economic insecurity and political alienation have not yet led to a substantial increase in anti-democratic orientations or hostility towards the market economy. Reffering to theories of political legitimacy, experiences of the successful development of other post-authoritarian regimes (e.g. Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy etc.) and taking into account substantial differences between the various East-Central European countries the paper draws attention to the critical interaction between economic expectations, political- cultural orientations and political confidence in the transformation process.
This paper examines the long term potential of the development of consumption of agricultural inputs in East Europe and contrasts that with the potential development in the EC. The input sectors considered are, animal feed, animal health and veterinary products, fertiliser, machinery, agrochemicals and seeds. The time horizon considered is 2000 to 2005 beyond the current and short term turmoil and set-backs. Animal health and agrochemical products are likely to demonstrate the largest shift in balance of relative size of market in favour of the East. In contrast seeds will not change markedly in the balance between East and West. Some greater emphasis of fertiliser towards the East may be expected. Animal feed use will change its balance with a greater relative emphasis on the EC. Input manufacturer strategists also have to take into account farm structure developments and their impact on distribution needs. The pattern of reducing tariffs on trade and increase ad hoc use of non-tariff, technical barriers to trade will be dynamic and difficult to predict in detail. Downstream food chain revitalisation will also play an important role in impeding or encouraging agricultural input use. The conclusion is that resource allocation for long term strategy realisation can be more refined than a pure chance decision and evaluation of the politics and economics is worthwhile.