Out of Africa
Article Abstract:
French trade with its former colonies in Africa has declined dramatically in the 30 odd years since these colonies gained independence. In 1990, French exports to Africa constituted just 7.4% of total exports, while imports to Africa made up only 5.2% of total imports. The trade figures stand in sharp contrast to the situation in the 1960s when Africa accounted for over 30% of French trade. The decline in Africa's share of French trade is attributable partly to the expansion of French trade with Europe and Asia, but is due mainly to the economic collapse of many African countries, particularly those which were former French colonies. The decline in the significance of French economic ties with Africa is expected to continue in the 1990s as the establishment of the single European market results in the further marginalization of French trade links with Africa.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1992
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Jet set on the rails
Article Abstract:
High speed train service has made rail travel much more attractive to business travellers in Europe compared to airline travel because people can avoid the the hassles of transportation to and from the airport and check-in. Also, the on-time record of rail is much better than planes, which are plagued by delays and are overcrowded. The European railways are paying closer attention to business customers by offering new seating arrangements, conference rooms, and work stations in trains. The French national rail road, SNCF, was the pioneer in improving service to attract business travellers, introducing a high speed line between Paris and Lyons in 1981 which has taken 90% of all traffic in that corridor. Now, the Belgian, Italian, and British rail companies are upgrading service to attract business travellers.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1990
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Meeting mothers halfway
Article Abstract:
A sharp decline in males entering the European workforce will result in the increased recruitment of women and the creation of programs to ease the burdens of working mothers. Employers, anxious to retain women employees, are instituting benefits such as maternity leave; five year career breaks; and workplace nurseries. The trade and industrial sectors are instituting affirmative action programs, recruiting, training, and providing career development support for women who desire to leave the service sector.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1989
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