Social Capital and Political Fantasy - Assignment Example

Social Capital and Political Fantasy INTRODUCTION The workshop started by the Director of BSPR programme welcoming all the participants and he thanked them for attending. He outlined the purpose for the workshop which was to assess the relevance of the policies proposed by the Department of Business, Education and Skills. These were the green jobs for green growth policy, small business bond scheme policy, and apprenticeship for the modern economy policy. Participants were invited to introduce themselves to everybody. Workshop objectives and process: Nick Edwards-facilitator The facilitator introduced himself as one who had gained experience in the research of the implementation of the theories involved in policy making. During the workshop, all participants would bring their own experiences and would learn wider experiences and lessons from others. The workshop objectives were outlined: The chief purpose of the workshop: Enhance the overall ability of the markets to respond, inform and influence policy makers about policy relevant issues and the recommendations of policy change. Justification and background: Dr, Werner BSPR Manager Dr. Werner presented an article about systematic competitiveness done by the scientists of a German Development Institute explaining that industrial competitiveness does not result from a stable macro-economic framework or of entrepreneurship in the micro-level. It is rather the dynamic interaction between state, enterprises and intermediate institutions and the capacity of the society to organise itself. Our nation if it wants to develop competitiveness in this way has to adopt new policies that will reduce costs and increase revenues. Project presentation It was clearly shown that the macro level has to secure stable conditions which guarantee the functioning of the market. This is to be done through prioritising the budget and fiscal policy in maintaining a stable monetary value and a governable budget deficit in the country. However, it was shown that the developing countries have been unable to hit this measure. The trade policy under this macro level was said to have promoted active integration either by general or selective liberalization of imports. The ability of our markets to avoid exchange rates with an anti-export bias was viewed as the tool that facilitated the creation of macro-level conditions thereby increasing industrial exports. Under the micro-level it was founded that the enterprises must manage their technology and organisational structures and innovations. Continuous products and process innovation was said to be as a result of efficient management technology. However, we were taken through a study of the Japan industry which had been done by one of the researchers present had proved the opposite. A new concept was therefore developed which provided that industrial production shall be streamlined in a three-propositional process. The first dimension, organisational innovations and inventions, includes new logistic policies on the level of the single businesses and on the inter-enterprise level as well as reorganization of the quality assurance. The second proposition contains social changes like for example team work, which aspire at the most excellent and probable utilization of the creative potential of the workers. The third dimension required the introduction of green technology which reduces environmental hazards and promotes and creates jobs for the youth as well as promotes economic growth. The competitiveness of young enterprise is strengthened by their addition in the technological networks, in which, together with other developed enterprises and research institutions intercompany- learning-by interaction is achieved. The policy of the small business bond scheme was also discussed, where it was found necessary that such schemes be put into place as they will solve the problem of the small enterprises lack of funds. The policy would give the small businesses easy access to private finances. The introduction of green growth was also an important policy that was discussed. The policy would encourage businesses especially, energy and manufacturing sectors as well as new businesses, and at the same time solve the problem of carbon emissions in the environment. Findings of the interaction between the three levels It was found out that without a stable macroeconomic framework, the formulation of aims of the other levels was not promising. Still, the stability of the macro-level did not suffice for development of competition. Calculated measures in the other system-levels must have been added and negotiated in the new procedures of operation between the social agents in the successful businesses and market as a whole. In view of the new techno-economic theory, which leads to a massive loss of the importance of expense-cost based, competitive advantage, it was argued that developing countries have to adapt to the use of green technology since the problem of environmental hazards is a universal problem. In the course of the workshop, we were divided into groups that demonstrated the working of these levels. It was also done to ultimately show the levels at which social capital is located. It is located at various levels, the individual level, group or society all which represented the micro, meso and macro level interactions. That is, capital belongs to the group and is able to be utilised by the panel or persons within the team. Capital socialization as a community wide notion should be evident at the personal level. This is in contrast to developmentists who argue that capital is not a characteristic of individuals but a background dependent feature of community organization. Social capital and civil society are essentially and collective property of social systems, not a characteristic of individuals (Boggs 2001). The general consensus was that social capital is identifiable from the individual level to the national level as long as there is the identification and belonging. However, digital skills are the most effective way of securing economic stability as proposed by the Big Society Agenda Policy. Conclusion The policies put forward by the department of business education and skills, that is, the green jobs for green growth policy, and the apprenticeship for the modern economy would adjust the labour supply to enable young people, acquire employment. The workshop encouraged investment in the young people in order to create sustainability of our economy and encouraging greater ICT and Green advancements. Reference Boggs, C.2001, ‘social capital and political fantasy: Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone”. Theory and society 30: 281-297. Journal entries 15th April I wake up at 7.00 am and take my breakfast excitedly asI am looking forward to attending my first workshop to be held at the Arch Hall in town. When I get to the hall, everyone is almost there and I quickly join my friends where they are seated. The workshop starts with everyone introducing themselves. It kicks off immediately at a very high note. We learn of the importance of policy making and researchers come to the fore front comparing the countries, enterprises and institutions market framework. I interact with many develop mentalists and researchers. 16th April I arrive at the hall and the workshop starts almost immediately. We are divided into groups that describe the levels in which social capital is located. The researchers and theorists explain to us the market policies and everyone contributes including all students. The workshop is concluded and I go more equipped with the knowledge of decision making and policy making processes with regard to the three levels and how our country and other countries are governed by them. Read More