Theme: Development in the Era of Markets
Host: Université Hassan II Mohammedia, Casablanca,Morocco
Submission Deadline: January 1, 2012
www.ismd.org
Conference Co-Chairs:
Sammy K. Bonsu Schulich School of Business York University Toronto, ON, Canada
Pr.Saâd Charif d’Ouazzane President, Université Hassan II Mohammedia Casablanca,Morocco
The world has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades. Advances in technologies and the concomitant increased globalization have encouraged countries to open up more to global business; new forms of political governance are emerging, cultures are becoming less indigenous, etc. One result of this trend of affairs is that the processes and practices of business are adapting to the associated transformation of markets and marketing. For instance, capital markets are now seen as the primary mode for investments mobilization in most developing countries. Indeed, these and other markets are often seen as the dominant forces of influence on development. There, are of course, positive and negative sides to any kind of human advance. Much remains to be uncovered in the broader socio-economic, political, cultural and other arenas that work to define contemporary development in the era of the market. This conference seeks to mobilize diverse perspectives in this regard toward a better understanding of the processes of practices of development in contemporary society. Part of the goal for this conference then is to bring together traditional and emerging thoughts on the new era of markets and its connection to human development in all its forms. In this regard, we encourage papers and sessions on a redefinition of development grounded in contemporary
1understanding of markets and marketing. That is, we seek works that explore the current nature of development and the role that markets and marketing play in it. We recognize that these roles may have changed from what they used to be two decades ago. Even so, we cannot forget the past as we look into the future. Therefore, historical and traditional treatments of marketing and development are also welcome. Some questions that are worth pondering for purposes of the conference are: Who are the beneficiaries of contemporary development efforts? Who are marginalized by these efforts? And what can be done to enhance development benefits and mitigate the negative effects?
Ultimately, the conference seeks to help understand markets, market processes and market institutions (at both micro and macro) and their connections to human development. As with earlier ISMD conferences, we anticipate thinking and investigations that rely on existing models to suggest new avenues for enhancing development around the world. Oh, we might even challenge the essence of the term “development”!
To this end, we are inviting submissions to eleven topical conference tracks described below. Each paper or panel submission should be addressed to only one specific track. Please select the track closest to your submission. For special session proposals or topics that are not captured by the identified tracks, please send proposals to Detlev Zwick (dzwick@schulich.yorku.ca) and Sammy Bonsu (sbonsu@schulich.yorku.ca).
Tracks and Chairs
Track 1: Critical Perspectives of (Post) Development in the Age of Markets Chairs: Alan Bradshaw (Alan.Bradshaw@rhul.ac.uk, Royal Holloway University of London) and Detlev Zwick, York University (DZwick@shulich.yorku.ca)
Of all the 20th century ideas, few have generated the kind of passionate and drawn-out controversy as that of Western ‘development’. Since Arturo Escobar’s book Encountering Development (1995), which made him the iconic face of the post-development movement, many theorists have built upon the monograph’s main ideas and looked at Western development as a pervasive cultural discourse with profound consequences for the production of social reality in the so-called Third World. Critical of the actions of states, markets and international aid organizations, some scholars, including Escobar, have examined possibilities for social change that is led by new and often local social movements and progressive non-governmental organizations. For many critical scholars, however, (post)development studies have reached an impasse. In the final analysis, critical development work is the work of imagining alternatives to the mainstream discourse of Western developmentalism and imagining a role for markets that is not overdetermined by self-interested capitalist states or by neoliberal ideologies of supra-national organizations such as the IMF, the World Bank and others. This track seeks both theoretical and empirical papers that look critically at how markets and marketing (capitalism generally) close down or perhaps open up spaces for alternative paths of development.
Track 2: Financial Markets and Development Chairs: Kenneth Yap (kenneth.yap@uwa.edu.au), University of Western Australia,
In a 2005 report, titled “Financial Market Development”, the Inter-American Development Bank observed that “Well-functioning financial markets are one of the most important determinants for economic development and growth. They enable the reduction of the cost of capital and foster progress and innovation. In addition, globalization has made their role even more important. Relatively underdeveloped financial markets in Latin America and the Caribbean create bottlenecks that impede economic growth as well as the reduction of poverty in the region. Governments, regulators, policymakers and the private sector are becoming increasingly concerned with the urgency of these challenges and are undertaking actions to address
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them.” Similar arguments have been advanced for capital market development in Africa, Asia and elsewhere. Of course, there are several non-traditional financial markets in the formal sector (e.g., micro-financing) and the informal sector (e.g., the ‘susu’ protocol in many African countries) that also play significant roles in socio-economic development. The organization of these markets bring to mind matters of dependency of foreign capital (stock market or even the “kiva.org” model of micro-financing) and ethical investing. There are two sides to every argument. Therefore, this track invites both supporting arguments and critical viewpoints of the roles that traditional and non-traditional financial markets play in development.
Track 3: Politics, Markets and Socio-Economic Development in the Arab Region Chair: Aliakbar Jafari (Aliakbar.Jafari@strath.ac.uk), University of Strathclyde Business School
The recent political uprisings in the Arab world (e.g., Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain) are deeply rooted in people’s yearning for better life conditions and socio-economic justice as well as political reforms and social change. As highlighted by ‘The Economic Freedom of the Arab World Conference 2009’, the lack of synergy between economic liberalization and political reforms has, during the past few decades, deeply institutionalized cronyism and lack of transparency in these countries. Consequently, diverse economic activities and business practices have not only not created equal opportunities for people to participate in and enjoy market developments, but also intensified socio-economic injustice (e.g., unemployment, poverty, and unequal access to marketplace resources). Given the changing political climate in these countries, it is imperative to understand how markets and marketing (as a market making resource) are likely to be affected and affect socio-economic development in these societies. In this track, we invite both theoretical and empirical papers that reflect the changing dynamics in the Arab world and their implications for development
Track 4: China and Global Development in a New World Order Chairs: Aloysius Newenham-Kahindi, Univ. of Saskatchewan, Canada (Newenham-
kahindi@edwards.usask.ca) and Pia Polsa, Hanken School of Economics (polsa@hanken.fi)
China’s increasing role in the global economic and political arena has attracted significant attention. Exports from China, imports to China and Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) have increased at tremendous speeds. For instance, China’s trade with African has increased from 15% to 30% annually. This trend is expected to remain a major future of China’s global business, not only in Africa but around the world. Some argue that China’s success relates in part to the fact that she adopts an approach that is non-traditional (as defined by the Western experience). Given the volume and characteristics of Chinese economic and political involvement in world business and development, it is important to understand socio-economic and other influences on developing countries. We invite empirical, theoretical and critical papers on China’s involvement in global development. Papers in this track can take a Chinese perspective or a perspective from another country that considers China’s role in world business.
Track 5: Markets, Marketing and Development Chair: Sammy Bonsu (sbonsu@schulich.yorku.ca), York University.
In a groundbreaking piece in the Journal of Marketing, Peter Drucker (1958) argued that marketing is the most effective engine of socio-economic development through its ability to rapidly develop entrepreneurs and managers. Several scholars (Chuck Slater and his intellectual progeny, for instance) have since supported this view, outlining practices, processes and specific activities that facilitate these processes. Now there is no doubt at all that marketing and markets have had tremendous impact on socio-economic development around the world. Submissions in this track will contribute conceptually or empirically to the body of knowledge on the nature of the relationship between markets, marketing and socio-economic development. Historical analysis of markets and marketing are also welcome.
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Track 6: Humanitarian Logistics and Development Chairs: Ira Haavisto (ira.haavisto@hanken.fi) and Gyöngyi Kovács (kovacs@hanken.fi), HUMLOG Institute, Hanken School of Economics, Finland
Humanitarian logistics supports the delivery of humanitarian and development aid programs. Such delivery amounts to up to 80% of program costs. Thus a significant community has embraced the topics of logistics and supply chain management in the humanitarian and development contexts as to improve the service to beneficiaries. Renewed preparedness efforts for disaster relief have built on logistical concepts of postponement and speculation as well as framework contracts. But, challenges of climate change adaptation, urbanization and security put a renewed emphasis on long-term thinking, linking humanitarian aid to development. Given these challenges it is important to understand how logistics and supply chain design are going to be affected, and how they will affect development. In this track we invite both conceptual and empirical papers related to humanitarian logistics and supply chain management.
Track 7: Base–of-the-Pyramid Business and the Formation of Markets Chair: Sofia Altafi, (Sofia.Altafi@hhs.se), Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden; Sara Lindeman (sara.lindeman@gmail.com), Hanken School of Economics, Finland
Research on Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP) business has generated hundreds of documented case studies depicting a wide range of innovative business model for serving the impoverished global majority. These cases have provided evidence for alternative and entrepreneurial approached to poverty reduction. Furthermore, much attention has been paid to providing knowledge and guidelines for companies that engage in BoP business. However, this nascent research has need of critical self- reflection, theoretical grounding as well as holistic perspectives. Business models do not operate in isolation, and increasingly it is recognized that BOP business is closely tied with market creation and formation. Different theoretical frames of reference as well as different empirical settings can foster a deeper understanding of how BOP business influences development and market formation. Submissions to this track would be conceptual or empirical papers that reflect the diverse perspectives on the role of BoP business in development and market formation.
Track 8: E-Commerce, Technology and Innovation in Development Contexts
Chair: Janice Denegri-Knott (jdknott@bournemouth.ac.uk) Bournemouth Media School, Bournemouth University
Within the context of developing nations, the adoption and appropriation of new technologies have followed very idiosyncratic and surprising trajectories. Internet penetration in some cities is surprisingly high while the success rate of e-commerce in both B2B and B2C contexts remains low. Latin American urbanites routinely access the Internet without owning computers via rental services available through cafes and mobile booths; previously disconnected and poor Sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians can access a whole range of financial services through their mobile phones. Trajectories are often fuelled by a high dosage of technological determinism, where technology itself is championed as paramount to abridging digital, economic and social divides. Despite the high hopes pinned on new technologies for market and societal development, little is known about the nuanced socio-historic contingencies that ultimately shape what and how technologies are appropriated and used. Similarly the efforts of consumers and local entrepreneurs who are coming up with their own technological solutions to cater for local needs and requirements to date have received little attention. In light of these issues, we invite conceptual and empirical submissions that deal with the conditions that account for the acceptance, adaptation or rejection of e-commerce, ICTs and other innovations in developing contexts.
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Track 9: Sustainable Markets, Consumer Rights and Justice: Chair: Gretchen Larsen (gretchen.larsen@kcl.ac.uk), King’s College London and Nil Ozcaglar- Toulouse (nil.toulouse@univ-lille2.fr), Univesite de Lille 2, Lille, France.
The notion of sustainable business practices promotes a balanced pursuit towards economic performance, social justice and environmental quality that affects all functional areas such as marketing, product development, operations, accounting. A key constituency of sustainable business practices is the consumer, whose rights and interests must be addressed in order to ensure a fully functioning and just marketplace. The right to a healthy and sustainable environment is but one of a number of consumer rights which for the last 50 years have formed an essential element in the formulation of policy to guide the workings of marketplaces. However, the relationship between sustainability, consumer rights and justice remains unchartered territory. Therefore this track invites both theoretical and empirical papers from diverse philosophies, practices, and methodologies to tackle the complexities and intricate nature of this field of inquiry as it relates to matters of development.
Track 10: The Arts and Development
Track Chairs: Finola Kerrigan (Finola.kerrigan@kcl.ac.uk), King’s College London and Hudita Nura Mustafa (ouakam2008@gmail.com).
Art has been viewed both as a facilitator of change and resistance as well as a pacifier of the people in the face of oppression. Many artists are active in social movements, in some cases, leading them into exile or to politician positions. As such, the arts can be seen as central to notions of social and political development. Alongside the internal role of the arts, visual art, music, dance, film and so on can be seen as central tools of communication of cultural and social identity in a globalised society. Finally, we can consider art as a product circulating in the global marketplace. This leads us to think about cross cultural marketing, global market segments and meaning making in a global market context. This track invites papers concerned with all aspects of the arts in the context of development or developing countries. Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
• The marketing of local art to global audiences • Arts as a mirror of developing economies • The role of art in international development • Artists as activists
• Cultural insight from examining the arts • The development of art markets
Track 11: Special Sessions Chairs: Sammy Bonsu (sbonsu@schulich.yorku.ca) and Detlev Zwick (dzwick@schulich.yorku.ca)
We recognize that there is no way we can capture all the issues of markets and development in the ten topics identified. Thus, we encourage your papers and proposals on topics that do not fit these topics. We encourage both orthodox and unorthodox submissions that connect markets, capitalism, entrepreneurship financial markets and business in general to the broader theme of socio-economic development.
Types of Submission
For this conference, ISMD will be accepting three types of submissions – long abstracts, complete papers, and panels proposals (special sessions). As best as possible, your submissions should be defined to fit into one of the ten topical tracks. If you are having difficulty identifying the appropriate track for your submission, please contact the chair for the track closest to your paper’s perspective. As noted, if
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your idea is so radical that it does not fit any of the identified topic areas, please forward your submission to the special session track chairs.
All submissions should be sent to the appropriate track chair(s) as an email attachment in MS WORD FORMAT by November 30, 2011. Papers must follow the JMM citation guidelines. If you have any questions about this call for papers, please contact the Conference Co-Chair, Sammy Bonsu (sbonsu@schulich.yorku.ca).
Publication Opportunity – JMM
Traditionally, ISMD conferences have made great efforts to create publishing opportunities for the best papers presented. The Journal of Macromarketing (JMM) is one of ISMD’s academic sponsors and has had a strong interest in the topic of markets, marketing, and development since its inception in 1981. JMM is considering a special issue based on the papers to be presented at ICMD-12. JMM encourages authors of the best and most relevant papers to submit developed versions of their papers for publication consideration in the Journal. All papers will be subject to the standard reviewing protocol of the Journal.
About ISMD
The International Society for Markets and Development (ISMD) is a non-profit professional association dedicated to advancing research and exchange of ideas relating to how markets and other institutions connect to socio-economic development. Membership in the organization is open to academics, development practitioners, non-profit organization members, and executives from around the world. More than 25 countries are represented within the current membership. Every two years, ISMD organizes the International Conference on Markets and Development (ICMD). The conference series was initiated in 1986. The last conference (ICMD-11) was held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The next conference (ICMD-12) is the one described in this call for papers. Future conference sites are noted on the Society’s website. For more information about the Society, visit www.ismd.org or contact Sammy Bonsu (sbonsu@schulich.yorku.ca).
