Rod Cross - Böcker

For 25 years, theory about the causes of, and possible solutions to, the problem of unemployment has been dominated by Phelps' and Friedman's natural rate of unemployment hypothesis. This postulates that the equilibrium rate of unemployment consistent with steady inflation is determined by structural variables: sustainable reductions in unemployment can be achieved only by measures to change underlying microeconomic structures, such as benefit and pay bargaining systems. Belief in the hypothesis has faltered since the 1980s, the hypothesis being unable to explain the dramatic upward shifts in European unemployment rates. These essays reflect upon the fundamental structures underlying the hypothesis, assess the related evidence, and look forwards, suggesting possible modifications. In contrast to the single rate postulated by the natural rate hypothesis, several of the contributors propose that there are ranges of unemployment rates consistent with steady inflation.

A key objective of the Central European Economies (CEE) on their transition path from planned to more market-oriented economies has been membership of the European Union (EU). The start of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999 has added membership of the EMU to the agenda for the CEEs. The task of the so-called Visegrad countries (the Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary and Poland) of preparing for EU and EMU membership is the key theme underlying the papers contained in this volume. There are many issues to be resolved before the Visegrad countries are admitted into the EU, and this volume focuses on the issues relating to macroeconomic policies and financial sector structures. The chapters contain new theoretical and empirical results and also comprehensive institutional overviews.

This book describes the physics of baseball and softball, assuming that the reader has a basic background in both physics and mathematics. The book provides an excellent opportunity to explain physics at a relatively simple level, even though the primary objective is to explain the many subtle features concerning the physics of baseball.

A key objective of the Central European Economies (CEE) on their transition path from planned to more market-oriented economies has been membership of the European Union (EU). The start of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999 has added membership of the EMU to the agenda for the CEEs. The task of the so-called Visègrad countries (the Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary and Poland) of preparing for EU and EMU membership is the key theme underlying the papers contained in this volume. There are many issues to be resolved before the Visègrad countries are admitted into the EU, and this volume focuses on the issues relating to macroeconomic policies and financial sector structures. The chapters of Central Europe Towards Monetary Union: Macroeconomic Underpinnings and Financial Reputation contain new theoretical and empirical results and also comprehensive institutional overviews. The intended readership of the book is policy makers and economists working in the academic and financial sectors.