Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In 2004 the IADB developed the Forest Investment Attractiveness Index – IAIF, which then has been applied in 2006 by the Fundación Getulio Vargas, Brazil for South America and by INCAE for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. There are two main objectives of this paper. In the first part the methodology of the IAIF as developed by the IADB and the most important results for 2006 will be presented. In the second part of this paper, based on the experience of INCAE working with the IAIF methodology for considerable time, the IAIF methodology will be discussed and suggestions for improvements made.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: U.S. news coverage leading up to the invasion of Iraq has been almost universally acknowledged as fundamentally flawed and inaccurate, even by the two most influential dailies in the U.S. What has not been widely conceded, however, are the fundamental flaws in news coverage during the occupation of Iraq. The central question guiding this study focuses on whether or not the propaganda and the indexing models are compatible as tools for a comparative media analysis.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The mass media continue to reinforce stereotypical gender roles. Few studies have conducted content analyses that effectively measure stereotypes in advertising other than using nominal level data. Accordingly, this study was designed to develop a new “Stereotype Index,” measuring at the ordinal level the extent to which an advertisement uses stereotypical images. The index was developed based upon a probability sample of prime-time U.S. television commercials during a sweeps month (November 4-December 1, 2004). The final sample included 845 advertisements and 1,062 central figures. Each advertisement received positive points for the use of stereotypes and negative points for the use of reverse- stereotypes in its content based on the Stereotype Index. The mean of each variable could subsequently be compared directly using parametric statistics rather than traditional chi-square analysis. Differences between nominal (categorical) and ordinal level data were examined. The new Stereotype Index enables researchers to make precise statistical comparisons among studies cross-culturally and longitudinally, something not possible before. Since science often is advanced by detecting and reporting changes in variables, not just static scores, this is an important contribution of the new Stereotype Index.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Efforts to promote academic freedom are hampered by lack of reliable information on the current levels of respect for, and threats to, academic communities. Current efforts largely rely on irregular and often incomplete reports of specific incidents.Incident-reporting alone cannot reliably measure levels across time or cultures and cannot support positive recommendations. More reliable, systematic measures will provide a basis for dialogue and recommendations for policy-makers,administrators and advocates. This paper presents an overview of the pilot study currently underway to assess the feasibility of creating a global index of academic freedom.