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On this page we post the latest Resource Centre news and analysis.
Shakespeare on Military Contracting: Lessons from History About Private Contracting
Gary Sturgess
Journal of International Peace Operations - March 2010
Sir John Falstaff, the popular tragi-comic character from Henry IV, V and The Merry Wives of Windsor , was loosely based on the real figure of John Falstof, a Knight of the Garter and successful military contractor, who spent much of his life fighting for the English crown in France during the Hundred Years War. This article explores how the "rotund fool" of literary legend squares with the historical facts of 15th century military enterprise.
Construction Risk - What Risk?
Robert Bain
Project Finance International - February 2010
The construction phase of PPP infrastructure projects is regarded by analysts and lenders as the most risky which has important implications for project financing. However, in reviewing analysis of cost-overruns in projects around the world, this article suggests that lenders' actual exposure is less than predicted especially when compared to attendant risks associated with traditional means of public procurement. The author also proposes some important considerations for better risk assessment.
The Color of Government
Gary Sturgess
Journal of International Peace Operations - January 2010
From the 1817 opening of London Bridge to Rev. Awdry's legendary Thomas the Tank Engine stories, colour has played an instructive and distinctive role in the history of public service provision. This article reviews the significance of colour throughout this history, and its promise of innovation, choice and diversity. It originally appeared in the Journal of International Peace Operations, January-February 2010.