La presente obra colectiva se enmarca en la investigación denominada: "Límites a la auto nomía de la voluntad en los contratos Wraps". El estudio parte de la necesidad de analizar en el contexto nacional e internacional la aplicación y las regulaciones de las nuevas formas de contratación a través de los portales web: los contratos Wraps. Estas figuras jurídicas se han desarrollado en el Derecho anglosajón, pero su utilidad se ha extendido a todo el globo, gracias al desarrollo de las tic (específicamente, Internet). Estas nuevas formas contractuales han generado beneficios para el desarrollo económico y la circu lación de bienes y servicios y se han consagrado mediante el comercio y la contratación electrónica. Sin embargo, derivado de su aplicación, se han producido diversos debates doctrinarios acerca de los límites que pueden llegar a fijar en relación con la autonomía de la voluntad de los contratantes, toda vez que estos únicamente pueden expresar su consentimiento por medio de mecanismos electrónicos, sin negociación alguna y, en cier tas ocasiones, sin conocer previamente los términos de la contratación. Las legislaciones nacionales no presentan claridad sobre esta temática y la doctrina no ha brindado una respuesta precisa sobre estos fenómenos, que surgen de las nuevas tendencias globali zadas del Derecho. Por tanto, es necesario realizar una investigación que demuestre las inconsistencias legislativas que presenta la normativa colombiana, de forma particular, para realizar una propuesta concreta ante la problemática planteada. Este libro se ha abordado desde cuatro grandes temáticas: 1) teorías del perfeccionamiento de los con tratos Wraps, 2) la protección de los consumidores en las relaciones jurídicas derivadas de los contratos Wraps, 3) los límites a la autonomía de la voluntad en el Reglamento Roma I sobre la ley aplicable a las obligaciones contractuales (especial referencia a los supuestos de contratación electrónica) y 4) los aportes de la solución alternativa de controversias contractuales al desarrollo e interpretación de los contratos Wraps.

Benchmarking has become a key tool in the water industry to promote and achieve performance targets for utilities. The use of this tool for performance improvement through systematic search and adaptation of leading practices, has expanded globally during the past decade. Many ongoing projects worldwide aim to address different needs and objectives, in varying contexts, with outstanding results and impact. Benchmarking Water Services provides valuable information to everyone interested in benchmarking in the water industry. The text is aimed at utilities considering joining a benchmarking project, experienced practitioners in charge of organizing a benchmarking exercise, consultants, regulators and researchers. The document is presented with a clear practice oriented approach and can be used as a how-to-benchmark guide presented from different perspectives (participants, organizers, supervising bodies). Readers will gain practical insight on real life benchmarking practices and will benefit from the experiences gained in some of the leading benchmarking projects of the water industry (including the IWA-WSAA benchmarking efforts, the European Benchmarking Co-operation and the several benchmarking projects carried out in Austria and Central Europe). The manual also presents the new IWA Benchmarking Framework, which aims to harmonize the terms used to describe benchmarking and performance indicators practices in the water industry, guaranteeing a more fluent and efficient communication. This Manual of Best Practice is edited by the IWA Specialist Group on Benchmarking and Performance Assessment, and co-published by AWWA and IWA Publishing. Praise for Benchmarking Water Services: "The continual trend of conceptual to specifics throughout the book provides for an educational experience each time the book is either casually perused or carefully studied." "The authors (Cabrera, Haskins and Fritiz) diligently pursue the focus of improvement." "Benchmarking Water Services is an in depth and practical ‘must have’ guide for any utility currently engaged in or planning to develop a benchmarking process" - Gregory M. Baird (2012) Benchmarking: An International Journal 19:2. More information about the book can be found on the Water Wiki in an article written by the author: http://www.iwawaterwiki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Articles/TheNewIWABenchmarkingFramework A Spanish language version of this book is available as a free eBook: http://www.iwawaterwiki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Articles/eBookTitlesfromIWAPublishingFreetoDownload-Volume2#HBenchmarkingParaServiciosdeAgua

Governments, business, international bodies and local groups are turning to multi-stakeholder processes to find practical ways forward. This book explains how MSPs can be organized to deliver their potential for successful resolution of complex issues and for sustainable development. It includes detailed examples and provides practical checklists, explaining how to get beyond adversarial politics and achieve positive results.

Vacant urban land--the product of land market activity, the actions of private agents, and the policies of public agents--is an important challenge for policy makers. Vacant lots on the urban fringe and in central and interstitial areas have affected growth patterns in Latin America. Contributors to this book analyze the problems and opportunities related to vacant urban land in five cities: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Quito, Ecuador; Lima, Perú; and San Salvador, El Salvador.

An up-to-date, accessible guide for parents of bilingual children.