Abstract

A thematic issue is most useful when it brings together various views and perspectives on a subject when there is little agreement on the nature of the problem and / or on its solution. This is done in a variety of ways, including commissioning papers from proponents of major points of views; announcing the thematic issue, inviting papers, and selecting those which meet certain standards, and holding a conference. Each of these has its pros and cons. The conference approach tends to be most costly, but can be also most productive when it is well organized and incorporates the other two approaches. [To view this article, please download the PDF.]