Diamonds Are Forever, Computers Are Not: Economic and Strategic Management in Computing Markets

Book Description

This is a collection of 43 essays about the economics and management of information technology markets. The first part of the book focuses on events, notable birth dates and longstanding trends. The unifying theme revolves around the role of human economic behavior in the face of uncertainty and confusion. The contributors' intent is to explain, educate and entertain — to go beyond the obvious.

The next part contains writing about the Internet. It discusses the development of the online commercial world, and analyzes the macroeconomic side of the investment boom and bust related to Internet activities. It also focuses on the measurement of economic activity in the digital economy.

In addition, the book deals with how computers get used in organizations and discusses the Microsoft antitrust case. Finally, there are two long essays about economic constraints on strategic behavior in markets where standards and platforms matter.

Customer Reviews:

Economic perspective on technology markets.......2006-10-30

I took Dr. Greenstein's class several years ago at Kellogg when completing my MBA. I had picked up the book as I still find myself going back to some his teachings (even after so many years). The book contains a series of essays written in an easy to understand manner and deliver some very interesting economic perspectives on technology markets. The essays are organized in eight sections:
Part I: Musings
Part II: Observations, fleeting, and otherwise
Part III: Developing the digital world
Part IV: Internet boom and bust
Part V: Prices, productivity, and growth
Part VI: Enterprise Computing
Part VII: Microsoft, from the sublime to the serious
Part VIII: Platforms and Standards

A must read for every technology entrepreneur...

Outstanding Read!.......2004-12-16

Dr. Greenstein has taken on complex issues and provided an entertaining, yet informative analysis of modern markets. This group of essays provide a practical starting point for the analysis of diverse economic systems.

Book Description

In this book, the editors, with 25 notable contributors, expand the knowledge of crisis management, focusing on case studies of high-profile events that have occurred in recent history. Part One of the text aims at theoretical development through empirical case studies and also postulates a crisis typology and charts specific theoretical and administrative challenges. The "case bank," which comprises the bulk of the book, is presented in four additional sections. The first deals with the development of crises and compares the infamous Watts riots with the 1992 L.A. riots. It also analyzes the fragmented and complex international environment that allowed the "safe area" in Bosnia to be overrun by Bosnian Serbs in 1995. The final chapter chronicles the incredible human costs of mismanaged crisis in the Rwanda massacres in 1994. The second section explores the many decisional dilemmas that confront crisis managers. Cases include the fire at the Piper Alpha oil rig;! the 1999 Turkish earthquakes; the Eindhoven, Holland plane crash; and crisis management of the Mad Cow epidemic disease in the U.K. The third section explores the long-term dimensions of crises and crisis management and particularly the development of national traumas such as the assassination of Sweden's Prime Minister Olaf Palme in 1986, the 1992 Amsterdam air crash, and the TWA flight 800 disaster in 1996. The final section shifts focus to future scenarios such as speculative information technology disasters, potentially devastating viral epidemics, deteriorating environmental and societal conditions in Russia, the southwest U.S. coming water shortage, and the outlook for Japan, one of the world's most disaster-prone countries. Summarizing the research findings of the past decade, the authors describe patterns in the paths toward crises, the dilemmas and coping mechanisms that emerge during the thick of crisis, and, very importantly, the pathways that lead away from crisis.

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Climate and Agriculture: An Ecological Survey
Jen-Hu Chang
Manufacturer: Aldine Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000U24SBU

Product Description

Blue hardcover. 304 pages. 2nd printing.

Climate and agriculture;: An ecological survey

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Climate and agriculture;: An ecological survey
Jen-hu Chang
Manufacturer: Aldine Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006BRNTO

Crop ecological survey in West Africa (Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Dahomey, Nigeria)

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Crop ecological survey in West Africa (Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Dahomey, Nigeria)
Juan Papadakis
Manufacturer: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Coastal West Africa | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books

Niger & Nigeria | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007KC72M

Customer Reviews:

Non Fiction.......2007-09-03

Seth Shostak, a noted SETI researcher talks in detail about the development of the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence programs.

He gives an overview of how these programs came about, the problems they have, and a little bit on the politics and financing issues associated with this, as well.

ET Builds a Phone.......2005-09-10

This book was an excellent overview of extraterrestrial intelligence. It covered the likely biological and psychological make up of ETs, where they might be found, what might happen when they are found. It also stepped through a bit of the history behind our fascination with ETs.
The style is warm and inviting, with a great deal of humour, making it an easy book to get through quickly.
I quite enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who want an overview and a look forward.

Engaging and Comprehensive Discussion of SETI.......2004-12-09

Dr. Shostak is an articulate and dynamic writer. He has a unique ability to bring even the most complex subjects down to earth. This thoroughly engaging book has sparked my interest in following this field of astronomy more closely. I am off to the next Dr. Shostak book, "Cosmic Company".

An Insult To All Thinking People!.......2003-07-19

If you're a child (or an adult with an IQ straining to reach 100), this book will be great for you. But if you're an intelligent person truly interested in learning more about the extremely high probability that intelligent life abounds in the universe, you will find this book insulting and demeaning.

The author, Seth Shostak, has no concept whatsoever of who his audience is and constantly talks down to us as though we're imbeciles. It is one thing writing for a general audience with no scientific background (Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan were masters of this) but another thing insulting and belittling his readership with almost every sentence he writes.

For instance, Shostak constantly refers to forms of higher life in the universe as "critters" and other childish terms, and he entitles his chapters with the likes of "Aliens in the Backyard," and "When E.T. Calls." Scientists who believe in advanced civilizations on other planets must bring respect to this subject by treating it in a mature and thoughtful manner. Shostak does precisely the opposite, and his writing is on almost the same intellectual level as a tabloid article citing UFO abductions. Isn't there enough of this low-level writing out there?

With a person of Mr. Shostak's mentality being the key spokesman for SETI, I can now understand why his organization is so widely considered to be on the fringe and merits so little respect. This book is a complete turnoff, written by what appears to be a fifth grader for fifth graders. Avoid it at all costs.

worst book I've ever read........2003-02-02

This is the worst book I have ever read. While I am not a professional astrobiologist, I found this book is better suited for kintergarten class. I could not believe that on practically every single page were inaccuracies and grandious statements that were not backed up with a shred of evidence. I can't believe Frank Drake wrote the forward to this book. IF he read the book, im sure he would have declined.

there are simply too many examples to list here. One will suffice. He claims that any aliens we find must be more advanced that huamans. MUST is strong word. I was disgusted because i could not trust a single thing this guy writes.

absolutely aweful. dont buy it. IF you know anything about astronomy you will find the book ridiculous and if you do not, you will be mislead.

Book Description

This book provides a modern, synthetic overview of interactions between insects and their environments from a physiological perspective that integrates information across a range of approaches and scales. It shows that evolved physiological responses at the individual level are translated into coherent physiological and ecological patterns at larger, even global scales. This is done by examining in detail the ways in which insects obtain resources from the environment, process these resources in various ways, and turn the results into energy which allows them to regulate their internal environment as well as cope with environmental extremes of temperature and water availability. The book demonstrates that physiological responses are not only characterized by substantial temporal variation, but also shows coherent variation across several spatial scales. At the largest, global scale, there appears to be substantial variation associated with the hemisphere in which insects are found. Such variation has profound implications for patterns of biodiversity as well as responses to climate change, and these implications are explicitly discussed. The book provides a novel integration of the understanding gained from broad-scale field studies of many species and the more narrowly focused laboratory investigations of model organisms. In so doing it reflects the growing realization that an integration of mechanistic and large-scale comparative physiology can result in unexpected insights into the diversity of insects.

Customer Reviews:

A Writer's Dream Come True.......2007-07-09

This book was great! It really covers everything from short stories to travel articles and anything in between. The only drawback for me was that the section on Screenplays didn't get too detailed about terms like EXT. and VO, which I know the meanings of, but would need to know when exactly to use them. This books is really a great resource for writers, beginning or published. It inspired me to really examine the world for plot ideas. This book is just ... great. Really, if you're an aspiring writer like me, you HAVE to have this one on your bookshelf.

Great Creative Resource..........2005-12-28

This book is just the book I needed to get my creative juices flowing again. I was in school for a long time and during those years I practically stopped thinking creatively and thought more technical because of the years and years of writing research and position papers. These types of papers didn't require me to think creatively, but to state facts and other scholarly opinions regarding the subject.

So, to help me find my creative side again...I decided to purchase this book. It's very easy to read. Instantly, as I read I had some ideas flowing of a short story that could turn into a novel. The author is able to take you step by step on how to think creatively, as well as, solid approaches to the writing process.

Wonderful book!.......2004-09-09

I learned so much about writing in this book. It has helpful hints and interviews with writers who succeeded getting their works published.

Book Description

This book covers the full cycle of building a service business from concept formation through implementation. The first section of the book - three chapters - focuses on constructing a business strategy. The next section details how to implement that strategy in the design of the service system. Capacity management is an important strategic and tactical issue in many services, and is the subject of the four chapters in the third section of the book. Finally, the last four chapters provide managers tools for everyday operation.

The Restaurant Manager's Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation 4th Edition - With Companion CD-ROM

Average customer rating:

solid handbook
Outstanding book!
2004 Writers Notes Book Award Winner
Superb!!
A solid, no-nonsense, all-encompassing curriculum

The Restaurant Manager's Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation 4th Edition - With Companion CD-ROM
Douglas Robert Brown
Manufacturer: Atlantic Publishing Company (FL)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Training | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0910627975

Product Description

The multiple award-winning Restaurant Manager s Handbook is the best-selling book on running a successful food service. Now in the fourth completely revised edition, nine new chapters detail restaurant layout, new equipment, principles for creating a safer work environment, and new effective techniques to interview, hire, train, and manage employees. We provide a new chapter on tips and IRS regulations as well as guidance for improved management, new methods to increase your bottom line by expanding the restaurant to include on- and off-premise catering operations. We ve added new chapters offering food nutrition guidelines and proper employee training. The Fourth Edition of the Restaurant Manager s Handbook is an invaluable asset to any existing restaurant owner or manager as well as anyone considering a career in restaurant management or ownership. All existing chapters have new and updated information. This includes extensive material on how to prepare a restaurant for a potential sale. There is even an expanded section on franchising. You will find many additional tips to help restaurant owners and managers learn to handle labor and operational expenses, rework menus, earn more from better bar management, and introduce up-scale wines and specialties for profit. You will discover an expanded section on restaurant marketing and promotion plus revised accounting and budgeting tips. This new edition includes photos and information from leading food service manufacturers to enhance the text. This new, comprehensive 800-page book will show you step-by-step how to set up, operate, and manage a financially successful food service operation. The author has taken the risk out of running a restaurant business. Operators in the non-commercial segment as well as caterers and really anyone in the food service industry will rely on this book in everyday operations. Its 28 chapters cover the entire process of a restaurant start-up and ongoing management in an easy-to-understand way, pointing out methods to increase your chances of success and showing how to avoid the many mistakes arising from being uninformed and inexperienced that can doom a restaurateur s start-up. The new companion CD-ROM contains all the forms demonstrated in the book for easy use in a PDF format. While providing detailed instruction and examples, the author leads you through finding a location that will bring success, learning how to draw up a winning business plan, how to buy and sell a restaurant, how to franchise, and how to set up basic cost-control systems. You will have at your fingertips profitable menu planning, sample restaurant floor plans and diagrams, successful kitchen management, equipment layout and planning, food safety, Hazardous and Critical Control Point (HACCP) information, and successful beverage management. Learn how to set up computer systems to save time and money and get brand new IRS tip-reporting requirements, accounting and bookkeeping procedures, auditing, successful budgeting and profit planning development. You will be able to generate high profile public relations and publicity, initiate low cost internal marketing ideas, and low- and no-cost ways to satisfy customers and build sales. You will learn how to keep bringing customers back, how to hire and keep a qualified professional staff, manage and train employees as well as accessing thousands of great tips and useful guidelines. This Restaurant Manager s Handbook covers everything that many consultants charge thousands of dollars to provide. The extensive resource guide details more than 7,000 suppliers to the industry virtually a separate book on its own. This reference book is essential for professionals in the hospitality field as well as newcomers who may be looking for answers to cost-containment and training issues.

Customer Reviews:

solid handbook.......2007-07-19

this is a solid, almost academic, handbook. it's points you toward the things you need to figure out but you'll still need to get additional information on your local regulations. personnaly, it discouraged me from opening a buisness at this time.

Outstanding book!.......2007-03-15

This book is very detailed and to the point. It covers all areas of the restaurant business. Then menu planning section is great. It gives so much foresight.

2004 Writers Notes Book Award Winner.......2005-05-18

The Restaurant Manager's Handbook is a no-nonsense, coverall manual for the food establishment industry. It's the essence of a successful handbook-no jokes, parables, and preachy lectures, just the facts. If you delve into the heal-thy index for fault, you'll abruptly bump into a page number for an answer, and if you're currently running a restaurant and afraid to appear inadequate, you can load the handy CD-ROM and pretend you're checking your e-mail while figur-ing out the monthly audit procedures or why the beer is flat. I'm not kidding. The next time your favorite kitchen runs short of the daily special or closes down for a lack of permit, serve them a copy of this great reference book.

Superb!!.......2003-10-01

The books nineteen chapters cover the entire process of a restaurant start-up and ongoing management.The companion CD rom which contains all the forms is worth the modest price of the book alone. I would highly recomend this book to anyone in the industry now or who wants to get started with sound financial planning. Also the extensive resource guide in the back of the book is superb - we will use this book often.

A solid, no-nonsense, all-encompassing curriculum.......2003-05-16

Now in a completely revised and thoroughly updated third edition, The Restaurant Manager's Handbook: How To Set Up, Operate And Manage A Financially Successful Food Service Operation by Douglas Robert Brown is a solid, no-nonsense, all-encompassing curriculum to teaching oneself the basics of the restaurant business. An exhaustive compendium of step-by-step instructions, advice, checklists, legal issues, as well as encompassing an extensive listing of state restaurant associations (and so much more!) fill the pages of this "must-have" reference for anyone with a serious and dedicated interest in the dynamics of food service oriented small business ownership. A companion CD-ROM with printable versions of all the handy and useful sample forms is included.

Successful Service Operations Management (with Microsoft Project 2003, 120 Day Version, CD-ROM, and InfoTrac )

Average customer rating:

Successful Service Operations Management (with Microsoft Project 2003, 120 Day Version, CD-ROM, and InfoTrac )
Richard D. Metters , Kathryn H. King-Metters , Madeleine Pullman , and Steve Walton
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Customer Service | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Production & Operations | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0324224370

Book Description

Learn the full cycle of building a service business from concept formation through implementation. SUCCESSFUL SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT shows you how. Through numerous examples, clear writing, and multiple study tools, you'll understand how to develop your business strategy and manage your capacities. Brief and easy-to-use, this Operations Management textbook is the one you'll turn to for years to come.

Average customer rating:

Successful Service Operations Management (with Microsoft Project 2003, 120 Day Version, Cd-Rom, And Infotrac)
Kathryn H. King-Metters, Madeleine Pullman, Steve Walton Richard D. Metters
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

From the Atlantic to the Gulf, people -- women, men and children -- are the real wealth and hope of Arab countries. Policies for development and growth in the Arab region must focus on freeing people from deprivation, in all its forms, and expanding their choices. Over the last five decades, remarkable progress has been achieved in advancing human development and reducing poverty. However, much still needs to be done to address the backlog of deprivation and imbalance. Since 1990, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been providing (and Oxford University Press has been publishing) annual Human Development Reports that set out the basic social and economic indicators for the nations of the world. The Arab Human Development Report 2002, published this summer by the UNDP's Regional Bureau of Arab States (RBAS), is the first regional report of its kind. Focusing exclusively on the Arab world, the Report carefully dissects and analyzes the region's strengths and failings and explains why the region has fallen behind so much of the world. Written by a team of elite Arab intellectuals and policymakers, the Report concludes that the Arab world today is a civilization bypassed by global trade, democracy, technology, and by women's rights. Scrutinizing the 22 member states of the Arab League and their 280 million people, the Report argues that the root cause for Arab underdevelopment is threefold - three deficits: a deficit of freedom, a deficit of women's rights, and a deficit of knowledge. The Report probes the causes of these deficits and identifies three areas where Arab institutional structures are hindering performance and crippling human development: governance, women's empowerment, and knowledge.

Book Description

This book provides a thorough knowledge of the nature of the convergence criteria which states must meet in order to qualify for accession to the future Economic and Monetary Union of Europe and comprehensive coverage of both the economic and political rationale of the criteria within the framework of an international political economy approach. Thus, throughout the course of the analysis, three questions in particular are addressed: first, what is the relationship between the economics and politics of the convergence criteria; second, how do domestic and international factors impact upon their future realisation; and third what, overall, is the role of the state. This book gives valuable insights into the Economic and Monetary Union debate.

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