Explorations in Economic Methodology: From Lakatos to Empirical Philosophy of Science (Routledge Frontiers of Political Economy, 17)

Book Description

Is methodology fruitless? Intense controversy has resulted from attempts to understand economics through philosophy of science. This collection clarifies and responds to the issues raised, arguing that methodology is an essential activity.

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Roger Backhouse is a key figure in the field of economic methodology and this collection of his essays both clarifies and responds to the issues raised by recent literature that methodology is a fruitless exercise.

The Methodology of Empirical Macroeconomics

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Assuming a normal distribution without any goodness of fit test

The Methodology of Empirical Macroeconomics
Kevin D. Hoover
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Economic Conditions | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0521003210

Book Description

Economic methodology typically focuses on microeconomic theory. The Methodology of Empirical Macroeconomics breaks new ground by focusing instead on the genuine problems that arise for macroeconomists trying to relate theory to data. It demonstrates that with careful attention to actual macroeconomic practice, economic methodology and the philosophy of science help to resolve problems faced by working macroeconomists. Some issues addressed are: the relationship between theoretical models and empirical observations; microfoundations for macroeconomics; the scope and nature of economic laws, the role of idealizations, methodological individualism, and the problem of causality.

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The Methodology of Empirical Macroeconomics stakes out a pragmatic middle-ground between traditional, prescriptive economic methodology and recent descriptive (sociological or rhetorical) methodology. The former is sometimes seen as arrogantly telling economists how to do their work and the latter as irrelevant to their practice. The lectures are built around a case study of a concrete example of macroeconomic analysis. They demonstrate that economic methodology and the philosophy of science offer insights that help to resolve the genuine concerns of macroeconomists. Some examples of questions addressed include: What is the relationship between theoretical models and empirical observations? What is the relevance of macroeconomics to policy? Should macroeconomics be viewed as a special case of microeconomics? What is the place of long-standing philosophical issues in macroeconomics, such as the scope and nature of economic laws, the role of idealizations, methodological individualism, and the problem of causality?

Customer Reviews:

Assuming a normal distribution without any goodness of fit test.......2006-04-12

Hoover's(H)book demonstrates that macroeconomists are simply addicted to presuming in assuming :(a)that the law of large numbers holds,(b)that the central limit theorem holds,(c)that past,present,and future events are independent,(d)that continuity holds,(e)that business cycles are repeated events that are practically identical, and (f)that the normal probability distribution can be used.This entire book needs to be retitled , "Why the normal distribution is the foundation of empirical macroeconomics".It is not surprising that none of the scientific work of B.Mandelbrot appears anywhere in this book,since Hoover would not have written this book if he were at all familiar with any of Mandelbrot's 50+ years worth of studies demonstrating over and over again that the normal distribution,and the entire least squares-multiple regression and correlation approach based on it,leads to incorrect and fallacious answers.Did Pissarides,Granger,or Hoover check their data first for goodness of fit before assuming a normal distribution?.Unfortunately,the answer is NO.This is also the answer to the question,"Did any macroeconometrician do a goodness of fit test in the 20th century before publishing his work?"The only reason for reading this book is to observe the many errors of omission and commission committed by Hoover.

It is interesting that Hoover is an associate editor and book review editor of the economics journal,The Journal of Economic Methodology,which purports to be on the cutting edge of methodological studies in economics in general and econometric methodology as well.In the 13 years that this journal has been in existence,this reviewer has been unable to find a single article that cites any major piece of Mandelbrot's work even once.The various published papers in econometric methodology instead concentrate on the ad hoc work of Granger and Engle,who received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics,for essentially adding more epicycles to the standard multivariate least squares(multivariate normal distribution) approach in a desperate attempt to save an approach that has been massively falsified empirically for over 50 years.Paul Cootner,a major econometrician,had already recognized the implications of Mandelbrot's work for economics in 1963.Paraphrasing Cootner,"If Mandelbrot is correct,then econometrics will have to abandon any type of least squares approach".Mandelbrot is correct.It is not surprising that Hoover has joined the econometricians in their desperate attempt to " modify " econometrics .

Customer Reviews:

This book is not a business leadership book...........2003-11-18

This book is definitely not a business leadership book. I was looking for a book that would help me inspire and motivate employees in the workplace. Its not what I got. Instead this book is essentially a platform for Rabbin to push his very liberal views and "holier than thou" agenda. There are many chapters dedicated to the environmentalist movement (Rabbin bangs on people for destroying the environment, and yet he does so via book printing - what a waste of a tree!). There are many references to the Clinton's, spirituality, oneness withe the world, the evil corporations, etc, etc. This book is simply a liberal biased book shaped in the guise of a business leadership book, in the hopes that he might change the mind of the unwary corporate business person looking for a simple book on how to motivate employees. If you want to read a book on how great the Clintons are, how bad you are for buying a Nike tennis shoe, and how to become a member of the environmentalist movement, buy this book. If you want a practical book on how to motivate employees in the workplace, look somewhere else. I'd be glad to send you my copy of this very shallow book.

Igniting the Soul at Work - a Mandate for Mystics.......2003-01-03

I've been reading Robert's books for many years now. His insight and his passion never cease to amaze me. He writes what we all feel, and he writes from such a deep and honest place that it can only help us to clarify the truth in ourselves as well as the world around us. I truly believe this is a book that the corporate world needs to read, needs to set its standards by. Our lives are so precious and Robert helps us to realize how we can live our lives authentically, spiritually, with humor, and how all of this can transpire in the work place. The stories he shares of his own experiences enlighten us all. His words make me WANT to be better, to live my live in truth. I think this is a book for everyone who wants to live their life in the light of love, passion and truth.

Rob Rabbin is a spokesperson for Silence . . . ........2001-03-17

He writes with passion, is articulate and his words ring with truth. What better way to write about the book, than to share the author's words, from Invisible Leadership.

"We have only this one thing to do, only this one thing: show the face of who we truly are, that we and others may see the brilliance of that true face and know its redemptive love and wisdom. If we want to know how to do this, how to find and show the brilliant face of our inner truth, the answer is this: want to. We must simply want this more than anything else. That is all. Put nothing else in front of this one desire, and your face will burst like a thousand suns upon this newly happy Earth. It is my hope that something in this book - a word, a phrase, a story - will cause your world to stop, your mind to tilt, and your soul to ignite in silence. I believe that the soul, fully aroused and on fire, irreversibly awake, is the greatest power in the world. If we can hear our soul's silence as loudly as the silence of the high desert at night, then we will know exactly how to bring ourselves and the world of our making into accord with reality, and we will do it with wisdom and love."

How to bring spiritual values into the workplace.......1999-01-18

As a non-corporate/executive business type, I found this book a revelation. Here we are treated to a pure dose of spirituality colliding with the highly competitive world of business and bottom lines, and the results are surprising, encouraging and worth contemplating. In "Invisible Leadership" we find there is not only a place for strong spiritual/mystical values in the workplace, but a necessity and a natural extension of the spiritual world that we reserve for our private lives. If the world could be according to the author's view, spirituality would not be compartmentalized and hidden, but fearlessly and powerfully applied to every aspect of living, loving and being.

The author's wisdom and messages are beautifully illustrated with his own experiences as an executive advisor to business leaders and organizations, and those of this his clients and colleagues.

This is a book for anyone seeking a blueprint for integration of spiritual beliefs into the way we approach work, but most importantly for those endowed with the power to lead and affect others in the workplace.

Leadership is awareness........1998-11-17

Imagine a book on leadership that's a page turner! It's a great read. Rob Rabbin's rare insight and uncompromising view looks at life head on and spares nothing. It makes you see things from a fresh new perspective. I couldn't put it down. I loved this book.

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The Essentials of Corporate Communications and Public Relations (Business Literacy for Hr Professionals)
Harvard Business School Press , and Society for Human Resource Management
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Corporate Conversations: A Guide to Crafting Effective and Appropriate Internal Communications

The Essentials of Strategy (Business Literacy for Hr Professionals)

The Essentials of Power, Influence, and Persuasion (Business Literacy for Hr Professionals)

Corporate Communication

Essentials of Project Management (Business Literacy for Hr Professionals)

ASIN: 1591398193

Book Description

When it comes to communicating corporate information, the skills of the messenger can make or break a company's reputation in the eyes of shareholders, employees, and the media. Filled with practices, principles, and case studies, this essential guide helps HR professionals hone their skills at delivering information, managing crises, responding to queries, and more. Today's HR professionals work side by side with senior executives to devise a strategy for their organizations and to marshal the talent and resources to implement it. That means going beyond the traditional HR domain and mastering the fundamentals of all aspects of business and management. The Business Literacy for HR Professionals series, developed in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management, covers essential areas such as negotiation, decision making, change management, finance, and more. These highly practical books help HR professionals achieve their goal to be true strategic partners who bring additional bottom-line value to their organizations.

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Essentials of Corporate Communication
Cees Van Riel
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0415328268

Book Description

This lively and engaging new book addresses a topical and important area of study. Helping readers not only to understand, but also to apply, the most important theoretical notions on identity, identification, reputation and corporate branding, it illustrates how communicating with a company's key audience depends upon all of the company's internal and external communication.

The authors, leading experts in this field, provide students of corporate communication with a research-based tool box to be used for effective corporate communications and creating a positive reputation.

Essentials of Corporate Communication features original examples and vignettes, drawn from a variety of US, European and Asian companies with a proven record of successful corporate communication, thus offering readers best practice examples. Illustrations are drawn from such global companies as Virgin, IKEA, INVE and Lego. Presenting the most up-to-date content available it is a must-read for all those studyingand working in this field.

Essentials of Engineering Economic Analysis

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The Source on Engineering Economic Analysis
Miserable

Essentials of Engineering Economic Analysis
Donald G. Newnan , and Jerome P. Lavelle
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576450287

Book Description

This work includes the first 12 chapters of Engineering Economic Analysis, by Donald G. Newnan and Jerome P. Lavelle, and is designed to cover the fundamental topics of engineering economics. Perfect for classes taught on a quarter schedule, Essentials of Engineering Economic Analysis addresses the basics with a depth appropriate for introductory courses and leaves the choice of optional topics to the instructor's discretion.

Customer Reviews:

The Source on Engineering Economic Analysis.......2006-09-25

This book came highly recommended by an old professor and friend: John Eastman. John taught from this text for 5 or so years and corrected a few of the minor mistakes in the text. Although the problems are dated and it is generally used as a text for civil engineers, it is an outstanding text for comparing options. It begins in the basics, specifically developing in the student an understanding of the graphics. These graphics are an excellent tool to comprehending more advanced concepts of comparisons between options. Later as the text progresses, the author presents methods for handling inflation and depression and other difficult concepts. There are no flashy solutions here. The text is methodical and slow with a great number of problems and examples. As a chemical engineer, I found this to be an excellent text, even for the experienced professional looking for quick answers. You need this text on your shelf because there are few really good textbooks on economics for engineers

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Miserable.......2005-02-22

This book is very difficult to follow. The format makes learning the material extremely difficult and the few examples they give are not very helpful. It is a great struggle to try and grasp the relatively easy concepts the way this book presents these concepts.

Essentials of Corporate Communications a

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Essentials of Corporate Communications a
HBSP
Manufacturer: Harvard Business Sch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K2T34C

Book Description

Management and Organization: A Critical Text reveals a rethinking and reframing of the core issues at the heart of management studies. Keeping practice firmly in mind, this text provides a challenging yet accessible introduction for advanced undergraduate, MBA and specialist Masters students. Management and Organization: A Critical Text: * Offers a thoroughly up-to-date, critical perspective on the inextricably entwined subjects of management and organization * Incorporates cutting-edge research, discussing key contemporary changes such as the rise of the"virtual world" * Features contributions throughout from international scholars, providing unparalleled breadth and depth * Encourages students to engage critically with the subject through myriad case studies and reflective questions * Provides the most comprehensive teaching resource available for lecturers teaching management critically, featuring an extensive supporting website with PowerPoint slides

Organization and Management: A Critical Text

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Organization and Management: A Critical Text
Jim Barry , John Chandler , Heather Clark , Roger Johnston , and David Needle
Manufacturer: Int. Cengage Business Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1861521936

Book Description

Organization and Management: A Critical Text goes beyond the descriptive and managerial accounts of organizational behaviour. It offers a more critical and reflective text which contextualises and criticises conventional wisdom and attempts to re-orient the field by offering alternative approaches to the study of organizational behaviour. The authors take account of historical developments and key issues and ideas in their social, political, economic and global context. Areas examined include labour process issues, gender and other identities, flexibility and globalisation. More recent post-structuralist and post-modern approaches are also explored.

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Buy one (today) for every member of your sales staff

Welke Continues Icon-Busting Selling Ideas

What an eye opener!

The End of Selling...as We Know It: An Executive's Guide to Customer Creation
Larry Welke
Manufacturer: 1st Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Techniques | Sales & Selling | Marketing & Sales | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0759613311

Book Description

In a rapidly changing marketplace, consumers are better educated and have more buying options than ever before. Welke explains how to acquire and keep customers in this new environment.

Customer Reviews:

Buy one (today) for every member of your sales staff.......2001-04-25

The Father of Software Sales has provided a remarkable look into the art of selling. Long before most of the current software users and salespeople were even born, Larry Welke was helping to launch the industry through his directories and magazines.

Now, Welke gives us insight into what drives a user to license a software product or suite, and provides a roadmap for the sellers and buyers to meet for their common good.

If you are in sales or marketing, and enjoyed Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese, you must get this book. It brings home all of the sales issues you have been striving to corral. It's a quick read, yet you'll thank Larry for years ... as have the titans of the software industry.

Welke Continues Icon-Busting Selling Ideas.......2001-04-17

Larry A. Welke's "The End of Selling...As We Know It" continues his 40-plus years of challenging conventional wisdom about the selling and marketing of mostly high-end products. And that is the fun of his new book. If your decision-making in marketing and sales has been on auto-pilot, this book puts the stick back in your hands.

Welke, a 1954 graduate of Marquette University (Economics), went to work for IBM after a short stint with General Electric. IBM, perhaps the greatest marketing machine of the last half of the 20th century, gave Welke lessons both in what to do and, as it faltered in the personal computer business, not to do. Over seven years he became a top salesman by, among other things, courting clients in chauffeur-driven Jaguars, a practice that won business but drove the image-conscious IBM hierarchy nuts.

Welke left IBM and, in 1967, formed his own company, International Computer Programs, Inc., the first software information company anywhere. During his three decades at the helm of ICP, he taught sales training to hundreds of aspiring software salespersons around the world. Early on the challenge was one every new software merchant stumbled over but which Welke relished: How do you persuade businesses that were used to getting their software free -- just thrown in with the hardware they bought -- to start paying serious money for it?

That Welke's seminars and publications had the answer gave him the appellation "Father of the Software Industry" (the independent software industry went from $300 million in sales when he joined it to around a hundred billion today). It also gave him a reputation as a rogue marketer with some compelling ideas, which is why his sales training seminars continue to sell out to this day.

The essential point of "The End of Selling..." is that changes in exposure media -- principally the Internet -- have fundamentally altered the way a sale is done, contact to contract. It altered the way clients first hear about a product, learn more about it, explore its viability in their context, make sales contacts, and even pay for and deliver it. Beyond that it affects the way customers are supported, complaints are handled, products are critiqued, new versions are developed, and hands are held.

The failures of the dot coms, he believes, stems from the inability of the mostly youthful entrepreneurs to merge their new-century automated sites with a little last-century humanity. (Imagine a prospective customer, money in hand, lost in an HTML maze that cannot answer the one question he has that would close the sale for him.)

Welke believes that the Internet and other interactive media will fulfil their promise once entrepreneurs (and established merchants just getting into the new media) forget selling as they once knew it (20th century) and as they think they know it now (21st century), and merge the two into a symbiosis he calls "customer creation."

The best way to think of customer creation is to imagine that the up-close selling of knocking on sequential doors to introduce yourself has been replaced with technology that can introduce you to literally scores of millions more prospects. But having made that introduction, those prospects need to be addressed not in a single rigid manner adopted by the company (a formula Web site), but in the manner in which THEY wish to be individually addressed (and, ultimately, sold). That would include a flexible system of technology-based marketing mixed with an informed support staff of living people who are easily contacted.

There is much more to customer creation that we can outline here, but suffice it to say that Welke has a lot of experience with the concept and a lot of fun sharing it. His decades in sales, marketing and chief executive offices give him a long view too many other authors lack. "The End of Selling..." will take you off auto-pilot and make you think.

What an eye opener!.......2001-04-12

This book makes sense out of the complexities (even chaos) of today's information-rich marketplace. It provides solid recommendations on how to capitalize on the changing roles of buyers and sellers. "The End of Selling..." is a must-read for anyone even associated with selling or customer service.

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