Teaching Economics: More Alternatives to Chalk And Talk

Book Description

This fascinating sequel to the 1998 Teaching Economics to Undergraduates provides more alternatives to the lecture and chalkboard approach that dominates university economics teaching. Distinguished contributing authors provide a wide range of innovative teaching techniques and examples aimed at more effectively engaging undergraduates in the learning of economics.

New topics covered in this volume include game theory, using active learning techniques in large classes, a streamlined content agenda for macroeconomic principles, distance learning, and assessment of student learning. Other chapters revisit topics from the first volume, though often from different perspectives or with new approaches provided by different authors. Topics covered in these chapters include cooperative learning techniques, using technology in the classroom (including dozens of websites), bringing the work of the Nobel Laureates into undergraduate classes, and teaching with experimental economics, case studies, or team writing assignments and presentations.

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A Strategic Profile of Guernsey, 2000 edition (Strategic Planning Series)
The Guernsey Research Group , and The Guernsey Research Group
Manufacturer: Icon Group International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0741823055

Book Description

Guernsey has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners. This report puts these executives on the fast track. Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources). Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given.

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Full of Technical Falsehoods

Out of touch

Business Data Communications - Introductory Concepts and Techniques, 2nd Edition
Gary B. Shelly , Thomas J. Cashman , Judy A. Swewatka , and Judy A. Serwatka
Manufacturer: Boyd & Fraser Pub. Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Running Meetings & Presentations | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
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Guide to Networking Essentials

Guide to Telecommunications Technology

A Guide to Designing and Implementing Local And Wide Area Networks, Second Edition

Linux Shell Script Programming

Concepts of Database Management, Fifth Edition

ASIN: 0789542870

Book Description

Part of the highly successful Shelly Cashman Series, text reflects the latest trends in business data communications without excessive detail or overly technical discussions.

Customer Reviews:

Full of Technical Falsehoods.......2005-07-08

I am using this book for a data communications class at a local technical school. This review refers to the Fourth Edition of the book, which is current at the time of this review (7 July 2005).

I agree with the last reviewer who said this book was out-of-date. The book devotes much discussion to hierarchical networks that use mainframes, front-end processors, concentrators, and multiplexors. I consider this to be acceptable since the book is meant for data communications classes and not networking fundamentals classes. Data communications texts should be expected to cover phone systems and evolutions of communications networks, in my opinion. However, the fact that the text discusses these types of networks as though they are the current norm is unacceptable and misleading to new IT students.

In addition, the book has several significant technical and grammatical errors in almost every chapter. Take the following example, which serves as a (false) example of CIDR notation for IP addressing:

"For example, the IP address 186.100.0.0 would appear as 186.100.0.0/20 in the CIDR system. The /20 in this example means that the first 12 bits are used to identify the particular network, leaving the rest of the bits to identify the specific host." (Page 12.12, fifth paragraph)

This example--the only example of CIDR given, and vital to understanding the system--is ABSOLUTELY BACKWARD! The /20 signifies that the first twenty bits of the address are used as the subnet mask, and that the last twelve are used for the host. Fortunately, I have studied for many technical certifications like the CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA and was able to recognize this as I read it. Other students may not be so fortunate.

Here's another example, from the chapter on network security:

"Hackers often try to plant a Trojan Horse (a program that is designed to be hidden on the computer and then start at some predetermined time in the future to do some damage to the computer) or ..." (Page 10.13, second paragraph)

This is also absolutely false. The first part of the definition, that trojan horse programs are hidden, could be considered true, but that they start at a predetermined time in the future, and that they do damage to a computer are both completely false. The widely-accepted definition of a trojan horse is a program that performs a different or an addition function to the one it seems and purports to do. Furthermore, I don't know of a single trojan horse program that does damage to a computer when it executes. Usually, these types of programs open a port and run a daemon on a computer, or perform some other function to leave a security vulnerability. Any damage that results comes after an intruder compromises the system. A "time-bomb" is the common term for a program set to execute at a predetermined time.

This last example seems to me to be far more disturbing: not only is there a technical falsehood (or two) in the statement, it seems that the author(s) sincerely did not know the material. Shelly Cashman publishes a lot of texts for technical schools, and perhaps the authors were too concerned with meeting deadlines or including a comprehensive number of topics, even if they didn't necessarily have experience in these areas. Books from other technical publishers, such as O'REILLY, Deitel & Deitel, and No Starch Press would never consider such errors acceptable. The fact that these errors are still present in the fourth edition is disturbing.

What's more, there is no errata page at the Shelly Cashman website to inform readers of typos or errors in the text. In my opinion, this is absolutely unacceptable for any technical publisher.

Unfortunately, not having a great deal of experience in other areas of the data communications field, like telephony systems and older network architectures, I cannot at present recommend an alternative text, other than one that has a number of good reviews and comes from a more prestigious publisher.

Out of touch.......2000-03-23

This book is a big disappointment. In the rapidly changing field of information technology, it is important to stay somewhat up to date with technology. Although the copyright date is 1997, most of the book has not changed since its first edition (circa 1990?).

This book contains such gems as "Today the ARCNET protocol is widely used in a variety of LANS (Page 7-16)" Ha!

The authors also go into great detail about the wonderous SNA protocol, choices regarding terminals, etc.

TCPIP is listed as a 'Wide Area Networking Protocol' and is not listed under the LAN section.

Some 'recent updates' to the second edition talk about the Internet. The inform the reader about valuable Internet utilities such as Gopher and Archie?

According to this book and a question from the exam pool, Ethernet is used on bus networks only...not star.

This is the worst excuse for a technology book I have ever seen. They should rename it 'History of Data Communications'

Book Description

This book examines sequential coalition formation in oligopolies. Coalitions refer to mergers and acquisitions, cartels, and associations. The principal aim is the prediction and explanation of the coalition structure - whether an industry will emerge as a monopoly, say, or as a collection of sub-coalitions.

In environments where decisions to form coalitions are made sequentially, the prediction and explanation of the equilibrium coalition structure can differ dramatically from the textbook simultaneous-move model. This difference derives from the knowledge effect, which is unique to the sequential-move models.

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Selling in the Comfort Zone: How to grow your business without the rejection and stress of traditional selling
Neil Godin
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425102255

Book Description

If you see yourself in the following scenario, this book is written for you:

You're a business owner or salesperson. You've got to make sales. But you hate to pick up the telephone. You hate imposing. You hate bothering people. You hate rejection. And you feel sick to your stomach when your calls aren't returned. But the clock is ticking and you've got to make calls. So you take a deep breath, grit your teeth, and try again. If only there was another way.

If this describes you, then this one-of-a-kind book could literally change your life. In 279 action-packed pages, Neil Godin will introduce you to "another way"-based on ten alternatives to old-fashioned selling. Alternatives he developed during 22 years of turn-around work with companies in crisis, where sales always have to be doubled or tripled-immediately-at little or no cost. Alternatives that his sales training clients in healthy companies use to boost their sales-quickly, painlessly and inexpensively. Ideas you can use, immediately, to build your business-without leaving your comfort zone.

You will learn: § How (and why) to stop cold calling forever, and exactly what to do instead § How to grow your business painlessly, by turning customers into "sales ambassadors" § How to use free "word of mouse" marketing to bring in brand new customers § How to use newsletters, special events and presentations to attract new customers to you-and end the discomfort of prospecting forever § How to use displays and testimonials-on your premises and on your website-that do your selling for you § How to use systematic add-on selling to increase sales immediately-at zero cost § And so much more!

This book is a must for business owners; business starters; salespeople in every walk of business life; sales and marketing managers; professionals who need to market their services, and fund raisers in not for profit organizations.

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Selling without Stress
Edwin J. Debus , and Ph.D. Edwin J. Debus
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Coy Eklund, Chairman Emeritus of the Equitable, who was Equitable's Chief Agency Office and later Company President during much of Debus' time with that Company, gave this endorsement to this book:

" Ed Debus has the ability to engage and develop sales manpower with unique results. He is superbly knowledgeable in the needs of sales people in addressing the challenge of their profession. Best of all, he has the ability to communicate and inculcate both the attitudes and he actions that make for solid long-term success.

Selling seems never to come easily and in the early years it is sometimes very difficult. But the "Debus Experience" an the "Debus Methods", so ably set forth in this book, are the secrets of his documented sales management success in the development of outstanding sales people. It is a rare blueprint!"

Book Description

It began by accident. In 1969 Harland Stonecipher came face-to-face with the high price of justice when a car accident he was involved in found its way into the courts. Even though the accident was not his fault, the staggering costs of legal protection nearly destroyed him financially. This traumatic experience planted the seeds of a vision that would eventually become Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc., the company that is revolutionizing justice in America by giving average citizens access to top lawyers for as little as $15 a month. Inside, discover the dramatic story of Pre-Paid Legal and its army of enthusiastic associates who together make legal protection not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.

About the Authors

Harland C. Stonecipher is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. He lives in Ada, Oklahoma.

James W. Robinson, the author of the bestselling The Excel Phenomenon and Empire of Freedom, is senior adviser to the United States Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews:

I thought it was a good book when I first read it, but it appears some facts were left out.......2007-04-08

Here is the real story behind Mr. Stonecipher's lawsuit:

[...]

The story is company legend. In 1969, Harland C. Stonecipher, founder of Pre-Paid Legal Services, was involved in a car accident. The driver of the other car survived the crash. But, as Stonecipher later wrote in a corporate memoir, "I faced thousands of dollars in legal costs stemming from an accident in which I was blameless."

The experience gave him the idea to start a business charging customers a monthly fee to cover future legal expenses. Today, Pre-Paid (PPD ) has more than 1.2 million customers paying an average of $21 a month to access its network of lawyers. Revenues of the New York Stock Exchange-traded company topped $300 million last year, and at a recent price of $29, its stock is trading at a healthy 19 times the last 12 months' earnings.

Stonecipher's account of his accident leaves out a few details, however. According to his attorney at the time and copies of the suits obtained by BusinessWeek Online, he was the first to sue in court for injuries. He later settled. Meanwhile, the driver of the other car sued Stonecipher the following year for just a fraction of what Stonecipher had sought for injuries incurred in the accident. A spokesperson for Pre-Paid says only that Stonecipher's recollection of the events are 33 years old.

NUMEROUS CHARGES. A growing number of Pre-Paid's customers and salespeople say they think its sale's pitch is also missing a few details. Pre-Paid laid out $1.5 million in 2001 to settle a series of suits from customers in Alabama who claimed that it overstated the amount of legal coverage it offered. Since then, at least 20 new cases involving 113 former customers and salespeople have been filed in that state.

In March, four former salespeople filed a fraud and breach-of-contract suit in Oklahoma, this time accusing Pre-Paid of operating an "illegal pyramid scheme." On Apr. 19, two other former customers filed suit in Pre-Paid's home state of Oklahoma, alleging breach of contract, negligent hiring, training, and supervision, and other violations of the state's consumer protection act.

Pre-Paid says the suits are without merit and were initiated by attorneys who advertised for plaintiffs. The suits are proof, says one company executive, of the "need for a legal service like ours in this litigious society."

JUST ONE WORD. But the escalating number of cases could become a burden for Pre-Paid, whose stock has more than doubled in the last year. "Members are not given sufficient information to know what they are buying," says Edward E. Angwin, a Birmingham (Ala.) attorney behind many of the suits. "We want them to stop selling the product as it is."

The recurring theme in the litigation is that Pre-Paid's salespeople overstate what its membership contracts cover. In the suits, former salespeople and customers claim that they're told Pre-Paid will cover all of a person's legal needs. Indeed, in a copy of its in-house magazine distributed to salespeople last year, Pre-Paid board member David A. Savula wrote: "All you have to know is the word: Yes. Does our product cover everything? Yes. So if somebody asks does it cover this or does it cover that, we're going to say, 'Yes.'"

However, Savula's article goes on to recommend that salespeople walk prospective customers through the company's brochures, which detail benefits more specifically.

NOT COVERED. A review of sample Pre-Paid contracts shows many limitations. Cases involving bankruptcy, alcohol, drugs, pre-existing conditions, wage garnishment, divorce, annulment, child custody, class actions, hit and runs, driving without a license, civil or criminal charges associated with a business, and commercial vehicles over two axles aren't covered. Nor are any "claim, defense, or legal position which, in the opinion of the Provider Attorney, will not prevail in court." Pre-Paid provides for 60 hours of trial time per year, but pretrial work -- the bulk of most cases -- is limited to 2.5 hours per year in a basic policy.

Pre-Paid provides its service through a network of designated law firms, typically one per state. Customers whose legal work falls in uncovered areas are offered the ability to contract with Pre-Paid's attorneys at a discount of 25% off the hourly rates. Those fees can be high, says Robert Schweikert, a 61-year-old food vendor in Charlotte, N.C. He became a Pre-Paid salesman and customer in March, 2000.

Schweikert says he twice tried to use Pre-Paid's attorneys for services he thought were covered under his membership, once to add a new beneficiary to his will and a second time to incorporate a new business. In each case, Schweikert says, Pre-Paid's representative wanted additional compensation to do the work. In the case of the business document, the fee was twice what Schweikert's regular attorney charged.

RESTATED FINANCIALS. "Everything you do with them costs money," says Schweikert, who is one of the plaintiffs in the first suit seeking class action status in Oklahoma. "The services were not what they were advertised." Pre-Paid says it won't comment on the specifics of any ongoing cases, but it asserts that it more than adequately discloses what it covers and that Schweikert has never complained directly to Pre-Paid about his coverage.

Pre-Paid is no stranger to controversy. It has publicly battled short-sellers -- investors who bet that the stock will fall -- for years. In 1987, Pre-Paid asked the American Stock Exchange to investigate possible manipulation of the stock by short-sellers. In 2001, it changed its accounting methods and restated its financials at the request of the Securities & Exchange Commission. Pre-Paid had been booking commissions advanced to salespeople as an asset rather than expensing them in its earnings.

Pre-Paid ultimately restated three years worth of results, cutting earnings in half and reducing assets by two-thirds for that period. In a letter to shareholders announcing the change, PrePaid's chairman wrote: "We are now required to expense commission advances when paid. Doing so does not change our ultimate profitability; it only changes the timing of reported profits. Even after restating reported results, we were quite profitable in 2001, and we grew."

NO PAIN? Pre-Paid has had some good news in the courtroom. In March, a suit from shareholders regarding the accounting changes was dismissed, in part, because the judge found that "reasonably diligent investors" could have investigated the allegations using public SEC filings.

On Apr. 22, Pre-Paid announced that a record 200,000 new members had signed up for its services in its most recent quarter. Revenues increased 17%, to $82 million, and earnings were up an equal percentage, to $8.8 million. Allen H. Lee, an analyst at Allen Financial Advisors doesn't think the lawsuits will hurt Pre-Paid's finances. "So far, there hasn't been any impact," Lee says. "It has had them before. It's a 30-year-old company."

Pre-Paid may yet triumph over its latest suits, but for a company that aims to solve people's legal troubles, it certainly has attracted a large share of its own.

The facts speak volumes.......2003-09-15

I love the kind of comments from someone like Jason in the January 2003 review! And am grateful for the sites he listed so I could check out the lawsuit he spoke of and get the current information! Once again, blessings and beauty come out of negative situations! How powerful that lawsuit is in dispelling the myths; the false perceptions, and misunderstanding of what PPL is all about!
Prepaid Legal Services, Inc. (inc. in 1976) is one of the top 50 companies traded on the NYSE and is an 'open book' to all. (See their stock: PPD)
Being a PPL associate is everything I have ever hoped and dreamed for in my life: to help and greatly impact the lives of people across America and Canada, and make a nice living doing it - does it get any better than that!?
I urge you to protect your family in what the American Bar Association itself has deemed the 'the BEST way for the majority of Americans to assure themselves of legal assistance when they need it is through a prepaid legal plan...'.

We wouldn't be without our car insurance, or health insurance (yet how often are we in the hospital, or have a car accident, God forbid) yet we have legal/financial situations continually!
God Bless Harland Stonecipher for bringing affordable, accessible legal assistance to everyone - 'with liberty and justice for all'!

www.prepaidlegal.com/info/gailjensen

How true is this story?.......2003-01-17

Buisness Week:
Stonecipher's account of his accident leaves out a few details, however. According to his attorney at the time and copies of the suits obtained by BusinessWeek Online, he was the first to sue in court for injuries. He later settled. Meanwhile, the driver of the other car sued Stonecipher the following year for just a fraction of what Stonecipher had sought for injuries incurred in the accident. A spokesperson for Pre-Paid says only that Stonecipher's recollection of the events are 33 years old.

TheStreet.com:
In his latest IRS battle, Stonecipher is also fighting allegations that he continues to improperly deduct losses for a personal ranch that has already been denied for-profit classification by the IRS. When ruling against Stonecipher two years ago, the IRS said the ranch was never operated like a true business destined for profitability. Specifically, the agency said, Stonecipher failed to keep any formal books or records about the operation...Stonecipher recently settled the prior case related to his cattle ranch deductions. He also stopped claiming losses from coonhound breeding years ago, when his IRS troubles began.

LieffCabraser.com:
Plaintiffs further allege that Pre-Paid Legal Services operates an unlawful pyramid sales scheme. The marketing scheme allegedly depends upon commissions paid for sales of plans and upon the recruitment of other sales associates. For every sale of a plan, the associates are paid an advance commission, a percentage of which goes to those who recruited them. Bonuses are paid based upon recruitment of associates. Plaintiffs allege that defendants generate millions of dollars each year from marketing the "Opportunity," together with the sale of marketing materials, worthless lead lists, and valueless training programs sold as part of the Opportunity.

A Fantastic book to inspire you to catch your dreams.......2002-09-01

This book is a must read for everyone. This is not only the rags to riches story of Mr. Stoneceipher, but the story of those who have joined him in his quest to truly make justice equal to all. This book has been an inspiration to me and my organization. Thank you sir for writing this wonderful book...

The Pre-Paid Legal Story: The Story of One Man, His Company,.......2002-07-30

I enjoyed the book. It is a good thing to see someone follow their vision with a passion and a unique business model.

The Pre-Paid Legal Story: The Story of One Man, His Company, and Its Mission to Provide Affordable Legal Protection for Everyone with Other

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The Pre-Paid Legal Story: The Story of One Man, His Company, and Its Mission to Provide Affordable Legal Protection for Everyone with Other
Harland C. Stonecipher , and James W. Robinson
Manufacturer: Prima Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Legal Services | Law Practice | Law | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This book explores whether foreign direct investment can contribute to the competitiveness of industries in Central Europe and to narrowing the gap between these transition economies and countries within the European Union.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia have attracted substantial FDI since the beginning of their transition to a market economy. Using exhaustive empirical data, the authors demonstrate that foreign investment enterprises in Central Europe have higher allocative efficiency, promote macro- and microeconomic restructuring and foster the restructuring of the manufacturing sector in accordance with the host countries' comparative advantages. The case of Austria is used to demonstrate the possible benefits of FDI. On the other hand, high foreign penetration leads to the concentration of production and exports and makes the economy more vulnerable to external shocks. In addition, there may be unwelcome pressures on economic policy in order to maintain the country's position as a frequented investment target. However, the analysis in this book suggests that, on the whole, economies in transition can become more competitive more rapidly and more profoundly with the help of foreign direct investment.

Book Description

In this book, chapters by leading Mexican economists are matched with reactions from European colleagues. They offer a novel viewpoint on the critical assessment of the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) process, and its implications for the economies of the two continents.

Realigning Interests: Crisis and Credibility in European Monetary Integration (Europe in Transition: The NYU European Studies Series)

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Realigning Interests: Crisis and Credibility in European Monetary Integration (Europe in Transition: The NYU European Studies Series)
Michele Chang
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Comparative | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Economic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Money & Monetary Policy | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1403964386

Book Description

Why do currency crises happen? What conditions set the stage for such a crisis? How severe will it be? When will it happen? This book answers these questions, illustrating the points by examining the exchange rate realignments of the European Monetary System. It also shows how balancing the tension between domestic and international politics plays a vital part in a government's willingness to uphold its exchange rate commitments. The book pays particular attention to the role of domestic elections, since these may prevent governments from credibly committing to a fixed exchange rate and from responding quickly and coherently to market instability, thus encouraging speculation.

Transforming Europe : Europeanization and Domestic Change (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

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Transforming Europe : Europeanization and Domestic Change (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

Manufacturer: Cornell University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

International | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Non-US Legal Systems | Perspectives on Law | Law | Subjects | Books

Federal Government | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0801437938

Unemployment in the New Europe (Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics)

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Unemployment in the New Europe (Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics)

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Labor & Industrial Relations | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Money & Monetary Policy | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Unemployment | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Labor & Industrial Relations | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0521002761

Book Description

The movement for European integration has yielded a European Union of fifteen states with a unified monetary system that will eventually embrace over 370 million people. If current trends continue, an average of one in ten of these people will be unemployed. This book is about unemployment and European unification. It examines the consequences of each and their interconnections. It presents general essays on Europe as a whole, on labor unions and on a variety of case studies including Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. Its central argument is that the European economy should be reformed but that it should retain many of its managed aspects and be wary of modeling itself on the United States. The book contributes to the literature on European politics, political economy, and comparative public policy.

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Regional Economic Integration and the Workings of a Federal System (4th Canada-Germany Symposium Papers)

Manufacturer: Centre for Trade Policy & Law
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

International | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 077090386X

Book Description

This report contains business intelligence information for succesful export-import, business and investment operations, strategic contacts and more... The report also contains selected information on investment and business opportunities, international economic projects, tenders, government projects, as well as, marketing and export-import opportunities information.

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