A New View of Comparative Economics with Economic Applications Card and InfoTrac College Edition

Book Description

A comprehensive reevaluation of the nature of economic systems across the globe, A New View of Comparative Economic Systems is today's choice for today's world. This exciting text is not merely a re-treading of an obsolete Soviet-oriented text, but a fresh, new, and comprehensive reappraisal of the nature and study of economic systems. A New View of Comparative Economic Systems defines a new approach and will set the standard for years to come in Comparative Economic courses.

Customer Reviews:

Good in facts, sympathies are paradoxical.......2006-04-30

This is one of those books - you would expect in the thirties or fourties - that tell you how bad planning is but then suggest that a socialist society is probably great if you live there. The only really annoying part is when facts are down-played, which they are in certain descriptive paragraphs. Describing a centrally planned economy:

"Restrictions on movement and the central determination of wages made the market for labor clumsy and unresponsive, but on the whole workers responded to material incentives just as in the developed market economies."

-- Anyone who has studied Socialist planned economies knows just how untrue that statement is. Material incentives were introduced and constantly re-worked in an attempt to get a response from workers, but largely the material incentives did not work or did not work as planned. Firms could not profit-maximize because they had to fulfill a plan, the plan would be given in "tons" or "square meters" and the incentives were skewed toward fulfilling the plan - sometimes for material reward, other times due to coercion, but in neither case was it an incentive system that lined up in the way it does in a market economy. The phrasing leads one to beleive that the incentive is similar in both systems, but the incentives in a planned economy were a constant struggle and often produced the opposite of the objective (eg incentive to produce less instead of more).

One or two just misleading paragraphs would not bother me. But there are very many:

"Workers performed because of piece rates, bonuses, or the prospect of advancement as well as supervision, just as in the West... Truly coercive systems of labor allocation and job performance are those that rely on slavery, serfdom, indenturement, or peonage."

-- So, the USSR had no gulags, then? Forcing people to work and allocating a job for them at a certain wage, with all consumption products from housing to media to milk to clothing also planned and priced by the government - the one employer - is nothing like serfdom, then?

The wording is clearly trying to convince the reader that the USSR was an improvement on what came before it. Many Russian would disagree and you have to skew the facts and omit facts - keep the discussion at a very high level - to get this viewpoint across.

In case you think I am twisting the words of the writer, he states several times that planning is not that bad, the market is coercive through its "whip of hunger", and "it may be premature to assume that central planning is buried forever", "the widely held belief in the superiority of the market, which may well be called into question in the future." etc etc.

My other complaint is that although it *does* do a nice job of describing many different economic systems - it doesn't go into great detail about all of them, and clearly at least some of the high-level analysis is questionable. Therefore it remains a very introductory text on comparative systems that ought to be taken with a grain of salt.

There is also one absurd thing that the author does - maybe more than one, but here is an example of a ludicrous bias.

There is one very dishonest and obviously biased paragraph in this book. Its so obvious that its bizarre to see it published in a textbook. The book makes the choice to compare two economic freedom rankings. The first is the Heritage Institute's Indices of Economic Freedom. The ranking is described and the table is shown and then the author provides a caveat:
"The six 'freest' nations are all small, with an average population of less than 4 million. ... On the whole it is difficult to draw lessons for the design and conduct of an economic system from the experience of such small states, no matter how rapid their their recent growth experience. It is simply not realistic to assume that Russia or India will undergo sustained growth by adopting the same policies as Hong Kong or Singapore."

Okay. Reading this one may notice that he seems to want to defend more socialistic states, but perhaps he is simply making the observation that if the "freest" countries by this measure are all small and have had recent growth but not long-term growth, then you may not be able to draw any conclusions.

But the table is included and I sincerely hope that no reader falls for that or moves on taking his words at face value. It is completely dishonest. One look at the table shows that his "6 freest" are actuall 6 of 8 - the first three are ranked #1 #2 and #3, then there are 5 ranked #4 that are all equal in score!

Guess which countries came in #4 with a score of 1.8 exactly?

Estonia
Ireland
Luxembourg
Netherlands
United States

Then the next in rank is Australia with a score of 1.85.

So, is it "difficult to draw lessons" from the Unites States - ranked equally to some of those 6 that he mentioned? Is it "simply unrealistic to assume that Russia or India will undergo sustained growth by adopting the same policies as" the United States, ranked equal to some of his 6?

Why pick six? He picked them because they were small, and if the United States ranked *after* them by score, it would make sense, although you might expect him to mention that the US came soon after, if it was close in score. But the US didn't come after, the US tied in score! So did the netherlands which is 19 million, not under 4 million. And then Australia was in fact very close, another larger country.

It would be an outrage if it weren't so idiotic.

Then again, if you are buying it second hand as I did, only two years old and under $10, it is probably worth the buy and worth the read.

A New View of Comparative Economics with Economic Applications Card and InfoTrac College Edition

Average customer rating:

A New View of Comparative Economics with Economic Applications Card and InfoTrac College Edition
David A. Kennett
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MU9Z86

Book Description

Algeria 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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A Comprehensive and Elaborative Guide to Start Business

The Everything Start Your Own Business Book: From the Birth of Your Concept and Your First Deal, All You Need to Get Your Business Off the Ground (Everything Series)
Richard Mintzer
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Entrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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How to Really Start Your Own Business

The Everything Home-Based Business Book: Start And Run Your Own Money-making Venture (Everything: Business and Personal Finance)

ASIN: 1580626505

Book Description

The Everything Start Your Own Business Book, 2nd Edition has everything you need to start your own business-and keep it running in the black. Completely updated and expertly revised by successful businesswoman Judith B. Harrington, this one-stop resource contains new information on:

Online business strategy

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Being your own boss, head cook, and bottle washer isn't easy-one in three new businesses fail the first year. With this straightforward, no-nonsense reference book, you can make sure your business succeeds. Whether you need help formulating a business plan, finding financing, or running the business once it's off the ground, you'll find it all in The Everything Start Your Own Business Book, 2nd Edition.

Customer Reviews:

A Comprehensive and Elaborative Guide to Start Business.......2005-10-18

This book gets down to the basics of elaborating the various pros and cons you will face when doing business in the start. It serves as a good guide to how you will approach and select your own business types. Nevertheless, It is ideal for those who do not have profound business knowledge and skills and yet want to try a business run. It is the indispensable choice for aspiring business rookies and new faces in the corporate sectors.

The factors like costs, marketing strategies, production planning and distribution policies and location are all being discussed in the business perspective for the reader to ponder before commiting to what business suits in the end. In short, it makes business starting seems a breeze with a better picture and foresight in mind.

Book Description

This handbook is a comprehensive guide to the different types of business associations: multi-industry "umbrella" organizations, single-industry trade associations, professional societies, and chambers of commerce. It is written for senior corporate executives and public affairs officers who want to evaluate the effectiveness of trade and business associations to which their companies belong and to optimize the benefits of participation to achieve corporate objectives, especially in the fields of government relations and economic services. It is also intended for association executives concerned about corporate dues cutbacks who want to help their memberships increase the value of association memberships and to better understand the world of associations. Mack maintains that few firms undertake tost-benefit analyses of their association memberships or take the steps necessary to assure that these organizations meet the company's unique special needs as well as the common interests of the membership at large. He therefore focuses particular attention on techniques designed to help members evaluate and intensify their effectiveness and influence within each of their associations while strengthening the association at the same time. He also examines the environment of association operations: association resources and regulation, the inner workings of association management, and future changes. The book begins with a description of associations as interest groups and their growing importance in the formation of public policy. The author describes non-business interest groups, the types and characteristics of business associations, and the historic development of business organizations in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. In Part II, Mack focuses on techniques to evaluate associations and introduces the Effective Membership Process by which individual members can enhance their influence. The third section explains association resources including membership; finance, planning, and budgeting; governance and policymaking; regulation and taxation of associations; and the roles of the staff. Part IV analyzes the nature of national, international, and state and local associations, comparing their similarities and differences. Illustrative profiles of eight widely varying associations are included in this section. Finally, the book offers an analysis of the attitudes of corporate and individual members towards their associations. Based on the conclusions drawn from this analysis, the author sets down a concrete set of recommendations for strengthening the effectiveness of these organizations to meet the new challenges of the rapidly changing business environment and global economy. A detailed appendix describing how to start a new association completes the handbook.

Book Description

Knowledge Management in the Construction Industry: A Socio-Technical Perspective presents a portfolio of concepts, methods, models, and tools supported by real life case studies from various corners of the globe providing insights into the management of knowledge in the construction industry. Untangling the hype from the reality, practical means of implementing knowledge management in the construction industry through various mechanisms and tools are demonstrated. For the practitioner, it provides practical insights and experiences from real life cases, for the researcher and academic, it provides current and state-of-the-art undertakings in this emerging area for the construction industry.

Customer Reviews:

Knowledge Management In The Construction Industry: A Socio-T.......2004-12-02

Knowledge Management In The Construction Industry: A Socio-Technical Perspective presents concepts, applications and case studies on how the construction industry is attempting to understand and then integrate concepts of knowledge management or innovation into their work and strategies. . This reader has seen many definitions. The author has settled on managing experience and insight as the definition that best fits the challenges faced by an industry where from 40 - 70% of the skilled workforce is retiring within the next 15-20 years, and the need to capture their experience and skills is critical.

Dr. Kazi draws from the experiences of many countries;: Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, South Africa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, and the United States of America. Drawing upon these experiences, the book is a fluid mix of practice, research, and foresight in the form of global case studies. Each chapter begins with a learning objectives and ends with practical tips and lessons learned in the chapter.

Built around three main sections: knowledge management in construction practice; learning from experience; and emerging models and solutions; it is a must read for both practitioners and researchers in the construction industry and a should read for others in
the business of managing the intellectual assets of their particular industry.

Average customer rating:
Consumer credit in the Netherlands: Its incidence in the nineteen sixties (Publications of the Netherlands Institute of Bankers and Stockbrokers ; v. 21)
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Countless entrepreneurs and small business owners are already benefitting from the economic revolution of the Internet. Some are looking for greater visibility, while others have taken a bullish stride by selling their products and services online. Though the technical jargon is daunting and the complexity of the Internet can be intimidating, there is no doubt that e-business can be pivotal to building growth and awareness for any business.

The E-Business Book explains what it means to join the e-business revolution and, more importantly, how to do it right. This book spells out in plain language how to create an e-business, step-by-step. Written in a fast-paced style in tandem with an easy-reading layout, The E-Business Book shows entrepreneurs where to start and how to follow through for e-business mastery.

From sizing up the competition and testing an e-business model to staffing and maintaining an e-business, this book guides readers through a twelve-step process that leads to e-commerce success. And for entrepreneurs who have already made the leap to a Web site, The E-Business Book troubleshoots what to do when they aren't achieving profitable results. Here they'll find proven how-to strategies for building a better e-business design to increase their e-business profit-power.

Cutting through the hype, this book doesn't just show readers how to promote their images or sell their products on the Internet -- it also teaches them how to create, maintain, and expand into a profitable e-business.

Customer Reviews:

outdated book.......2007-03-24

The informations in the book is way out dated. The book was published on 2000. Things on online shopping has changed drastically. NOt worth buying it.

How to analyze successes and failures.......2001-07-05

Dayle Smith's The E-Business Book: A Step-By-Step Guide To E-Commerce And Beyond is the ideal "how to" introduction to setting up and conducting an effective, efficient and profitable business on the Internet. Organized into twelve methodical steps, The E-Business Book shows how to analyze the successes and failures of companies in your particular industry; how to investigate the competition (including what information to seek and how to find it); how to develop a solid, comprehensive business plan and then testing it to work out any unforseen problems; how to navigate the constantly evolving legal and security issues respecting Internet transactions; exploring new marketing opportunities that Internet alliances can afford; and building in flexibility and readiness to stay on the cutting edge of Internet innovations and developments. If you are planning an Internet-based venture, or expanding your already existing Internet business activities, then give Dayle Smith's The E-Business Book a very careful, very profitable reading!

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Capital Transfers and Economic Policy: Canada, 1951-1962 (Harvard Economic Studies)
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Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0674094859

Average customer rating:
Capital Transfers and Economic Policy : Canada, 1951-1962 (Harvard Economic Studies)
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Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUBR9G

Book Description

Ultimate investment and business guide for conducting business in the state. Business, investment and export-import opportunities. State economy, government structure, mineral resources, technology, government, political and business contacts and more...

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