Private Banking in Europe (Routledge International Studies in Money and Banking, 1)

Book Description

Private Banking in Europe provides new insights into the private banking industry, its growth and future, and emerging opportunities for private bankers and their clients. Lynn Bicker debates the importance of global and local service; the potential dichotomy between the wealthy and the successful, and considers the private banking industry. A comparison of key players and their chosen markets and strategies is complemented by an exploration of the growth of intermediaries and unexpected competitiors. The work also includes a study of non-European influences. The final chapter is devoted to private bankers' own view of their industry, their competition and future directions.

Customer Reviews:

Doesn't look like it has much data.......2000-09-04

This book doesn't look like it has much quantitative data, unfortuntely.

Regulation of Trading Systems on Financial Markets

Average customer rating:

Regulation of Trading Systems on Financial Markets
Jean-Baptiste Zufferey
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Subjects | Books

Property | Business | Law | Subjects | Books

Securities | Business | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9041106790

Book Description

Profound changes in the financial markets have caused many lawmakers to modernise their legislation. This work provides a fundamental analysis of the questions raised by the laws ruling trading systems. In doing so, it defines such terms as + stock exchange, + analogous system, + protection of investors, and + protection of the market function and offers answers to questions such as + What trading rules do the financial intermediaries (banks) have to observe? + What objectives should be pursued by lawmakers? + What role is to be left to competition? + What should be left to self-regulation? and + How should problems arising from conflicts of regulation be solved? The authors have synthesised their research results into 28 successive themes. This work takes both a critical and comparative approach, looking in particular at Anglo-Saxon, Continental, and European legislation. Regulation of Trading Systems on Financial Markets provides a comparative analysis of each subject covered, including the advantages and disadvantages that exist in the diverse legal solutions envisaged, as well as the current state of the various controversies in the existing doctrine.

Early birds, late risers, and sleeping beauties: Bank credit growth to the private sector in Central and Eastern Europe and in the Balkans [An article from: Journal of Banking and Finance]

Average customer rating:

Early birds, late risers, and sleeping beauties: Bank credit growth to the private sector in Central and Eastern Europe and in the Balkans [An article from: Journal of Banking and Finance]
C. Cottarelli , G. Dell'Ariccia , and I Vladkova-Hollar
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Elsevier | By Publisher | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000RR2UWW

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Journal of Banking and Finance, published by Elsevier in 2005. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Following a period of privatization and restructuring, commercial banks in Central and Eastern Europe and, more recently, in the Balkans have expanded rapidly their lending to the private sector. This paper studies whether these developments are consistent with a process of convergence and structural financial deepening by estimating an ''equilibrium'' level of the bank-credit-to-GDP ratio. It concluded that while there is no clear evidence that the recent increases in bank credit ratios is inconsistent with financial deepening, policy-makers will have to evaluate carefully its implications for macroeconomic developments and financial stability.

Private-sector credit in Central and Eastern Europe: new (over)shooting stars? (1).: An article from: Comparative Economic Studies

Average customer rating:

Private-sector credit in Central and Eastern Europe: new (over)shooting stars? (1).: An article from: Comparative Economic Studies
Balazs Egert , Peter Backe , and Tina Zumer
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000S6JD2C
Release Date: 2007-06-18

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Comparative Economic Studies, published by Thomson Gale on June 1, 2007. The length of the article is 12610 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the author: JEL Classifications: C31, C33, E44, G21

Citation Details
Title: Private-sector credit in Central and Eastern Europe: new (over)shooting stars? (1).
Author: Balazs Egert
Publication: Comparative Economic Studies (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Page: 201(31)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The stability and growth pact and slow growth in Europe.(THE WORLD ECONOMY): An article from: National Institute Economic Review

Average customer rating:

The stability and growth pact and slow growth in Europe.(THE WORLD ECONOMY): An article from: National Institute Economic Review

Manufacturer: National Institute of Economic and Social Research
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000ALQBZW
Release Date: 2006-07-14

Book Description

This digital document is an article from National Institute Economic Review, published by National Institute of Economic and Social Research on April 1, 2005. The length of the article is 7648 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The stability and growth pact and slow growth in Europe.(THE WORLD ECONOMY)
Publication: National Institute Economic Review (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2005
Publisher: National Institute of Economic and Social Research
Issue: 192 Page: 23(10)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

A windfall for many Irish consumers.(special savings incentive account) : An article from: Market Europe

Average customer rating:

A windfall for many Irish consumers.(special savings incentive account) : An article from: Market Europe

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000GH3N1U
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Market Europe, published by Thomson Gale on June 1, 2006. The length of the article is 661 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A windfall for many Irish consumers.(special savings incentive account)
Publication: Market Europe (Newsletter)
Date: June 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 17 Issue: 6 Page: NA

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Private Banking in Europe (Studies in Banking History)

Average customer rating:

Private Banking in Europe (Studies in Banking History)
Y. Cassis
Manufacturer: Ashgate Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

Banks & Banking | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1859284329

Three and a half billion dollar floating debt of Europe to private creditors in America: The basic cause of bank expansion and "tight money" in the United States, London's position : an article

Average customer rating:

Three and a half billion dollar floating debt of Europe to private creditors in America: The basic cause of bank expansion and "tight money" in the United States, London's position : an article
Benjamin M Anderson
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Banks & Banking | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | International | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

A Strategic Profile of New Caledonia, 2000 edition (Strategic Planning Series)
Average customer rating:
A Strategic Profile of New Caledonia, 2000 edition (Strategic Planning Series)
The New Caledonia Research Group , and The New Caledonia 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: 0741823128

Book Description

New Caledonia 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.

Book Description

This paper examines the consequences of heightened capital mobility and of the integration of developing economies in increasingly globalized markets for the exchange rate regimes of the industrial, developing, and transition economies. It builds upon previous studies by IMF staff on various aspects of the exchange rate arrangements of member countries, consistent with the IMF's role of surveillance over its members' exchange rate policies.

Credit & Collection Letters That Get Results
Average customer rating:

Know the FDCPA before putting letter to use

Found this book to be very helpful.

Very, very basic book

Credit & Collection Letters That Get Results
Harold E. Meyer , and Scott A. Sievert
Manufacturer: Financial Times/Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Business Writing | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Running Meetings & Presentations | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Writing | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Technical | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Collections Made Easy: Fast, Efficient, Proven Techniques to Get Cash from Your Customers

How to Start a Home-Based Collection Agency

An Attorney's Guide to the Collection of Bad Debts

Hard-Core Collections: Brutal But Effective Techniques For Getting The Money

Ultimate Credit and Collections Handbook

ASIN: 0131237047

Customer Reviews:

Know the FDCPA before putting letter to use.......2007-05-18

Most these letter appear to be in violation of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. I did not find it very useful for anyone trying to run an ethical business.

Found this book to be very helpful........2005-02-16

I purchased this book when I was starting my own collection agency and found many great letters here. I mostly used parts of different letters to create my own, but there were alot of great peices to use together. I liked this book so much I purchased it for a friend of mine who was also starting her own collection agency. I would recommend this book to help you create your own debt collection letters. There is quite a bit of good information in this book.

Very, very basic book.......2004-01-08

Upon receipt of this book I was very, very disapointed.

If you are looking for a collection letter book that gives solid, indepth letters that include FDCPA tags and other inportant collection letter information, this is not the book to buy.

The letters are very basic (people with zero experience might find this to be a starting point) and it glosses over many topics. OR does not address them at all. (If you need letters for accounts more than 90 days past due -- there is no help here.)

I will be very wary of what I buy on Amazon based on this experience. If you are doubtful about buying it -- don't!

Hanging tough: want to land that big account, but not sure how to get to the top? climb the ladder to success in 3 simple steps.(SALES SUCCESS): An article from: Entrepreneur
Average customer rating:
Hanging tough: want to land that big account, but not sure how to get to the top? climb the ladder to success in 3 simple steps.(SALES SUCCESS): An article from: Entrepreneur
Barry Farber
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000FC2CA4
Release Date: 2006-04-07

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Entrepreneur, published by Thomson Gale on April 1, 2006. The length of the article is 752 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Hanging tough: want to land that big account, but not sure how to get to the top? climb the ladder to success in 3 simple steps.(SALES SUCCESS)
Author: Barry Farber
Publication: Entrepreneur (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Page: 84(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

Get That Account!
Robert Jack Kravitz
Manufacturer: Altura Solutions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Cleaning, Caretaking & Relocating | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Cleaning Services Bid Estimation: A Resource Guide to Cleaning Services Bid Estimating, Work Loading, and Cost Accounting
Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business
Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Start Your Own )
Construction Cleanup: A Guide to an Exciting & Profitable Cleaning Specialty

ASIN: 096761872X

Book Description

Possibly the only book now available devoted exclusively to marketing a commercial and residential janitorial service. This book describes the techniques that work and those that do not. The book makes marketing fun, helps the janitorial contractor overcome any personal marketing fears that we all have from time to time.

Marketing is probably the most exciting parts of the janitorial business. This book tells how to make it happen.

Bilingual Guide to Business and Professional Correspondence (German-English)
Average customer rating:

Just what I need!

Bilingual Guide to Business and Professional Correspondence (German-English)
Joseph Harvard
Manufacturer: Elsevier Science Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0080176542

Customer Reviews:

Just what I need!.......2004-07-31

This book lists business letters with Italian on one side, and English on the other. The advantage is that the message to potential business partners will be crystal clear, without translation issues. The letters I saw talked about meetings, and shipping of goods. It would be difficult to write these as a beginning speaker. I would buy this book, but no one seems to have one in Italian!

Bilingual Guide to Business and Professional Correspondence, English-German, German-English (Pergamon Oxford Bilingual)

Average customer rating:

Bilingual Guide to Business and Professional Correspondence, English-German, German-English (Pergamon Oxford Bilingual)
Joseph Harvard
Manufacturer: Pergamon Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0080176550

German Business Correspondence Course (Macmillan Multilingual Business Series)

Average customer rating:

German Business Correspondence Course (Macmillan Multilingual Business Series)
Paul Hartley
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Running Meetings & Presentations | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Case Studies | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0333494342

German/English Business Correspondence (Languages for Business)

Average customer rating:

German/English Business Correspondence (Languages for Business)
Paul Hartley
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Book Description

German Business Correspondence is a handy reference and learning text for all who use written German. 80 written communications are simply presented covering memos, letters, faxes and resumes. The situations covered include: * arranging meetings * acknowledging orders * enquiring about products * applying for jobs With full English translations, this text is suitable for both students and professionals and can be used for either reference or class use.

Handbook for Multilingual Business Writing: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian

Average customer rating:

Handbook for Multilingual Business Writing: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian
Paul Hartley , and Derrik Ferney
Manufacturer: Ntc Business Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Writing | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Running Meetings & Presentations | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0844291218

Prentice Hall Series of Bilingual Handbooks of Business Correspondence English/German

Average customer rating:

Prentice Hall Series of Bilingual Handbooks of Business Correspondence English/German
Davies
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0130795674

Average customer rating:

Bilingual Handbook of Business Correspondence and Communication: English/German

Average customer rating:

Bilingual Handbook of Business Correspondence and Communication: English/German

Manufacturer: Prentice Hall Europe (a Pearson Education company)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Business letters in English, Portuguese, German, French, and Spanish =: Cartas comerciais em Inglês, Português, Alemão, Francês, e Espanhol = Geschäftsbriefe ... biblioteca de instrucão profissional)

Average customer rating:

Business letters in English, Portuguese, German, French, and Spanish =: Cartas comerciais em IngleÌ‚s, PortugueÌ‚s, AlemaÌƒo, FranceÌ‚s, e Espanhol = GeschaÌˆftsbriefe ... biblioteca de instrucaÌƒo profissional)
William G. C Kennedy
Manufacturer: Bertrand
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Business Writing | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007JS2A4

Englische kaufmännische übersetzungstexte: Mit deutschen vokabeln und erläuterungen

Average customer rating:

Englische kaufmaÌˆnnische uÌˆbersetzungstexte: Mit deutschen vokabeln und erlaÌˆuterungen
Hilda Th Freyd-Wadham
Manufacturer: Fachverlag Th. Grossmann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007C7482

Amazon.com

Organized in workbook format, this guide helps us figure out where all that time is really going. With "quick starts" (small things you can do right now) and advice from women who successfully juggle families and demanding careers, you'll find suggestions for every situation. An added bonus: it's a quick read.

How to Lose Weight and Gain Money: A Program for Putting Your Life in Order
Average customer rating:

Very Interesting

Mumbo Jumbo

Addresses motivational techniques to shape up

Successfully reversing the downward spiral of weight gain

How to REALLY Lose Weight and Gain Money

How to Lose Weight and Gain Money: A Program for Putting Your Life in Order
Vivien Singer Schapera , and Drew A. Logan
Manufacturer: FourWinds Press, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Weight Loss | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Weight Maintenance | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham

Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 0970980957

Book Description

What do banking and weight loss have in common? They aren't the same thing, but they are related. Just look at the national news to confirm this insight. Newspapers are simultaneously reporting the rise of obesity and the fall of the dollar.

In their paradigm shifting book, How to Lose Weight and Gain Money: A Program for Putting Your Life in Order, Logan and Schapera help you bridge the gap between these two national dilemmas. After providing insight and explanation, they help you through empowering exercises designed to guide and support you through your desired changes. How to Lose Weight and Gain Money: A Program for Putting Your Life in Order teaches you how to integrate the abundance of facts and information available on weight and finances. From Dr. Phil to Dr. Atkins . . . from Suze Orman to Jane Bryant Quinn, How to Lose Weight and Gain Money is the ideal companion to your preferred diet and financial books. You'll find yourself making a psychological leap you never conceived of before reading the book. And, you'll end up on the other side, healthier, happier more in control of your weight and finances than you ever thought possible.

Customer Reviews:

Very Interesting.......2006-10-02

I had never really thought about this concept, putting weight loss with gaining money; they had my attention. Could this really be true? I had to know.
In this work the authors show the relationship between the two; I was shocked that we had never seen this before and I certainly understood where they were coming from. They give exercises to guide you through to a desired change in your life, both physically and financially. Each step is carefully detailed to help the reader and is given in an easy to understand manner, simple to follow and put into action in your life. I have not started the program as yet, but I intend to and I believe that it will improve my life. This is one book that will hold your interest, perhaps make you shake your head at the revelation and could well turn your life around.Interesting!

Mumbo Jumbo.......2006-01-30

I had hoped to find a book with well-reasoned advice. The financial parts are not so bad. The rest is mumbo-jumbo. You are better off looking at one of the many other books on these topics for help. Better yet - put the $10 in the bank.

Addresses motivational techniques to shape up.......2004-06-08

The collaborative effort of teacher, financial consultant and nonprofit organization volunteer Vivien S. Schapera and psychologist/Alexander Teacher and Energy Healer Drew A. Logan, How To Lose Weight And Gain Money: A Program For Putting Your Life In Order is a keenly insightful self-help guide to improving both one's physical health and one's financial balance. Stressing that both weight gain and money loss stem from key root causes - overconsumption, imbalance between what's coming and and going out, loss of control, comfort seeking behaviors, and more - How To Lose Weight And Gain Money addresses motivational techniques to shape up, trim down, and better regulate one's own behavior for an overall happier and healthier life. Highly recommended.

Successfully reversing the downward spiral of weight gain.......2004-06-06

How To Lose Weight And Gain Money: A Program For Putting Your Life In Order is the collaborative effort of psychologist Vivien S. Schapera (a practicing Alexander Teacher and Energy Healer with more than twenty years experience) and Drew A. Logan (freelance teacher, personal financial consultant, and volunteer for non-profit organizations). Schapera and Logan show the reader just how to go about successfully reversing the downward spiral of weight gain and the erosion of financial assets which are an all to common pairing for men and women these days. This unusual compilation addressing money management and weight gain management reveal just how critical both areas are to developing a productive, healthy, balanced life. How To Lose Weight And Gain Money is thoughtful and thought-provoking -- and an invaluable addition to any personal self-help, self-improvement reading list!

How to REALLY Lose Weight and Gain Money.......2004-04-27

First let me tell you that I am an avid reader. I read fiction, non-fiction, self-help, you name it, I read it. Having said that, I will tell you that this is the one book that actually led me to change my life. Working through the journaling exercises and evaluating my programming showed me how much what I eat and what I spend has depended upon subconscious conditioning that I had no idea existed inside my brain! Once the authors lead you through the process of writing your money story and your weight story, they give you practical and innovative insights into how to actually change. And, it works! My entire life has been changed by reading this book and working through the exercises. My relationship with my husband is better. I learned to draw boundaries in my relationship with my children...I know myself better. I feel like a grown-up for the first time in my life, taking responsibility for my financial well-being and my health. Find a friend or friends...buy copies of the book and start your own reading group and support group. It will change your life. I guarantee it.

The Dumbest Moments in Business History: Useless Products, Ruinous Deals, Clueless Bosses, and Other Signs of Unintelligent Life in the Workplace
Average customer rating:

Sad that it is unavailable

Okay...Only Marginally Instructive & Misses the Funny Bone

Who Has 20/20 Hindsight?

Hilarious

The Dumbest Moments in Business History: Useless Products, Ruinous Deals, Clueless Bosses, and Other Signs of Unintelligent Life in the Workplace
Adam Horowitz
Manufacturer: Portfolio Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 159184035X
Release Date: 2004-01-29

Book Description

Business 2.0 magazine publishes an annual cover story called "The 101 Dumbest Moments in Business." Featuring 101 hilarious items about the year's most unbelievably stupid business blunders, it's hugely popular with its more than half a million print subscribers—and with the two million people who read it on the Web this year. In The Dumbest Moments in Business History, the editors of Business 2.0 have compiled the best of their first four annual issues plus great (or not so great, if you happen to be responsible) moments from the past.

From New Coke to the Edsel, from Rosie magazine to Burger King's "Herb the Nerd," the book's highlights include:
• a Romanian car plant whose workers banded together to eliminate the company's debt by donating sperm and giving the proceeds to their employer
• the Heidelberg Electric Belt, a sort of low-voltage jockstrap sold in 1900 to cure impotence, kidney disorders, insomnia, and many other complaints
• the time Beech-Nut sold "100% pure apple juice" that contained nary a drop of apple juice
• the Midas ad campaign featuring an elderly customer ripping open her blouse and showing her "mufflers" to the guys in the shop
• a London videogame maker that sought volunteers who would allow the company to place ads on the headstones of deceased relatives

Grouped by theme—bosses gone bad, criminally creative accounting, etc.—The Dumbest Moments in Business History is a fun and funny look at the big-time ways that big-time companies have screwed up through the decades.

Customer Reviews:

Sad that it is unavailable.......2006-11-10

Unfortunately, I'm being asked to review a product that after 45 days, I was informed it was unavailable.

Okay...Only Marginally Instructive & Misses the Funny Bone.......2004-04-01

Doesn't live up to it's billing. Basically a hodge-podge of anecdotes and quotes, many of them familiar, or even tired, by now. A lot of the anecdotes pertain to criminal scams instead of business blunders. Many of the pieces relate incidents that happened a long time ago...early 20th Century or earlier. If you're expecting to find a good source of useful business lessons learned, you'll likely be disappointed. Also, the authors better not quit their day jobs...they don't show much promise as comedy writers. Most of their attempts at humor are forced and/or fall short...I didn't laugh out loud once as I read the book (and I think I have a pretty good sense of humor). At about 150 pages, with lots of white space, this book does not deliver the value you'd expect based on its current price. If you feel you must read it, at least wait until the paperback comes out or buy it used.

Who Has 20/20 Hindsight?.......2004-02-11

Whether or not these are, in fact, the dumbest may be subject to debate but they will certainly serve the purposes of Horowitz and the editors of Business 2.0 magazine, assisted by Mark Athitakis and Mark Lasswell. (For my own purposes, I will simply refer to them collectively as the book's co-authors.) Throughout nine chapters, they examine "useless products, ruinous deals, clueless bosses, and other signs of unintelligent life in the workplace." The material offers substantial entertainment value ("What on earth were they thinking?") but also provides several legitimate business lessons which, hopefully, will enable an enlightened reader to avoid making the same mistakes. How were these "moments" selected? There were three primary criteria: First of all, nobody gets killed...Second, the stories must have a discernible moment of utter fatuity rather than a slowly festering brainlessness...Third, when some form of business buffoonery is particularly chronic, only the choicest example makes the cut." These are obviously not dumb criteria.

The titles of the nine chapters correctly indicate how the co-authors organized evidence of "unintelligent life in the workplace." It seems eminently appropriate that in Chapter One: Research and Development, they include this familiar observation: "Everything that can be invented has been invented." Charles H. Duell, Federal Office of Patents commissioner, 1899. Subsequent chapters examine Human Resources, Manufacturing and Production, Senior Management, Public Relations, Sales and Marketing, Accounting, Legal, and Information Technology. The usual suspects include New Coke, the Edsel, the Waterworld film, 17th century tulip bulbs, and Charles K. Ponzi. However, there are dozens of other "moments" of which I was previously unaware.

I also appreciate the wealth of quotations, especially when provided by those (such as Mr. Duell) who should have known better. For example, then president and CEO of Digital Equipment Corporation Kenneth Olson at the annual convention of the World Future Society in 1977: "There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home." Years earlier, Thomas Watson, Sr. (then CEO of IBM) estimated that the worldwide market for personal computers was fewer than ten. Presumably those who headed Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) agreed with Watson and Olson. How else to explain their generous provision of information to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak which enabled them to complete the design of what became the Apple I computer?

As I read this entertaining as well as informative book, I recalled the suggestion (but not the source) that Russian historians can predict the past with absolute accuracy and Theodore Roosevelt's comments about "the man in the arena." Also Thomas Edison's response to an assistant's frustration after 90+ "failures" of a research project. Edison did not view them as failures. Rather, he explained, those efforts had merely indicated how NOT to solve the given problem.

For me, at least, the most valuable lessons to be learned are from failures, not successes. Now more than ever before, success in the business world heavily depends upon innovative thinking. Presumably the co-authors agree with me that "useless products, ruinous deals, clueless bosses, and other signs of unintelligent life in the workplace" are probably the inevitable price to be paid for achieving that success.

Hilarious.......2004-02-03

It's about time someone wrote a book like this, exposing the greed and stupidity rampant in American capitalism. It's like Esquire's Dubious Achievements for the business world, and one of the funniest books I have ever read.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books