Austrian Economics in America: The Migration of a Tradition (Historical Perspectives on Modern Economics)

Book Description

This book examines the development of the ideas of the new Austrian school from its beginnings in Vienna in the 1870s to the present. It focuses primarily on showing how the coherent theme that emerges from the thought of Carl Menger, Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, Ludwig Lachmann, Israel Kirzner and a variety of new younger Austrians is an examination of the implications of time and ignorance (or processes and knowledge) for economic theory.

Customer Reviews:

Helping to Better Understand the World as We Know It.......2004-08-08

My introduction to the Austrian School of Economics came with a chance encounter of a publication from the Institute of Economic Affairs of London. This one monograph helped me to discover more of their particular publications and other similar books and pamphlets at the Laissez Faire Bookshop where one could often overhear at the very least some strenuous debates about economics and politics etc. My real academic introduction came with a paper by Peter Wynarczyck presented at a Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic Conference which drew together some of the historic strands of the school and some of the controversial ideas which it had generated.

I came back to Karen Vaughn's book while preparing another review for Amazon although in a slightly different field and, from the point of view of an educated layman, I have to say that I find this particular volume to be an excellent and succint piece of work but which perhaps at the time of writing requires a new edition.

I do not claim to be au fait with all of the various controversies within the Austrian School but I understand that there are some dogmatic fissures between certain groups some of whom claim that there's alone is the one true faith and who resist criticism especially from outside the academic arena.

My purpose in this brief review is to highlight what I believe is to be one of the best introductions to this particular field that I have read which is generally accessible to anyone with a reasonable grasp of economic and political ideas and who is at least a little sceptical of the current state of neoclassical economic theory. For readers who would like to sample the Austrian tradition without delving into a book of this size I would heartily recommend Stephen Littlechild's 'Fallacy of the Mixed Economy' even though it too is showing it's age.

Austrian Economics in America is a story of a set of ideas who's time has come. The pretentions of economics as science are seen every day while the failures are glossed over. I hasten to add that I am not engaged in a sweeping generalisation against all economics. I certainly believe that it has some usefulness but it appears to me that other than providing a means by which we may view the world there are some serious shortcomings to it's applicability.

Vaughn shows how a different perspective, originating with Carl Menger, can illuminate some of the shortcomings of the science of economics and offer a different and more richer view, but which too has it's attendant problems and issues. She sets out carefully and with the appropriate level of detail, the development of those ideas over a 120 year period and their gradual acceptance, albeit in a limited number of academic centres, in America primarily but increasingly across a post Communist world. She traces out the essential differences between some of the rival camps within the school and suggests links between them and even offers some suggestions to move forward. One of the things that I really like about this book is the openess with which she draws comparisons with other areas in economics which are looking into similar areas of study although from different perspectives and political or ideological viewpoints. In the onclusion particularly she quietly suggests that the implications for future developments in the Austrian tradition may be a lot more radical than the protaganists in the tradition expect.

Reading the book is a pleasant enough task because of the author's prose style but reader's beware of the radical notions which are introduced. As an historical document and summary it really has much to commend it. As a statement of somewhat revolutionary ideas it is a great introduction to some of the mostsignificant academic thinkers of our time who are held in great esteem. My only, very minor reservation is that the contributions of some other pioneers in this field are not included such as the sterling work of Arthur Seldon at the Institute of Economic Affairs in London and for the Atlas Foundation in brining these ideas to a wider and younger audience across the world, but that is a minor quibble.

It certainly works for me at least in helping the reader taker a broader look at economics and motivate one to delve deeper into the treasures of the Austrian tradition. I would urge anyone working for an undergraduate or graduate degree in Economics to broaden their horizons with theis very clear and succinct book.

Past Events, Current Trends.......2000-09-08

The author of this book does an excellent job of explaining the development of Austrian economics in the US. Vaughn illustrates the importance of the Calculation and Capital debates, both in the development of the Austrian paradigm and in the decline of its reputation during the 1930's. Her views on Mises, Kirzner and Rothbard are bound to cause controversy, but she develops her critiques carefully. Vaughn explains Hayek's contributions clearly, and demonstrates the importance of his work on psychology and social theory to the Austrian paradigm. Vaughn also brings her readers up to date by discussing many of the most recent developments in Austrian economics. However, the most important contribution of this book is in her discussions of lesser-known Austrians. Vaughn gives Weiser the credit that he deserves for developing the concept of opportunity cost and for raising the issue of calculation under socialism. Vaughn also explores the ideas of one of the least understood and most mysterious figures in Austrian economics- Ludwig Lachmann. Vaughn's arguments against equilibrium theorizing and for process orientated paradigms are unlikely to bring about an immediate revolution in economic science, but her case is compelling.

Austrian Economics in America: The Migration of a Tradition. (book reviews): An article from: Southern Economic Journal

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Austrian Economics in America: The Migration of a Tradition. (book reviews): An article from: Southern Economic Journal
Roger W. Garrison
Manufacturer: Southern Economic Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Southern Economic Journal, published by Southern Economic Association on July 1, 1995. The length of the article is 1317 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: Austrian Economics in America: The Migration of a Tradition. (book reviews)
Author: Roger W. Garrison
Publication: Southern Economic Journal (Refereed)
Date: July 1, 1995
Publisher: Southern Economic Association
Volume: v62 Issue: n1 Page: p279(3)

Article Type: Book Review

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Raising Rich Kids
Gerald Le Van
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Parents worry that their children will mismanage money or worse, that money will corrupt them. Yet money may be the last taboo topic for family discussion. Few families talk productively about what money means - about what money can buy and what it cannot.

The cost of childhood: when price is no object, raising kids can become an exercise in excess. (Wealthiest Angelenos: Rich Kids).: An article from: Los Angeles Business Journal

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The cost of childhood: when price is no object, raising kids can become an exercise in excess. (Wealthiest Angelenos: Rich Kids).: An article from: Los Angeles Business Journal
Laurence Darmiento
Manufacturer: CBJ, L.P.
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Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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This digital document is an article from Los Angeles Business Journal, published by CBJ, L.P. on May 26, 2003. The length of the article is 2319 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 cost of childhood: when price is no object, raising kids can become an exercise in excess. (Wealthiest Angelenos: Rich Kids).
Author: Laurence Darmiento
Publication: Los Angeles Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 26, 2003
Publisher: CBJ, L.P.
Volume: 25 Issue: 21 Page: 22(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Global expansion is a tricky business for all companies but especially for smaller ones. Now the experts at Business Week have pooled their knowledge to offer a realistic plan for entering your business into the international arena. Written from Business Week's unique perspective, this guide focuses on the pros and cons of global expansion. America's most trusted business weekly shows small and midsized firms how to find foreign profit opportunities... meet the challenges posed by overseas markets... and take advantage of the on-line revolution that has made it easier to do business worldwide. Helpful checklists let readers assess whether their company is ready, willing, and able to make the global move. Questions include: How do we start making money by selling our products, offering our services, or producing goods abroad? How do we handle such factors as language barriers, international banking, and differences in marketing and distribution? By helping readers find solid answers, Preparing Your Business For the Global Economy will light the way to increased profit and global success for growing business everywhere.

Preparing Your Business For The Global Economy

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Preparing Your Business For The Global Economy
Business Week
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OG29EK

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Drawing on Campus Career Center's rich database of students, college administrators, and employers, two of America's leading career experts offer sound advice on how today's college students can best transition from college to career.

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You don't need to become a techno-geek or high-tech Windows wizard to manage your financial affairs on a computer. You've got things to do, places to go, and people to meet. Get on with your life, and get online (and on the money) with Quicken 99 and Quicken 99 For Windows For Dummies by bestselling author, CPA, and all-around money master Stephen Nelson. With Quicken 99, you can do all your banking from the comfort of your home or office. Print all your checks with a few quick clicks of your mouse. Easily keep track of your debit and credit cards, mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. Calculate loan payments and college costs with the Quicken program's handy Planners, and take advantage of this product's powerful, built-in small business features for maintaining payroll, payables, and receivables. From bottom-line basics to serious business, here's the solution to making your finances hassle-free: Quicken 99 For Windows For Dummies.

Customer Reviews:

good book.......2007-02-25

Good information and used it to teach others that were not familiar with Quicken

Customer Reviews:

Yep, it's accurate........2007-01-06

I noticed that a bunch of Amway-ers and MLMers jumped on board real quick-like to rate this book with one star. A friend of ours gave up everything he had, including his college education, family, and friends, to do Amway. Now this young man is disillusioned and penniless, and NOT because he didn't put in tremendous effort. Amway will say it is your own fault if you don't make it.

Their products aren't that whoopy either; just average. Give this book a read and make up your own mind... and by the way, not all of us "right wing Fundamental Christians" buy into this MLM garbage. Most of us most certainly do not.

excellent book.......2006-06-20

Classic expose of an mlm business. Amway undoubted has some good things, and many "nice folks" do Amway. However, the business model is impossible. I read once that only one-third of one percent of all amway distributors make any real money.
The vast majority lose money. The same could be said for any other mlm. I realize that Amway defenders come out in droves to attack a book like this: so, to critics of this book, have YOU made more money than you've spent in Amway? Has anyone in your meeting, other than the bigshot who runs the meeting? Be honest...

It the truth.......2005-10-10

I have not had a chance yet to read this book--I just came across it--but I can tell you, from what I have read so far, it is true. I joined Amway in college. I'm a natural salesperson, and it was easy for me to make money selling the products to a captive audience of desperate dormmates. I sold the products out of the the trunk of my car. It was easy and fun, and I was making about $100 a week on it. My upline was flipping out. I was an unrepenting atheist, a very liberal Democrat, a flagrant feminist, and I refused to recruit new sales people. I just wanted to make extra money while I was in school. The more money I made, the more upset they became. When I refused to buy their right-wing political and religious nonsense, they became incensed. Finally, I was told to either shape up or they would refuse to fill my orders. I quit. They flipped out again. I finally got away from them by going home between semesters. The wing-nuts finally gave up. Stay away from them. They are controlling cultists who can't take NO for answer.

To be honest, I haven't read this book, but..........2005-01-22

I signed up with (was exposed to) amway/quixtar around '94. I've never really pursued it, but have seen other people who have, including my current sponsor who is getting ready to retire and work full time in the business.
First off, on most every tape and seminar I've ever gone to/listened to, I was told time and time again to never lie about whether the business I was talking about was Amway/Quixtar. If someone asked what business you were promoting, you were to tell them. I still have a baseball cap that says Quixtar on it. Kinda goes against the don't tell people about Quixtar.
Second, the "don't say anything negative, hang around anyone negative" statement. Uh, duh. If you read almost ANY self help/self improvement book, they say you are who you hang around. If you want to be successful, then you need to hang around with successful people and avoid negative people. So in this respect, this is just good advice no matter what field you're in. I know if I hang around a friend who's depressed a lot, chances are, I'm going to start feeling depressed too. That's just common sense.
Third, statistics show that a vast majority of people are going to retire poor (this is a low ball figure, but it's over 65%). There's a rule called the 80/20 rule, where 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work, while the remaining 80 percent of the people do the remaining 20 percent of the work. Just from this, is it any wonder why there's a large percentage of people who never accomplish anything in Amway/Quixtar? Until you get past a certain level (I.E. around $5,000 worth of merchandise being moved a month), you are most certainly going to lose money. How is this any different than any other business? If you don't front quite a bit of money for any business venture, you're going to lose money hand over fist.
Forth, the seminars, tapes, books, meetings, etc. are NOT required!!! You might be pressured into going to them/purchasing them, but you don't have to buy them. They are a TOOL. Nothing more. They're designed to do one or more of the following: teach, motivate, or to allow you to see the mindset of the people who are successful in the business. It's called education. You want the info off the teaching tapes to help you build your business, just like McDonalds has Hamburger University. You need the motivational books/tapes to help you through your low spots. You want the books/tapes/seminars for the chance to be around successful people. It's called modeling in NLP.
The whole time I've been exposed to this business (over 10 years), I've met some dishonest people, some liars, etc. That's life and you'll find them in ANY endevor. The majority of people who I've dealt with, however, are moral, honest, and very ethical people. I've tried to develop other business ventures on my own, and I've seen how fast I can lose money if it didn't pan out. By and large, the books that are recommended thru Quixtar/Amway should (and probably are) on any successful person's bookshelf, and after 10+ years of exposure to this company and seeing how the company conducts itself, the way the people conduct themselves overall, the companies that want to associate with them, and a whole list of other things that I don't have room to list, I've decided to actually pursue developing a Quixtar based business. All Quixtar is is a supply company that has a graduated commission schedule that allows you to recruit people under you to help develop your sales force, and BWW is a training company. I've been exposed to quite a few other companies, and I see a lot of similarities with them. I could go on and on, but people with open minds will listen and ask questions of people who are successful in Quixtar, and people with closed minds already have their mind made up because they listened to people who probably didn't apply themselves to the business and want to whine that it doesn't work.

As a final note, keep in mind that Microsoft created something like 1,000 millionaires. Quixtar has created a little over 500 millionaires, and McDonalds has created quite a few also ( I can't find a statistic for it). How many other opportunities offer that? Heck, the one site I found talking about McDonalds states that 240 people sell back their rights to McDonalds because of financial hardship, and these are people that had at least 1 million dollars to start with in order to buy a McDonalds franchise,(you HAVE TO GO to Hamburger U. in order to buy a franchise). With Quixtar, you don't HAVE to buy books,tapes, etc., but they're there if you want them. Just from that, it's cheaper to get into Quixtar, and even tho it's probably harder to succeed in Quixtar, if you can make it past the 1 year mark and you continue to do what the books, tapes, seminars, and your upline teach, you're much more likely to succeed and retire.

EXCELLENT BOOK- A Little Long..........2004-11-21

After being involved in the company in various aspects(growing up around it,IBOs and employment), Steve, writes a fantastic book about the whole "business". Like an archer with amazing skill, he hits the bullseye. He does a through investigation of the "business", from the IBOs extra income (Tapes and tools) to the authoritarian control of the management of the company. All the things he states are true, backed up by facts and hard data. It is hardly a "negative" book for a real rational mind, if an IBO has resisted the brainwashing by their "upline". On first hand experience, after living under the banner or Alticor/Amway/Quixtar for over 30 years, I can agree with Steven and his book. My wish is that every new IBO should read this book first before attempting the "business". It is quite detailed which can be a drawback, but of the essence for skeptics of all types. When are you going to do a follow up book, Steven? Keep up the good work!(PS-The cover art is really dull.)

Book Description

The completely revised and updated "bible"of new product development: The PDMA Handbook of New Product Development, Second Edition.

The PDMA Handbook of New Product Development, Second Edition provides a comprehensive, updated picture of what you as a manager need to know for effective new product development. The book's concise, map-like detail acts as a compass, offering practical information pertaining to every stage of the product development process -- from idea generation to launch to the end of the life cycle.

Whether you're a novice or an expert, this edition is ideal as it provides both fundamentals and reliable information on advanced and emerging concepts such as accelerated product development, new product development globalization and benchmarking, and Web-based concept development.

Customer Reviews:

Second Edition.......2007-04-11

This is the "Bible" for NPD professionals. An excellent addition to the guides by Cooper and Crawford.

PDMA - Handbook for new product development.......2007-01-12

Haven't read from cover to cover, but proving to be an excellent reference. Good examples from industry reinforce key messages. Haven't learnt anything groundbreakingly new, but it has been a good confirmation or fine-tuning reference when needed.

Product Marketing Professionals - BUY THIS BOOK!.......2002-03-14

The PDMA Handbook is one of those rare and valuable books that characterizes a "body of knowledge" for a professional discipline. It was produced by the preeminent industry organization for New Product Development (NPD) professionals, the PDMA .... This text describes current, best practices in NPD and includes contributions from knowledge leaders in academia, consulting, and industry practice. If you are a CEO, COO, CTO, Marketing Manager, Product Manager, Product Planner, Engineering Manager, Project Manager, Program Manager, or any other professional involved in new product development (especially for technically complex products like hardware and software) you really need this book.

Product Managers (should) perform the nitty, gritty, roll-your-sleeves-up: opportunity analysis, business case formulation, and requirements management for new products. Research shows that judicious performance of this critical pre-work is a key determinant in the ultimate market success of new products and is usually performed inadequately. Unfortunately, most professionals in such roles have had no formal training beyond an MBA (sometimes). The PDMA Handbook provides a comprehensive treatment of virtually all the subject areas new product development (business) managers need to understand to drive the success of their endeavors. Want to know the key success factors for new products, understand value proposition, differentiation, features vs. benefits, uniqueness, sustainable competitive advantage, the fuzzy front end, pipeline management, how to plan a new product launch, manage a product portfolio, and more? This is the book you need. The PDMA Handbook is the Gray's Anatomy of product management. Buy it and READ it at least twice.

This book should have been read when it was published!.......2001-08-19

This book seem to be written by persons who really know what NPD (or NPI) really is. All those described mistakes possible to be done is made by me during last five years...this is a good book.

The area of NPD is large. Luckily people in PDMA have come to the right conclution: it is not possible for one person to handle the whole area throughly. Every chapter in this book is written by expert on his/her own area. Unfortunately the maximum size of one book restricts the possible space per one writer to include only the most vital parts into this book.

To whom I can recommend this book? --- To anyone who will to increase his/her own scope of NPD and especially to a person who already have gained some experience on this field and is able to compare his/her own experiece to this book.

Wonderful!.......2000-02-02

I purchased the PDMA Handbook on the strength of a review and have been very glad I did so. After quoting a few passage to my staff they began to borrow it, and now the Handbook has made the rounds of the office. It is worn and dog-eared, and quoted from on a daily basis.

The message of "treating each other with respect and dignity" by author Holahan et al has really struck a chord around here. Many of us believe she must be staunch Christian, one who lives her faith on a daily basis.

The PDMA Handbook has provided guidance in mapping out strategies for new services we hope to bring to market as well as the way our organization is managed. It has changed the way we do business and the way we percieve the world.

Book Description

This second edition presents invaluable information on those companies and organizations that provide services related to the EU. Listing government as well as commercial sources, together with details of funding and useful contact points, this directory is essential for those whose business requires interaction with the EU.

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The Staff Development Handbook: An Action Guide for Managers and Supervisors (Capital Market Series)

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The Staff Development Handbook: An Action Guide for Managers and Supervisors (Capital Market Series)
Peter R. Sheal
Manufacturer: Kogan Page
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The EU Capital Guide
Euroconfidentiel
Manufacturer: Europa Publications Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2930066644

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Adygey Republic Investment & Business Guide (Russian Regional Investment & Business Guides)
USA International Business Publications
Manufacturer: International Business Publications, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0739729500

Book Description

This investment and business guide contains basic information on economy, business & investment climate and opportunities in the region, as well as information on selected export-import, business and investment opportunities, including, export-import, industrial development, banking & finance, government and business contacts. The guide also provides listing and contact information for major industrial, trade, service and other companies in the region, as well as information on selected export-import, business and investment opportunities.

Adygey Republic Regional Investment and Business Guide (World Foreign Policy and Government Library)

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Adygey Republic Regional Investment and Business Guide (World Foreign Policy and Government Library)

Manufacturer: Intl Business Pubns USA
ProductGroup: Book
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ASIN: 0739790501

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