Global Engagement : How American Companies Really Compete in the Global Economy

Book Description

In Global Engagement, a noted economist and specialist on global multinationals discusses how most investors and policy makers don't understand how U.S. companies operate and compete in the world economy today. Trade and exports are the most popular forms of global engagement, but, as this book makes clear, foreign direct investment and the strategic utilization of foreign affiliates are the primary means by which U.S. firms compete in world markets. Successful U.S. global leaders are "insiders" in various markets around the world and do far more than serve foreign markets via exports. Only through understanding this more accurate "global engagement" will people have a true understanding of the global economy and today's business opportunities.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

Understanding the misunderstandings of trade deficits.......2003-09-15

This book provides an overview of the basic recent history and dynamics of global trade and investment, focussing on the United States. Its primary value lies in understanding the use and misuse of trade deficit statistics - a phenomenon which has plagued the United States since its trade surpluses vanished at the end of the 1970s - which should also make this book a boon to business executives who periodically read of journalistic lanments of the lack of U.S. corporate competitiveness when looking at figures of U.S. trade deficits.

Quinlan points out that there are at least two channels through which a US firm (or a national firm of another country) can sell good and services abroad: either directly trhoguh exports, or through an overseas affiliate, or both. In fact, he spends considerable effort in assembling statistics to show that U.S. multinational affiliate sales are a very significant share of the sales of corporations to consumers in a given nation, say Germany or Australia.

Quinlan ably draws from datasets provided through surveys undertaken by the U.S. Department of Commerce to correct the misleading impression that U.S. trade deficits create among certain commentators. However, such data are not generally available on a worldwide basis for all countries, and until they are available, we may have to content ourselves with what trade statistics do report and signify.

Book Description

The book considers issues relevant to the European Central Bank in refining and communicating its strategy. It offers a historical assessment of the Bundesbank's strategy of monetary targeting conducted from 1974 to 1998. In contrast to several other prominent studies it is argued that money played a flexible but very important role in the conduct of its policy. It also explores the implications of the identified monetary policy regime in the context of various theories of the money supply process.
The empirical analysis conducted in this study is based on a linear state space modelling approach which offers an appealing and direct representation of common stochastic trends. The framework is less restrictive and it is encompassing in that it does not construe the persistent dynamics as being driven by pure random walk components.

Customer Reviews:

Principles & models cut through complexity.......2001-09-19

This book is a light, high-level view of architecture. It doesn't pretend to be a comprehensive "how-to" or highly technical tome. Instead, it breaks down the complexities of developing an architecture into a set of guiding principles and seven discrete steps. Products are not mentioned and technology is subordinated to broad discussions instead of specifics.

It starts with an extremely brief, but informational, description of the characteristics of e-business and some of the challenges and opportunities that set it apart from an architectural requirements standpoint. This is followed with an in-depth discussion of the "essence of architecture" that sets the tone and pace for the rest of the book. I like this because there is a vast difference between a definition, which can be succinctly described, and an essence, which is more a philosophy. The philosophy given by the author is sensible and lays the foundation for the principles and seven steps of defining the architecture that follow in later chapters. Especially valuable is way architecture is broken down into views: component, design, blueprint and framework. Also included in the essence section are two chapters, one addressing object-oriented methods and the other on project scope. Each contained a wealth of information and some sound points of view and advice. Regardless of your knowledge or experience I recommend reading through these two chapters because of the fresh ideas that pop up throughout them. It forced me to see things in ways that I do not normally observe.

The seven-step solution building process encompasses the eight chapters of Part II. The first chapter, introduction, gives guiding principles and these are worth printing on a large poster and memorizing. The process itself is (1) business modeling, (2) IS modeling, (3) Current IS analysis, (4) IS architectural planning, (5) implementation planning, (6) deployment and (7) review. In one respect there is nothing new or unique about this process, but the value in reading through each of the chapters is how clearly the approach is described and how the supporting information is developed. The writing here (and illustrations) exemplify clarity. I gained a lot, too, from the many lists and tables.

Part III is titled "Let's Get Practical" and is where the author ties together loose ends by addressing the use of consultants, methodologies (good and bad) and reuse. There is a lot of wisdom and advice here as in the rest of the book - much of it delivered with humor and always with good sense.

Overall, this is an excellent book. It's well written, filled with information and puts you in the right frame of mind to tackle architecture in a methodical manner. What it does not do is provide technical details or espouse any particular product or technology - there are other books for that.

Sound principles, successful approach and common sense.......2001-09-18

This slim, 288-page book addresses architecture as a set of principles and a seven-step approach. It's filled with common sense, and will provide you with the big picture and high-level steps that will place architecture into a coherent context.

First, the principles and approach really are aligned to e-business although they can also be applied to any system or enterprise application. Second, the book may appear to be basic, but the author manages to get you think out of the box every step of the way. An example is the scope-trade off discussion in chapter 4 where you are shown an illustration of a road improvement project that depicts an ideal (and not so feasible) solution and some alternatives. In a single, simple illustration and a few paragraphs the whole concept of scope trade-off crystallizes and comes into sharp focus. Another example is a text box on page 37 that describes how the author and his wife, both IS professionals, attempted to devise a check book system for personal use. The story drives home the fact that even professionals and prime stakeholders can get requirements wrong.

Among the things I like most are: the seven-stage process itself and associated principles, which make you step back and look at architecture as its most basic level; the discussion of architecture and its relationship to object-orientation is one of the best compare and contrast pieces on the topic I've read; and the discussion on component-based software engineering is concise and completely aligned to that approach to both e-business in general and architecture in particular.

This book reminds me of those written by Gerald Weinberg on that it focuses on deeper aspects of a subject than mere technology. True, the technical aspects of this book are lightweight, but the underlying principles and approach are anything but. If you're seeking low-level technical information on architecture pass this by. If you want to read a book that will inspire you to think out of the box, organize the important elements of architecture and infuse massive doses of common sense, this book is a treasure and has my highest recommendation.

Advice you can understand and use.......2000-10-31

A web presence is now as mandatory in a business as a tax ID. Although tax laws are complex and subject to change, at least they only change once a year at a predictable time and there are experts embodied in software and in carbon that can help you sort them out. The solutions to the problems of e-business change several times a year, are subject to the whims of employee defections and customers that can be extremely fickle; often have no precise solution and you are racing against competitors just as determined as you are. Fortunately, there are also alternatives in the area of e-business as well.
Many of those alternatives are embodied in this book, which was written at the level of managers rather than those who construct the IS solutions. Some of the solutions, such as always make sure you hire and retain good people are slightly above the level of "duh", and yet in many cases the simple is the most overlooked.
The emphasis throughout is on architecture and strategy. With the rapid pace of e-business development, where you can flame up and flame out in weeks, you must build your systems so that they are as open ended on the high side as possible. The advice put forward here is a prescription for sound management of what is now the most complex of all the mandatory facets of a business. Furthermore, there are also several places where the author puts forward danger signals to help identify whether analysis paralysis is setting in.
There is one excellent example concerning how to create solutions. When presented with a problem about shortening a winding road, there is the simple solution of connecting the endpoints. However, if it is necessary to visit the intermediate points on the old road, this solution is hardly optimal. Sometimes incremental, seemingly partial solutions are the most effective.
If you are a manager looking for guidance in how to start, build, maintain or expand an e-business structure, then this book will help a great deal. No magic formulas or absurd hype, just sound fundamental principles that will improve your chances for success.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Advice

The Perfect Fit

The Perfect Guide for New Image Consultants

Perfect Fit - Perfect title for a terrific book!

"the finishing touch"

The Perfect Fit : How To Start an Image Consulting Business
Lynne Henderson Marks , and Dominique Isbecque
Manufacturer: FirstPublish
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Consulting | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Entrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

FabJob Guide to Become an Image Consultant (Fabjob Guide)

The Triumph of Individual Style : A Guide to Dressing Your Body, Your Beauty, Your Self

Image Consulting in the 21st Century

Looking Good: A Comprehensive Guide to Wardrobe Planning, Color & Personal Style Development

Always in Style : The Revised Edition of the Acclaimed Classic on Creating Your Personal Style : Style, Bodyline, Wardrobe, Color, Hair, Make-Up

ASIN: 1929925646

Book Description

Image Consulting has been identified as one of the top home-based professions for the new millennium. This is the first book that outlines in detail how to design an image consulting business, the training you will need and how to market and promote your services. Included also is a section on resources, sample documents, media lists and consulting tools and training. This is a MUST HAVE if you want to start a successful image business.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Advice.......2006-08-31

I found this book extremely helpful and informative with advice for setting up my own image consultancy. It was easy to understand and answered most of my questions as well as offering extra advice on where to get more information on similar topics. Well worth the investment. Thanks

The Perfect Fit.......2005-08-23

I enjoyed this book very much. Gave a complete overview of the Image Consulting industry, as well as ideas for being effective in a potential career as an Image Consultant. Is the best source that I have found as I've been trying to create a new career for myself from consulting I have done in the past.

The Perfect Guide for New Image Consultants.......2003-12-02

This book came along for me at the perfect time! Having just joined the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) I needed to get materials on how to go beyond just makeup and skin care (which I already have expertise with).

This book takes a potential new Image Consultant through the wide world of the profession without getting you lost. You're treated to explanations of what the different concentration areas are / could be, an extensive questionnaire that gives you a great starting point for developing your own strengths and identifying areas for focus, and literally takes you by the hand.

I would not be as far along in my own Image Consulting business without this book. It is a resource that I refer to on at least a weekly, sometimes a daily basis.

I've used the book to develop proposals for corporate work (the outline is there in the book); determine what I should charge for my work (guidelines are there in the book for various area, but it doesn't dictate pricing); and an extensive resource list for magazines, organizations and individuals who can further expand your knowledge base.

If you are considering Image Consulting as a career or just want to get more information, Lynne Henderson Marks and Dominique Isbecque have created the Perfect Guide.

Image Consultants have a powerful ability to help individuals become more 'themselves'. I have used this book to expand my own vision for my business and I am a much better representative of Image Consulting and myself as a Consultant after reading (and working through) this book.

Perfect Fit - Perfect title for a terrific book!.......2003-01-29

If you're looking for real-world information on starting your own Image Consulting business, this book is a must buy! It doesn't deal with the various makeup lines or color theory, but covers extensively resources, financial planning for your Image Consulting business, writing proposals for Corporate clients, business structure, training and lots more.

Though I'm an experienced Image Consultant and Color Analyst, I found valuable information here to help me take my business to the next level. The section on Corporate proposals was of terrific value to me.

It's an easy read, and will become part of your much-used reference library. Highly recommended!

Dianne M. Daniels
Image & Color Services

"the finishing touch".......2001-05-25

This book is a must for anyone considering becoming an image consultant. It is very apparent that the authors have practiced what they are teaching. Every aspect of the image consulting business is covered including resources for necessary training which many authors omit. I have read many books on this subject and this one by far is the most complete. The contents can also transform a "good" image consultant into an "outstanding" image consultant. In summary, this book meets the needs of anyone remotely interested in this business and the "finishing touch" for those who have chosen image consulting as a career. Thanks Lynne and Dominique for sharing your life experiences.

Book Description

As crises become more numerous, visible, and calamitous, organizations have no choice but to accept them as an inescapable reality that must be factored into their planning and decision making. This book is written for present and future crisis managers--men and women who will be drawn into that inevitable occurrence and whose performance will determine their organization's future as well as their own. It is also written for all managers because the lessons learned in crisis management add to their qualifications as policymakers and decision makers.

Organized into four parts, this book:
* provides a classification of seven crisis types that enables a manager faced with a crisis to place it within the most relevant category and apply the recommended strategies;
* supplements the recommended strategies on how to improve management performance so that future crises can be averted;
* examines the causes that lead up to crises, enabling a manager to take preventive action;
* recognizesthe central role of crisis communication when a crisis event occurs;
* assigns critical importance to the impact of a crisis on an organization's reputation--an intangible asset that affects the long-term value and profitability of an organization; and
* urges managers on all levels and different functional areas of an organization to become familiar with crisis management so they know how their actions can prevent or mitigate crises.

Changing organisational culture: progressing changes within your business involves good communication, staff involvement and personal responsibility, as ... to Managers): An article from: NZ Business

Average customer rating:

Changing organisational culture: progressing changes within your business involves good communication, staff involvement and personal responsibility, as ... to Managers): An article from: NZ Business
Sue Dwan
Manufacturer: Profile Publishing Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from NZ Business, published by Profile Publishing Ltd. on June 1, 2004. The length of the article is 829 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: Changing organisational culture: progressing changes within your business involves good communication, staff involvement and personal responsibility, as Sue Dwan reports.(Memo to Managers)
Author: Sue Dwan
Publication: NZ Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2004
Publisher: Profile Publishing Ltd.
Page: 36(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Is responsibility on the menu? Managers must understand what corporate social responsibility programs mean for all aspects of the business, and any CSR ... top.: An article from: Communication World

Average customer rating:

Is responsibility on the menu? Managers must understand what corporate social responsibility programs mean for all aspects of the business, and any CSR ... top.: An article from: Communication World
Felipe B. Alfonso , and Prakhar Sharma
Manufacturer: International Association of Business Communicators
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Communication World, published by International Association of Business Communicators on May 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1255 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: Is responsibility on the menu? Managers must understand what corporate social responsibility programs mean for all aspects of the business, and any CSR initiative must be led from the top.
Author: Felipe B. Alfonso
Publication: Communication World (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2005
Publisher: International Association of Business Communicators
Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Page: 14(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The Manager's Responsibility for Communication

Average customer rating:

The Manager's Responsibility for Communication
John Garnett
Manufacturer: Spiro Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Running Meetings & Presentations | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 085290438X

The Minutes: A Guide for Company Secretaries and Managers

Average customer rating:

The Minutes: A Guide for Company Secretaries and Managers
Simon Mort
Manufacturer: Gower Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Secretarial Aids & Training | Business Skills | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0566027089

Book Description

How to successfully transition from the Air Force to the civilian world.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Beginners Guide Only.......2002-10-23

This is an "ok" book for those that have no idea about transitioning into the civilian sector. Please note the book is very outdated (1996)and you should look elsewhere for somthing more up to date.

This book is a must for any transitioning Veteran........2000-06-20

This book is very helpful and will certainly put you on the right track. I am transitioning from the Air Force and it was recommended to me by a retired Air Force friend. You will not go wrong by using it.

From Air Force Blue to Corporate Gray - A Career Transition Guide for Air Force Personnel

Average customer rating:

From Air Force Blue to Corporate Gray - A Career Transition Guide for Air Force Personnel
Major USAR Ret. Carl S. Savino , and Ronald l. Krannich PHD
Manufacturer: Competitive Edge Services
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TBAHEO

Product Description

Connect to thousands of job opportunities onthe Web. See intro for great career opportunities with over 70 companies.

Average customer rating:

From Air Force Blue to Corporate Gray : A Career Transition Guide for Air Force Personnel
Ronald L.; Savino, Carl S. Krannich
Manufacturer: Impact Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HM8PHQ

Average customer rating:

From Air Force Blue to Corporate Gray, A Career Transition Guide for Air Force Personnel
Carl S., Major,USAR Savino
Manufacturer: Impact Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S5UUI4

Average customer rating:

From Air Force Blue to Corporate Gray: A Career Transition Guide FOr Air Force Personnel

Manufacturer: Impact Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H7GZDW

Average customer rating:

From Air Force Blue to Corporate Gray: A Career Transition Guide for Air Force Personnel
Carl S.; Krannich, Ronald L. Savino
Manufacturer: Impact Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXWL7Y

Book Description

Financial compatibility, choices, and values are vital, but overlooked components of successful relationships, even when couples are preparing for the future. The guidelines, questions, and 35 worksheets help couples find practical solutions to the forty or more financial stages of marriage.

Find out your money values, be willing to share them, and determine if you are compatible with a potential spouse. If you are already in a marriage, learn to use money as a tool to personal growth and self-sufficiency. Every couple needs a guide to financial compatibility. This is it.

Customer Reviews:

Exactly what I was looking for!.......2003-11-05

This was just the book I was looking for to explain my choices in a way that anyone could easily understand. The author has made a complex subject simple and clear, and I loved her choices of words. Bravo! I am sending copies to everyone on my Christmas gift list.

Average customer rating:

The skinny on Bain

Informative and Helpful

Bain & Company: The WetFeet Insider Guide (2005 Edition) (Wetfeet Insider Guide)
WetFeet
Manufacturer: WetFeet, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Consulting | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Case in Point:Complete Case Interview Preparation - 5th edition

The McKinsey Way

The McKinsey Mind: Understanding and Implementing the Problem-Solving Tools and Management Techniques of the World's Top Strategic Consulting Firm

The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy: Classic Concepts and New Perspectives

Ace Your Case! Consulting Interviews (WetFeet Insider Guide)

ASIN: 1582074372

Book Description

Readers of this WetFeet Insider Guide will learn how top consulting firm Bain & Company stacks up against the competition; how the firm is organized; what employees love most and like least about working there; about average starting salaries for undergrads and MBAs, bonuses, perks, and travel expectations; about the famous Bain culture; what the recruiting process entails; and interview tips from firm insiders. BUS075000

Customer Reviews:

The skinny on Bain.......2003-04-10

I bought this guide along with a few other company guides from wetfeet and found them to be very useful while going through the recruiting process on-campus. I liked the front section especially, which summarized Bain's origins and mapped it to what it does well now. I also really appreciated the section talking about the culture and lifestyle of folks working at Bain. It helped me figure out what's important and what's not, what I could go for and what I couldn't.

Informative and Helpful.......2003-03-04

This guide proved a great buy for me. I went into my interview fully prepared to give educated answers and ask good questions in return. Now I can make an informed decision as to which job I end up taking.

Bain & Co.: The WetFeet.com Insider Guide (Wetfoot.Com Insider Guide)

Average customer rating:

good facts

Bain & Co.: The WetFeet.com Insider Guide (Wetfoot.Com Insider Guide)
Wetfeet. Com
Manufacturer: Wetfeet.Com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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

Consulting | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1582070253

Book Description

Bain & Co. is one of the top strategy consulting firms in the world--and is growing rapidly. Having come through its darkest hour several years ago, it is now in a period of steady growth. What's the story behind this premier management consulting firm and its fearless, purple-haired leader? For this job seeker's insider guide, we get the people who actually work in the firm to share information that is insightful and timely, that cannot be gleaned from the popular press. This guide will give you the information you need to answer the following questions: * What recent business bestsellers were penned by Bain partners? * What do employees love most and like least about working for Bain? * What is the average starting salary for undergrads and MBAs at Bain? * What are some key reads and hot articles for my Bain research? * What does Bain mean when it says it "eats its own cooking?" * What are the new and exciting developments at Bain? * What is the culture like at Bain? * What is the recruiting process like, and what tips do Bain insiders offer to help you sail through your interviews?

Customer Reviews:

good facts.......2001-10-28

useful report. Also try the Vault.com report on Bain

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books