Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that...

10
T anthropology; it is not a sentimental excursion into the lives of animal lovers. Summing Up: Recommended. ** General readers and lower- division undergraduates taking introductory-level courses in anthropology and human evolution.-D. A. Brass, independent scholar 49-2160 HD9999 MARC Danziger, Pamela N. Putting the luxe back in luxury: how new con- sumer values are redefining the way we market luxury. PMP (Para- mount Market Publishing), 2011. 256p index ISBN 9780981986944 pbk, $34.95 Danziger (president, Unity Marketing) tackles a difficult subject: selling luxury goods in a bad economy. Luxury marketers initially thought they were immune to economic downturns since their customers still had money. But being wealthy is not just about money; it is a state of mind. 1his became clear, says Danziger, when "the affluent closed up their wallets and pocketbooks, put their credit cards on hold. and instituted new spending rules to live by." So, what to do? First, businesses must realize "ltlhe luxury market has changed-and it's never going back to the way it was before." People may still pay top dollar; however, rather than pay for material goods, they might pay for experiences: something indulgent, spiritual, intellectual, or adventurous. 'lhe author reports that there has also been a cultural shift ftom buying to "giving back"-finding charitable causes to support. Danziger advises that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create memories, partner with a cause, make shopping an experience. For example, Franklin Mint turned customers into "collectors," generating a passion for its limited edition offerings. Vera Wang's "casualized couture" sells at multiple price points. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division and graduate marketing students, faculty, and practitioners.-R G. Kishel, Cypress College 49-2161 HF581 2011-7121 MARC Davis, Joel J. Advertising research: theory and practice. Prentice Hall, 2011. 675p ISBN 9780132128322, $125.00 The first edition of this book was published in 1996; consequently, the second edition is long overdue, considering the major changes that have occurred in advertising. Davis (journalism and media studies, San Diego State Univ.) has revised and edited the entire text, making it one of the most comprehensive and current works available on the subject. In addition, he provides information about the changes in methodology, including online research. Containing 21 chapters and almost 700 pages, the work is divided into five parts: foundations, sources of information, qualitative research, quantitative research, and applied topics. "TIle writing is to the point and easy to understand, and the examples are relevant to the material. If a college or university has a ptogram in advertising or marketing, this text deserves to be available in the institution's library as a reference resource. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper-division undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and professionals.-E Applegate, formerly, Middle Tennessee State University 49-2162 HD69 2011-2377 CIP Haig, Matt. Brand failures: the truth about the 100 biggest brand- ing mistakes of all time. [2nd ed.J. Kogan Page, 2011. 242p bibl in- dex ISBN 9780749462994 pbk, $19.95 December 2011 Reviews Social & Behavioral Sciences 49-2162a HD69 2011-2378 CIP Haig, Matt. Brand success: how the world's top 100 brands thrive and survive. [2nd ed.J. Kogan Page, 2011. 296p bibl index ISBN 9780749462871 pbk, $19.95 Product development represents the lifeblood of an organization and, considering product failure rates, is arguably the aspect of marketing most difficult to get right. 11le stakes are higher than ever for launching products, so the lessons learned from experience can be extremely compelling. 'TIlese two books offer a penetrating look into what makes the world's top brands flourish and what makes others miss the mark and crash. Each book is teeming with examples that are presented in very readable language. Perhaps the most valuable parts of the books are the "secrets of success" (for how and why top brands thrive) and the "lessons to be learned" (for what contributed to mistakes and failed brands). 11lese pearls of wisdom are presented at the conclusion of each brand's history. Especially illuminating are the author's "seven deadly sins of branding" and the myths that are associated with failed brands. Marketers would do well to recognize there are several formulas for both success and failure, and there is a "story behind the story" for each brand that has made or missed the marie An unyielding commitment to customer value and satis£'lCtion is a hallmark for Sllccess, and Brand Success is a signature description and analysis of the road to establishing product differentiation and brand equity, which are difficult for competitors to match. Suggestion: read the book on failures first; the successes take on added meaning when one is aware of what bumps in the road were avoided by the foresight, planning, and managing at the foundation of successful brands. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All readers, especially upper-division undergraduate and graduate business students, researchers, and practitioners.-N. A. GOlJoni, Babson College 49-2163 HF1379 2010-48063 CIP International business in the 21 st century: v.l: Are you ready?: preparing for international operations; v.2: Going global: imple- menting international business operations; v.3: Staying on top: crucial issues for international business in the 21st century, ed. by Bruce D, Keillor with Timothy J. Wilkinson and Vijay R. Kannan. Praeger, 2011. 3v index afp ISBN 9780313379482, $184,95; ISBN 9780313379499 e-book, contact publisher for price This very informative three-volume set addresses issues and challenges facing those doing business across international borders in an era of constant worldwide change. Each volume addresses specific international business-related topics in logical sequence. 'The contributors, academics and business professionals, offer cutting-edge suggestions on the myriad challenges international businesses face today. In addition, chapters are enhanced with endnotes offering more background information for those wishing to pursue the topic further. Volume 1, Are You Ready?, provides comprehensive coverage of basic topics related to getting an organization ready for international operations, e.g., selecting the markets and partners, financing, and assessing risk in international business environments. The second volume, Going Global, discusses the many internal and external factors that firms must address (e:g., staffing, cultural differences, legal affairs) and offers tips to make international operations work effectively. Volume 3, Staying on Top, covers emerging issues critical to international business success, such as intellectual property protection, sustainability, social responsibility, and dealing with competition (including using social media). The second chapter of volume 2 begins with a salient warning: "'The single most important cause of failure in international business 729

Transcript of Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that...

Page 1: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

T

anthropology; it is not a sentimental excursion into the lives of animal lovers. Summing Up: Recommended. ** General readers and lower­division undergraduates taking introductory-level courses in anthropology and human evolution.-D. A. Brass, independent scholar

49-2160 HD9999 MARC Danziger, Pamela N. Putting the luxe back in luxury: how new con­sumer values are redefining the way we market luxury. PMP (Para­mount Market Publishing), 2011. 256p index ISBN 9780981986944 pbk, $34.95

Danziger (president, Unity Marketing) tackles a difficult subject: selling luxury goods in a bad economy. Luxury marketers initially thought they were immune to economic downturns since their customers still had money. But being wealthy is not just about money; it is a state of mind. 1his became clear, says Danziger, when "the affluent closed up their wallets and pocketbooks, put their credit cards on hold. and instituted new spending rules to live by." So, what to do? First, businesses must realize "ltlhe luxury market has changed-and it's never going back to the way it was before." People may still pay top dollar; however, rather than pay for material goods, they might pay for experiences: something indulgent, spiritual, intellectual, or adventurous. 'lhe author reports that there has also been a cultural shift ftom buying to "giving back"-finding charitable causes to support. Danziger advises that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create memories, partner with a cause, make shopping an experience. For example, Franklin Mint turned customers into "collectors," generating a passion for its limited edition offerings. Vera Wang's "casualized couture" sells at multiple price points. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division and graduate marketing students, faculty, and practitioners.-R G. Kishel, Cypress College

49-2161 HF581 2011-7121 MARC Davis, Joel J. Advertising research: theory and practice. Prentice Hall, 2011. 675p ISBN 9780132128322, $125.00

The first edition of this book was published in 1996; consequently, the second edition is long overdue, considering the major changes that have occurred in advertising. Davis (journalism and media studies, San Diego State Univ.) has revised and edited the entire text, making it one of the most comprehensive and current works available on the subject. In addition, he provides information about the changes in methodology, including online research. Containing 21 chapters and almost 700 pages, the work is divided into five parts: foundations, sources of information, qualitative research, quantitative research, and applied topics. "TIle writing is to the point and easy to understand, and the examples are relevant to the material. If a college or university has a ptogram in advertising or marketing, this text deserves to be available in the institution's library

as a reference resource. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper-division undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and professionals.-E Applegate, formerly, Middle Tennessee State University

49-2162 HD69 2011-2377 CIP Haig, Matt. Brand failures: the truth about the 100 biggest brand­ing mistakes of all time. [2nd ed.J. Kogan Page, 2011. 242p bibl in­dex ISBN 9780749462994 pbk, $19.95

December 2011

Reviews

Social & Behavioral Sciences ~----~

49-2162a HD69 2011-2378 CIP Haig, Matt. Brand success: how the world's top 100 brands thrive and survive. [2nd ed.J. Kogan Page, 2011. 296p bibl index ISBN 9780749462871 pbk, $19.95

Product development represents the lifeblood of an organization and, considering product failure rates, is arguably the aspect of marketing most difficult to get right. 11le stakes are higher than ever for launching products, so the lessons learned from experience can be extremely compelling. 'TIlese two books offer a penetrating look into what makes the world's top brands flourish and what makes others miss the mark and crash. Each book is teeming with examples that are presented in very readable language. Perhaps the most valuable parts of the books are the "secrets of success" (for how and why top brands thrive) and the "lessons to be learned" (for what contributed to mistakes and failed brands). 11lese pearls of wisdom are presented at the conclusion of each brand's history. Especially illuminating are the author's "seven deadly sins of branding" and the myths that are associated with failed brands.

Marketers would do well to recognize there are several formulas for both success and failure, and there is a "story behind the story" for each brand that has made or missed the marie An unyielding commitment to customer value and satis£'lCtion is a hallmark for Sllccess, and Brand Success is a signature description and analysis of the road to establishing product differentiation and brand equity, which are difficult for competitors to match. Suggestion: read the book on failures first; the successes take on added meaning when one is aware of what bumps in the road were avoided by the foresight, planning, and managing at the foundation of successful

brands. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All readers, especially upper-division undergraduate and graduate business students, researchers, and practitioners.-N. A. GOlJoni, Babson College

49-2163 HF1379 2010-48063 CIP International business in the 21 st century: v.l: Are you ready?: preparing for international operations; v.2: Going global: imple­menting international business operations; v.3: Staying on top: crucial issues for international business in the 21st century, ed. by Bruce D, Keillor with Timothy J. Wilkinson and Vijay R. Kannan. Praeger, 2011. 3v index afp ISBN 9780313379482, $184,95; ISBN 9780313379499 e-book, contact publisher for price

This very informative three-volume set addresses issues and challenges facing those doing business across international borders in an era of constant worldwide change. Each volume addresses specific international business-related topics in logical sequence. 'The contributors, academics and business professionals, offer cutting-edge suggestions on the myriad challenges international businesses face today. In addition, chapters are enhanced with endnotes offering more background information for those wishing to pursue the topic further. Volume 1, Are You Ready?, provides comprehensive coverage of basic topics related to getting an organization ready for international operations, e.g., selecting the markets and partners, financing, and assessing risk in international business environments. The second volume, Going Global, discusses the many internal and external factors that firms must address (e:g., staffing, cultural differences, legal affairs) and offers tips to make international operations work effectively. Volume 3, Staying on Top, covers emerging issues critical to international business success, such as intellectual property protection, sustainability, social responsibility, and dealing with competition (including using social media). The second chapter of volume 2 begins with a salient warning: "'The single most important cause of failure in international business

729

Page 2: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

.....

Social & Behavioral Sciences

is insufficient preparation and information." ·TIlese three volumes can help one avoid this bilure because they provide much practical and

necessary information and advice for those doing business outside their

borders. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper-division undergraduate students through professionals/practitioners.-D. N. ROeSelll(lIl1l, Texas State UnizJeIJity

49-2164 HF5382 2010-54531 CIP King, Eden. How women can make it work: the science of success, by Eden King and Jennifer Knight. Praeger, 2011. 327p index afp ISBN 9780313393099, $54.95; ISBN 9780313393105 e-book, contact publisher for price

King and Knight, organizational psychologists, aim to help

young women (ages 20s-30s) succeed in organizations. Even today, many years after equal opportunity legislation, women do not reach the same organizationallcvels as men with comparable backgrounds

and skills. Stereotypes still appear ro influence many decisions. The authors describe problems women often encounter in the workplace

and ofter insights and numerous strategies for addressing them. They reference academic literature, reports in the popular press, and their own experiences, bringing them together in a commonsense, practical

approach. Often problems are clarified by referencing current television or movie characters. The 40 short chapters cover a wide range of topics,

such as preparing an application, interviewing, understanding bosses, sexual harassment, e-communication, mentoring, moving up, balancing

work and life, and foreign assignments. Information is easy to find in the book, and the authors enhance their work by suggesting relevant \Veb resources. In addition to appealing to young women, this book

will interest anyone wanting to gain insight into the culture of young women at work, or seeking solutions to problems in a work environment.

Many empirical studies are cited, perhaps implying a "science of success." In this complicated field, the authors offer good advice. Summing Up: Recommended. ** General readers; students, upper-division undergraduate and up; professionals.-F Reitman, emerita, Pace Uniuersity

49-2165 HF5387 2011-97 MARC Lennick, Doug. Moral intelligence 2.0: enhancing business perfor­mance and leadership success in turbulent times, by Doug Lennick and Fred Kiel with Kathy Jordan. Prentice Hall, 2011. 296p index afp ISBN 0132498286, $25.99 ISBN 9780132498289, $25.99

This volume provides a necessary foundation in moral intdligence needed in today's business world. Media report numerous stories of business leaders and businesses failing because of a lack of moral

intelligence. These t1ilures have drastically altered community and consumer perceptions of business and leadership in general, and they

cause problems for everyone involved, including an organization's employees. Readers of this book will gain an understanding of how their own personal success and that of an organization depend on four

principles: integrity, responsibility, compassion, and forgiveness. The book is divided into three sections: "Moral Intelligence," "Developing Moral Skills," and "Moral Leadership." Some chapters provide thought­

provoking activities that bring the concepts covered into daily practice and enhance understanding. The authors provide examples on how to incorporate the concepts for leaders and businesses. Four appendixes

provide further practical activities that assist readers with the concepts. The chapters should be read consecutively because each chapter's concept builds 011 the previous one. "Ihe book provides detailed explanations on becoming morally intelligent and will serve as an excellent guide

for anyone desiring to develop this important quality, particularly as

it relates to business success. Summing Up: Highly recommended.

*** Students, lower-division through graduate level; fIeldty; profcssionals.- WI A. Garrett, n·oy Unil!el"J"ity

49-2166 HD58 2011-1786 CIP Lewis, Laurie K. Organizational change: creating change through strategic communication. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. 299p bibl index (Foundations in communication theory, 2) ISBN 9781405191906, $84.95; ISBN 9781405191890 pbk, $44.95

-TIle "stakeholder communication model of change" developed

here posits that change proceeds through "activity tracks" of managing

meaning ("What is going on'''); managing networks (monitoring

participation in shaping relationships among stakeholders); and managing practice (actual activities to bring about change). Claiming that previous

approaches to implementing change focus too heavily on implementation,

Lewis posits that change cannot work until stakeholders recognize the

factors that can facilitate change, agree that change is necessary, and

convi nce decision makers to commi t the necessary resources. The model, therefore, uses stakeholder analysis to determine appropriate

communication strategies fcr achieving change. Examples range from

classic (Upton Sinclair's 1906 expose of the meat-packing industry in

7he jUl/gle, which mobilized public sentiment and led to government

regulation of food processing) to recent (Lego involving adult Ems to help

generate new ideas with customer appeal). Although too theoretical for practitioners and many students, the book achieves its goal of synthesizing

theory and research tor graduate students and perhaps advanced

undergraduates, who will appreciate the glossary of relevant terms and

extensive references and bibliographies. Appropriate for college libraries,

but research collections may be better served by allocating resources to current and classic original works in strategy and stakeholder and

communication theories. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Academic collections, upper-division undergraduate and up.-Ai. 5. lvf)'ers, Carnegie lvie//on UniIJersity

49-2167 HC79 2010-40711 CIP Lury, Celia. Consumer culture. 2nd ed. Rutgers, 2011. 245p bibl in­dex ISBN 9780813550671 pbk, $24.95

In this revised edition (1st ed., CH, Oct'96, 34-1002) of her

groundbreaking work, Lury extends her comprehensive overview of key theories, perspectives, and findings related to consumer culture into tWO

additional areas. "Iney are the ethics of consumer culture, in which the

author explores the complexities of making ethical consumer choices on

a daily basis; and the pervasiveness of branding and the rise of a mediated economy. As in her other chapters, these two new areas are thoroughly

researched and laden with historical and contemporary examples. The

reader will also surely note that a common theme throughout the work is how consumption has essentially supplanted production in

individuals' and groups' creation and negotiation of self and identity.

'The implications and potential consequences of this transformation are addressed as well. -Ine net result is a concise yet theoretically dense

overview of the main issues that scholars and researchers of consumer

culture will be focusing on for years to come. Summing Up: Essential.

**** Graduate, research, and professional collections.-j. R. lvlitrano, Centra! COllllectiwt Sttlte UniliC/"sity

49-2168 HD31 2010-47473 (lP Maciariello, Joseph A. Drucker's lost art of management: Peter

730 (f IOIC) December 2011

1

Page 3: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

T

[

I

L

Drucker's timeless vIsion for building effective organizations, by Joseph A. Maciariello and Karen E. Linkletter. McGraw-Hili, 2011. 456p bibl index afp ISBN 9780071765817, $35.00

Scholars in search of a cohesive lens through which to evaluate the latest sins of greedy organizations often turn to management guru Drucker. The authors present the central tenet of Drucker's work hom the perspective that "management is a liberal art." This point, driven to the point of tedium, invokes an image of a manager it la the liberal arts as a Jedi using the Force, and the profiteer as Vader incarnate from the "business" realm (read "dark side"). To be sure, this volume is a comprehensive overview of one of the most influential management voices of the 20th century. To plead the case that his work has relevance in the new millennium presents a paradox, however: does returning to the seemingly "timeless" values of Drucker demonstrate an expression of a collective liberal nature that could save organizations-nay, society? Or does clinging to the tried-and-true meaning-making mechanisms of a bygone era manifest a conservative longing to preserve the Drucker doctrine, a model that worked before the post-American landscape emerged? This volume serves as a tribute to a notable scholar of the modern industrial era, which is valuable in a historical context, if not in practicality. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and practitioners.-G. E. Leaf, independent schowI'

49-2169 HD38 2010-47556 ClP Menkes, Justin. Better under pressure: how great leaders bring out the best in themselves and others. Harvard Business Review Press, 2011. 191 P index afp ISBN 9781422138700, $29.95

Menkes examines executive decision-making behavior from a psychological point of view and in doing so uses emotional intelligence as a foundational framework. More specifically, given the challenges and complexity that today's CEOs face, Menkes proposes a three-dimensional, six-factor model based on his executive interviews and extensive research. Executives who perform well under significant pressure demonstrate realistic optimism and subservience to purpose, and they find order in chaos. In doing so, they maximize their potential and tap subordinates' need for accomplishment. Menkes characterizes realistic optimism as having an acute awareness of actual circumstances and a sense of agency. Subservience to purpose means putting the firm's mission ahead of personal needs and demonstrating affect tolerance, i.e., effectively managing emotions. Finding order in chaos means maintaining clarity of thought and being driven to solve the puzzle, i.e., being motivated to continuously learn and listen. Brief self-assessments that enhance the reader's understanding and numerous examples from Menkes's professional practice make this a worthwhile, practical read. While the book focuses on executive behavior, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals holding any leadership position, will find they can apply the author's principles. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Lower-division undergraduate students through professionals.--A1. j. Sajfirstone, University of Mary lXlashington

49-2170 HD2346 2010-51665 CIP Nothhaft, Henry R. Great again: revitalizing America's entrepre­neurialleadership, by Henry R. Nothhaft with David Kline. Harvard Business Review Press, 2011. 193p index afp ISBN 9781422158579, $26.95

Nothhaft (CEO, Tesscra Technologies Inc.) provides an important work for entrepreneurs, innovators, and policy makers. He articulates well-researched arguments for improving job creation and revitalizing

December 2011

Social & Behavioral Sciences L-__ -='--'

the American entrepreneurial spirit. By offering a practical approach to solving the formidable problem of encouraging startup job creation, Nothhaft shows a path toward America's economic resurgence. The book is timely, with contemporary examples, yet the advice given is timeless. Nothhaft's honesty, fair approach, and practicality are refreshing. Full of examples of the American startup community, this book paints a picture of what works and what is failing in American policy toward startup job creation. -TIle author identifies specific governmental and regulatory burdens placed on small businesses and provides examples of unnecessary bureaucracy stifling economic growth. According to Nothhafr, achievable changes in the tax code and regulatory reform could revolutionize the startup business environment in record time, creating more jobs and prosperity for America. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper-division and graduate students in public policy, business, and entrepreneurship, as well as faculty and professionals.-B. B. Vittlli, Christiail Brothers Uniuersity

49-2171 HD2365 2010-36053 CIP Oshri, IIan. Offshoring strategies: evolving captive center mod­els. MIT, 2011. 261 P bibl index afp ISBN 0262015609, $27.95; ISBN 9780262015608, $27.95

Oshri (Erasmus Univ., Netherlands, lead author of The Handbook of Global Outsourcing and Ojfihoring, 2nd ed., 2011) examines "captive centers" and their role in the global economy. Captive centers are wholly owned subsidiaries that perform services for parent companies from offshore locations, such as a center in India that handles data management functions. Centers evolve through strategies developed by their parent companies and eventually may be transformed into different entities. Oshri identifies various forms centers may take, beginning with a basic captive center that is owned and controlled by its creator. A second type of captive is the hybrid, which outsources some of its activities to an external provider. The shared captive center performs services for the parent company and third-party clients. Divested captive centers retain their original scopes and functions but are transferred as assets to new owners. 111e final transformation occurs when a captive center is terminated or migrated to a new offshore location. After describing the different forms, the author examines factors that make some countries attractive locations for these centers and discusses trends occurring in global firms. -nle concepts are supplemented with detailed case studies illustrating current strategies and practices. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Graduate, faculty, and professional readership.-R. L Hogler, C%mdo State University

49-2172 HF5414 MARC Powell, Guy. ROI of social media: how to improve the return on your social marketing investment, by Guy Powell, Steven Groves, and Jerry Dimos. Wiley, 2011. 289p index ISBN 9780470827413, $29.95; ISBN 9780470827444 e-book, $14.99

No martel' how hard Luddites in the corporate suite \vish, social media will endure as a robust influencer of marketing activity and success in the marketplace. 'TIle authors of ROJ view social media and traditional media as cohesive entities that arc inextricably linked. 111c two media channels should function in tandem to drive a firm's integrated marketing campaigns and manage the resultant brand value. Excluding traditional media channels hom the discussion of their media engagement framework is therefore a peculiar choice, although it does not lessen the book's comprehensive presentation. Contemporary cases are used to deftly illusuate their analysis of social marketing strategy and

731

Page 4: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

Social & Behavioral Sciences

measurement of key outcomes. As seen in orher works sueh as Eve Ivlayer Orsburn's Soci,d Media for the CEO (2010) or Olivier Blanchard's Soci(ti IvIedia RO! (CH, Sep' 11,49-0378), metrics ace ccucial in communicating the benefirs that social marketing investments can deliver. Yet emphasis is placed on qualitative techniques rather than quantitative methods. In this respect, the reader is better served to seck supplementary alternatives. Nevertheless, this work is an adequate entry point into social media with a general exploration and application of key concepts. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduates through practitioners.-S. IvI. tdohmnmecl, SUNY hedonia

49-2173 TD427 2010-45651 CIP Reed, Stanley. In too deep: BP and the drilling race that took it down, by Stanley Reed and Alison Fitzgerald. Bloomberg Press, 2011. 226p index ISBN 9780470950906, $24.95; ISBN 9781118023198 e­book, $11.99

The story of how the Deepwater Horizon disaster occurred lies embedded within the management style, values, and mind-set of BP's chief executives as well as its corporate culture. Reed and Fitzgerald (reporters, Bloomberg News) gathered their notes from numerous observations and interviews to provide a behind-the-scenes perspective on BP's management team and critical lessons learned. However, despite the authors' insistence to the contrary, the long-term environmental and public relations effects of the damaged deepwater well can be only a matter of speculation. The authors' depiction of the disaster initially captures readers' attention with vibrato and immediacy; however, their ensuing discussion is a bland, boring reiteration of facts, opinions, and mere speculation. This book will appeal to inquisitive, nonspecialist readers eager for insights hom this disaster. Such readers will benefit from the informative accounts in BlolUout in the Gulf; by William R. Freudenbutg and Robert Gramling (CH, Jun'11, 48-5711); Joel Achenbach's A Hole at the Bottom of the Sea (CH, Nov' 11, 49-1485); and Bob Cavnar's Disaster on the Horizon (CH, Apr' 11,48-4503). Summing Up: Optional. * General readers and lower-division studenrs.-j. P. fi1i/leI; formerly, Simmons College

49-2174 HD9519 2010-30421 CIP Reynolds, Terry S. Iron will: Cleveland-Cliffs and the mining of iron ore, 1847-2006, by Terry S. Reynolds and Virginia P. Dawson. Wayne State,2011. 351p bibl index afp ISBN 081433511X, $44.95; ISBN 9780814335116, $44.95

Reynolds (J'vlichigan Technological Univ.) and Dawson (History Enterprises Inc.) thoroughly chronicle the managerial and corporate strategies of an iron ore supplier (now named Cliff, Natural Resources) that has come to be the US's largest independent producer and a major global competitor. In part, the book's contribution lies in its geographic shift away from lvlinnesota's Mesabi Range to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where Cleveland-ClifFs mined and processed low-grade ore on Lake Superior's southern shore. -Though a traditional company history in that the authors draw mainly from company-generated sources-annual reports, minute books, and interviews with former executives-the company's ISO-year history of acquiring competitors, diversification, financing capital-intensive developments through joint ventures, and forward-integration into transportation and steel production does broaden the scope to business and industrial history. Interesting emerging themes include the company's persistent concern about ore depletion, its frequent adoption (not innovation) of proven technology, and its ability to survive the busts of the iron and steel industry through divestment

and "returning to the core business-iron mining-in times of economic crisis." Few pages are devoted to labor and industrial relations or to environmental history. Summing Up: Recommended. ** All levels/ libraries.-R. A. Batch, Widener University

49-2175 HC29 2011-191 MARC Rigby, Rhymer. 28 business thinkers who changed the world: the management gurus and mavericks who changed the way we think about business. Kogan Page, 2011. 228p bibl index ISBN 9780749462390 pbk, $22.50; ISBN 9780749462406 e-book, contact publisher for price

Through a series of short essays (none more then ten pages), British journalist Rigby profiles an eclectic group of 28 individuals he considers to be among the most influential contemporary business leaders. Rather than rehashing traditional biographical exposes, Rigby's vignettes provide a unique intimacy on the careers of the profiled persons. 'TI1e vignettes offer insights on the circumstances that were an important part of the success of these leaders and often reveal their mistakes as well. From the entrepreneurship of cosmetic giant Mary Kay Ash to the phenomenal success of Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Rigby offers an insightful, balanced account of the impact that these leaders have had on today's global businesses. The author's excellent writing style is enhanced with a touch of humor and a genuine sensitivity to the legacy of his subjects. To Rigby, the poignancy of these leaders is in understanding the motivations that are an intrinsic part of their leadership persona. References and suggestions for further reading end each chapter. See related, Conwrsations on Leadership: Wisdom fiwn Global fi1anagement Gu/'Us by Lan Liu (CH, Feb' 11, 48-3370) and lhinkers 50 <lmp:/ /www.thinkers50. com/> (CH, Feb'04, 41-3530). Summing Up: Recommended. ** All levels of undergraduate students, practitioners, general readers.-S. R. Kahn, University of Cincinnati

49-2176 HD30 2010-50671 MARC Rumelt, Richard P. Good strategy, bad strategy: the difference and why it matters. Crown, 2011. 322p index ISBN 9780307886231, $28.00

This interesting, thoughtful, cutting-edge book by an outstanding researcher, professor (UCLA), and consultant is a major contribution to the strategy literature. Rume!t integrates all theories on strategy; explains what good and bad strategy is; why good strategy is the exception, not the rule; why there is so much bad strategy; the causes of bad strategy; and why most organizations do not have a strategy. The book clearly explains how to develop and implement a successful strategy, including the importance of transformational leadership; good thinking; determination; focusing on priorities and achievable objectives at the right time; coordination and teamwork in analyzing and developing policies; and specific actions. Fundamentally, Rumelt explains how to think like a strategist. Each chapter provides a large number of historical examples of both good and bad strategies used by a wide range of profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as examples of strategies relevant to economic crises and military operations. Among these examples are many of the largest businesses in the world; small businesses; K-12 schools; the 2007-08 financial crisis; US national security; and wars such as Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and (he

1805 Battle of Trafalgar. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper-division undergraduate through professional readcrs.-D. W Hujfinire, emeritus, University of Connecticut

732 (:!I()ICl·. December 2011

Page 5: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

1,

49-2177 HF5415 2010-52000 CIP Saad, Gad. The consuming instinct: what juicy burgers, Ferraris, pornography, and gift giving reveal about human nature. Pro­metheus Books, 2011. 374p index afp ISBN 9781616144296, $25.00; ISBN 9781616144296 e-book, $11.99

Saad (business, Concordia Univ., Canada) approaches consumer behavior from a joint psychological and biological perspective in this book. He proposes that humans are genetically wired for consumption. -n][IS, he asserts that biological and evolutionary forces are equally important to the more traditional cultural approach toward understanding conSUlller behavior. Using cvolurionary psychology as his grounding, he links four key Darwinian drives-survival, reproduction, kin selection, and reciprocity-to human consumption acts. Saad also provides Darwinian insights inro other topics such as the local versus global advertising debate, the marketing of hope, and consumer irrationality. Regardless of individual viewpoints on evolutionary theory, readers are likely to find Saad's discussions, calls for interdisciplinary approaches to research, and counterpoints ro the anti-evolutionary stance to be thought-provoking. His writing style is clear, insightful, and accessible. Anecdotal and research-based examples fill the book.

Summing Up: Recommended. ** All readership levels.-LVI. j. LVlO'edith, Universit), ofNortiJ Carolina at Chapel Hill

49-2178 HD60 2011-9897 CIP Sage brief guide to corporate social responsibility. SAGE Pub­lications, 2012. 274p afp ISBN 1412997224 pbk, $29.95; ISBN 9781412997225 pbk, $29.95

This brief guide is an excellent summary reference work for practitioners, scholars, and students, and for courses with major corporate social responsibility (CSR) components. It can serve as a comprehensive background introduction to the topic as well. The book consists of a series of essays by several business scholars who explain key concepts in the area of social responsibiliry. The discussion begins by defining terms and covers all the major areas, including global CSR and alternative codes of conduct; governance and dealing with the typical separation of ownership and control; anel social responsiveness including public relations, politics. and philanthropy. Part 5 addresses the difficult issues involving how social performance should be measured and includes excellent coverage of the strengths and weaknesses of each measurement approach (e.g., triple bottom line). Three appendixes offer additional helpfltl inforrnarion: coverage of problematic practices through illustrative examples such as Enron and Merck; a directory of CSR-related organizations; and a directory of online CSR information sources and publications. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Lower­division undergraduate through professional collections.-L. j. Cumbo,

Eillo/)' IIlld Helll)! College

49-2179 GV713 2011-4893 CIP Sport as a business: international, professional, and commercial aspects, ed. by Harald Dolles and Sten Sbderman. Palgrave Macmil­lan, 2011. 263p bibl index afp ISBN 9780230249257, $105.00

Drawn [i'om papers delivered by international scholars and researchers at workshops on "sport as business," this unique collection explores, from a global perspective, professionalization and challenges to the sport industry's governance and value creation. Ti'eating subjects from the advancement of the sport industry to the management of sport facilities and the socioeconomic impact of world sporting events, the book provides a wealth of data and a valuable scholarly examination of

December 2011 (

Social & Behavioral Sciences L-__ -==-_~

contemporary issues in all facets of sport administration. Dolles (German Graduate School of Management and Law, Heilbronn, Germany) and Soderman (Srockholm Univ. School of Management, Sweden) divide the 12 essays-which center around "internationalization," "professionalization," and "commercialization"-into three parts: "Sport Consumer's Perspective," "Sport Events and Sport facilities," and "Sport Organizations and Governance." The contributors offer a plethora of examples and statistical data (from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America) providing unique insights and perspectives on the contemporary sports industry. Familiarity with the international sport industry and the methodology of statistical analysis and interpretation are required for a thorough understanding of the content. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Sophisticated upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.-S. R. Kahn, University ofCincimlrlti

49-2180 HD5709 MARC Underemployment: psychological, economic, and social chal­lenges, ed. by Douglas C. Maynard and Daniel C. Feldman. Springer, 2011. 317p bibl index afp ISBN 9781441994127, $129.00

As this volume reveals, underutilized skills, too little pay, and too few work hours take their roll on financial, social, and emotional well­being. Editors Maynard (SUNY, New Paltz) and Feldman (Univ. of Georgia) have compiled a set of multidisciplinary articles on the topic of underemployment, authored by international scholars. Chapters in part 1 discuss economic and behavioral science approaches to studying underemployment. Problems in measuring underemployment are clearly shown in the International Labour Organization measurement conventions. Human capital and relative deprivation are some of the behavioral theories covered. Part 2 investigates underemployment in various groups: young workers, older workers, women, immigrants, blacks, Hispanics, and contingent workers. These chapters also address continuing barriers to full employment, such as stereotyping. Part 3 focuses on the adverse effects of underemployment on physical and emotional health, family, work performance, and career development. For example, those who feel underemployed might not be motivated to work harder because it would only increase their sense of inequity. A final section examines future research areas related to underemployment. 1bis volume is the most comprehensive work on this important subject.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Business managers, business and social science professors, and upper-division undergraduate and graduate students.-G. E. KaupillS, Boise State University

no 49-2181 HV6791 2010-48410 CIP Allen, W. David. Criminals and victims. Stanford Economics and Fi­nance, 2011. 292p bibl index afp ISBN 080476252X, $55.00; ISBN 9780804762526, $55.00

In this volume, Allen (Univ. of Alabama) writes like an adviser laying out potential dissertation topics on the microeconomic analysis of criminal and victim behavior over time. His logical mathematical models break down the decisions for potential criminals and victims at each phase of a crime's life cycle. He ties these models ro hypotheses and prior research hom economics, criminology, and psychology, briefly summarizing many key findings and identifYing gaps for future research. As he tests his models empirically, he explains the advantages of particular

( 733

Page 6: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

IL

r-::-::..:::..::.:..:::..::.:..:::..::.------------

Social & Behavioral Sciences

econometric tools (e.g., hazard models for examining recidivism) and includes econometric references. 'Ihus, for future researchers his analysis is particularly well presented. Allen also includes findings that may

interest policy makers hoping to deter crime and reduce its social costs. Phases studied for the criminal include planning (time, accomplices, and weapons); inflicting of violence and damages; destroying evidence;

and recommitting crimes. Phases studied for victims include choosing prevention and protection strategies, resisting, reporting, and working after victimization. The section on evidence destruction, while strictly

theoretical, could be of interest to those studying political or corporate cover-ups. See related, Harold »;rinter's ?he Economics of Crime (CH,

Apr'09, 46-4571). Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Graduate students, researchers, and professionals.-E. j. Peterson, Cti/ijomia State Uniuersiry SlllllMllllS

49-2182 HG2040 2011-11206 MARC The American mortgage system: crisis and reform, ed. by Susan M. Wachter and Marvin M. Smith. Pennsylvania, 2011. 392p bibl index

afp ISBN 081224351X, $49.95; ISBN 9780812243512, $49.95 This scholarly volume examines the institutions and policies of

housing finance in the US to analyze why they caused the housing bubble and how reforms could prevent the collapse of the housing

market in the future. The chapters are original essays by experts in real estate. Commercial real estate is not examined. 'Though the authors do

not delve into the deeper issues of land ownership subsidies throughout American history, the work provides a thorough explanation of mortgage finance. Chapters examine the secondary market and the roles of Fannie

Mae and Freddie Mac, the role of the banking system, the Community Reinvestment Act and its impact on lower-income homeowners, and

recent reforms in housing finance. Policy proposals offered include

reforming the secondary mortgage market, using cooperatives, and providing better information. The technical details make this work particularly useful ror scholars and practitioners. See related, GUlll'flnteed to Fail: Fimnie lvIlle, Freddie Mllc, tllld the Debllcle of lvIortgage Finance, by Viral V Acharya et a1. (CH, Oct' 11,49-0987), and The Rise and fa!! of the US. Mortgage tlnd Credit Markets, by James R. Barth et a1. (CH,

Jan'10, 47-2672). Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduate students through professionals.-E E. Fo/dual'y, Stlnta Cltll'fl Ulliue/'siry

49-2183 HCllO 2011-5495 (lP

Blank, Rebecca M. Changing inequality. California, 2011. 225p bibl index afp (Aaron Wildavsky forum for public policy, 8) ISBN 9780520266926, $60.00; ISBN 9780520266933 pbk, $24.95

Blank (formerly of the Brookings Institution and the Univ. of

Michigan; currently acting US secretary of commerce) has expanded an Aaron \'qildavsky Forum for Public Policy lecture into this book. Using

detailed Current Population Survey data, she compures pretax per capita total income (a more comprehensive measure than anyone else has used) for nonelderly adults in the US for 1979 and 2007. Like others, she finds

a substantial increase in income inequality; unlike others, she finds that the level of income has risen for most of the income distribution. In the latter part of the book. she theoretically analrzes the impact of a variety of shocks (war, pandemic, technological breakthrough, etc.) on the distribution

of income. l.ater Blank uses simulations to gauge the impact of various policies and changes in economic hehavior on inequality (improvements in skills, equalization of investment income, increases in marriage, an

expanded safety net, etc.). Large but reasonable changes in these Elcwrs

734

have a relatively small effect on CUlTenr inequality, leading the author to conclude that a high degree of inequality is likely [0 exist f()r a long

time. Blank offers insight on a topic of much current debate. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Alllevcls of undergraduate students: f;\Culty: professionals; general readers.-R. S. Rycro(i, Uniwrsiry of'l\lfl1Y VVtlShington

49-2184 HG501 2011-11982 CIP Brands, H. W. Greenback planet: how the dollar conquered the world and threatened civilization as we know it. Texas, 2011. 139p

index afp ISBN 9780292723412, $25.00; ISBN 9780292735798 e­

book, contact publisher for price

How did the US dollar achieve global dominance? Brands (history, Univ. of Texas at Austin) answers this question with a whirlwind tour

of American monetary history. He focuses on a small set of important

episodes, including the introduction of "greenbacks" (the federal

government's first money backed by tilith, not by any commodity) during the Civil \'qar; the gold standard's resumption and Bryan's soaring rhetoric

about cruci~'ing "mankind on a cross of gold"; J. E Morgan's rescue of the US Treasury; creation of the Federal Reserve; Roosevelt's decision to

effectively abandon the gold standard after it helped cause worldwide

depression; the postwar Bretton \'Voods Conference, which codified the dollar's status as the dominant international currency; Nixon's decision

to "close the gold window"; threats to the inflation-prone dollar's status

in recent decades; and the recent financial crisis. Brands captures these

events' drama with remarkable quotes from key players. However, the

book does not live up to its title-its explanation of how the dollar

"conquered" the world is somewhat superficial, avoiding deeper analysis of why the American economy has been so successful-and its closing

argument that the dollar now threatens "civilization as we know it" is thin

and unconvincing. Summing Up: Not recommendecl.-R. i'd. Vlhaples, Wtzke Forest Unil'ersity

49-2185 HJ7537 2011-12043 (lP

Chinn, Menzie D. lost decades: the making of America's debt cri­sis and the long recovery, by Menzie D. Chinn and Jeffry A. Frieden.

w.w. Norton, 2011. 284p index ISBN 9780393076509, $26.95 Chinn (Univ. of\'qisconsin) and Frieden (Harvard) analyze the

buildup to the recent economic crisis from the perspective of the evolution of credit and financial markets. What they do is valuable,

especially in their analysis of the willful ignorance of regulators and

people within the financial community who developed distorted

measures of risk. The book would h~lVe been even more valuable if the authors had been able to connect the financial markets with some of

the underlying real economic problems, such as the lack of productive

investment, accelerating inequality, and stagnant wages. This book is

good, but it does not stand out in the flood of publications responding to the current economic crisis. However, the presentation is accessible

to undergraduates, who will appreciate the clear exposition of the

complex financial instruments that blew up credit markets throughout

the world. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Public and academic library collections, lower-division undergraduate and up.-1H. Perelman, Calijornirl Stt/tt' Uili versily, Chico

49-2186 HD9750 2011-282121 MARC Dauvergne, Peter. Timber, by Peter Dauvergne and Jane lister. Polity,2011.

200p bibl index ISBN 9780745649276, $49.95; ISBN 9780745649283 pbk, $19.95

"Ihis hook cririques corporatism's role in deforestation, particularly

December 2011

Page 7: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

in the Global South. Dauvergne and Lister (both, Univ. of British Columbia, Canada) link global supply chains with deforestation and illegal and unsustainable logging and place big-box retailers as the key links in the chain. The book flows well in leading to its conclusion. "Governing Timber Consumption," the last chapter, justifies the central theme as the authors explore current efforts corporations are making-where they fail, succeed, and can improve. Unlike many critiques, Timber provides a plausible answer to the problem it presents. The book is brief, leaves out several large pieces of the picture, and lacks historical context. Though the authors present information on current consolidation in the timber industry, readers may be unaware that this is a long-term trend. Statistics about the increase in soybean production in Brazil, though accurate, are driven as much by lowest-latitude varieties as any other factor. Finally, Timber dismisses the power of consumerism, describing consumption as "wasteful" and "excessive," terms few people would use to describe their own consumption. The book is well written and accessible to a range of readers. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; general readers.-B. D. On; Michigan Technological University

49-2187 HF1359 2011-1494 ClP Eckes, Alfred E., Jr. The contemporary global economy: a history since 1980. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. 306p bibl index ISBN 1405183446, $94.95; ISBN 9781405183444, $94.95

For students (and faculty) interested in quickly getting up to speed on today's global economy, Eckes's interdisciplinary survey is a good place to start. The book's wide-ranging bibliography and recommendations for further reading will also help readers follow up on specific topics of interest. As the title indicates, the primary focus is on the period since 1980, but Eckes (contemporary history, Ohio Univ.) is careful to set recent developments in their historical context. The book includes the obligatory chapters on international trade, business, and finance. But it goes beyond these topics in considering the intellectual underpinnings of the economic liberalization that has shaped modern globalization, and it also considers some of the negative consequences of global integration, including a rise in human trafficking and the internationalization of organized crime. Eckes adopts a neutral, descriptive tone throughout. This approach works well for presenting conflicting views of controversial topics (e.g., sweatshop) and in the excellent chapters on the internationalization of finance and the recent financial crisis, where the story provides momentum. On the other hand, readers would benefit from additional guidance regarding what to take away from the information presented in the early chapter surveys of the developed and developing worlds. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Lower-division students, faculty, and general readers.-5. A. Redenius, Brandeis University

49-2188 HB3782 2011-4361 CIP Europe and the financial crisis, ed. by Pompeo Della Posta and Lei­la Simona Talani. Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 282p bibl index ISBN 9780230285545, $105.00

This selection of 13 papers, presented in January 2010 at a conference titled "Europe in Crisis" and held in Italy, is divided into two sections. The first six chapters deal with general European issues caused by/ related to the crisis, and the other seven address its impact on individual countries: the UK, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy, as well as the countries of southeastern Europe and Russia. There appears to be a

Social & Behavioral Sciences L----='--'

consensLls among most authors that insufEcicnt political integration and a lack of macroeconomic policy coordination, at least among the eurozonc countries, worsened the effects of the crisis. Several of the studies provide a kind of historical review of financial and economic policy developments since the early 19905 within the European Union. The book includes good chapter-end bibliographies and a good index. Unfortunately, the stylistic quality varies, and there is no indication as to which of the chapters were written in English and which were translated from Italian (10 of the 17 authors are connected with Italian universities), Summing Up: Recommended. ** Specialists and graduate students interested in international finance and the European economy.-H. D. Renning, emeritus, California State UniveI:,ity, Stanislalls

49-2189 HB2160 2011-8873 ClP From farm to firm: rural-urban transition in developing coun­tries, by Nora Dudwick et al. World Bank, 2011. 235p bibl index ISBN 9780821386231, $30,00; ISBN 9780821386408 e-book, contact pub­lisher for price

This World Bank volume provides two sets of case studies, one set focusing on sub-Saharan Africa and the other on South Asia, which examine the rural-urban transilion in developing countries. These studies follow up on ideas presented in two World Development Reports from the World Bank: the 2008 report on agriculture for development and the 2009 report on reshaping economic geography. The countty-level focus of these case studies allows the authors to examine the inequitable outcomes that might arise from policies enacted to suppOrt national development. The authors take an interdisciplinary approach to allow the best analysis of the available data. Data are approached from global, national, and local standpoints to determine differences in the economic well-being of the people. Infrastructure, comparative advantage, and personal preferences all playa role in the migration of people, resulting in different economic landscapes even within countries, Chapters include notes and references to additional material to support the presentation. In some places, more tables or figures and less discussion might improve readability. Overall this volume is readable, and most of the material should be understandable to

upper-division undergraduate students. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduate through professional collectioI1S.-R. J SchatZel; Oklahoma State University

49-2190 HB3722 2010-53686 CIP Global financial crisis: global impact and solutions, ed. by Paolo Savona, John Kirton, and Chiara Oldani. Ashgate, 2011. 325p bibl index ISBN 9781409402718, $119.95; ISBN 9781409402725 e-book, contact publisher for price

This volume provides a broad international overview of the great recession by a wide range of academics and economists from all over the world. Each chapter focuses on a specific country or region of the world and explains the causes of the great recession; the consequences on the economy; the vulnerabilities of the economy to the great recession; and steps taken by the government to deal with the problems. 'The volume also examines issues of governance at the international level (I ME G20, etc.) and concludes with a section on policy recommendatioI1S. Readers interested in getting a first glance at the international aspects of the financial crisis will find this work usefuL A good complement to this book is the Banking Crisis Handbook, edited by Greg N Gregoriou (2009). Summing Up: Recommended. ** Graduate students, researchers, and raculty.-E. Tymoigne, Lewis awi Clarl, College

December 2011 Cl-lOl( 735

Page 8: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

Reviews

Social & Behavioral Sciences

49-2191 HG3881 2011-23128 (lP International Bank for Reconstruction and DevelopmentlThe World Bank. A guide to the World Bank. 3rd ed. World Bank, 2011. 261 P in­dex ISBN 9780821385456 pbk, $24.95; ISBN 9780821386576 e-book, contact publisher for price

This book is a very useful primer on the organization and functions of the World Bank. Now in its third edition (1st ed., CH, Jun'04, 41-6025), the guide is an official publication of the World Bank, with the associated advantages and limitations this implies. It provides a clear, thorough presentation of the bank's structure and official policies but no analysis and very limited reference to areas of contention such as neoliberal policy bias, top-down decision making, and US domination. The first half of the book (focusing on the institution's structure and functions) is interesting and engaging; the second half (geographic regions and development topics) reflects the bank's "matrix" organization, but the result is superficial and repetitive. Most of the book's content is available on the World Bank's Web pages <http://www.worldbank.org/> (CH, Sup'05, 42Sup-0478) and in its annual reportS; however, the book's organizational format is extremely valuable. Those already familiar with the World Bank will garner only a few nuggets, but the primer is an excellent way for novices to come up to speed quickly. For teaching purposes, the book should be paired with a more critical and analytical treatment. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All levels of undergraduate students as well as general readers.-C. Kilby, Villanova University

49-2192 HC79 2011-4282 MARC Karlan, Dean. More than good intentions: how a new econom­ics is helping to solve global poverty, by Dean Karlan and Jacob Appel. Dutton, 2011. 308p index ISBN 052595189X, $26.95; ISBN 9780525951896, $26.95

This is an unusual book, a mix of highly readable textbook and passionate advocacy. Its subject matter is poverty in the developing world; specific issues of poverty; the use of randomized control trials to assess what methods "work" to ameliorate specific problems of poverty; and how residents of high-income countries can help those of low­income countries improve their circumstances. The authors intersperse more expository and advocacy material, presumably predominantly by Karlan (economics, Yale), with anecdotal vignettes illustrating the book's ideas, presumably predominantly by Appel (former field researcher for Innovations for Poverty Action, the NGO Karlan founded). Although the book has been seriously criticized for lack of methodological rigor (e.g., Glenn Harrison, "Randomization and Its Discontents," in the August 2011 issue of Journal of African Economies 20, no. 4:626-652), it is highly readable and will be persuasive to many undergraduates and general readers. The explanations offered for why problems persist and how targeted aid projects and behavioral "nudges" can help solve them are plausible and will give readers a better understanding of poverty. Unfortunately, often the data do not permit rejecting alternative explanations, possibly vitiating specific conclusions for action. Summing Up: Recommended. ** General readers and all levels of undergraduate students.-j. H. Cobbe, florida State University

49-2193 HC59 2010-43760 (lP Karnani, Aneel. Fighting poverty together: rethinking strategies for business, governments, and civil society to reduce poverty. Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 297p bibl index ISBN 9780230105874, $35.00

Karnani (business, Univ. of Michigan) serves up a quasi-manifesto to

fight global poverty. Eschewing, at least explicitly, much research from the scholarly likes of Jeffrey Sachs and \X'illiam Easterly, or the hands-on work of Bono and Bill Gates, the author offers pragmatic, connect­the-dots alternatives to what he claims are well-meaning but inefFective approaches. Chapter 1, "Fighting Poveny," reads, unfortunately, like a Power Point presentation that sets the stage and summarizes Karnani's contexts and themes; it serves as one bookend. Chapter 9 is the other, but it is really a very short bullet-point final rallying cry. The seven chapters in between are divided into two main parts. Chapters 2-4 assess and criticize more market-based approaches to battling poverty, including microfinance schemes and Base of the Pyramid approaches; chapters 5-8 describe the necessary three-pronged components and roles for the private, for-profit business world, governments, and what Karnani terms "civil society" (code for the individual citizenry, NGOs, and not­for-profit firms). With only so-so notes and index, the volume is good as a complement to other literature, but certainly not as a substitute for it. Summing Up: Optional. * All readership levels.-A. R. Sanderson, University of Chicago

49-2194 HC106 2010-49651 OP Lacey, Jim. Keep from all thoughtful men: how U.S. economists won World War II. Naval Institute, 2011. 266p bibl index afp ISBN 1591144914, $34.95; ISBN 9781591144915, $34.95

In 1942, Robert Nathan, a former student of economist Simon Kuznets, and statistician Stacy May were instrumental in promoting Kuznets's national income accounting techniques to analyze the feasibility of planned increases in war production. The book's title derives from an army supply general's contemptuous response to the feasibility study, written by Kuznets, that undercut the overly ambitious plans of George Marshall for an early invasion of Europe. Though Nathan, Kuznets, and May ultimately won the argument, the bureaucratic skirmish cost them their jobs. The book's hyperbolic subtitle refers principally to the skirmish's tactical maneuvers rather than the broader role of professional economists in the war effort. Along the way, Lacey discredits the popular interpretation that the "victory program" developed by Major Albert Wedemeyer was substantial and influential. It was neither. Kuznets's national income accounting innovations and the increased financial expertise of the Federal Reserve enabled the successful planning and financing ofWW II, not the years of study by the military. An interesting but very short and ill-focused book, especially for those more interested in economics than bureaucratic wrangling. Summing Up: Optional. * All readership levels.-R. S. Hewett, Drake UnillelJit)'

49-2195 K3820 2010-50154 CIP Law and long-term economic change: a Eurasian perspective, ed. by Debin Ma and Jan Luiten van Zanden. Stanford Economics and Finance, 2011. 358p bibl index ISBN 9780804772730, $65.00

Over the past decade, there has been an explosion of research on the importance of law to long-term economic change. This research has primarily focused on the difference between common and civil law countries and has ignored non-Western European legal regimes. This collected volume aims to fill that gap in the literature through essays by economic historians and comparative law scholars on legal regime change across Eurasia. For example, several chapters focus on the evolution of law in specific countries such as Japan, China, India, and the Ottomans. Other chapters look at how concepts such as property rights vary across time and place. Several more chapters analyze the relationship between courts and economic performance across a variety of country and

736 UlorCF December 2011

Page 9: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

1,

industry settings, from China's Song dynasty to 19th-century Portugal. Two important insights emergc hom this eclcctic volume. First, legal regimes are more similar than they are different, once it is recognized that they arise ro solve problems and disputes in a fair. evenhanded manner. Second, it is important for scholars to supplement "thin" empirical studies with "thick" case studies to better understand these important historical relationships. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Graduate, faculty, and research collections.-j. C. Hall, Beloit College

49-2196 HC79 2011-3399 ClP Madrick, Jeff. Age of greed: the triumph of finance and the decline of America, 1970 to the present. Knopf, 2011. 464p bibl index ISBN 9781400041718, $30.00

In Age of Greed, Madrick (fellow, Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, TIle New School) takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the world of economics, politics, and finance in the postwar US. 'l1lOugh Madrick's story focuses on the years from 1970 to the present, he organizes his book chapters not by year or decade but rather by the major actors who shaped the world of finance in the modern US. Madrick focuses on the well-known figures in this story-Milton Friedman, Ronald Reagan, and Alan Greenspan-as well as individuals who may be less well known, including Walter Wriston and Joe F1om. Expertly researched and thoughtfully argued, Madrick's book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the modern US economy. Madrick carefully documents the facts that he reports, and his work is even more compelling because it is as critical of mistakes made during the Carter administration as it is of mistakes made during the Reagan administration. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All readership levels.-F. H. Smith, Davidson College

49-2197 JK421 2011-7608 CIP Marlow, Michael L. The myth of fair and efficient government: why the government you want is not the one you get. Praeger, 2011. 214p index afp ISBN 9780313392917, $34.95; ISBN 9780313392924 e-book, contact publisher for price

Marlow (economics, California Polytechnic State Univ., San Luis Obispo) does not care for the federal government as it functions and rejects romantic notions that government intervention can make improvements. In general, he asserts markets work, largely because of competition, and governments do not. Governments waste money through inefficiencies and waste driven by politics. The ta.x system is inefficient and plays favorites through tax preferences that are disguised spending. Tax incentives direct resources in inefficient directions; direct subsidies to businesses normally represent wasted money. The public social insurance system is woefully underfunded, adding to the burdens on future generations. Marlow would, among other things, shrink the federal government, direct spending according to results rather than fanciful promises of ptograms, end tax prefercnces, let markets rather than government subsidies determine business survival, flatten the tax code, and make the connection between government cost and individual tax bills more apparent. However, he presents no evidence that Americans now have a romantic view of the federal government or that they would support his corrections. That is the rub for democracies-policy makers may make inefficient dccisions, but citizens are the ones who elected them. A timely book, given the contentious debates over the US federal budget. Summing Up: Recommended. ** All levels of undergraduate students.-j. L. !vlikesell, Indiana University-Bloomington

Social & Behavioral Sciences L---==-.J

49-2198 HF1385 MARC Rege, Vinod. Negotiating at the World Trade Organization. Com­monwealth Secretariat, 2011. 223p bibl index (Lessons from the Commonwealth, 2) ISBN 9781849290227 pbk, $32.55; ISBN 9781848590717e-book, contact publisher for price

'This is the go-to book for detailed descriptions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization liberalization practices. Rege (a former director at GATT) compiles briefings provided to Commonwealth delegations on liberalization in agriculture, agricultural commodity stabilization, nonagricultural products, trade in services, industrial policy, intellectual property, and public health. Designed as a project to build trade capacity in smaller and less developed nations of the Commonwealth, these summary briefings provide an insider's delineation of\'\!TO operations. Unfortunately, as a legacy of official papers, their dry factual approach will put off all but the advanced follower of trade policy. In addition to providing clear definitions of terms and trends, chapter I is especially useful in distinguishing the WTO from the World Bank and the IME As a member-driven organization, the WTO has a weak directorate, with its administration responsive to the consensus-driven direction of 153 countries. Yet as its decisions have legally binding force, the WTO is also uniquely strong-unlike its sister institutions, which offer weaker "guidance." Negotiating at the World Trade OlganiZtltion is an important technical primer for policy makers in the trade arena. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Graduate students, faculty, researchers, and professionals.-Patrice M Franko, Colby College

49-2199 HF357 2011-1127 CIP Roberts, Keith. Theoriginsofbusiness, money, and markets. Colum­bia Business School, 2011. 357p bibl index afp ISBN 9780231153263, $29.95; ISBN 9780231526852 e-book, contact publisher for price

This volume provides a survey of economic history from its founding in the Middle East through the collapse of the Roman Empire in the fifth century of the Common Era. The author begins with Mesopotamia, Babylonia, and Syria, where governments created institutions that supported commercial activities, including security, credit, and physical infrastructure. The Hellenistic Era gave rise to modern forms of business characterized by markets, money, and entrepreneurialism. For 150 years, Athens dominated the various city-states and provided a model of banking, colonization, and trade. During the Roman Principate (31 BCE-192 CE), business experienced better conditions than ever before and "would not reach these heights again for another thousand years." Roberts concludes the study with a comparison with the financial collapse of 2008. He emphasizes that business depends on social relations, specifically on credit. Ancient civilizations guaranteed the trustworthiness of credit through varioLls means such as family connections, laws, and moral systems. In contrast, the financial instruments driving the recent global credit crisis were created by fraud and lack of trust. Roberts's well­documented, readable book provides valuable insight into the past and lessons for the present. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Students, upper-division undergraduate and up; faculty and researchers; general readers.-R. L. Hoglel; Colorado State University

49-2200 HV635 2010-51906 ClP Simmons, Kevin M. Economic and societal impacts of tornadoes, by Kevin M. Simmons and Daniel Sutter. American Meteorological Society, 2011. 282p bibl index afp ISBN 9781878220998 pbk, $30.00

Simmons (Austin College) and Sutter (Univ. of Texas-Pan American) analyze the cost-effectiveness of different measures for reducing the

December 2011 CI-IO[CI~ 737

Page 10: Reviews Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-12.pdf · that marketers need to adapt to this new landscape with new strategies, e.g., create

Social & Behavioral Sciences

impact of tornados, including tornado shelters, sale rooms, warnings and watches, and Doppler weather radar. Starting with a fascinating discussion of the idiosyncrasies of tornado impact data, the book continues with a sophisticated analysis of casualty patterns and mitigation suatcgics. TIle analysis is authoritative and meticulously grounded in research; the topic is timely and important (not only because there seem to be more incidents of extreme weather, but also because of what the book reports about how people perceive and respond to low-probability, high-consequence events, so-called "Black Swans"); and the presentation is effective. -fhe authors' research has important policy implications. For example, an increase in warning lead times beyond 15 minutes does not yield any additional reduction in tornado casualties; an increase in the number of false alarms increases casualties (the "cry wolf" effect) because people start ignoring warnings; and the value of protective investments depends on local risk factors, which vary by state and socioeconomic characreristics. 'fhis book will appeal mostly to readers with an interest in meteorological phenomena, which is a shame because it can be profitably read by a much broader audience. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All readership levels.-j. H. Titrek, Lynchblllg College

49-2201 HJ8615 2011-6917 CIP Stasavage, David. States of credit: size, power, and the develop­ment of European polities. Princeton, 2011, 192p bibl index afp ISBN 9780691140575, $39.95

Stasavage (politics, New York Univ.) brings together the political and economic history of early modern Europe with several interesting twists that make a substantial addition to both the new institutionalist and political economy literatures. Scholars commonly agree that the simultaneous appearance of representative assemblies and debt financing of sovereign activities is not coincidental. Stasavage uses newly assembled data to show how they were linked and, more importantly, when they were effectively linked and when they were not. The key, he argues, is in transaction costs-specifically, the costs of collecting and disseminating relevant information about sovereign actions to creditors. In medieval and early European history, these COSts effectively limited success to small republics with a politically active mercantile oligarchy. Stasavage's comparative study of the city-states of Cologne, Genoa, and Siena with the larger territorial states of France, Castile, and Holland makes his point quite effectively. TIle book concludes with a chapter suggesting extensions of the argument even to modern states. A valuable work for advanced readers of political and economic history. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper-division undergraduate through research collections.-R. B. Emmett, James jVJadison College, lvIiclligan State University

49-2202 HD9502 2011-1819 ClP Tomain, Joseph p, Ending dirty energy policy: prelude to climate change. Cambridge, 2011. 308p index ISBN 9780521127851 pbk, $32,99

Climate change presents the US with regulatory challenges never faced before. How will this country reform the relationships among law, policy, and politics to end dirty energy policy' Tomain (Univ. of Cincinnati, College of Law) provides an elaborate discussion of this question. He emphasizes two points initially. First, despite attempts to alter the status quo, US energy policy continues to favor incumbent fossil fuel energy industries. Second, when it comes to the formulation of sensible energy policy, the choice is not between the government and fi'ee markets. The real choice is about the apposite relationship between

738

the government and markets. When pondering this relationship, Tomain asserts, policy makers need to recognize that future energy policy must utilize diverse energy resources efficiently. At the same time, this future policy must be environmentally responsible and promote domestic and global security. 'The book's discussion of economic theory is occasionally inscrutable, and some points could have been made with greater brevity. Even so, this timely book provides a good outline of the past, present, and likely future of US energy policy. Summing Up: Recommended, ** All readership levels.-A. A. Batabyal, Rochester Institute ofTeclmology

on 49-2203 LB675 2011-309 ClP Anyon, Jean. Marx and education. Routledge, 2011, 117p bibl index ISBN 9780415803298, $125,00; ISBN 9780415803304 pbk, $31.95; ISBN 9780203829615 e-book, $31.95

The ideas of Karl Marx have served as an important interpretive lens for scholars in education. Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintes's Schooling in Capitalist America (1977) introduced a new generation of teachers and researchers to Marx's ideas. This influence continued with the work of Michael Apple, Henry Giroux, and Anyon (Graduate Center of the City University of New York). In this modest volume, Anyon provides a clear explanation of the tremendous scope and influence of Marx on educational practice and policy. The book is organized into four chapters, including an extensive bibliography and an introduction that provides essential context for those readers who have less experience with the ideas of Marx and how they have been used in educational research and practice. 'TIle first and second chapters focus on the development of Marx's ideas within education since the 1970s. Then, Anyon uses these ideas to examine the role economic problems (e.g., the increasing disparity between rich and poor in the US) play in the development and implementation of educational policy. Finally, she suggests ways that Marxist theory and practice can serve those who study, advocate, teach, and, most importantly, learn in public schools in the US. Summing Up: Recommended. ** General readers, upper-division undergraduate students, and above.-j. A. He/ftr, Knox College

49-2204 LB1572 2010-51819 CIP Boyd, Maureen P. Real talk in elementary classrooms: effective oral language practice, by Maureen P. Boyd and Lee GaIda. Guil­ford, 2011. 210p bibl index ISBN 9781609181598, $50.00; ISBN 9781609181581 pbk, $26.00

Boyd (Univ. at Buffalo, SUNy) and Gaida (Univ. of Minnesota) emphasize the importance of meaningful discussions in classrooms in order to create communities that are both welcoming and challenging for students. Throughout the book, they reference numerous examples of talk in different classrooms in order to illustrate the important aspects of positive conversations that center around specific literacy events. In each chapter vignettes that highlight the importance of good teachers being responsive to their students are presented and then carefi.dly analyzed. The final chapter makes a strong case for supporting talk in the classroom by weaving together examples from the multiple classrooms. The "Things to Talk About" prompts at the end of each chapter will motivate practicing teachers to consider the kinds of talk in their own classrooms. These prompts assist the reader by providing a focus for each chapter, making connections to the material in the rest of the book, and

December 2011