Book Description

Completely revised and updated, this book is an indispensable and manageable guide to the world's most populous nation. Emphasizing the period of the 1990s, the book covers politics, law, economics, foreign relations, education, population, and includes a chronology, biographies, a bibliography, and a gazetteer. With an excellent selection of figures, diagrams and maps, this book will be the standard reference to contemporary China for students, teachers, journalists, travelers, academic and government researchers, business people, policy-makers and general readers. ... Read more

Book Description

The history and current status of the important oil industry are reviewed in this study of the geological origins of oil and gas. Assessed are how much oil and gas has been produced, what remains in known fields, and what is yet to be found, with attention to how to properly interpret published numbers, many of which are false or distorted by vested interests. The contention is made that the growing Middle East control of the market is likely to lead to a radical and permanent increase in the price of oil before physical shortages begin to appear within the first decade of the 21st century. The book further argues that the coming oil crisis will create economic and political discontinuity of historic proportions, as the world adjusts to a new energy environment. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Very good, timely and appropiate.
This book is an excellent work treating the current hydrocarbon depletion issue. Readers will be well rewarded for their money. This book, however, should be read with two more:

"Hubbert's Peak: The Impending World Oil Shortage", by Kenneth S. Deffeyes

"The Oil Factor: How Oil Controls the Economy and Your Financial Future" by Stephen Leeb, Donna Leeb

One thing the author does not treat is the transitional period from hydrocarbon to renewable sources. Since these are hard topics, and the uncertainty is very high, their omission from the work is quite understandable.

As to the comment by the reader from Portland, OR, I have worked on the floors of the largest energy companies in Houston, currently working for the California energy markets, and yes, C. J. Campbell does have a pretty good understanding of how the energy markets work. Although I do not quite share the author's a bit doomsday view of the years to come, we will be up for a significant challenge.

a waste of paper
Campbell is the 43rd author to warn us about the impending doom reulting from "running out of oil." If any of the 43 authors would bother to learn basic economics, the public might have a decent book which explains the coming transition to alternate sources of energy. In Campbell's book, you not only find a basic lack of understanding of how the oil market works, but interviews with doctors and charlatens which need to be excised from the book in a future edition. Maybe he can write this edition in 2015; "The Coming Oil Crisis: This Time I Mean It"

Save yourself time and money and go to his free website before buying: http://dieoff.org/page131.htm

A fascinating book
This is a fascinating book, one that dares to go to examine the very core of the mechanisms which make our society function. Our way of life depends on fossil fuels for about 90% of all the energy we produce. Without oil and the other fossils, the planet would never been able to support 6 billion human beings, to say nothing of the extravagant lifestyle of the fraction of them living in "rich" countries.

Campbell's book is an attempt to foresee how long this bonanza can last. The uncertainties in the field are enormous, already the estimates in the amount of "recoverable resources" vary of almost a factor of two depending on who is doing the estimate. Then, there comes the need to estimate the rate of consumption which, in turn depends on complex and economical factors. Nevertheless, reason can guide us to determine that in no case we can expect more than a few decades (at most) of oil abundance. It is time to think seriously of alternatives.

Campbell's book is written by one of the foremost experts in the field, it is well balanced, entertaining, and overall fascinating. Highly recommended!

pretty good-but it had some fluff
This book has a lot of interesting, hard to find information on oil reserves and petroleum geology. Its a must-read for someone interested in the subject of oil depletion. It has some shortcomings though:

1-It has a lot of superfluous stuff. For example, there is an interview with a medical doctor on topics quite remote from oil depetion. It was annoying to find this material in the book. But it was easily avoided.

2-At times, Campbell didnt stick to the topic. He waders off into simplistic philosphical musings about the meaning of oil depletion. It wasnt helpful.

3-An explanation of why oil is only found in special geological formations was not provided. This is a very important aspect to understanding oil depletion.

But all things considered, this is a good book to read if you want to understand how much oil is left in the ground, and how much has already one up in smoke.

Very comprehensive
The book is based on total cumulative oil production of 1800 billion barrels with peak global production at aprox 10,000,000,000 litres per day in 2001 with a plateau until 2008 and declining until aprox 2100.

Large cities and energy intensive industries such as mining, aircraft, shipping and railways will bear the brunt of declining world oil production from present day global usage of 10,000,000,000 litres per day, declining to around 1,000,000 litres /day in 2080.

The book has extensive production profiles for many regions, but not Australia. It illustrates how Germany's oil production has been in decline from 0.058 Gb/a since the mid 1960's and US oil production has been in decline since the early 1970's peaking at around 9500 kb / day.

An extensive web site is discussed regarding renewable energy.

The rise in human population from 1 billion to 6 billion over the last 100 years is also discussed and the author predicts a decline in human population with declining oil production.

There is a brief discussion in regards to how the temperature rises 33 to 36 deg C for every km decrease in depth and how oil is subsequently cracked into gas at high temperatures, however it doesn't mention at what pressures the cracking would take place or if there is any difference in temperature between 4 km below sea level or 4 km below land.

The book rarely discusses synthetic fertilisers, such as sulphate of ammonia, which need oil or gas as a feedstock to fix nitrogen, etc. Brian Fleays book "The decline of the age of oil" discusses this in greater depth.

There is no discussion of the chemicals that are made from oil such as: Acetylene, rubber, explosives, insecticides, soaps, cosmetics, chewing gum wax, carbon brushes, etc which can be found in an encyclopedia.

However, the book is a very comprehensive discussion of the search for oil and the geological constraints of production. ... Read more

Book Description

The current transformation of isolated state-dominated economies into market-driven globally integrated economies is creating business challenges and opportunities around the globe. Over the last ten years, these authors have studied over one hundred global corporations through a variety of research methods and here distill their findings into four essential goals that executives must achieve in order to transform a company into a global success: Identify and pursue opportunities in key markets. Convert global presence into global competitive advantage. Cultivate a global mindset in order to recognize and exploit good ideas wherever they arise. And constantly reinvent the global game by creating value for customers. Case studies involving Yahoo!, Wal-Mart, and other global players show how the authors' findings can be applied in real-world situations. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent book on strategy
If there are 10 management books you must read, this has to be part of the list. Once in 5 years come books like 'Competing for the Future' and 'The Innovators Dilema' that completely change strategic thought and lay open fresh paths to explore. The Quest for Global Dominance is one such book.

Globalisation is clearly going to be the most important item on the agenda for every corporate for the next decade. Every manager is going to face serious challenges in this front. This book prepares you to prepare for these challenges and win the globalisation game. Too good to be missed.

Good Text on Globalization
If you're looking for a detailed book on globalization that has the qualities, depth, and approach of a college textbook, here it is. The book was written by two professors who met, and discovered a synergy for writing, while they were students at Harvard. They've developed a style that presents their points in a well-organized fashion, with sufficient illustration and documentation to validate the authors' points. The examples they use are well-known companies that have achieved global dominance; now we know how they did it-with plenty of information and understanding between two covers of a modern book.

The book is organized into nine chapters, each strong enough to be a stand-alone publication on its own. We start with Rising Up to the Global Challenge and then move into Building Global Presence. Appetites whetted, we now get a comprehensive case study: Lessons from Wal-Mart's Globalization. Exploiting Global Presence comes next, followed by a chapter on Cultivating a Global Mindset. This is primary theme of the book; it's a mindset that enables dominance.

Chapter 6 gets into some how-to: Building a Global Knowledge Machine, sharing vital information and understanding across national boundaries and cultural divides. The authors then concentrate on the Dynamics of Global Business Teams and Changing the Rules of the Global Game. The final chapter is Globalization in the Digital Age, keeping us right up-to-date and reminding the reader that this topic is real and "present" in today's organizations. A bibliography and two indices follow the footnotes section.

The ordinary lay reader will have trouble with this book. It is an academic work. However, for senior executives, marketing professionals, and students of globalization, this book will be a treasure. Those involved with graduate education in business should not miss this book. It will be valuable reading for self-growing executives engaged in executive MBA programs, giving them solid knowledge and insight to apply in their real world of global growth and dominance.

Global Growth
The authors do a magnificient job of laying out in detail what is means to be a global company. Most organizations talk about the importance of Globalization and how important Globalization is for their firm. However few truly understand and face upto the real challenges of Globalization.
The book is unique in that it provides a complete picture beginning with formulation of the strategy(Do we really need to be Global) to the execution of the strategy.
Kudos to the authors for giving us this book.

Brilliant new look at globalization
There are many books about globalization. This one is different for different reasons : the use of newest strategic thinking integrated with globalization issues, the use of examples to make it come alive and the readibility. The authors make their research and experience accessible to everybody. A must read for anybody who is serious about going global.

Required Reading for the Global Executive
The Quest for Global Dominance is a unique piece of work. Much has been written regarding taking businesses cross-border, few have done it better. Govindarajan and Gupta take this out of the realm of the theoretical with examples of how firms have reactively, and proactively, worked to capture new markets.
I especially recommend the chapter on creating a "global mindset," a challenge many of us face. Their thoughts and examples are worth a read....and a reread.

It's a fairly short,quick read and pretty entertaining.

In short, highly recommended. In fact required reading for global executives and firms looking to stretch into new markets, no matter what the industry. ... Read more

Book Description

Over the past six decades federal regulatory agencies have attempteddifferent strategies to regulate the natural gas industry in the United States. All have beenunsuccessful, resulting in nationwide gas shortages or massive gas surpluses and costingthe nation scores of billions of dollars. In addition, partial deregulation has led theregulatory agency tobecome more involved in controlling individual transactions amonggas producers, distributors, and consumers.

In this important book, Paul MacAvoy demonstrates that no affected group has gainedfrom these experiments in public control and that all participants would gain fromcomplete deregulation. Although losses have declined with partial deregulation in recentyears, current regulatory practices still limit the growth of supply through thetransmission system. MacAvoy's history of the regulation of natural gas is a cautionarytale for other natural resource or network industries that are regulated or are about to beregulated. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

How has the regulation of business shifted from national to global institutions? What are the mechanisms of globalization? Who are the key actors? What of democratic sovereignty? In which cases has globalization been successfully resisted? These questions are confronted across an amazing sweep of the critical areas of business regulation--from contract, intellectual property and corporations law, to trade, telecommunications, labor standards, drugs, food, transport and environment. This book examines the role played by global institutions such as the World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, the OECD, IMF, Moodys and the World Bank, as well as various NGOs and significant individuals. Incorporating both history and analysis, Global Business Regulation will become the standard reference for readers in business, law, politics, and international relations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Global Business Regulation
This book adds to the already overflowing subject of globalisation, but giving a distinctly unique edge by looking at it with regards to regulatory issues.

The style is largely academic and the book works better as a "tool-kit" rather than a text that would be read from cover to cover. This is acknowledged by the authors who recommend which parts are most pertinent, given the areas that the reader is most interested in. The structure of the book aids this approach as it is hevaily broken down into sections: an introduction, a look at relevant cases and analysis of those cases.

The cases are most interesting, with a wide variety of subject areas covered from drugs to transportation. Each subject has been researched deeply by the authors who carried out many interviews with important actors in the world of global business regulation before writing the book, and they give interesting and thought provoking accounts.

Overall, the book is probably the best in its field but the size can be a little daunting and the amount of material which the authors cover. Unless the reader has a specific interest in this field and can just use this book as a refernce, it can seem a little laboured and boring. ... Read more

Book Description

"One of the finest general non-fiction books of the year."--The Economist

"A goldmine of facts...it should be required reading for every foreign bankerand fund manager arriving in Southeast Asia."--Philip Bowring, Columnist, International Herald Tribune

"Timely and highly readable, a must for anyone in Asia daring to get into abusiness deal, make a deposit in teh bank, or even buy a share."--Anthony Paul, Editor-at-Large (Asia), Fortune

"Backman is a keen observer of the Asian scene...This is a hard hitting book. It doesn't hesitate to name Asian names and companies."--Frank Ching, Far Eastern Economic Review

"Asian Eclipse is one of the most enjoyable I have read of the genre...highly readable...any foreign banker or investment manager on the way to a posting in the regionwould do well to get a copy."--Malcolm Surrey, South China Morning Post

"...a treasure trove of detail...The research and reporting is impressive andup-to-date...a pleasure to read, rich in anecdotes and never boring or academic."--Ricardo Saludo, Asiaweek

"...as a chronicler of Asian corporate practices, Backman has done an admirable job...this is arguably the most entertaining and eye-opening book so far written on corporate cronyims in Asia."--Vikram Khanna, The Business Times (Singapore)

"Backman's brisk analysis...should be required reading. The real strength ofAsian Eclipse is its accessbility to non-specialists through its startlinginsights into the business interests, machinations and relationships...Backman's excellent and extensive case studies are aimed at pointing out the pitfallsof foreign investors."--Gavin Greenwood, The Independent

... Read more

Reviews (25)

Resonates Well With My Own Exerience in Asia
Unlike most readers of this text, I am very familiar with nearly all of the information presented here, as many of these stories have occurred in the same time frame as my professional and personal experience living and working in the Pacific Rim. As such, the content of this book is not new to me, or for that matter, anyone in Asian business circles, as all of the stories have appeared in one or more of the regional newspapers at some point in time. However, in the author's defense, those observing the region from the outside would have to read well over 100 sources, many of them in foreign languages, on a daily basis to get the information that is presented in this juicy, scandalous book.

Asian Eclipse presents the reader case after case detailing the more objectionable aspects of business in Asia. After reading many of the cases (presented by chapters devoted to each country in the Asian region), it becomes extremely difficult to distinguish any real differences, and I personally could not say if the individuals in question were Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Indonesian- the behavior in the end was virtually the same. Only the company name and the locality where the less-than-above-board behavior took place differed.

The book actually pays for itself in the first three chapters, for here is where the reader will learn the commonalities across the region. It is also the place in the book where Backman chooses to delineate, albeit very briefly, the underlying reasons for the under-handed and unsavory business practices that unfortunately typify, but as we are increasingly seeing with the spectacular financial skullduggery of US and European corporations, are not wholly limited to the Asian corporate landscape.

The author tells the would-be investor in Asia what it means to be a stakeholder in publicly listed and privately held companies in the region. Backman deftly delineates all of the obstacles one will face when doing business or directing investments toward Asia. Should you decide to invest in Asia be forewarned: Comprehensive due dilligence is paramount. Too many Western businesspeople who venture unaware into the region have found themselves holding the bag for the embarrassing things their so-called Asian partners have done before, during and after the partnership.

One very important point from the book is this: In Asia, those who enforce the rules are also the same people who make the rules...and break them with impunity (Modern Feudalism writ large). Thus, any attempt to enforce the laws written on the legal books protecting minority corporate stakeholders (and foreigners are definitely relegated to minority positions) or to uphold terms and conditions as stated in written contracts, would only result in one and only one outcome- nothing. In other words, any rights and protections that you take for granted in the Western hemisphere simply do not exist in Asia.

In sum, the book serves as a stern warning about commonplace business practices in Asia. It also serves as a good bit of contemporary regional financial history. Finally, I do not believe that any of the players learned the appropriate lessons from the various Financial Meltdowns, large and small and/or country-specific or regional. As is often the unfortunate case, the movers and shakers in this region of the world learned all the wrong lessons. Rather than opening up, reforming, and tackling their problems in a sincere and concerted fashion, they have chosen to insulate themselves, beseech their governments to bail them out, and spend precious time and resources shifting the blame- almost always to foreigners.

SPOT ON FOR HOW THE BUSINESS & FINANCE WORLD WORKS IN ASIA
After having lived and worked in Asia in the banking and financial sector, I can say that this book is the most astonishingly accurate account of how corporate Asia really functions that I've ever read. I'm surprised the author has been able to say as much as he has as candidly as he has. There's no doubt that it is highly controversial and that there is a lot in it that many in Asia will be uncomfortable with. It exposes all those business practices that if you haven't worked in business in Asia you just wouldn't believe were possible, and because it uses real names and companies it makes it just riveting reading. It is brutally honest and also quite well written. The author has written it more in the style of a story with first hand experience rather than as a reference book (although it could be used as the latter as well especially MBA students.) It is filled with anecdotes and stories, some of which are amusing but all are telling. Nothing appears to be sacred to the author - whether it is the business interests of a lot of Asia's political leaders such as the Sultan of Brunei, the Kings of Thailand and Malaysia, as well as huge amounts on the unsavoury practices going on in Asia's banks, stockmarkets and by the Asian partners of the Big 6 accounting firms. The chapter on Japan is unrelenting and ably demonstrates why the Japanese government doesn't seem able to fix the country's problems. I also found interesting info such as Planet Hollywood, Fashion Cafe and Crabtree and Evelyn being Asian owned. The book is an absolute page-turner and highly recommended, but not for the politically correct. That is one thing the book isn't.

It's not Asia bashing, its great storytelling!
Backman's Asian Eclipse is the kind of expose that newspaper editors in Asia can only dream about. Not only does it provide a framework for understanding Asian business culture, it reveals in excruciating detail of the shenanigans in Corporate Asia?s largest boardrooms.

As the latest attempt to offer reasons for the Asian Crisis of 1997, it goes further than most treatments by delving into the institutional, political and social causes that underlie the culture of corruption, cronyism and managerial incompetence in Asia's former 'tiger' economies. The surfeit of detail is also the book's greatest weakness as it sometimes reads like a genealogy. However, this weakness it is trivial compared to the rich descriptions of the family-based power structures that govern much of East Asia.

The central thesis of Backman's book is that poorly paid civil servants, opaque bureaucracies, antiquated government systems and a compromised media act to subvert capital markets so they act like free ATM machines to feed the empire building lusts of Asian conglomerates at the expense of minority shareholders, and local tax payers. To back up this claim, the author offers a grand tour of the history and development of business culture in Asia. In the process, he also reveals the complicity of the multinationals and their mad race toward the lowest ethical standards to buy the cooperation of local politicians, thus feeding the nascent culture of corruption.

Backman is not as sanguine about the 'Asian Way', as many writers on the region seemed to be. He traces the origins of Asian business culture to the Confucian system of responsibilities and obligations between superior and subordinate. In this system, he argues, are clearly established lines of authority and responsibility that engender trust. In an economic context where contract law is undeveloped and institutions are unstable, a reliance on Confucian ethics provided the only reliable form of governance. What this system cannot do, having been created in an era of village feudalism and not global business, is to set out a similar code of rights and responsibilities between insiders (the family) and outsiders (non-family stakeholders). Outsiders are treated with suspicion, deception, and guile. Extreme forms of opportunism, driven by Sun Tzu's Art of War tactics, are routinely encountered by minority shareholders, foreign business partners, taxpayers and other 'outsider' stakeholders. The Art of War is a treatise designed to win wars with mortal enemies and thus emphasizes the use of deception, subterfuge, and unscrupulous tactics. Little wonder that foreigners find doing in business in Asia such a legal and ethical minefield.

Thus, the Asian crisis of 1997 was not the result of a series of random events but the logical outcome of a corrupted system with minority shareholders, foreign companies, bank depositors, and taxpayers as its unwitting victims. The main players in this game are corrupt government officials at the highest levels, high-ranking military officers, and the Overseas Chinese families who provide the business networks through which expropriated public funds are sterilized.

While readers of the book should critically consider the author's conspiracy theory of the activities of the Overseas Chinese, there is no question that it offers some of the best treatments of business in Asia and of the 1997 crisis than any book that has been written on the topic. In addition to the fact that it is easy to read and highly entertaining, it's carefully researched and well-documented treatment allows the reader to go beyond the standard stereotypes of Asian business heretofore promulgated by a business press enamoured with the illusory growth of the 1980s. In short, the reader should conclude, as I did, that the Crash of 1997 was self-inflicted, and not the work of currency speculators, neo-colonialists, or the 'evil' IMF!

The book concludes with a startling analysis. Contrary to the more optimistic, the author depressingly suggests that countries have not learnt from the lessons of the Crash of 1997. He cites the continuing inability of the Indonesian government to enforce laws designed to hold businesses accountable for their problems, the continuing delay in enforcing bankruptcy laws in Thailand, the Renong (business arm of the ruling political party) bailout in Malaysia, and the pulling back from serious corporate reform by South Korea's chaebols, as evidence that the region is poised to repeat the same errors in the future by rebuilding 'along the same fault lines' (page 379).

While he doesn't suggest that foreign investors disengage from the region, he does offer some suggestions to reduce the inherent risks. Investors should pay attention to building relationships before engaging in business negotiations. Part of relationship building should be devoted to knowing one's local partner as transparency and disclosure are unfamiliar concepts to many Asian businesses. Investors should regularly conduct due diligence and independent audit exercises to verify partner claims. That cronyism costs more in the long term than it yields in the short term, as demonstrated in Indonesia, strongly suggests that foreign investors stay away from all temptations to play the political connection angle. Finally they should be wary of approaching local banks for financing since these banks may often be affiliated with local competitors.

Interesting and informative
Backman clearly has extensive knowledge of the complex Asian business structures that encompass families, holding companies, cross holdings and often governments. Furthermore, he presents his detailed knowledge in an readable format that is relatively easy to follow. He gives excellent insight into the workings of Asian businesses, their unwillingness to disclose information and the dangers associated with hidden transactions, creative accounting and inefficient (family) management. The research Backman has gathered in this book is priceless and thorough.

Though I would never claim to be an expert on Asia myself, having lived more than 10 years in the region, I found that I was often grinning to myself in agreement with Backman's observations. Backman further managed to fill in many blanks I have in my Asian business knowledge, having grown up to realise only the social aspects of the various cultures here.

This book is an excellent read and a good reference guide for non-Asians doing business in Asia. I also suspect it's useful for Asians doing business outside their own countries, since often these sort of cross-border, cross-cultural relationships can be tricky in the region.

Tough appraisal of 'Asian miracle'
This is a solid book and an entertaining read. The author is not particularly profound in his analysis, but at least he is not just another neo-liberal ideologue. He understands that business is embedded in wider society, and that this fact fundamentally influences the business culture. I especially liked the portraits of major players, and the other telling details. Overall, not really deep, but an interesting coverage of Asia's economic woes. ... Read more

Book Description

The world knows that there is a global crisis of inequality in pay.But what caused it?Where is it more and where less severe?What can be done?This book deploys new techniques and a new global data set to advance striking answers to these questions, answers that have eluded even the largest international research institutions such as the OECD and the World Bank. Chapters trace the U.S. wage structure back to 1920, the relationship of inequality and unemployment in Europe, and the relationships of inequality to economic growth, liberalization, financial crisis, state violence and industrial policy in more than fifty developing countries. ... Read more

Book Description

The future success of many companies in the United States and Europe is becoming more dependent on effectively developing and expanding markets in new emerging and partially developed countries. Few companies, however, know how to do it well, if at all. Their success rate is low, while the cost of failure remains high. Caslione and Thomas provide insights, knowledge, special tools, and the experience that will show executives how to take hold of these challenges. Through case studies of companies in a wide cross-section of industries, the authors highlight the processes necessary to develop successful market entry, sales, and distribution strategies for their companies in emerging markets around the world. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

MBA student loves the book
This book should be used a text for all MBA classes that look at international strategy. I really enjoyed the illustrations and examples.

Doing business in emerging countries
It' s a very valuable work and push to think (or rethink)strategy and approach for doing business in emerging markets ; as the best travel guides , it treats the subject with insight and a lived knowledge: It is a very useful travel plan to develop business in emerging countries .

Insight into Emerging Markets
The raw emotion and insight into emerging markets contained in this book clearly illustrates the importance and means of establishing long term global relationships, on an equal footing basis, combined with proven business tools for the development of long term profitable business within the world's emerging markets. An essential read for those serious in establishing long term profitable global business.

A must for anyone operating in emerging markets.
This book should be read by any executive planning to enter emerging markets, or by those already operating in them. It covers all aspects to a depth rarely found in business books. It is not just a superb read, it is also a guide and reference source full of "how to". We will use it in our organization as a "must" training material.

Emerging Markets Treasure Trove
This book is a genuine treasure trove of invaluable hands-on insights and tips for anyone interested in doing business in the emerging markets. I have over 30 years experience in these markets and I still found many helpful ideas and approaches. Caslione and Thomas share real world perspectives and knowledge. This is no academic dissertation; it is the product of know-how accumulated from actually doing what the authors talk about. No matter whether you're just starting out in international business or consider yourself an expert, you will gain much benefit from this book. Get it! You will learn much and avoid repeating the costly mistakes made by countless American, Japanese, and European companies. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Insightful!
Ann Marie Sabath, the Amy Vanderbilt of international etiquette, provides a concise, up-beat and authoritative guide to Latin American social and business etiquette. Her manual covers dos and don'ts, and includes basic data about each country, including history, air travel, telephone, currency, holidays, language, religion, time zones and weather. In a compact 221 pages, she presents an informative outline that will help you act appropriately at work and play in 14 Latin American countries. We [...] recommend this book to those who work with people from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, and to those who travel to these countries on business. Have a good, safe trip, or as they say in Latin America, Vaya Con Dios.

Focus on the etiquette
Ms. Sabath did a wonderful job on the business etiquette as it pertains to the various countries; however, she should have omitted political opinions (and historical facts) as she commonly suggests business travelers to do.

The first section of each chapter provides a very brief look at the history, economy and politics of a given county, which is an integral part of understanding the people that one deals with. It is an injustice to the uninformed reader to only cover this in a short page or two, as most countries in Latin America have over 500 years of history and deeply rooted politics.

Additionally, Sabath frequently distorts historical facts and injects political viewpoints. An example of this is shown by the statement on how the Chilean Marxist President, Salvador Allende, "imposed his rule on the county," which led to instability and a poor economy. Allende was the first, if not only, democraticly elected president from the Communist party not only in the hemisphere, but in the world. I would suggest that business travelers who want historical and political information to seek it out from more informed and comprehensive sources.

Given this minor shortcoming and impossible task of summarizing 500 years of history and politics into a few paragraphs, Sabath does a commendable job of informing the public of all the little things one needs to know when doing business in Latin America--hence the four stars.

Most of the Business Basics You Need to Know
I first read Ms. Sabath's book on business etiquette in Asia and the Pacific Rim, and decided to read this one as well. I like this one better based on the material about countries where I have done business in Latin America. In fact, it filled in some information that had puzzled me -- why some business women had continually been grabbing my arm during discussions. This apparently is quite common in some Latin American countries. My wife had found this habit more than a little distressing to her. I'm sure she will be more comfortable on future business trips knowing that this is normal.

I have often wished that there was an outstanding source on business etiquette in various countries, and have searched in vain for one. I was quite interested to read this one to see if it would fulfill my needs. Obviously, I could not evaluate the advice for countries where I have not done business so I checked out the countries where I had done business. The results left me pretty pleased.

Issues that came up were addressed and in ways that seemed accurate based on my experiences. For example, if you go to Ecuador, your wardrobe will have to either accommodate the damp chill of Quito or the tropical humidity of Guayaquil.

On the other hand, the proper way to work with Chileans is still a mystery to me, even after reading this book. Well, one book cannot do everything.

The book is solid as far as it goes, and it attempts to cover the waterfront (14 countries and 24 subjects per country). That's probably the reason why the book is pretty basic in approach. You will get good help here on important subjects like how many hours of time difference (so you don't call at the wrong time, although this isn't often a big problem with Latin America), how dates are written down so you can decipher the messages you get, when holidays are so you won't offend someone by suggesting a meeting on an important religious or national holiday, and gift-giving etiquette (an area where Americans often err).

I do suggest that you acquire this book to have these basics available near to your computer and telephone at work. Also, the bibliography seems to provide a list of longer books on each geographic area. Those books may give you more details. There's probably no substitute for speaking with a business person from the country before you go, and getting advice from the concierge at a good hotel once you're there. Naturally, if you are fortunate enough to have colleagues in your company who work there already, they can fill you in. So this book is primarily aimed at those without a local operation.

Some of the better sections included information about what are appropriate conversational topics, rude gestures and actions to avoid, punctuality, seating etiquette, the special issues for women in business, and the weather conditions you can expect.

A book like this is a good reminder of how much we are conditioned by our culture. If nothing else, it can help you understand the sources of stalled thinking that can harm our business relationships in other countries because of our typical American approaches.

I liked what was in the book. I graded it down one star for what was not -- information about how to handle situations where communications and negotiations are not going well. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The troubled prospects of multinational enterprises
The book's subtitle reveals the author's position. Thirty years ago, Raymond Vernon was one of the first economists to document the increasing importance of globalization and of the multinational corporations that benefited most directly from the trend.In this, his last book before hisrecent death, he revisits the subject, and finds cause for growing concernabout the future of the multinationals, despite the fact that they havegrown tremendously in terms of size and power.

Once their expansion wasviewed with suspicion and hostility by many of their new host countries,but now multinationals are actively wooed throughout most of the world fortheir job-creating investments in local economies.However, within theirown home countries (predominantly the advanced economies of the U.S.,Europe, and Japan), the multinationals are increasingly a source ofpolitical tension.There is a fundamental conflict between the desire ofthe state to maximize the well-being of its own people and the desire of amultinational to optimize its global system regardless of the impact thatmight have within any individual country, including its own home country. The combination of global competition and aging populations has increasedthe demand for government sponsored social support in the most advancedeconomies, even as the same pressures encourage multinationals to moveinvestments and jobs out of their high-cost home countries.Althoughglobalization is not likely to be reversed, the multinationals mayincreasingly find themselves used as convenient scapegoats for the problemscaused by this massive restructuring of the global economy.The recent WTOriots in Seattle may only be the beginning. ... Read more

Book Description

International trade is a matter of vital importance for developing countries, since it can stimulate growth and contribute to poverty reduction. Trade is, however, an increasingly complex issue, and policymakers in developing countries will need to understand the many ramifications of multilateral trade agreements if their countries are to benefit from this engine of growth.

Development, Trade, and the WTO summarizes the economics of sound trade policy, explains behind-the-border regulatory issues, and serves as a comprehensive reference on trade-related issues. It also contains two CD-ROM with relevant data and training material.

Policymakers, trade negotiators, indeed any reader interested in international trade will find this book invaluable.

This is not merely a timely publication, it is a very important one. It addresses a vital series of questions through contributors of the highest caliber. Trade in general and the WTO in particular are essential building blocks for a better world. Interdependence, however, can only develop effectively within a rule-based system. That fact is demonstrated in this book.--Peter Sutherland, former Director-General of GATT and the WTO

This handbook is a wonderful resource for anyone and everyone who works on trade policy in developing countries. It covers every aspect of trade affected by multilateral rules. It provides alternative perspectives on controversial issues, allowing readers to make up their own minds. And it does all this in a superbly concise and clear way.--Adrian Wood, Chief Economist, UK Department for International Development ... Read more

Book Description

Basic Guide to Exporting is the greatly respected and largest selling introductory text to exporting from the USA. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Limited
A number of international trade terms used throughout the industry are not included in this book. So the glossary is somewhat disappointing in this respect.

Hinkelman also did not provide a detailed overview of Documentary Collection payments (used less frequently than L/C, but still worth noting).

However, I would give a thumbs up to the L/C overview.

The '89 Basic Guide to Exporting is a good start, but......
The 1989 version of the Basic Guide to Exporting is a good start, but one should look for the 1998 version in order to keep up with our digital global economy. Yes, the 1989 version is old and pre-Berlin Wall, but actually very similar to the 1998 new version in structure. The 1989 version of the Basic Guide of Exporting illustrates the essentials of exporting something to few exporters really appreciate. One of the best aspects of the 1989 version is the beginning sections on developing the exporter's international marketing plan. In the early chapters, one also learns the specific techniques and programs used in international marketing and research - the primers in exporting a good or service abroad. The other benefit of this cost-effective tool is the sample forms that one can use in corresponding with international importers and business contacts. Of course, one should always seek professional advice on all aspects of exporting and the Basic Guide is your source for those helpful contacts. However, the names and contact information in the 1998 version are much more relevant because they are more updated and reference many aspects of Internet resources. Exporting has also changed in the last nine years and the 1989 version is not up to date enough to cover those changes effectively. Although the 1989 version is good, one should seek out the new version so that one is prepared for the new global e-commerce environment. The 1989 Basic Guide of Exporting could be your start, but you must build from there. The price is right, too!

An excellent exposition of the subject material
This book is the single best summary of the subject that I have reviewed in my nearly fifteen (15) years as a commercial attorney. Ms. Alexandra Woznick, the author, is to be commended for an outstanding job of clarifying a subject that is to even experienced practioners, both mystifying and terrifying, and shows that she's the one to consult about such problems. Far from raging against the machine or leaving us down in a jungleland of complexity and regulation, Ms. Woznick shows that you, too, can understand fundamentals and basics of exporting. The edge that one will gain in the battle of evermore increasing regulation and red tape, both on the main streets and the backstreets of trade, from having this book in his or her corporate, professional or personal library more than justifies the small purchase price. The impressions one has from this work are lasting, and yet may field immediate responses to perplexing questions which come up on the run or in the air while doing deals. On business or in the midst of complex transactions, I can't get it out of my head that in the end, this little volume is a keeper. While one cannot guarantee removing all the kinks, contstraints and complications of export practice, this volume will take you past the long and winding road of complex research and easy misunderstanding to an easy short cut to straightening them out. While I had no expectations when I first picked up this volume, the impact for me will not fade away any time soon, lifting as it did the ball and chain of less clarifying works. If I had my way, this volume would be in every commercial practioner's bookshelf. All around the world, and under African skies where our President even now is encouraging export and trade, this book will help one break on through to an understanding of trade complexities in a complex and dynamic legal and regulatory trading environment. If one is drawn to the rhythym of international trade, one is well advised to keep this little volume in order to keep up with the beat of a changing world market.

Ideal for New-to-Export individuals
Written by the US Department of Commerce especially for small or medium sized businesses who have never exported before. Covers selecting a country, adapting your product, find a channel of distribution, government regulations, trade barriers, getting paid, terms of sale, and shipping options ... Read more

Book Description

In 20th century society, oil has played a fundamental role not only from the economic point of view, but also from the point of view of the political relationships established between major Western countries and oil-producing countries. A survey into oil history, its market dynamics and price evolution, is essential for a deeper understanding of modern industry and world economy, as world development depends on oil supplies, prices, and its political accessibility.

Oil Economics and Policy follows the historical development of the oil industry, and inevitably also covers many aspects of energy resource economy. In so doing, it pays particular attention to one aspect, namely, the fixing of oil prices. This is mainly in order to attempt to understand whether, and by how much, the structural transformations that the oil industry has undergone during the various phases of its existence -- and the various market structures deriving from them -- have influenced the dynamics of oil prices.

Alberto Clo is Professor of Industrial Economics at the University of Bologna. Minister of Industry and Trade during Lamberto Dini's government (January 1995--May 1996), he has been a member both of national and international scientific boards and of ministerial committees. He is author of numerous writings on industrial and energy economies and editor-in-chief of the journal Energia. ... Read more

Book Description

A corporate history that also illuminates a difficult and significant period in U.S. history. ... Read more

Book Description

Ultimate handbook on the US Export-Import Bank structure, activities, programs and functions ... Read more

Book Description

Conferences and Conventions: a global industry is illustrated with case studies and examples from around the world, including Great Britain, Germany, Philippines, United States and Australia. It also provides reflective question at the end of each chapter so that readers can test their knowledge and reflect on the issues raised.

The text looks at the following specific issues:

* The origins of the conference industry
* Business tourism and leisure tourism
* The buyers and the suppliers
* Marketing and branding
* The design of conference facilities
* Employment and people

* Dedicated book on the conference and conventions industry - everything you need to know about the sector
* Global range of case studies backing the theory with an applied insight into how it's done in practice
* User-friendly, accessible approach actively helps the reader to absorb and understand information ... Read more