Book Description

Based on the hotly contested television industry, the Global Business Game is an adventure in strategic management and international business.Students take over management of a television manufacturer that is now under attack from many competitors and confronting consumer demands for higher quality levels and features.They must make marketing, financial and production decisions that affect among other things: the perceived quality of goods, shareholder value, and bottom-line profits.As students decide whether or not to enter new markets or develop new products, they have the option of conducting various market research studies.These exercises will challenge students and serve them for years to come as they practice in the new-world economy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

You must understand this to use it!
I must disagree with the other reviewer!I use this simulation in my class and it works very well.However, it isn't simple and the base documentation isn't the best.The software is quite robust.The complexity of the simulation means this isn't just a game in which you can casually drop in some figures and see what happens - each team needs to spend at least 8 hours preparing and then about 2 hours deciding each set of moves!The reward is in simulation that faithfully reproduces and simplifies competitive and global forces.

NOTE - this software is totally useless to you unless it is offered as part of a class.You need at lest three teams AND the special administrator software only available to teaching professionals.

Avoid at all costs!
As a project in one of my MBA classes, we had to make 8 decisions in this "simulation" game.Over the semester, I have grown to hate the game and the book.The biggest problem with the game is that it is too rigid and does not mirror real life.The problem with the book itself is that it does not contain any information to assist you in making decision.There are also some misprints in the book as well.Avoid this book if you can, and if you can't, I wish you the best of luck! ... Read more

Book Description

The New Silk Road
The first insider's guide to business success in China

How is China different from other business environments?. . .
What are the pitfalls and the keys to success there?. . .
How different is the market place?. . .
How do you make a joint venture work?. . .
How do you overcome the bureaucratic hurdles to doing business in China?. . .
How do you change a traditional Chinese business enterprise?. . .
How do you develop good relationships with Chinese partners and government officials?. . .
What experience should business managers have before going to work in China?. . .
How do I find, train, and motivate local managers?. . .
How do I manage the expectations of the head office?. . .

. . .You'll find answers to these and other crucial questions about doing business in China in The New Silk Road.

Based on interviews with the heads of operations of eleven top global corporations, The New Silk Road provides a fascinating account of how such companies as AIG, ASIMCO, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Lucent Technologies, Novartis, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Shell, John Swire & Sons, Unilever, and United Technologies International broke into the China market. In a series of frank narrative accounts, these experts share what they have learned about everything from the nuts-and-bolts of developing a market for their products in China to the subtleties of the Chinese style of negotiating. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Valuable Case Histories to Build a Better Business in China
Almost everyone who knows little about China is enthralled by the opportunity to sell products to all those people who live there. Those with a little more knowledge also get excited about having products made for export from Mainland China. Those with still more knowledge look forward to outsourcing services to China. Beyond that, some speculate that Mandarin Chinese will even become the dominant language of the Internet, and see amazing opportunities to buuild new economy businesses from a Chinese base.

But those speculations all beg the question: What should your company be doing today?

The New Silk Road is the first book I have read that reflects the views of my friends who have 20 plus years of experience doing business there. As such, it counters much of the overoptimism that makes American companies too anxious to expand there, and leads to mistakes that hurt short and long term results.

Any company that is considering its first stake in China, or re-evaluating the stakes it has today, should be sure that those involved read this book.

The key lessons are that company goals must be more carefully considered, partners chosen more thoughtfully, expectations of near-term profits lowered, a focus shifted to developing Chinese management and workers, and a longer-term perspective taken on developing and maintaining relationships. Perhaps the most fundamental point of the book is that things are very uncertain in China. With lots of effort you can reduce the uncertainty, but it will still be higher than in almost any other country. So there will be a premium placed on making decisions that will be good ones regardless of what happens in the Chinese business environment.

When you do your homework, you will find that China has more competition than almost any other country and lots of excess capacity. A small percentage of the people can afford to buy what you want to sell. Regulation and bureaucracy will keep you out of the best markets for what you want to do. The rules will change tomorrow. Everything will take a long time. Political tensions among your home nation and China will be used against you in business. Sounds challenging, doesn't it?

While China is underdeveloped economically and in entrepreneurial and business skills, the people are well educated and know a lot of things you do not. For one thing, they know the many different markets in China and how to do business there. They have local connections that you need. They also have skills in negotiation and strategy that you may not have. So seek out how to make the best of both worlds, rather than just plan to do business like you do in your home country. In fact, your product will probably have to be customized for the Chinese market.

Mr. Stuttard does an excellent job in his essay, "Reflections on China at the End of the Second Millennium," of summarizing the lessons from the case histories. Be sure to reread this essay after you finish the book. It will help put the case histories in perspective for you.

He has done well in choosing a variety of case histories, that reflect varying levels of success. The book is especially lucky to have the perspectives of comapnies with a great deal of Chinese experience like American International Group, John Swire, United Technologies, and Shell. In each case, either the company's CEO or the operating head in China is the person interviewed.

The people who run the business in China for you will be very vulnerable. When unpredictable shifts cause results to fall, their heads will be on the chopping block in some companies. That's not a good idea, because the set-backs will often not be due to any fault of their own.

You will also get helpful hints on the best ways to recruit talent, conduct training, and integrate expatriates.

After you have finished reading and enjoying this valuable book, I suggest that also consider where else the lessons of this book apply. I suspect that your success in many other parts of the world would be enhanced if you employed these lessons there, as well. Also, how else can you overcome communications stalls among your various operations and with your various stakeholders?

Focus on what needs to be done now to develop your short and long term potential!

Sage Wisdom from Old Hands
This short book consists of the reflections of John B. Stuttard, former Chairman and CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers China (1994-1999), and summaries of his interviews with 11 top executives working in Western companies in China. Each interview runs 8-10 pages and includes a short bio of the exec along with a quick snapshot of the company's current Sino-standing. The first chapter is Stuttard's and is a fine read that perfectly sets the context and perspective of the 21st century business environment in the country destined to one day overtake America as the world's single largest consumer economy.

Everyone featured in the book, including the author, is an "Old China Hand". Several of the companies are legacy firms, those with pre-WWII and pre-Mao histories who returned after the country turned face forward once again. Others are case study JV's with relatively short, 10-20 year pasts. Each chapter is compelling.

There is some flag waving for the Chinese. These are people who have listened to countless stories at countless banquets about the Chinese fear of chaos and the cultural scar tissue of 150 years (roughly 1790-1940) of shameless behavior by colonial minded Westerners in China. These stories are, after all, Inculcation 101 for any Westerner attempting even superficial commerce or business in the Middle Kingdom. Let's not forget the Chinese did a pretty good job of creating 25+ years of chaos themselves during the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution. The Japanese were several degrees beyond shameless during World War II. These events are much fresher in the Chinese consciousness than King George III, yet he and Emperor Qianlong still seem to dominate every conversation that explains and/or justifies Chinese desire to top down control all macro and micro aspects of their economy, firms and even routine business transactions.

Still, there is sage wisdom on every page. The book is best when the execs tell what they did in China to be successful. Some of the common themes are the need for good local managers and training programs, a corporate culture of equality with your Chinese partners regardless of equity division, the success of long term strategies versus short term. The deliberate love each exec feels for what they are doing and, in some ways, for China, is clear. The awesome change taking place in this country is also reflected in these interviews. A difference in attitude and tone can be seen between execs in consumer product industries versus sensitive and still restricted ones like oil.

Very little happens fast in China, except the neckbreaking pace at which Western funds are being spent to form infrastructure and modern physical assets. These are the people who have footed a noteworthy part of the bill. They have alot of value to say and this is a rare peak at thinking at their rung of the international corporate business ladder.

Insider¿s View of Doing Business in China
China has made such enormous strides towards liberalising its economy over the past decade that it is now the world's second largest recipient of foreign investment after the United States. Yet, in some very important ways, Chinese customs, practices, and values remain alien to Western business thinking and practice as they ever were. As many a hapless expatriate manager has discovered to their cost, gaining a foothold in the vast Chinese market can be an uphill battle on a slippery slope of tradition, conflicting objectives, bureaucratic wrangling, ever-shifting laws and regulations, and regional differences. Despite this, as the stories chronicled in this insider's guide to doing business in China demonstrate, it is a battle that can be and is being won.

The New Silk Road is based on extensive interviews conducted by the author with business leaders who have many years of experience with the country. It features a series of lively narratives in which these experts share their insights into and observations of all the important aspects of doing business in China. These are important lessons they've learned about everything from making sense of, and marketing to, the patchwork of striking different regions that make up China, to building trust and negotiating with the Chinese.

This long-awaited insider's view of doing business in China informs you of the pitfalls and tells you what you need to know to succeed in the twenty-first century's great new business frontier.

John B. Stuttard is a Senior Partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers. From 1994 to 1999, he was Chairman and CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers China, operating in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dalian. In his 32-year career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, he has also worked with the UK Government's Cabinet Office think tank advising on privatisation, and for services to Finnish industry was made a Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland.

See also my review of: CHINA'S FUTURES Scenarios for the World's Fasting Growing Economy, Ecology, and Society James Ogilvy & Peter Schwartz with Joe Flower Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2000 ISBN 0-7879-5200-1

A Slender but Solid Primer
It is important to understand what this book is not. Specifically, it is not a history of China nor of that country's business history; nor is it a definitive guide to business protocol when doing business with the People's Republic of China (PRC); nor does it suggest specific strategies and tactics which ensure "business success" in that vast country. True, Stuttard discusses several "secrets" and they are well worth knowing. However, you should view this book as a primer. As such, it can be of substantial value.

Until recently serving as chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers China, Stuttard was uniquely situated to accumulate the information and insights which he shares in this slender but solid book. He and his associates advised more than half of the global companies then operating in the PRC. With precision and concision, he explains the importance of issues such as these:

• Comprehensive research and due diligence prior to involvement in the PRC

• Criteria for the selection of a joint venture partner

• Flexibility of approach and willingness to adapt

• Criteria for selection of expatriate managers

• "Localization"

• Compatibility of cultural values

• The role of trust

• Cost management and accountability

• The importance (and significance) of a long-term commitment

For me, one of the book's greatest strengths (among many) is the inclusion of information Stuttard and his associates obtained from chairmen of 11 different multinational corporations now doing business in China. Their collective experiences reveal the most common misconceptions about the market, the competition (both internal and external), the regulatory environment, the role of government, and the concept of "partnership."

If you need a single-volume source of practical advice about doing business in the PRC today, look no further. ... Read more

Book Description

For anyone about to embark on an international assignment or wrestling with selecting and motivating international executives to achieve their best, Elisabeth Marx draws on the experiences of managers from around the world to show what it takes to create a successful experience working internationally. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Breaking down invisible barriers to success.
Despite the praise for this book from a senior partner in Arthur Andersen which graces the first page of the text, this is an excellent management text.

As an ex Englishman near New York, one of the surprising things to learn, and thus the point of this book, is that cultural differences can affect us and our work performances.

It is often said that Britain and America are separated by a common language but this does not really convey the full extent of the differences between the two nations. The situation is made more difficult by the fact that American culture has established a hedgemony around the world and particularly so in the UK.

This book is a must read for anyone accepting a post in a foreign country and anyone relocating abroad. Indeed some of the lessons of this book can be usefully applied to different jobs not just different countries.

I like the structure of the book and in particular the focus on the book as a tool to be used and not just read. The use of case studies is very helpful although I personally do not appreciate the manner in which they are written. I would have liked some of them at least to be expressed in a more formal manner with actual references to be used where possible but this is a minor gripe.

Breaking through Culture Shock is written in a very user friendly manner and in a size that is easily followed.

Elisabeth Marx really has hit the nail on the head with this text which has a broad scope great applicability across the continents. My one concernwould be with Chapter 5 where she looks at some country specific cases but which excludes Japan. Given that country's importance to business in the world one would think that it warranted inclusion.

That aside, I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about embarking on a move abroad and those who have already made a move, whether it be temporary or permanent.

Just a thought, but it would be interesting to see an American author tackle this subject in the same way.

Insightful!
Indonesians aren't punctual, but the Germans believe timeliness is a sign of respect. The French are well educated, but elitist. And, spouses and children don't always find living abroad to be a "grand experience." Those are just some of the things you'll learn from Dr. Elizabeth Marx, who explores why many managers have a horrible time abroad. To help improve your managerial experience overseas, she provides a 100-plus item checklist of what to do before you leave for a foreign country, including information on whether to sell your house or have your children inoculated. Her book tells the ambitious manager Everything You Always Wanted To Know About the International Experience but Were Afraid to Ask. For instance - and this isn't surprising considering her background in psychology - she tells corporations to provide psychological testing for employees before sending them to international posts. We [...] say read this before you plan your bon voyage party.

Good "handbook" for preparation of overseas assignments
A good blend of work experiences by people from all over the world with emphasis on identifying the "best practices" of preparing, working and returning from an overseas work assignment. Especiallyeffective was the analysis of the psychological aspects of life in othercountries/cultures, which included comprehensive views from both the workerand their families perspectives.Overall, the book was a fairly effectivein helping me to prepare for my recent overseas long-term work assignment. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Many books have been written about the implications of a globalized and interconnected civilization. But few have the range and depth of Geoff Mulgan's Connexity. The central issue Connexity addresses is the fundamental conflict that exists between the freedoms enjoyed by many, mainly in the Western world, and the growing economic interdependence of so many more worldwide. Mulgan, who is the founder of Demos, a liberal think tank based in London, and a member of Tony Blair's Policy Unit, writes, "Our problem is that freedom to behave as we would wish, without regard for our effects on others, runs directly counter to the other striking fact of the contemporary world: our growing dependence on other people. The world may never have been freer, but it has also never been so interdependent and interconnected. Only a small proportion of the world's population could now be self-sufficient. The rest of us depend on complex systems to deliver us water, food, justice, energy and health."

Mulgan probes the nature of the conflict between freedom and interdependence by examining everything from the nature of markets in a free society to the role of governments in a shrinking world and problems posed by economies which tend to ignore national boundaries. The author argues that reciprocity, or the golden rule, "is the most important idea for a developed democratic society." Whether you agree with Mulgan politics or not, you will find this book to be thought-provoking and timely. Highly recommended. --Harry C. Edwards ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An analysis of where society is and where it may go...
First, this book is absolutely spectacular. Well thought out and thoroughly presented.

If you expect to interact with people and exchange information, you need to read this book. Being part of society is what makes societies and governments function. Without some level of connection/involvement between people, nothing would be accomplished.

Read and re-read... it will change the way you think, and even possibly make you a more enriched person...

Ambitious, but ultimately disappointing
This is yet another tome on how and why it's best for us all to live together on the fragile planet. His ancient thesis articulated, Mulgan (part of the Blair Braintrust in Britain) takes the scatter-gun approach to, well, just about everything--and nothing in detail. Mulgan's book comes off as more a Statist Apologia than an interpretation and explanation of "connexity." He grapples little with the forces of "connexity," such as the Internet, and what they'll make of decidedly Modern inventions (such as the welfare state). Instead, Mulgan argues that some governments really can have positive effects on their people. No argument there, but how does "connexity" impact the role of government? That seems to be what Mulgan is trying to answer amid the pretensions to technological and sociological expertise. "Connexity" comes off as well in some ways as Mulgan's greatest fear: in one place he declares that too much freedom is a very bad thing. Again, no argument, but it begs numerous questions--apparently too many for Mulgan to answer. If you really want to know what's going on in the connected world, read Wacker and Taylor's "500-Year Delta." It takes nothing as given.

invaluable and different taste
Connexity presents invaluable and different tastes from the windows of Mulgan. While reading this book, you feel yourself in the jungle of real life.

Great read. Low on hype and long on rational thought.
Mulgan asks "are the achievements of freedom and the growth of independence compatible, or are we doomed to a classical tragedy in which our love of freedom destroys our capacity to be independent?" He then argues both sides of this question from an economic, sociological, and moral perspective.

In the end, the moral imperative of reciprocity (give and take, the golden mean) fuels his optimism for a self-organizing moral and societal order without the constraints of traditional methods of governance. However, Mulgan is no Pollyanna. He concludes with an optimistic view of the future tempered with a dash of realism. "The classical idea of progress as the unfolding of a grand plan or the expression of a higher intelligence is as doubtful as the much more recent faith that the world might have immanent properties that drive it towards complexity, integration, and self-organization. [...] There may be no destiny, and no certainty, nothing determined, only choices and chances. But life is all the better for that, because that is what leaves room for people to make their own history."

Mulgan's explanation of how we arrived at this point in the history of the world makes his analysis of the future more credible. For most of human history, a few traders linked the great trade centers but most economic life was local, face-to-face, and small scale. Larger social units were broadly defined and self-contained. Each unit could be mapped as a series of concentric circles of decreasing power radiating from the centers. Citizens at the centers of power were more cosmopolitan by virtue of their connectivity with other centers of power while residents of the distant regions were provincial.

The rise of rapid, economical, and global travel and digital communication (connexity) has reduced the hold of provincialism upon the outlying citizens and enabled a more cosmopolitan attitude to permeate throughout society. The trade networks and free-flowing information that liberated people f! rom the previous bonds of settled agriculture and industry produced a modern nomadic mobility. On the downside, connectivity promotes a sense of timeless time and of spaceless space that favors economic transactions over relationships and withdrawal from communities rather than staying engaged.

Mulgan contends that our freedom is intimately linked with that of the State. Fortunately, the State's very success in delivering both external and internal security has made new forms of government possible. Much of the baggage of sovereignty and power that that we have inherited from the days when the main role of government was to protect us from danger is now obsolete. Mulgan explores the impact of discarding this baggage (taxation, social order and control, and bureaucracy) in discussion of the rise of the city-state, assumption of pseudo-governmental roles for global corporations, and the relegation of national governments to figurehead status. Whatever form the new social order takes, it will require an environment where individuals define strength as the capacity to internalize interdependence and freedom as the achievement of individual well being in the context of attaining shared goals. ... Read more

Book Description

Using Mexico as an example, this book examines the issues surrounding the production and trading of coffee.It describes the conventional coffee trade, tracing the coffee bean's journey from the tree, through the hands of several intermediaries in both the North and South, to its final destination as a cup of coffee. The concept of "fair trade" is introduced through the example of the Mexican peasant organization that was one of the first to embrace the idea. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Exciting History of a fast moving opium runner
A model of the Frolic is on display at the Cabrillo Lighthouse, Mendocino, CA. Before you visit the area, read this book. The book covers the entire history of the Frolic, those who built it, the course it took for its short 6 year life -- before sinking off Pt. Cabrillo. Its history includes its involvement with the Opium War, American incursions in China and exciting trade run with opium, Chinese ceramics and silks. A must read if you're interested in international history and the ships that created commerce and connection with the rest of the world.

In a class all its own
Oddly enough, our book group chose Voyage of the Frolic and what great fun and an education it has been. I've always dreamed of going on an archeological expedition and here, without the dirt, pan, screens and brushes, I've discovered another layer of the past. What an eclectic history California has.

Wonderfully executed
The Voyage of the Frolic is a readers dream. Bostonian History, Maritime life, Chinese trade, the Coast of California and our indigenous Indians all rolled into one well written and enjoyable read. Thank you Professor Layton for unraveling the past and placing it in a wonderful china bowl for all of us to peruse and get to know.

Intricately woven mystery
Layton is a master at pulling you in and teaching you a thing or two. I'd love to learn more about the Chinese connection.

Fantastical Voyage and Historical Guessing Game
This book was most enjoyable--An historical and literary voyage through history until it capsizes--here, at our feet and on our shores on the California-Mendocino Coast.

WOW what fun, work and incredible research the author had to dive through. THIS IS GREAT READING! ... Read more

Book Description

After the dust settles on the current Asian crisis, China will still exist -- the other super-power in the world of the twenty-first century, the country that has been rightfully dubbed not just another player in Asia but the "biggest player in the history of man."

This thought-provoking book explores how China will evolve and what its emerging economic prowess and growing political clout will mean for business, economic, and political interests. In a book that counters alarmist views of China as the new cold war enemy, as well as the naive optimism of those still overly bullish on a China facing huge economic pressure and structural challenges, Big Dragon offers a hard-edged, realistic, and eminently readable assessment of a nation that stands on the fulcrum of the global future. It was the book most widely read by senior American and Chinese officials during President Clinton's historic 1998 summit meeting with President Jiang Zemin.

Daniel Burstein and Arne de Keijzer, who together have more than fifty years' experience traveling in China, doing business in China, and writing about China, offer a fresh, intelligent, and ultimately positive business and political strategy for the United States. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Actually about politics, sociology, and Chinese history
Written about 5 years ago by a NYC investment banker and a China Mgmt consultancy based in CT, this book is naturally positive towards PRChina. This book covers the end of the second decade of Premier Deng's Reform and Opening to foreign investment. And before the Asian crash of 2000.

The authors' point-of-view is towards the political, sociological, and militarily first, economics second, and corporate investment third. They obliquely discuss US corporate investments, but this is neither a How To book, nor a B-school reader. Many remarks and keylines are more towards an extended discussion of temporal news and the sensational, as opposed to business facts and analysis. Like a fleshed out Neisbitt text of glittering generalities.

The strengths of this book are in interpreting and extended discussion on the how's and why's socialism with Chinese characteristics work as it does. When the Western press lays down emotionally charged words of democracy, free market, entrepreneur, etc, these concepts need careful explanations on what, exactly, this means in the Chinese context and the surrounding business milieu. These explanations, implications, and why they are so, as the reader will discover is quite different from straight Western interpretations.

The first half of the book deals with China history since Mao after WWII. Then Deng's Opening in Chap 2, p47 there is a 2-page discussion on Overseas Ethnic Chinese and their investment into the homeland in the Shenzhen SEZ. On p127, the authors agree that a "Greater China" exists including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the OEChinese business dominated ASEAN countries all cooperating. In Chap 8, they discuss the enormity of the State-Owned-Enterprises which are largely non-performing by western standards, but who employ over 70% of the domestic urban workforce of 170 million people. Many SOEs are producing obsolete products, with a featherbedded workforce, that have been superceded by a market economy in other sectors. The new Premiers Jiang Zemin and Zhu Rongji appear serious in slowly reforming the SOEs, the bedrock of the socialist empire.

The second half of the book deals with China's problems and issues, starting with Chap 8. Most Western press criticize the apparent lack of responsibility from leaders on these issues, SOEs, banks, SOL, SSI, etc. The authors, in contrast, evaluate this criticism in context of the larger whole and cite how deliberate progress is being made. As illustrated by three entrepreneurial case studies in Part III covering 30 pages, Chinese entrepreneurship is fostered by the Politburo as an experiment to help shore up the SOE profitability. So-called capitalism with Chinese characteristics is fostered in order to quickly develop real estate, along with large OEChinese capital infusions, so that there are suitable industrial parks (SEZ) to attract foreign investment to setup hi-tech manufacturing. The Politburo then covets corporate America with deep pockets in order to gather hard currency, implement new technology, create new jobs, and expand exports to further fund national and educational infrastructure and technology upgrades in SOEs. This conclusion is consistent with Jim Mann's book a decade earlier in "Beijing Jeep," and the authors agree on p90 that for corporate America to be successful in PRChina, it will require both manufacturing and technology transfer to the Chinese JVs. All under the watchful eye and blessing of the Politburo. Pretty crafty!

In Chap14 and 15 The Next Five Years, on p278 significant political and social change will not occur until the Chinese GenX, 5th gens who grew up in a post-Mao era, come to power in about 20 years, about year 2020.

Lets see if any of the author's prophecies came true. While discussed along with MFN status p364, they did not predict that China would win WTO admission in 2001. Also they didn't predict the Millennium crash in Asia, their forecast was for 2004 p341. On p340, they said that the Three Gorges Dam's first generators would turn on in 2003, actual is 2004. On p309, the authors did write about 2 inches on the oil, Persian Gulf, and Islamic issues, but did not predict the US-Iraq War. Pretty myopic vision for globalists? Score is 1 for 4. Not good. There are many more prophesies to 2024, Year of the Dragon, which includes Taiwan's return to the China fold.

In the last Chapter 18, the authors continue harping on US-China Cold-War. They plead that after 30 years, an updated Shanghai Compact 2002 needs to be enacted. I fail to see the significance in ending their book with 20+ pages on the subject, including many shorter US Hawk rampages on the subject spread throughout their text.

The book's rear dust jacket poses 6 fundamental questions on the coming changes in the new world order. These questions must have been written by the editors, because I'd say that the authors did not really specifically address these questions in any detail, read: don't judge a book by its cover, which I read at a local public library.

The authors have 18 Chapters and a 14-page index. Each page has a sidebar quote from important dignitaries, both western and Chinese, hence the inflated 400 page book. There are no tables of World Bank numbers, no pictures or figures or maps. There are 10 pages of Notes, mainly from US / UK periodicals. The Acknowledgement pages give recognition to about 150 people that they interviewed, more than three quarters have Chinese surnames. However, for security reasons, they are not footnoted in the book.

Excellent review of the present and probable future of China
This book does what it sets out to do admirably well, although the reaction of certain readers makes it clear that its approach is lacking in certain areas.

This book is a comprehensive but well-focused review of the current political and economic system of China, recent trends in US-China relationship, and the emerging currents in Chinese society that will shape the country in the next quarter century. The book is written primarily from a business perspective, focusing on China's economic and market potentials (forecasted to match the US in total GDP by the 2020's though still much poorer in per capita terms) and the impact of political developments on the business environment. For those readers not yet familiar with contemporary China, this book is a remarkably well-informed primer. But even old China-hands will find the authors' detailed discussion of the probable future of China (some 100 pages are devoted to the section titled "Geomancing the Dragon") thought-provoking even if their own conclusions may vary.

However, the authors sought to instruct as well as inform. And their recommendations for improving US-China relationship - although perfectly sensible - may not persuade the human rights hawks in the US, who may consider arguments on strictly mercantilist terms immoral. But it's no accident that most of those intimately familiar with China are "pro-China" in the sense defined by a previous reviewer. China has plenty of human rights problems, but it has also come a remarkably long way in a amazingly short time. Progress cannot be measured without the context of history, and it's this area that did not receive sufficient treatment. The general normalcy of China today is an accomplishment that cannot be adequately appreciated without greater understanding of 20th century Chinese history.

There are issues of fundamental human rights and there are issues of political organization. While one is certainly entitled to avidly avocate the political system of his or her choice, one should refrain from waging moral crusades when we are all equally human and fallible.

A Realistic Perspective of China Today
Another one of my highly recommended books is Big Dragon: What it means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order. Overall, the authors have a good comprehension of China's economic and political structure. However, Big Dragon has one important omission. Although the authors casually mention the economic impact of FDI on China by overseas Chinese, I would have devoted at least one entire chapter to the subject. In fact, the vast majority of foreign investment continues to flow from overseas ethnic Chinese around the world (over 80% of FDI). Along with Taiwan, there are significant ethnic Chinese communities across Southeast Asia. Inspite of the war of words, Taiwan has over $40 billion and growing invested in China. The chances of a hot war between China and Taiwan are minimal. The overseas Chinese FDI permeates throughout China's economy in almost every sector including agriculture, biotech, services, high tech manufacturing, etc. Many Chinese officials that I have spoken to would disagree, but I would argue that China's economic renaissance can primarily be attributed to the skills, technology, and capital provided by the overseas ethnic Chinese across East Asia. The growing informal structural ties between the Chinese communities across East Asia and China illustrate the development of a Greater China with Beijing at its core. China's current government is similar in many respects to the earlier dictatorships of the Park regime in South Korea or the Chiang regime in Taiwan.

a book to enlighten the ignorant Americans & Europeans.
It's been estimated that only 4% of Americans can tell the difference between People's Republic of China & Republic of China. (one of them is Taiwan). only 16% of them know Jiangzemin & Deng XiaoPing are the leaders of China. I've personally known quite a few Americans who think Hong Kong is part of Japan. Yet, they have been brainwashed by the western mass media about the image of China, they think they know China well, whenever a Chinese leader goes to Europe or US, they always raise the free Tibet signs. In this book, the writer, despite being an American , is able to help to point out the common misconception of China.

I agree 200% with what the author says. the writer is right to point out that China has always been peaceful, in late 19th century The Western powers all came here to China to get a slice of cake from the then weak Qing Dynasty. Britain sold us opium, took Hong Kong by force, (some looted National treasure from the Qing Dynasty is still on display in the British Museum. 4 of them were even sold back to China for billions the other week.), Japanese did the nanking massacre, France looted Vietnam, Spain took Phillipine, various inland of China was "rent" to Portugal, Germany, Austria, America, Russia, Italy...etc . Now, when the Communist party took back Tibet which was part of china during Qing & Yuan dynasty, those westerners robbers now get the thick face to tell China to free Tibet and respect human right? If you are Europeans, you'll definitely find this enlightening book. The author tells the fact.

The author also point out that China was centuries ahead of Spaniards and British in exploring the oceans, we were the first one to land in Mexico, but we were peaceful and never took other's land, it's the Westerners who did the expansion. Now, China have every reason to expand the army for self defense, this single act make the guilty/sneaky Westerners nervous. The author also show his confidence in China's peaceful nature.

Another great point the author made is on Hong Kong's return to China Once I met an American woman who told me that she's worried about the future of Hong Kong. she said that so proudly, as if we Hong Kongist all need their help. In this book, the writer dymistified this myth. Western robbers now say China is not democratic enough and will keep watching China's behavior to protect us the Hong Kongist. What they don't know is that Hong Kong has been ruled by several tens of governor of Britain, and only one Primier or Queen was responsible for choosing them, the current Chief Executive of Hong Kong Tung Chee Wah was chosen by several hundreds of people in Chinese government, and now the Westerners think that this is the end of Hong Kong's democracy. the last Governor of Hong Kong did made lot of democratic reform in his final 2 years, China of course have no reason to take that "tradition". I've always known this fact, but in this book, it's logically organised to form a powerful argument against the Western's non-democratic China theory.

Hats off to this American writer who dares to tell the truth and not to follow what everyone else is saying. I think this is the first step to enlighten the American people. You may be surprised to knwo that there are more biased people in the land of freedom USA, than in China when the news are controlled. (In fact, most Americans only care about the pop stars, and while voting, they only vote for the handsomest president. However, in China and India, people read more about politics and history, they are in general more educated and know better what's happening in the world (including the news the Chinese government intends to cover).

I sincerely recommend this book to all Americans and Europeans whose only impression and knowledge of China is from their government propaganda or from the Hollywood movies " 7 years in Tibet", Air Force one or " Street Fighter". China is light years away from what you think. In Hong Kong majority of people welcome the Chinese takeover, while (from this book) only about 10% of American think that the HongKongist like it. majority of Chinese I know in China knew about the June 4th incident, yet majority of them is on the side of the government. (though the use of real bullet raise some debate), This book is closer to what the reality is. If you want to knwo China, read this book, or better learn Chinese and come here to see for yourself. Don't rely on your government's propaganda...

Overly Optimistic View of China
Big Dragon is a good account of the China issue presently facing the United States. The authors discuss a variety of topics including China's political and economic liberalization, China's role in regional stability (or instability), and the future of Sino-American relations. Particular emphasis is given to the role of the Communist party in China and how it may react to a more politically aware middle class.

The authors try to create the illusion that they are unbiased observers on China. However, it is apparent at the end of the book that they are fervently pro-China. By pro-China I mean that they are among those people who are willing to overlook the many human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government in pursuit of profits. They warn America against trying to improve the human rights situation in China by restricting access to the American market . But they never acknowledge that by keeping our markets fully open we are in fact reinforcing the Communist leadership in their belief that they may act as they wish with impunity.

I personally am not among those who wish to completely cut China off from the world. China holds one-fifth of the world's people and by ignoring their plight we are as morally responsible for their condition as the Chinese leadership. But we need to have a relationship with China that reinforces positive behavior. When the Chinese government loosens the control over the general population we grant them increased access. Only when they have created a truly multi-party political system should we grant them full access to our market. ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive guide to the culture, etiquette and communication of Brazil. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

From a Brazilian who read this book
It is very small and quick to read. However, it was amazing how much quality information the author could pack into such a small space. She lived 18 years in Brazil, and as a Brazilian reading the book, I can tell she knows what she was talking about. It was also curious for me to learn about things that I always took for granted, or that I thought were specific to my personality rather than from the culture. Unfortunately it is out of print as of this writing (Dec 2003). I hope it gets reprinted soon.

Excellent Cultural Guide
This book is a great help in deciphering Brazilian customs and subtle cues. I would also recommend "A History of Brazil" and "The Brazilian Sound: Samba, Bossa Nova and the Popular Music of Brazil" as essential works that also give vital background.

The "brazilian way" put in words! highly desirable...
Culture shock is sometimes taken for granted, however to be cosmopolitan, is to have experienced a culture shock and being able to fully utilize it to your own benefit. Brazil is one of these places in the world were the unwritten rules are as important as the air you breath, if you intend to successfuly journey through this country, it is imperative that you learn about the culture, the history and the economy. Yet the most precious commodity you can come accross, is a friend... Because doors will be open to you in ways you've not yet experienced before. This book is a friend. ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring 150 entries, International Relations: Key Concepts is the essential guide for anyone interested in international affairs. Comprehensive and up-to-date, it introduces the most important themes in international relations, with an emphasis on contemporary issues. Entries include diplomacy, global warming, terrorism, human rights, rogue states, loose nukes, United Nations security, arms control, and ethnic cleansing. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Be Informed about World Events
This book provides an excellent introduction to International Relations through an examination of concise essays concerning such areas as Terrorism, the Cold War, Human Rights and Globalisation among others. For a better understanding of the complexities of world events and to be well informed about historical concepts, this book is an excellent read. The subjects are placed in the broad sweep of history, pointing to relationships that will encourage discursive reading. International Relations - The Key Concepts, will remain the pre-eminent reference work, that in my view will be unsurpassed.

International Relations: The Key Concepts (Key Concepts)
This book is quite useful for the student of international studies. Very clear and informative. ... Read more

Book Description

"Current trends toward financial deregulation in the United States and massive increases in the need for trade-related credit and financing worldwide have created export-import markets of unprecedented depth and complexity."-from Global Trade Financing

The definitive book in its field for more than twenty-five years, Global Trade Financing (formerly titled Export-Import Financing) provides global traders, U.S. and foreign bankers, and students of global commerce with a complete and in-depth guide to every aspect of global trade financ- ing. Inside, you'll find the latest techniques and vehicles for financing all types of export and import operations at every stage of the process. You'll also discover:
* Strategies for transition to the Euro
* Hedging techniques including high-yield derivatives
* New areas of import-export risk
* Recent regulations governing documentary credit
* Current financing rules

Written by experts in the field, this book begins with an overview of the most important organizations that make contributions to the financing of trade and related services. The authors trace past and present trends in world trade and investment flows while evaluating the impact that these have on financial institutions and vehicles. Detailed descriptions are also provided on the services of commercial banks as well as the key private nonbank institutions that may be of financial assistance to exporters and importers. In Part 2, the steps involved with executing a transaction are spelled out along with the rights and responsibilities of the various parties involved. The general types of sales contracts and their major provisions are discussed with helpful tips to prevent any misunderstanding and conflict between the parties. And to reduce the risk of financial loss, hedging techniques for foreign exchange and ocean marine insurance are thoroughly covered.

Specific techniques and vehicles of unsecured and secured lending are introduced in Part 3. This section also shows how to use Eurocurrency to finance international trade and investment. And the authors explain how the various types of letters of credit can be used as financing tools.

Clearly written and easy to use, Global Trade Financing contains all the information you'll need to keep pace with the ever-changing nature of international finance.

Packed with invaluable information on how transactions are executed, the effects of recent legislation, and new financing techniques, Global Trade Financing (formerly titled Export-Import Financing) is certain to remain the key resource in the field. This book thoroughly covers every aspect of export-import financing including banking deregulation, international bank custody operations, bank involvement in insurance, and changes in the maritime industry. It also features a wide range of topics, from foreign trade definitions, bank guarantees, and risk management, to shipping and collection, and the latest legislation.

Written and organized for maximum clarity and accessibility, this comprehensive volume includes:
* The roles of commercial banks, private institutions, and governments in export-import financing, and how they interact
* How transactions are executed, including the role of foreign exchange and techniques for hedging
* The tools, techniques, and vehicles for financing all types of inter-national trade, from letters of credit to bankers' acceptances

The definitive guide for keeping pace with the ever-changing nature of international finance ... Read more

Book Description

The World Trade Organization now confronts an issue that lies at the interface of two major world challenges: trade liberalization and international migration. This book breaks new ground by examining the economic, legal, and political implications of the "temporary movement of individual service suppliers" currently being negotiated under the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

Conditions in many developed economies--ranging from aging populations to shortages of skilled labor--suggest that this may be a propitious time to put labor mobility squarely on the negotiating agenda. Yet a limited awareness of how GATS can be used to foster services trade liberalization combined with concerns about the potential for social disruption in host countries and the risk of "brain drain" in poor countries have frustrated efforts to reach a consensus.

Moving People to Deliver Services brings together contributions from service providers, regulators (including ministries of labor and justice), researchers, trade negotiators, and the private sector. They provide a broad range of perspectives on one central question: How can services trade liberalization be accomplished in a way that benefits both home and host countries? The result is a balanced consideration of the issues surrounding WTO labor mobility negotiations at a historically critical juncture. ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive guide to the culture, etiquette and communication of Spain. ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive guide to the culture, etiquette and communication of Thailand. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

You Will Be sure to alienate the Thai's with this book
Ms.Wise starts out by saying, "Thai's practise a form of Buddhism known as Theravada, also called Hinanyana". Hinanyana is a derogatory term meaning: lesser, despicable... The rest of the book is a mish-mash of Asian cultural mores that do not necessarily have anything to do with Thailand. If you need a tax write off for your business, by all means buy this book.

Don't Go To Thailand Without This Reading This Book
I have visited Thailand many times for both business and pleasure. I didn't read this book until I my fourth visit. It is very important to understand the do's and dont's in Thailand, which many Westerners tend to ignore. It opens the door of understanding for those new to the Thai mentality and way of life. It also has a very small section but good section explaining the influence of Buddism on daily life in Thailand. Definately buy this book if going there. If you are more business oriented I would suggest also reading "Doing Business With Thailand" (Global Business Series). ... Read more

Book Description

The active pursuit of social and labor rights is seen as a crucial response to globalization. Essays by leading scholars from the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S. question the effectiveness of the new rhetoric of rights (such as decent work and security; equality of opportunity; adequate food and housing; and healthcare). The contributors examine emerging new approaches at the international and E.U. level in several European countries, Japan, and the U.S. and in codes of practice of multinational companies. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Printed in 1997 -- and it shows.
A word of caution: This book is not terribly useful for business travel in India.I spent 2 months in Delhi and didn't bother to check the publication date of this book.It is dated, to put it lightly.

There are a few useful tips in this little book (mostly about business/social interaction).However, I found that the main cultural differences in business were clear after the first week of being there--no book could have prepared me.India is an incredibly vast and varied country; no one general guide can smooth the transition.

If you're going to India to travel, the lonely planet or eyewitness guides will do you some good (really good if you're planning to visit out-of-the-way places).If you're going to India on business, then I'd suggest simply chatting with your Indian co-workers before or upon your arrival.Most likely they'll give you a better idea of what to expect; also, their advice will be tailored to your type of business and, more specifically, to the people with whom you'll be working.

As with all people and places--we're unique.Allow your Indian experience to be unique too.

Not too helpful!
Since India has a distinct culture from the US, I expected to receive some useful guidance from this book.It is very elementry - just remember to be polite and you will do better than you would by following this book'ssuggestions.Not worth the money or the weight in my luggage. ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Business Without Borders

"Don DePalma has provided us with the most comprehensive guide for corporations to compete in the era of globalization. Business Without Borders is an outstanding contribution to managing in the global era, with practical information on the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective player in the global marketplace. This is a must-read for managers who seek to lead their corporations in the knowledge-based economy."
–Abbas J. Ali, PhD, Executive Director of American Society for Competitiveness
Professor and Director
School of International Management
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

"Don goes head-on at one of the most difficult challenges facing large corporations–and comes up with fresh, actionable advice.It’s clear that the next economic war will be fought on the ‘Eighth Continent’–this book reveals the strategies that will win the coming battles."
–George F. Colony, Chairman and CEO
Forrester Research, Inc.

"Now more than ever, managers need to make a strong business case for targeting global markets. Don DePalma writes from first- hand experience with dozens of companies, and he expertly weighs the challenges and the benefits of ‘going global.’ Business Without Borders provides essential insights and analysis that will help any size corporation craft a rewarding international strategy."
–Mary J. Cronin, PhD
Professor of Management, Boston College ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Navigating the 8th Continent with Uncommon Sense

This book should appeal to virtually anyone with a stake in globalization and localization. Companies embarking on (or actually engaged in) the task of globalizing their Web-based business activities get a full view of the business issues, and practical advice on how to act. Vendors get a view of the world from their customers' perspective. I would suggest that every vendor in the industry buys at least one copy of this book, and makes sure that it is read - at minimum - by every salesperson, and at best by anyone who has contact with customers.
...
The book is full of useful nuggets - so many that there are bound to be some that reveal issues, or explain concepts, in a way that is new for any reader. Best of all, the style is engaging and the boredom quotient non-existent - buy this book!

A Must Read for Global Web Marketers
Hats off to Mr. DePalma! As a long-time marketing professional who has grappled with trying to help upper management "get" the importance of the web as a co-equal channel within the marketing mix-particularly as it relates to drumming up business globally- "Business without Borders" delivers the information and strategic paths that any business thinking of going global needs to know and understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone who already is engaged in doing business overseas or is simply thinking of doing so; "Business without Borders" delivers comprehensive "glocalized" web marketing strategies and important lessons learned for everyone.

Since resources are scarce - try this one for sure ...
The Guiding Principle for Going Global Online

A solid piece of work, highly recommended to anyone who must understand how to develop a successful global Internet business. De Palma comes with an ace pedigree, widely respected, coming out with "customers are three times more likely to buy from websites in their own language", an industry standard mantra.

De Palma hits key areas, highlighting best practices of the market leaders and their global websites and systems. For once, we have web-based globalization ("Marketing and Selling on the Eight Continent") analysed within a business context. If only pets.com had read this book ...

Content is extensively researched. Case studies are made; corporate budgets, marketing plans, infrastructure, etc., are dissected. Plenty of practical examples, including the names we're all familiar with for the right reasons (eBay, etc.) and the wrong reasons (boo.com et al) too.

If you're in the business of expanding your markets through the web this is the book for you. Increasingly, "E-Commerce" is less dependent on the US ($600 billion worldwide versus $850 billion in the US estimated for 2003). If you want to grow your business, look outside your own borders.

De Palma shows how a successful web business deals with "big issues": Education about global and local markets; planning for international web business; implementing technology and translating into foreign languages, organizing people and resources and, crucially, measuring the return on investment. Of course, parts of what he says applies to international business in general, so don't think this book is just for the web-literate.

The tone is pragmatism. De Palma is realistic about the planning and management of a global web business (it does NOT mean translating into every language under the sun). Much to his credit, he provides valuable information on areas that competing titles duck to avoid, e.g., international tax, contractual and legal requirements - and provides good advice for staying out of trouble.

A technical foundation is included. This isn't a book for techies, but it does educate the executive and student audience about implementing globalized web technology. Experts will contest his comments on TMX, Machine Translation and Unicode, however, the rest of the technical stuff is sound (no "did you know that they have different shaped mailboxes in England?" nonsense).

De Palma, throughout the book, underpins his thesis with the need for a Chief Globalization Officer (an executive to champion web globalization in a company). You can cringe at Grand Poo-Bah titling redolent of dot coms, but fair enough, it does underline the critical importance of bringing globalization issues to senior management attention. Basically, if you're not getting the message through to board level, your enterprise will remain a beggar at the globalization banquet.

In sum, you can take this book as The Guiding Principle for Going Global Online. Recommended to seasoned executives, students of international commerce and technology, globalization gurus and the plain interested. OK, we know business book sales are down 30% since the end of the 1990's. So, if you're going to buy one, buy this one.

Globalization How-to (and How-not-to)
DePalma has produced a detailed, well-reasoned tour de force for companies who need to act on the globalization imperative. He touches on every aspect of the globalization process, including target market analyses, localization, internal corporate issues, and much more. Even companies who are well along in their efforts to operate globally (in every sense of the word) could learn a thing or two from DePalma's book.

He personalizes what could easily become a dry subject by regularly invoking a fictitious model protagonist named "Mira Vozreniya" - meaning "world view" in Russian (with tongue planted firmly in cheek) - to guide the reader through the intricate and complicated process of taking products global. His approach is hands-on, with many summarizing charts, tips, data points, and tools for would-be globalizers. And he spends significant time on the 8th Continent and web-related issues, in the process dispelling many a myth about the instant globality of a web presence. The book is filled with real-life examples of what to do and what not to do to be successful globally.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is, or soon will be, involved in the massive undertaking that is globalization in a corporate environment. There is a great deal to digest in DePalma's book (dare I say, too much?), but if companies implement even a fraction of what he lays out, they will do well for themselves.

globalization beyond personalization
Having spent too many years of my professional career on personalization, I picked up this book to find out the personalization angle in e-business globalization. The author didnot disappoint me as the book succintly describes globalization as full-context personalization. However, the book is much more than this viewpoint. Mr. DePalma makes the business case for e-business globalization, and gives concrete steps for planning, implementing and measuring a globalization strategy. I liked both the content and its presentation. First, the author has a knack for getting to the gist of an issue such as 3 P's of global marketing. Second, the presentation is very precise with the right amount of details such as the elements required for correct language representation from scripts to encoding methods. Third, the material is action oriented as the example for when to use machine translation vs. human translation. Well done! ... Read more