Foreign-direct-investment Books

Jensen correctly interprets his findings as casting deep doubt on the "race to the bottom" thesis, which holds that competition among governments to attract increasingly mobile capital from around the world forces them to slash taxes, reduce spending, and repeal regulations that add to the cost of doing business. Other scholars also have found that this thesis lacks empirical support (see, for example, Martin Wolf, WHY GLOBALIZATION WORKS [New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 2004], pp. 249-77)....

Jensen's tests of how various political arrangements affect FDI underscore the importance of secure property rights. He finds that democracies attract FDI, and autocratic regimes repel it: "Democratic countries attract 73 percent more FDI than their authoritarian counterparts" (p. 89). Authoritarian countries attract less FDI because of the greater arbitrariness of authoritarian rule. Democracy, for all of its flaws, tends to offer more-predictable policy regimes than does autocracy.

Jensen relates this difference to the number of "veto players." A veto player is a person or group whose approval is necessary for policy to be changed. The greater the number of veto players, the more stable is policy, simply because getting many parties to agree to a change is more costly than getting fewer to agree. Investors generally like situations with many veto players because they are more stable and predictable, and democracies tend to have more veto players than authoritarian states do....

Jensen's findings on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deserve notice. Comparing different countries at the same time and looking at a variety of countries over the course of a few decades (1970-98), he finds that "signing on to IMF packages leads to 28 percent less FDI flows" (p. 145). This reduction occurs, Jensen argues, because the conditions that the IMF typically attaches to its financing force governments to adopt policies that scare away investors. Thus, the austerity measures designed by faraway bureaucrats for implementation by central governments seeking bailouts from international agencies poison the prospects for economic growth.

The bulk of Jensen's book is a useful empirical investigation of the political factors that affect FDI. I have serious complaints only about some of Jensen's throw-away lines in the concluding chapter. For example, he asserts that environmental protection, being subject to the free-rider problems featured in every economics textbook, is underprovided by the market and hence should be better promoted by international trade agreements. He never mentions, however, that economic growth has been empirically shown to promote environmental improvement. Because the need for environmental protection can easily be used in trade agreements to mask protectionist restrictions that reduce trade's positive effects on economic growth, the case for including environmental-protection provisions in trade agreements is not as compelling as Jensen thinks. Such quibbles, however, do not detract significantly from Jensen's substantial contribution. Anyone researching economic growth or trade policies will want to review his empirical findings, which are relevant and well grounded.

The author is analyzing the reasons for the distribution of FDI. His most striking conclusion is that democracies generally attract more FDI than authoritarian systems do. Furthermore, he empirically tests for the influence of political and fiscal federalism, the impact of the IMF, or the race to the bottom theory.
This book might also be interesting for people not involved in (social or economical) science, but the methodology probably won't be understood and therefore the results would have to be trusted blindly.
The major flaw of this book is that the author's conduct of qualitative research is downright sluggish: Jensen mistook "qualitative research" for "unscientific interviews". But, as the qualitative parts are only supposed to complement the empirical ones, this book is, in my opinion, still recommendable.

Nathan Jensen hits the proverbial "nail on the head" in this stunning piece of literature. Mr. Jensen's progressive theories regarding Foreign Direct Investment on the multinational stage highlight his firm understanding of the subtle yet critical nuances of the multinational corporation. U.S. Corporations hoping to make the leap into the International arena would be wise to read this book and commit to memory the economic principles contained within. This bread tastes like wood.

This book challenges the traditional "race to the bottom" theory of FDI. Arguing that instead of low taxes and labor costs, MNCs actually look for stable political institutions and policy environments. By arguing that MNCs look for this type of stability, Jensen persuasively argues that democracy and additional veto players at the state level encourage FDI. The only critique that I will offer is that Jensen uses an aggregate measure of FDI. One could imagine that the conditions that encourage FDI in natural resource exploration are different than the conditions that encourage FDI in engineering consulting services.

Excellent, however, needs more on the answer to the question, Cuba

Excellent, however, needs more on the answer to the question, Cuba

I find Prof Huang's "Selling China" much more than just an academic achievement which it is -- with its disciplined arguments supported by a wealth of well-researched facts.

After 18 years of working on the Greater China scene -- most of it foreign investment related, for me, the greatest value of the book is its main theme -- that the large inflow of FDI over the years reflects weaknesses rather than strengths of the Chinese system. It is not just another point of view in the already overcrowded gallery of China commentary. For me, the well-argued and well-researched "unconventional" view answers some of the key China investment related questions at a very practical level, and should have important implications for government policy making and corporate decision making alike.

I have seen a number of rave reviews for this book in various economic journals and now I have read the book myself. This is a must read for those who wishes to gain a deep understanding of China's fast-evolving economic and business landscape. I also recommend it to readers who are interested in an unconventional and novel take on foreign direct investment

I think this book explains very well how the economic integration in the Europe affects on the Korean consumer electronics firms. In particular, the empirical survey is very useful for not only Korean firms but also firms in other less developed countries, which consider to make FDIs in the Europe.

this book is a valuable reference for the researchers in the international business field. I recommend it to the academic world.

Recent current events such as Dubai Ports World's recent bid to acquire US port operations Chinese firm CNOOC's attempt to buy US energy firm Unocal have brought the hot-button issue of foreign direct investment to the media spotlight. US National Security And Foreign Direct Investment is a sober examination of how best to balance business interests with national security concerns. Co-authors Edward M. Graham (Adjunct Professor, Columbia University) and international trade expert and professional consultant David M. Marchick reveal that too many proposed reforms to quell fears about foreign investment only restrict the US economy without benefiting national security. US National Security And Foreign Direct Investment proffers alternatives to strengthen the current interagency review of proposed foreign investment deals, and improve the process for reporting to Congress. An in-depth section on the Exon-Florio Amendment in the post-September 11th environment adds a detailed touch to this serious-minded review of logical, expert solutions to complex international problems.

Reading this book should be an inspiration to anyone who has a dream to accomplish. It shows how faith and positive thinking can produce unbelievable accomplishments.

Dr. Schuller has been such an inspiration to me over the years. His sermons and books have encouraged me on numerous occasions. He helps me feed my mind the right substance. I identify with his migration to California from the interior part of the U.S. The way he tells the story is a true inspiration each time I read it. I was in the Crystal Cathedral in 2002 and it was liked standing in my dream. I was there, observing what I had read about and seen on television. In the American mythology, California is still the land of dreams.
Dreams which are given by God are to be pursued, according to Dr. Schuller's teaching. That's logical. His life shows how it's done.

I was introduced to Dr. Schuller's "Hour of Power" in 1983 when my Irish Catholic mother was dying of cancer. As her conditioned worsened, she was unable to get to Church. One Sunday she stumbled onto the "Hour of Power" and found it a source of spiritual nourishment. She quickly became a weekly viewer and told all of her great discovery.

I have watched "The Hour of Power" off and on ever since. I have been intrigued with the simplicity of his message and the corresponding expansion of his ministry to Europe, Russia, and now, the Far East.

While Rev. Robert Schuller is unique in modern US Religious History, he is, more importantly, unique as a great US ambassador. Each week, he shows the world the goodness of this country. And though being grounded in Christ's Word, his spiritual outreach is for all faith traditions.

This autobiography, "My Journey," tells his story. While a bit too detailed, and too wordy (515 pages), those that have an interest in this man and his ministry should find it a good read.

I didn't know much about Robert Schuller before I read this (he is a TV preacher who believes in the power of positive thinking), but I really liked his autobiography. It's a good book. I especially liked the retelling of his growing up on a farm, and his and his wife's early days with their "drive-in" church in California.

If Robert Schuller hasn't inspired you yet to think positively and trust in a higher power, this simple story of his life will. If you need proof that God has a plan for each of us, if you've ever questioned your own purpose on earth, if you are stuck in the rut of modern society, read the recollection of the trials and tribulations of the life of this simple, kind man who has done so much for so many. I've been a member of this church for a long time, but reading this story from his birth to the present has given me a new view of the awesome-ness of the mission Dr. Schuller and Arvella Schuller have built. I recommend this not only for viewers or followers of the church or Dr. Schuller, but also for the sceptics. I wonder if reading this man's journey will make you, too, look upon your own purpose and path in a different light. Above all else, I believe this is the motivation Dr. Schuller had for telling his own life story... to renew our own faith in positive thinking, ourselves and our God. Enjoy.

DK Publishing is a British Publishing House that is master of book making, design and illustration. This book is reflective of this. Any book by DK should automatically be recognized for quality.
As for golf, this book is an excellent introduction for beginners and a good reference for the shelf of the more advanced. It is a well illustrated starter book.

If you want a book that you can display in your library because it looks nice and pretty, this is the book. This book has techniques that will hinder improvement and actually make you score worse. I applied the techniques in this book and I actually scored worse. I also hit my drives much shorter distances and without as much control using the golf techniques described by the author. Why do you think there are over 100 people selling back this book on amazon marketplace? Some marketplace sellers are even selling it for under a $1. To sum up, what you will get is quality paper, nice pictures but no technique that will help you with your golf game. One more thing, you'll also get plenty of golf history.

Other reasons why this book is flawed:
Book claims that the techniques in this book are new. Give me a break. What a lie.

J'enseigne le golf depuis 7 ans à Québec et c'est de loin le meilleur livre de golf parlant des aspects techniques du golf. Dailleur, ce livre est un outil pédagogique obligatoire au Département d'Éducatin Physique de l'Université Laval à Québec à la formation des instructeurs de golf.
Je recommande ce livre à tout mes élèves depuis mes débuts en enseignement du golf. Ce livre est fait simplement et clairement. Il parle des différentes techniques à utiliser en fonction de la situation de jeu dans laquelle vous vous trouvez. Il y a aussi un petit chapitre intéressant sur le "course management" que tous les golfeurs auraient sérieusement avantage à consulter avant de se lancer sur un terrain de golf. La description des techniques de bases est faite de façon simple, claire et précise sans le jargon populaire de golf des professionnels. C'est un bon compromis si vous ne trouvez pas un professeur de golf qui sait répondre à vos attentes.

Malcolm Campbell has written a useful book to encourage the improvement of your own golf game. There are over 1,000 specially selected images, overhead shots and photographic sequences to teach you key techniques that have help the world's top golfers.

You will learn to:

Play the gold course with the knowledge of a professional.
Drive a ball farther and more accurately
Start to hit irons with crispness
Learn to pitch the ball close to the flag
Save valuable strokes
Escape from the sand
Tackle Trouble shots
Improve your Putting stroke

Malcolm is a former editor of Golf Monthly. His love for gold shows and he has been a low-handicap player, gold administrator and member of several gold clubs, including the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

Some of the highlights include:

Improving your Flexibility through stretching
Preparing for the Game
Getting into Shape
Playing within the Rules
Course Management

A book you will want to add to your golf book collection!

~The Rebecca Review
Author of Seasoned with Love: A collection of
best-loved recipes inspired by over 40 cultures

What I liked most about this book was that it covered things like etiquette and some of the history of golf. Two areas that I think are ignored these days. Also, there are plenty of drills and every page is literally packed with illustrations that will help beginners quite a bit. The drawback to this book is that there are times where Campbell ends a section and I felt there were several other points to be made about that particular subject. But, overall, I think it is an excellent book for helping beginners visualize the swing and be exposed to the many different techniques used by the pros, but not as helpful for more experienced golfers.

I tend to judge the worth of a golf instruction book based on how many times I mentally refer to it during a practice session or in a round. After reading tons of golf books, I really never found myself referring to anything in this book I hadn't already been exposed to elsewhere. But if you're just starting out, this is a great place to start. Especially for the price.

This book discusses and proposes how EU countries can close the productivity gaps among them. Chapter 1 of the book is the key chapter for it sets the stage. It argues that productivity gaps depend on efficiency. However, often equally efficient economies can also experience differential productivity. The reason is that the diffusion of productivity is a function of a nation's "social capability", "technological congruence", trade, and foreign direct investment.

Chapters 2-6 of the book examine the mechanisms through which " social capability", "technological congruence", trade, and foreign direct investment come to affect productivity growth. The chapters draw their examples mainly from Central-East Europe.

The seventh chapter adds policy dimensions to the productivity gaps within the EU. Chapter 8 briefly details the implications of the results to productivity catch-up and competitiveness internationally.

Again the first chapter carries the book; its excellent overview would benefit any reader. Policymakers would gain the most from other parts of the book.

Amavilah, Author
Modeling Income Determinants in Embedded Economies : Cross-section Applications to US Native American Economies
ISBN: 1600210465

I spent many years living in China and found too many flaws with this book.

Shapiro obviously has had years of experience negotiating. He writes clearly and it would be a beneficial book for anyone, students or those already in the field, to read. If I were to teach a course on joint ventures, this would be the text of choice.

Anyone considering negotiating any joint venture would benefit from the checklists and other considerations raised by Shapiro who actually negotiated the showcase Xerox-Shanghai joint venture