economics-schools

Ludwig von Mises's _Human Action_ is essential reading for any supporter of free-market economics (and it might be nice if some of the _enemies_ of economic liberty read it too). Mises's plan here is to place the science of economics on a firm axiomatic foundation. In particular, his aim is to derive economic theory from the axiom that (my paraphrase) human beings act to achieve ends under conditions of scarcity in a world in which finite and delimitable causes have finite and delimitable effects.

Two other major treatises will be of interest to readers of this work: Murray Rothbard's _Man, Economy and State_, and George Reisman's _Capitalism: A Treatise on Economics_.

I also agree with the other reviewer who suggests reading Carl Menger's _Principles of Economics_. Mises describes that work as the book that made an economist of him, and it's a much quicker read than any of the three major treatises I've named.

Also of great interest: Mises's _The Theory of Money and Credit_, described by Murray Rothbard as the best book on money ever written. And so it is.

Starting from two irrefutable premises 1) Humans act, 2) They act in order to improve their current condition, Mises builds an astounding edifice that demonstrates the supremacy of what is called laissez faire capitalism. Only each individual knows how best to meet his or her own needs. All the other isms which require or depend on government intervention to one degree or another are doomed to ultimately fail because of this. This is not an easy book to read but worth the effort. Mises smashes what passes for economic reasoning by most journalists, lawyers, and politicians through the use of logic based on sound economic theory.

Simply the best, most comprehensive study of human action ever recorded. It is grounded in rational axioms and constructs an encompassing worldview around them.

Overall, this book covers all the basics to getting into a top program. Many of these books cover the same content, but the format and the writing is very straight-foward. I recommend it for people who have time constraints. A few tips:

1) Submit applications to lesser schools first - It gives you practice writing your essays. (pg 11)

2) Build your application around a theme - Create a vivid and distinct picture of yourself. You want the application to be personal enough that the AdCom could even make a nickname for you. (pg 12)

3) When writing a "Why MBA" essay, think more in terms of what you can do with an MBA, rather than what an MBA can do for you. (pg 49)

4) For resume, quantify work-related accomplishments (pg 132)

** If you have the time, I would recommend "How to Get Into the Top MBA Programs" by Richard Montauk. It only costs $ and has over 50 sample essays (170 pages worth) from thiry different people. It shows how you can meld the different essays into a three-dimensional picture of who you are professionally, academically and personally.

Good luck, and hope you get into the B school you want!

Before I got this book, I perused several other books on the MBA application process such as the Princeton Review's Book of Business Schools, the ABC's of Getting the MBA Admission Edge, and How to Get Into the Top MBA Programs. The best book, comparatively, was this book, "88 Great Tips". It helped me the most in my application process, and the tips I gleaned helped me to get into my top choice business school.

I think it would be impossible to find a book about the MBA admission process that satisfies every single MBA candidate. Each candidate has his or her own strengths. Maybe, you are good in math, or have a superb writing. Furthermore, maybe you know someone, an MBA student or graduate, who has already provided you with important insights. But stop for a moment, think about the hundreds of candidates, especially international, who are not as lucky as you are, and who don't have access to valuable MBA admission insights. Do you think they are less capable ? Do you think it would be fair to compete with them for a seat at Wharton or any other top school ?

This book is the best single MBA admission resource available for ALL MBA candidates in the world. Mr Royal will make the MBA admission process a fair game.

The first 106 pages of the book are well written and present a number of interesting notions about the dangers of our society's high regard for economic growth. Czech's arguments against the practicality of infinite growth (even though it may be theoretically possible according to neoclassical economists) are clear and well documented.

The underlying theme of the book is that neoclassical economists support a theory that the economy can sustain infinite growth, while the ecological economists claim that at some point, the growth will inevitably slow and then stop (more likely crash) because it is impossible in practicality to sustain growth forever. The book starts off with some interesting points about economic growth and sustainability in Part I, and then goes off the deep end in Part II as the author shares his proposed plan for achieving a 'steady-state economy.'

The plan in a nutshell: everyone should live very modestly, regardless of their income level, and whenever they notice someone else spending more money than they feel is necessary, they should immediately judge them and try to shame them into changing their ways. The goal is for society to become repulsed by conspicuous consumption to the extent that those in the financial top 1% of society are pressured to reform themselves and give their extra money away to those in need.

Although Part I is good enough to justify the purchase price, I would recommend skipping Part II in its entirety.

Written by a wildlife biologist whose personal history is a fascinating patchwork of educational pursuits and jobs that have taken him into cities and wildernesses, as well as onto the high seas, the reader gets the feeling that this book was written from convictions borne in personal experience and verified by academia.

Czech addresses the most pervasive and threatening problem of the modern world - our consumerism. This problem is so large and so intimately woven into the fabric of our society that it is easy to get discouraged by it. Czech offers a solution and a reason to feel optimistic, a plan for a nonviolent revolution in public opinion that will stop conspicuous consumption.

"Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train" is written in popular style, accessible and interesting for the reader who may have studied economics at one time in their life and either detested or forgot it. Anyone concerned about the unsustainable extraction of natural resources should read this book; it offers an effective alternative to the impossible task of inducing restraint among capitalists in a global marketplace.

Brian Czech is a wildlife bioligist by profession and it is interesting that he should choose to write this book on the topic of steady-state economics. He notes in the prologue that his epiphany came while on a trawling boat in the Bering Sea. He wondered how the ship could hold the enormous catch it was bringing in until it dawned on him that the fish were being caught for their roe and then pumped out to sea "as a sort of ichthyological hamburger." It was the beginning of the realisation that the real roots of environmental destruction lay in economic growth and that if he wanted to save the forests and wildlife that he loved he would have to work on the challenging the assumptions of neo-classical economics.

Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train is divided into two parts. The first part is entitled "The Runaway Train" and it details the problems with economic growth and neo-classical economics and gives an overview of ecological economics. The second part is entitled "Stopping the Train" and it details Czech's model for a "Steady State Revolution" which would transform the growth economy to a steady state economy.

Czech does an exceptional job of explaining the problems of neo-classical economics and its obsession with growth. He cleverly redefines economic growth as "economic bloating" and he avoids bogging the reader down with technical terms. This makes the book accessible and interesting to readers of all backgrounds.

He argues that there is need for a Copernican revolution in the world view of neo-classical economists. "Only when we have a more Copernican economics will economists live in a world in which economic growth is limited, where the rest of us common folk are already stuck," Czech writes. Just as the universe does not revolve around the world, neither can limitless economic growth occur in a finite world. Indeed Czech rightly points out that this is simply common sense, but he is also aware of the power of the paradigm and also the power of politics which both seek to maintain the status quo.

In the last chapter of part one Czech introduces ecological economics. The chapter is entitled "Copernicus, are you out there?" which again alludes to the need for a paradigm shift. He notes that many of the great discoveries in science have been made by people working outside their field. This is because they work with fewer assumptions and "do not suffer the tunnel vision of the paradigm." This is the reason why many of those who challenge the economic growth model come from a background in the physical and biological sciences.

It is also noted that the contribution of scientists alone to ecological economics is not sufficient. Those devoted to the study of economics still have an important role to play for it is they who truly understand the nuances of what makes an economy work. It is here that the work of Daly and others is significant.

Having spelled out the problem and given an overview of the solution, Czech delivers his manifesto for a "steady state revolution" in part two of the book. He asserts that there is a need for "nothing less than a revolution, a social revolution to match the academic revolution of ecological economics." (p. 111)

The target of Czech's revolution is over consumption or more specifically what he defines as conspicuous consumption. This is the indulgences of the very rich which go way beyond any kinds of need.

The steady state revolution is based on a radical definition of the classes (although it should be noted it has nothing to do with Marxism). Three new classes are defined-the liquidating class, the amorphic class and the steady state class.

There are some interesting reasons for targeting the super rich and perhaps one of the best ones is that a vastly disproportionate share of the additional wealth created by economic growth goes to those in the liquidating and amorphic classes. This statistic is interesting: "The average income of the 80 percent of Americans who are non-managerial has declined over the past twenty years." Another interesting statistic is that "approximately 99 percent of the annual increase in American's wealth goes to the 20 percent that is most wealthy.

While I see there are some problems with Czech's idea for a steady state revolution they do not really detract that much from the book overall. Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train is an engaging read and provides much food for thought. It is a welcome addition to the body of literature that explore alternatives to the current economic system.

This book is an invaluable study on those business designs that are based on the Value Chain model. Its premise: Changing customer priorities are responsible for the displacements of old business models which in turn catalyzes the need for the creation of new business designs. This book describes the process that triggers the migration of values from a non profitable design to a more profitable one with the help of seven patterns (multidirectional migration, migration to a non-profit industry, blockbuster migation, multicategory migration, from integration to specialization, from conventional selling to low-cost distribution, and from conventional selling to high-end solutions). Useful Case studies are given to illustrate the problems. Overall, this is a very informative book although this book is not as clear and direct as the author's book 'Profit Patterns.' However, it does serve to provide a better understanding on the value chain/migration thesis a lot better than the 'Profit Patterns'.

This book presents a very high level strategic view of business. Slywotzky emphasizes the value of a good business design vs reliance on technology for growth.For example, there is the simplified view of why IBM became a slogging giant in the early 90s. Lou Gerstner would certainly like to add to it

However there is good set of tools to understand your business better. I find his radar screen tool particularly useful to visualize business competitors and analyze the direction of value migration.

All said, this book is worth reading..just don't expect ttoo much.

This book is a must for consultants and managers in general. It provides you with basic understanding of how the value proposition that companies have to deliver to customers has changed and will keep on going. Since the very first pages Slywotsky challenges you to think about the issue customer needs vs. customer priorities, and explains how the business design should change accordingly to these priorities. A must buy.

Probably the most important book ever written has as much to say to us today as it did in 1766 . Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nation" establishes the theoretical framework for Capitalism covering every aspect of an economic system that has created the highest standard of living known to man. Adam Smith shows how the interplay between labor, stock and land serve to generate the wealth of a nation. The keys to wealth are freedom, productive men, productive stock, and productive land. Smith says that the role of government is threefold - to protect the land from foreign invasion, enforce contracts and maintain a physical and legal infrastructure that promotes commerce and investment. Government produces nothing and therefore the expense of government reduces the wealth of a nation. Taxes are akin to a proportional reduction in the productivity of labor, stock and land and so should be kept at a minimum in order to increase the wealth of a nation. Any government role beyond the promotion and protection of investment reduces the wealth of a nation and of its people Adam Smith would oppose the many government programs that litter the landscape of the Federal Government today. Welfare, Social Security, education spending by the government, and other non-defense or infrastructure related expenditures diminish the productivity of the people and consequently their wealth. The majority of the people in the United States would have been much wealthier had it not been for these programs.
Adam Smith was also a proponent of free trade. He understood that countries varied in the productivity of the land and the people and that only through free trade could the advantages inherent in different lands and peoples be harnessed to increase the wealth of nations. He opposed guilds and unions which only protected the few at the expense of the many and consequently reduced the wealth of a nation by reducing the productivity of its people.
Adam Smith was truly a man for all season and for all time. It's unfortunate that our politicians and educators are more familiar and enamored by the idiot Karl Marx than they are with Adam Smith. For if they revered Adam Smith as much as they revere Marx we would all be wealthier and happier.

I really wonder how many people have ever read this book--especially those who deal with economic issues (say Congress or the President). Of course, some of the ideas have become dated because the world of 2004 isn't the world of 1776. However, what's amazing is what has held. So much of this book is still basic economic theory. Plus, its not as if Smith had predecessors who he could follow. Smith is one of those people who will still be remember in 2500 or 3000 and deservedly so.

The book is a classic and needs no review from me. However, if you thought that you could download the book from Amazon.com quickly, you will probably be sadly mistaken. I've been waiting 30 minutes so far and still my order is "being processed". No other eBook site on the internet takes more than a few seconds after entering your credit card. If you need this or any ebook in a hurry. Take a look at the other sites out there. Evidently, Amazon understands the package sending business a lot better than they do the electronic media download business!

Silbiger does a great job of simplifying those subjects with a circumscribed body of knowledge i.e. accounting, economics, marketing, Quantatative analysis, and finance. He imparts to the reader the jargon and the definitions that one needs, to engage in conversation with those in the business "know."

This book would be great preparation for a student initiating an MBA course at a distance learning, online school such as Grantham University or the University of Phoenix, where their dollars would go farther and their education could proceed more quickly (depending on their work habits). This in itself is reason enough to spend the money and read this book.

However, as a venture capitalist (VC) who invests in for-profit schools let me say that good operators, the future Captains of industry, are born more than made. Those who do well in school often become their lieutenants.

Much time is spent by VC's pushing discounted cash flow numbers (DCF) around in optimization models when it might be better spent learning how to recognize the character traits of capable operators. It's like selecting wives or husbands, one small mistake in character reading up front can lead to a long expensive journey as you untangle the mess.

But for now, we've only got the business case-study past to peruse and for most that will have to be enough. As for the few who have the capacity for unblinkered analysis, balanced judgement, adaptiveness to the unpredictable and the unknown, character, intelligence, organizational and leadership skills, and the focus, dedication, persistence and determination to execute a plan and see it through, to those will go the BIG rewards. Find one and grab on, either as a worker or as an investor (or as a potential mate.)

A worthy book!

I have read the "Ten Day MBA" and found it a great refresher on many, many of the topics that I covered years ago at the Now-How Foundation Business Course. It was very easy and fun to read, and brought back a lot of valuable information to me. There were also many new topics that I had never covered back in Business Course. All the important areas are covered here: marketing, accounting, organizational behaviour, quantitative analysis, finance, operations, economics, strategy, research, public speaking, negotiating, international business, business law. The book covers a whole MBA course. Each topic was clearly presented, had real world examples, and didn't overcomplicate the subject. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn quickly what it takes two or more years to learn at business school. I can recommend that book to everyone, who has a business or economics background.

There is a major development now underway in the publishing world (eg "Chicken Soup for Dummies Who Want to Make Billions in E-Commerce") which explains my apprehension as I began to read Steven Silbiger's book. In fact, it is an excellent piece of work. He organizes most of the material within ten "daily" segments. For those unwilling and/or unable to earn an MBA degree but who wish to strengthen their business knowledge and skills, I highly recommend this book. From my perspective, it provides at least three major benefits:

First, the quality of writing is quite high: Silbiger does NOT "talk down" to his reader. Dim-wits and knuckle-draggers will derive little (if any) benefit from this book.

Second, as thoroughly as time and space allow, the material is presented (exactly as promised) as a "step-by-step guide to mastering the skills taught in America's top business schools."

Third, however long it takes to absorb and digest the information provided (ten days, ten weeks, or ten months), the reader will gain a sound working knowledge of subjects which include marketing, ethics, accounting, organizational behavior, quantitative analysis, finance, operations, economics, and strategy. Silbiger also includes several "MBA Mini-Courses" and then brief discussions of research, public speaking, negotiating, international business, and business law. In his Introduction, Silbiger observes: "My goal is make you familiar with the significant MBA tools and theories currently being taught at the leading business schools and to help you understand and develop the MBA mind-set." He achieves his goal. Can this book take the place of an MBA degree? Of course not. Can this book increase substantially a reader's business knowledge and skills? You bet. It has already done so for more than 200,000 readers and it will continue to do so for many others in years to come.

If you decide to purchase this book, take very seriously the learning opportunities it offers. (Why else buy it?) Proceed with rigor and focus. Highlight key points and take notes along the way, then review them at the conclusion of each "Day." Stick to the study schedule you deem most appropriate for you. Maintain a journal in which you record your reactions and reflections as you learn. Perhaps one day Silbiger will write a "Fieldbook" to accompany this one. Meanwhile, let a journal become your own "Fieldbook." Record in it your experiences when applying what you have learned. In doing so, you may well create for yourself a decisive advantage when competing with those who so proudly possess an MBA degree from one of "America's top business schools."

In the course of five decades the world has gone through many disasters and catastrophes. The policies that brought about these unfortunate events have also affected the nation's currency systems. Sound money gave way to progressive depreciating fiat money. All countries in the world vexed by inflation and treatened by the gloomy prospects of a complete breakdown of their currencies. The great inflations of our age are not act of God. They are man-made or government-made; ascribed to governments the magic of power creating wealth out of nothing and of making people happy by raising the "national income".Sound economics had been prognosticated by inflationist and expansionist who refused to take correct daignosis of the monetary reconstruction...

This is book is beautiful in its simplicity. Rothbard first presents accurately what has historically happened when money is left up to the government. The important thing to remember is that Rothbard just doesn't make stuff up, he uses history to portray why the gold standard (and really, a privatized system of currency) is necessary for maximum freedom.

Even if you're not a Libertarian or an economist, you will appreciate Rothbard's perspective on the money you use everyday. Agree or disagree, this book is great.

This book should be REQUIRED reading at the high school level if not earlier. There is hardly any clearer explanation of money (real) and the fiat system that we now suffer under. I have read much the same thing in other books, usually covered in one chapter as part of a larger subject (such as the workings of the FED), but this short tome covers the subject without any fluff, yet thoroughly enough to give the beginner a sound grounding. It was a good refresher for myself. Mr.Rothbard's arguments for sound money are of impeccable logic. His call for a return to gold is now a cry in the wilderness, for most Americans, and apparently some Australians have been so brainwashed in hardly more than a generation that they are willing to accept their fate under a false system. I only wish that Mr. Rothbard had given more historical parallels in his book. As I recall, Roman money was being debased during their decline! All in all, this is a book not to be missed. And I highly recommend any of Rothbard's works.

At last, a book about "network marketing" that is more than just a bunch of sugary hype. Right from the start, Kiyosaki acknowledges that the network marketing business is not for everyone. He also admits that the industry has had (and will continue to have) a fringe population of greedy and/or crooked hucksters that drive the rest of us crazy and close many minds to its true benefits.

For someone exploring a network marketing opportunity for the first time, this book gives a solid, realistic foundation from which you can chart your course. For all those who have dived into multiple network marketing opportunities looking to make millions in a matter of weeks, and those who have dabbled for a couple of months, grown discouraged and quit, this book is a much-needed wake up call.

The title tells it all -- network marketing is not a "get rich quick" vehicle. Rather, it is a business school where the ultimate goal is personal growth. In this second edition, Kiyosaki presents eleven "hidden values" of a network marketing business. This is the ideal tool to help you look beyond the hype, see the network marketing opportunity for what it really is, and set realistic expectations for your personal success.

Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

This book was my introduction to Robert Kiyosaki and one that I've read several times over. Here's why:

Robert Kiyosaki doesn't say he's never been INVOLVED with networking, he has. What he says is he didn't make his fortune from network marketing. There's a big difference. Remember that when reading other reviews.

Robert explains to the reader how his opinion of networking changed (pg. 24) when, in the early 1990's, a well-respected and financially successful friend told Robert he was involved in network marketing. With Roberts past disinterest in networking, Robert didn't understand why a man who just completed over a billion dollars in commercial real estate transaction would be involved in network marketing.

This friend, Bill, went on to explain to Robert exactly what value he found in networking. This was the beginning of the turn-around. Now a financial success, Robert was able to investigate network marketing and clearly see all the true value it has to the motivated individuals. This is why he claims to be "unbiased".

Is this book the only thing you should study if you're considering network marketing? No way! Robert does point out that not all companies are good and among the good ones, not all organizations are good. Take your time and investigate all you can. If someone says you NEED to get started right away, walk away! If it's critical for you to get in today, how will you succeed tomorrow? Take your time.

Another thing Robert mentions in this book is the need to investigate the educational system. Many people claim to have a great training program, but, in actuality it's nothing more than a recommended reading list. If they have conference calls, dial in. If they have seminars, attend one. If they have one on one training, test the waters.

As Robert points out in this book, networking isn't for everyone, but it is a great way to create a passive walk away income that will give you freedoms and options in other investments. That's probably the number one point he makes. You don't need to become a networking guru, but, you can create a secondary income of $1000, $3000, or even $10,000 a month and use that to move into the B and I quadrants.

Open your mind, think of the education, the support from fellow achievers, and the options you'll create. That's the meat of this book.

There is a great free video presentation (SecretsOfTheRich.com) that anyone can watch to learn more about how Roberts thinking fits into network marketing.

If this review helps, please click "YES" below.

Obviously some people just don't like Robert Kiyosaki and will attack anythng he writes. But I have to wonder what usss they have against this book; is it FREE ENTERPRISE or HELPING PEOPLE?I also recommend 'The New Professionals" by Charles W. King and James Robinson and "Successful Network Marketing for the 21st Century" by Rod Nichols.Network marketig's time has come, but I am glad that some people disgree. When it becomes obvious to the masses, the opportunity will be gone. Sort of like trying to buy a fast food restaurant today (even though that was violently opposed and criticized at one time) when there are already 4 franchises in your area.It's not easy, but it does work.

This book is not recomended for undergraduate, you must thinking hardly to understand the "soul" of this book. Read it carefully, once you read it, you will understand why the titled is
"Research Agenda", but anyway, this is usefull book for a reference in research or comprehensive analysis in area of strategy.

The thesis of the book is that research in strategy needs to be directed at fundamental questions, like "Why are firms different (despite attempts to imitate one another)?" The writers don't even bother to discuss the popular sillyness of advising firms to be "quick" or "invest in IT" and so on. Rather, there is a real attempt to describe what is known and not known about fundamental issues, like imitability.

The book's strength is the quality of the 22 authors involved. It is the strongest showing of intellectual talent on this subject ever assembled. The weakness is that it was written just before the rise of "competence-based" views of strategy, so that it offers little perspective on that literature.

Twelve years after the papers in this book were written, it remains an essential reference to research in strategy. MBAs and business people looking for the newest guru ideas should stay away---there are plenty of guru books out there to satisfy their needs for cool hip ideas ("seek chaos!").

The thesis of the book is that research in strategy needs to be directed at fundamental questions, like "Why are firms different (despite attempts to imitate one another)?" The writers don't even bother to discuss the popular sillyness of advising firms to be "quick" or "invest in IT" and so on. Rather, there is a real attempt to describe what is known and not known about fundamental issues, like imitability.

The book's strength is the qulaity of the 22 authors involved. It is the strongest showing of intellectual talent on this subject ever assembled. The weakness is that it was written just before the rise of "competence-based" views of strategy, so that it offers little perspective on that literature.

Twelve years after the papers in this book were written, it remains an essential reference to research in strategy. MBAs and business people looking for the newest guru ideas should stay away---there are plenty of guru books out there to satisfy their needs for cool hip ideas ("seek chaos!").

I think that anyone who wants to enter business school can read this book first.It not only gives you a portrait of what MBA life is but also how MBA students value their school.Totally speaking,MBA programs offered by USA are the best in the present world.To get an MBA degree is quite attractive to many overseas students,such as me.Maybe not everyone can enter Harvard,however,it's still a pleasure to know about what life in Harvard is and how Harvardians think and solve problems.

After not only getting an MBA, but teaching in business schools for nearly twenty years, I recommend this book to anyone considering an MBA. When students complained about their MBA programs, I would urge them to read this book so they'd realize Harvard isn't perfect either.

Reid takes you through the day to day life of a first-year MBA student. In a microcosm like HBS, little things make the difference: "air time" in class, getting into the right study group, and more.

Reid also offers some perspective that may be missed by those unfamiliar with b-schools. Clients often ask career coaches (like me) about whether getting an MBA is a wise decision. Reid shows clearly that some people and some career destinations benefit more than others. He himself can maximize the degree's value: aged 26 when he entered (he turned 27 his first year), experience with a top consulting firm, personable and friendly.

Read between the lines if you can. MBAs are social. They network. Sure they have to crack the books but success ultimately depends on interpersonal skills -- fitting into section parties, ski weekends and Caribbean getaways. These folks are definitely bright and beautiful.

And don't miss his irritation with Harvard: outrageous residence costs, outdated materials in certain courses, uneven distribution of tenured "name" professors across sections, and more.
Yet in the end, Reid admits, the big "H" counts for a lot in the business world.

I wish we could learn what happened to him and his Harvard friends. Was it all worth it?

...

As a soon-to-be graduate student at a top b-school that focuses on the case-study method, I was at first rather apprehensive when I read through Reid's book. It felt that I panicked or was frustrated whenever the author panicked or was frustrated (which was a lot), but I also found that I laughed whenever the author laughed and related exceptionally well to his candor. Basically, I feel that in a small way, I have already experienced that harrowing first year. Reid's book has practically prepared me for my upcoming year by literally giving me tips on what university, the faculty, and fellow students will expect of me and what I can expect of them. A must-have, light-hearted, and down-to-earth book on a not so down-to-earth institution.