economics-study

"Material World" is one of those books that EVERYONE should read. It really is beyond description...deceptively simply yet incredibly moving in its stark simplicity. In these pages about families across the globe, we see scenes from their everyday life. When we glance at the pictures of each family on their lawn surrounded by all of their material goods, the difference between the average American family and the average Ethiopian family couldn't be plainer. We look at the faces on these pages, hear their thoughts on the future, and compare their lives to our own...and suddenly the people in other countries seem real to us, and the faceless people of the news suddenly have faces and thoughts and homes and families. Peter Menzel and all of the others who have worked on this book have done a brilliant and wonderful thing when they created "Material World". They have done what no "You should be grateful..." or "Think of those people in other countries..." could have done...they have made the world real to us.

This is a very interesting book--more like a written documentary--that explores the lives of families in a number of countries based mainly on their possessions. Beautiful photos accompany each section, including the "Big Picture," in which the family is photographed with all of its belongings. Country statistics are also included, as well as interviews with family members and daily life photos.

The value of each family's possessions, as well as the family's values (what's important to them, etc.) are stressed. However, I noticed that while standard of living may differ considerably, everyone, no matter their location, seems to want bascially the same thing: education, a better life for their children, security, etc. This realization was perhaps the best part of the book for me.

What also impressed me was the fact that this book is filled to the brim. There's no way to read it cover-to-cover, really. Instead, it's more of an experience. It must be taken in. Every time I pick it up, I see something differently, in a new light.

You don't have to be an economist or an anthropologist to enjoy this book. On the contrary, anyone who has any interest at all in the outside world would enjoy it. Because the photographers spent so much time with each family, I truly felt like I was transported to each country, like I had a more complete understanding of what it was like to live there.

The residents weren't just faceless, nameless inhabitants of a distant land but were brought to life. And since it was basically told in their own words, very little to no bias is able to come through. Lastly, I have to congratulate the authors for putting together a balanced portrait of life around the globe. The choices were well-made and quite diverse.

Highly recommended!

This book is a fantastic picture book and statistical reference of our world. Menzel's idea was brilliant- -to identify a statistically average family in every corner of the world, and photograph them and all of their belongings, as well as capture aspects of their daily life on film.

The book is organized by continent, and then by country within each continent. Each entry begins with a multi-page photo of the family in front of their house, with of all their possessions. Beside the photo is an enumeration of the possessions that appear in the photo. The remainder of the article is found on the next 3 or 4 pages. There is usually a short summary of statistics about the country, covering such topics as area, population, population density, life expectancy, and rank of affluence among U.N. member countries. But much more informative are a variety of high-quality color photos showing family members going about their daily activities, at work, at school, or eating a meal in the family home. There is a brief text about the family itself, who they are, what they do, and where they live. The photographer also provides a brief summary of his or her experiences while living with the family and taking the photographs. In the photographer's notes are statistics about the work week, the number of radios, telephones, televisions, VCRs, and automobiles. The photographer also asks each family member to identify their most valued possessions and their dreams for the future.

The choice of the family to convey both the ideal and the reality of a typical "American" family was perfect. They have the requisite two children, one of each gender, and a dog. They are shown outside their ranch-style house, with a fairly new pickup truck and minivan in their attached garage. The photographer's idea of commandeering the entire cul-de-sac of the sub-development to showcase the family's possessions for the main photograph does an incredible job at capturing Americans' need for and use of space. (It makes an incredible contrast with the Japanese family, who have just as many possessions or even more, but are photographed with everything crammed together in a tiny block just the width of their house.) The picture of the American family appears on the cover of the book, juxtaposed with the family from Bhutan, with their house and meager possessions perched on a mountainside with no roads in sight. Despite the innumerable differences between the families, there are also many parallels. Both families are obviously proud of what they have and who they are. And in these pictures, and throughout the book, over and over again throughout the world, the family members identify religious objects as their most valued possessions.

In addition to the main chapters, the book also includes short features on televisions of the world, meals of the world, and toilets of the world, as well as appendices with more statistics, contributing photographers' biographies, and a list of more possessions that couldn't be included in the photographs.

Through its photographs, this book does an amazing job at explaining who we are as a human family, and how we are all similar. It also lets us know what life is like for average people around the world, and does a better job at this than any simple listing of statistics or geography text. When I read this book for the first time, I laughed, and even cried upon seeing how little some people in the world actually have to call their own. This was especially moving when I remembered that each family was chosen not because it was picturesque or poverty-stricken, but because it was statistically average. This book should be in every public library, it could be used by homeschoolers as a geography text, but everyone will find something of interest in it. It is one of the 10 most personally influential books that I have read.

If reading this book isn't enough for you, the project also produced a multimedia CD-ROM with added features and a series of children's books with more photographs and information for children about each family. An even more moving sequel called "Women of the Material World" is also available and highly recommended.

In my work as a doctor and hospital manager, I use both books 'Communicate or Die' and 'Culture Clash' in my interactions with colleagues. (Being a radiologist in nuclear medicine, I have only 5 minutes per patient.) In many hospitals, a highly hierarchical structure often prohibits a culture of constructive criticism among colleagues. But I was able to use the tools and tips from both books very well -- in particular for my work as a team-leader of mostly younger colleagues, focused on producing specific research results. For example, I learned to listen between the lines, check my own assumptions, and save weeks of otherwise wasted research -- and time is money. Both books emphasize the importance of communication for doing business. But anyone who must communicate for results will improve communication abilities when learning these lessons. The importance of listening instead of speaking and the use of active listening as a tool for getting results are clearly outlined. Both books are written by someone who learned his lessons by trial and error. Thomas D. Zweifel does not get lost in communication theories and does not use scientific terminology. He gives real-life examples for situations where communication failed. The books also provide good examples for how to reveal and solve communication problems. The lessons, labs, and the 'dos and taboos' give good input for daily exercise as long as the reader has the will to improve his or her communication abilities.
-- Gerhard Goerres, MD, Division of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich

I really found this book is doing a excellent job in combing the subtle threads of cultural differences hence the clashes in nowsdays international settings. What I am more deeply impressed is that the book not only provides a tool for people in business, political sector in understanding the generally underestimated factor of culture clash in real world communication, but how to successfully manage the various problems arousing from this issue as well. Plus, the language itself in the book is amazingly vivid.

by reading this book, you'll eventually understand, why so many international organizations collapse and more important you'll discover day to day tools which will enable you to improve your understanding and skills as international leaders and global citizen.
Whatever your purpose is (professional : to develop your business or to manage teams all around the world), personal...) and if you're interested or involved in cultural issues in international environment, i strongly recommend to you this book, writen in a clear, relevant and even funny style!

I've been out of college for several years and decided to go back for a masters degree. Unfortunately the degree I went for required me to recall a ton of knowledge that was buried in the deep places of my mind. This book helped me to recall my knowledge fo calculas and even taught me some techniques I wasn't aware of before. I say it's a good review because if someone weren't introduced to calculas before they might be easily intmidated by the subject material eventhough this book does the best job possible to easily convey the material to the reader. Kudos to the authors!! I was able to recall 3 years of calculas in approxiamtely 1.5 months. As a study aid or textbook supplement, I would receommend this for all.

This is one of the better practical texts available for a cursory review of calculus. My congratulations to Barron's and Dr. Lee Bleau. I usually do not take the time to comment on books although I like to get some feedback before buying a book. I felt so good about this text that I had to recommend it for anyone who wants to review their precalculus and calculus. It has a great synopsis of functions, as is usually covered under precalculus courses. It then moves on to derivatives, differential and integral calculus. Other "quick learning"/review books have not been as "smooth" as this one. The topics are covered clearly and in good order. There are a lot of example problems, with solutions, that help reinforce the learning process. I have actually found that I enjoy reading this book. The author does a great job in covering the material.

When I decided to pursue my engineering degree I discovered that I needed to take calculus-1 and 2. I had already taken calculus-1, but that was over 7 years ago. I then realized I'd "FORGOTTEN CALCULUS". This book was for me, literally. Anyone who desires a calculus review, or would like to learn on their own, should pick up this text. A basic knowledge of algebra is all that is really required. The algebraic review, in the first 9 lessons (out of 28), makes the transition to calculus a breeze. The author is careful to not take anything for granted, and never goes off on tangents (ha ha). The worked out examples have a natural progression that makes sense of the entire problem, not just the answer. The problems and exercises, which you work out yourself, are very comprehensive and appropriate. All the answers are given so that you can check your work. This book rocks!

I like models and charts but I shy away from set formulas or programs.  So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Get Clients Now! offers something for everyone. It seems a little bit like the new Weight Watchers Program with the concept of arranging your points in a manner that best suits your current goals. In fact, C. J. Haden uses the concept of a daily meal plan as part of the 280 day marketing plan.

First, Hayden identifies the six key strategies for marketing and then lists about 20 specific actions under each of the six strategies. These actions represent the various activities you select to develop your own marketing plan. The plan itself has three sections: Appetizers - one or two activities to help create success. Main Course - seven or eight activities to focus on getting business. Dessert - one activity to take care of yourself.

Is this a simplistic formula? Perhaps. But you get to pick what you want to do and accomplish in a straight forward way. It is easy to track by using the worksheets. What I really like is that when you complete the cycle, you can go back, set new targets or areas to work on and begin the 28 day program again.

Am I going to do it? Well, I borrowed this book and then ordered it on-line. By the time you are reading this, I am filling in the worksheets and beginning my own program.

C.J. Hayden has taken the mystery out of marketing. She has written a book that is easy to read, easy to understand and most importantly easy to follow. The gold in this book is the worksheets. They take the theory to practice and create a step by step process that leads to profits. In the first 28 days, I added $5000.00 to my bottom line! The focus and clarity this program creates is amazing. Anyone trying to grow a business without this book is doing it the hard way.

Ahem, Ahem, Ahem....let me clear my throat and then simply say: This is a fantastic book that takes common marketing knowledge to new heights. The simple step-by-step marketing strategies are designed to help any and every small business succeed. No more feeling overwhelmed with your marketing campaign, no more wondering if your initial steps are the right ones, and no more guesswork. Hayden takes you through each step and helps you develop a plan that is right for you and your business! Excellent!

Order Get Clients Now! today!

Interesting and concise read. I enjoyed it but my only qualm is that there are various typos and grammatical errors in the book. Maybe I'm picky because I've done a lot of proofing in my profession but it was very annoying when I came across an error...

Susan Solovic's "The Girls' Guide to Power and Success" puts it right back in our laps. We have to make the changes in our expectations and behavior. She provides the motivation and the tools.

Little has changed in the last 50 years except that there are more women in titled positions. With these titles came no change in the lack of independence from male persuasion in decision making. We're still doing it their way.

Time for women to step up to the plate, read Solovic's book and march to our own drummers.

If you are a women interested in maximizing your career success and increasing your personal power and self esteem, this is the book for you! Susan Solovic does an amazing job of combining real world examples of women who have done just that - from overcoming obstacles and trials to making a name for themselves because of their tenacity and passion for power and success. Women of all ages, you too can enjoy this career success and this book is a great starting point! Enjoy it - I sure did!

It is very difficult for me to work with "interviews and case study" based books since they are almost invariably full of "brilliant" quotes and "success and beyond-duty" stories that, to say the least, sound too good as to be of a sustainable nature in real world. This book is based on experiences and what seems very solid research and, for sure, is not free of this type of passages; and yet, it is one of the most useful and often-referenced books that I own and work with. So, if you will yourself through it, you'll find one of the best and most down-to-earth books on Customer Service. The author identifies nine drivers that can make any organization successful, all of them emphasizing the human nature of the relationship with customers (customer-centered). It is truly a recipe for success, more easily applicable to on-going enterprises rather than to start-ups. From this book the reader can produce very useful check-lists to diagnose the company and its strategic practices regarding their service approach. It can also be used as a guiding document to move a company to a truly customer-awareness territory and, most important, to keep it there. Of special relevance is the author's brilliant exposition in the final chapter "Lessons from World-Class Service Companies", where the reader obtains a rarely seen synopsis of all the good things that excellent companies do "to sustain their excellence". If nothing else, this chapter by itself justifies buying this book and incorporating it to your professional library.

Len Berry really understands what it takes to run a company that delivers excellent service, and he lays it out in a very readable and engrossing way. But he is also shining a bright light on what makes an excellent company, because long-term great service can only come from a great company. This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to learn more about what differentiates winning companies over time. I found the detailed examples and anecdotes he uses fascinating.

I bought ten copies of the book, and gave them to leaders in the companies with which I am involved!!

The book is the long awaited blueprint for labor intensive service organizations. The case studies have been well selected and cover a wide array of service companies. The nine drivers for sustaining a successful business model have often been regarded as "extras," his research proves them to be "essentials". He also shows us the importance of coupling high tech with high touch in order to thrive in the 21st century. Len Berry's research and conclusions are wonderfully interwoven to make the discovery a must read and must do.

As a new business owner, I found this book to be extremely helpful. I've always found taxes to be a difficult subject but this book helped me to understand some things I'd always wondered about (i.e. how to make quarterly estimated payments, what to do if you can't pay your taxes, what happens in an audit). There's lots about what is deductible and what proof you need to have. I think it would also be a good book for new male business owners to read

After working with small businesses and taxes for over 20 years, I've come to the conclusion that the fastest way throw money away is to start a business - without knowing how to do your books.

About half of my tax practice involves working with new clients who have gotten into trouble with IRS because: 1) Once they started a business, they didn't know how to figure out their tax returns. 2) They got into trouble with payroll taxes - by not filing them, or not paying them, or thinking they didn't have employees 3) Their business did well, but when it came time to pay the taxes on their successful business, there was no money.

Well, I don't want to see more people in trouble. So, ever since I discovered Jan's book, I have been telling my readers and clients to buy it.

They LOVE the book (and not just the women, either). Jan puts information in terms YOU will understand.

And with all of her years of experience, she knows just what kind of problems real people run up against. So there are lots of practical tools and tips to help you succeed, not just to keep your taxes in line.

And let me tell you, the price of Jan's book is much less than a three-hour consultation with me! (or any tax pro)

A friend recommended this book to me because I just started my own computer consulting business last year and I also was paid as an independent contractor. At first I wasn't going to get it because the title made it seem like it was directed to women. But I looked through my friend's copy and realized I wanted my own. The examples used in the book are all women's names but otherwise there's nothing that's just for women. It's really clearly written and has a lot of information about deductions and estimated tax payments -- the two areas I was the most unsure of. Also, the tax forms that need to be filed are shown and, although I'm using Turbo Tax to do my return, I was able to compare those forms to what came out of Turbo Tax so that I know (or at least am pretty sure!)that I've done everything right. I think this book will really save me hundreds of dollars in accounting and tax prep fees.

This book covers every point in the OCP exams for Financials consultants. Lots of hands-on exercises, and lots of wise perspective from someone who obviously has done a lot of installations. Considering what the book contains, it's price is really low.

This is the most thorough book on Financials I've seen. A must-have, whether you're going for the OCP certification or not.

Though the Financials OCP exam is being retired, the Financials package itself remains unchanged. This book is still the best introduction to how to use Oracle Financials.

Simon Anholt has carved an impressive niche for himself in international marketing circles as a regular sage at conferences and seminars.

Another One Bites The Grass is, however, even more pithy than usual. Both witty and penetrating it lays bare the successes and failures of some famous international campaigns. The essence, and the reason for these 5 stars, is not for his being an excellent raconteur. Instead his philosophy of dynamic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural teams must make sense to those marcomms exec's who try to scale the translation mountain.

This is a book that is a MUST for those who have responsibility for putting out attractive messages internationally. Furthermore, it is an enlightening and instructive read for anyone in business, large or small, about the perils of communication on a global scale if one thinks only within one's home environment.

Buy this book - you will be entertained and educated in the best possible way.

Attend the next conference that Simon Anholt speaks at - you will be wiser for it.

Author Simon Anholt, an international advertising consultant, says that the dangers of globalization can be just as formidable as the opportunities - if you fail to research the culture of your new markets. We've all heard the marketing legends of companies that embarrassed themselves by launching products into foreign markets without checking the translation of their brand names. Anholt retells several of these tales to illustrate the perils that await global firms that don't take culture into account. Meshing advertising and marketing strategy, he presents a systemic approach to cross-border product expansion. We [...] recommend this book not only for its insightful, culturally adaptive marketing methodology, but also for the genuinely entertaining examples that might just make you laugh out loud.

Whether you create global advertisements, businesses, or Web sites, you should read this book.

Author Simon Anholt writes about the challenges of creating successful global advertising campaigns. Most companies fail miserably in this department, and he outlines the reasons why. He also provides a model for "smart centralization," which he believes international advertising agencies should follow. This model also makes a great deal of sense for the development and management of global Web sites, which is one reason I enjoyed this book. I also liked how Anholt explained the inherent tension of trying to be both global and local at the same time. Here's an excerpt:

The fundamental challenges of international marketing communications are about preserving the perfect balance between sensitivity to the culture of the brand and sensitivity to the culture of the consumers around the world. If you abandon or relax your grip on the first sensitivity, you end up with fragmentation, loss of identity, and loss of control. Abandon or relax your grip on the second, and you fail to communicate effectively, and fail to build a global brand.

I also liked what he had to say about the importance of translation:

So when the question comes up, why can't we just use English? I always ask this question: do you think that consumers should make the effort to understand us, or should we be making the effort to be understood by them? Are we more interested in being respected, or showing respect?

I have read many books on e-mail strategies, viral marketing and permission-based marketing and this one makes the cut.

I figured by reading the book I would get some pretty good analysis of what it takes to run a good e-mail marketing campaign, the pros and cons of various strategies (in house vs. outsourcing) and some "big picture" issues to deal with. The author delivered on that but I wish he had some # crunching and data analysis in it.

If you have read about permission based marketing and viral marketing this is a book that will help to "pull it all together." While some concepts will have been covered by then I know it has helped me in pulling together a strategy long-term for a few websites I want to rollout in the next few years.

Good books to read about viral marketing, in order of preference, are (1) Seth Godin and Permission Marketing (2) Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point and (3) Emanueul Rosen's Anatomy of a Buzz. Kim McPherson's E-mail Strategies That Work book is a good book on e-mail campaigns.

The authors have put together perhaps one of the best and most complete books on marketing via e-mail on the market today. Note that I said "marketing via e-mail" and not spamming via e-mail. The authors actually address this issue and how to use e-mail marketing in a positive manner where it will be welcomed by the recipient and not instantly deleted. Hans Peter Brondmo is an authority on this issue and is one of the owners of Post Communications, which uses e-mail marketing extensively.

The book details how to move from traditional marketing methods to an Internet based marketing system that concentrates on the efficient and positive use of e-mail. It not only covers how to use it to obtain new customers but guides the reader step by step in how to effectively use e-mail to create and maintain customer loyalty and positive relationships.

Hans Peter Brondmo's "The Engaged Customer" is a must for Internet marketers. Whether you're an experienced Internet marketer or a novice, this book will be prove to be of enormous value.

It is extremely thorough in its coverage of e-mail marketing from planning to vendor selection to analysis, and this book goes deeper into exploring customer relationships.

Buy it.

Given the highest rating in its December 2000 MarketingToday.com review.