Book Description
The central goal of this text is to address all of the fundamental macroeconomic theories and policy issues in the discipline within a compact and highly accessible text. It features a strong focus on instilling a learner's conceptual understanding of the discipline through a wealth of pedagogically sound features designed to teach and reinforce the material. This is the only intermediate macroeconomics text that fully integrates global economics from the very beginning. Additionally, it is also the first and only text on the market to offer a fully-integrated program of accompanying online resources and multimedia tools that enhance a reader's study of macroeconomic theory.
Book Description
Offering a unique blend of solid theoretical content and student accessibility, this text: 1) covers all the basics of macroeconomics, 2) gives student a clear idea of how economists think about the world, 3) stresses the key concepts in economics, and 4) is extremely rich in intriguing applications that convey the prevalence of economics in everyday life. By applying economics to phenomenon that students are familiar with and interested in, this book demonstrates like no other text how economic analysis can be applied to virtually anything of interest, thus helping students develop true economic intuition. Additional student-oriented features include a unique active-learning format, an emphasis on developing economic analysis skills, and an outstanding visual program for exhibits and graphs.
Book Description
Written by one of the foremost scholars in the field, this volume presents a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of the theories, evidence and methodological issues of contingency theory - one of the major theoretical lenses used to view organizations. It includes both an appreciation of the coherency of contingency theory overall and a frank recognition of some of the deficiencies in contingency theory research. The coherent underlying model provides the platform from which to make good some of the deficiencies through a series of improvements in theory and method that chart the course for future research. The opening chapter presents a theoretical integration to provide the reader with an overview that makes sense of what is a large literature. It also argues that there is an underlying core paradigm that renders contingency theory coherent. The next chapters lay out the foundations of contingency theory by reviewing the pioneering contributors to theory and empirical research. This is followed by an examination of the causal models in the received bureaucracy research literature and an attempt to put them on a more truly contingency theory base. Chapters 7 and 8 examine in detail the concept of fit and its relationship with performance, including the empirical research studies. Chapter 9 presents possible new developments for contingency theory, to make it more coherent and, hopefully, valid. These new developments include the concepts of disequilibrium, quasi-fit and hetero-performance. All three are novel concepts that substantially revise and improve contingency theory. The final chapter offers suggestions on how to operationalize the ideas in this book in terms of hypotheses for future empirical research.
Book Description
This controversial book strongly criticizes recent developments in the study of organizational structure in the United States. It concentrates on five theories that are fashionable: population-ecology, institutional, resource dependence, agency and transaction costs economics. Each is shown to be flawed, either in its logic, or by studies of actual organizations. These sharply different theories have fragmented the field and present a negative view of managers. Lex Donaldson argues for an integrated theory built around structural contingency theory, that places managers in a more positive light.
Customer Reviews:
A for effort.......2007-08-28
Lex Donaldson laments the fragmentation of organizational theory in the United States (p. 1). Among the theories in common use at the time, Donaldson identifies four major ones, each operating under its own, distinct paradigm: population-ecology theory, institutional theory, resource dependence theory, and organizational economics (p. xi). He argues that they should be abandoned in favor of a previously dominant paradigm - the one underlying structural contingency theory - and sketches out a theory expanded by bits and pieces from competing theories (ch. 7).
The major difficulty with this book is that it cannot stand by itself. Donaldson's arguments hinge on an accurate and thorough description of an on-going dispute. Not only does he need to know and fairly portray arguments that exist in five distinct bodies of literature, he must also convince the reader that he succeeded - which ultimately seems to be a futile effort as the uninvolved reader is left guessing whether Donaldson's attacks on some elusive, shapeshifting theory actually prove anything, while a reader with a solid stake in that theory will likely assert that they do not.
One does not need to assume malice or any deficiencies on Donaldson's part to recognize that this is not a task for any single author. In order for Donaldson to assess the respective merits of different theories, he needs an agreement about what each of them is - that is, a consensus within the dominant coalition of the field. This necessity arises from Donaldson's vision of a "coherent, integrated body of knowledge" (p. 5) as a single, dominating paradigm and one associated body of theory. Unfortunately, the field of organizational studies as described by Donaldson consists of several competing factions; some of them seem not interested in consolidation, while those seeking consolidation expect it to take place on their own terms (Donaldson himself is no exception).
Donaldson's focus is on contributions of various theories to his own area of interest. This may explain why he shows little inclination to explore different scopes and motives in theory building, even though he notes his difficulties in drawing the boundaries of each theory on several occasions (e.g. pp. 53, 83). He never adequately reflects the difference between descriptive and prescriptive theories and hence misses one of the better options for - at least partially - reconciling them: Structural contingency is prescriptive; by matching contingencies with appropriate responses, it describes the best way for an organization to reach a given goal. And while Donaldson and other proponents of that theory like to phrase their propositions as if they were naturally followed, there would be no point in Donaldson's "guidelines to managers with pressing, practical problems" if organizations were always able to figure out the proper response to a contingency (p. 5).
Population-ecology theorists, on the other hand, do not offer advice to managers; they describe various reasons why the guidelines put forward by structural contingency theory may be difficult to implement (p. 44). Institutional theory, too, is descriptive; it acknowledges that managers effect change and sees imitation as the primary mechanism, which doesn't contradict structural contingency theory; after all, when managers follow Donaldson's empirically valid guidelines, they are mimicking the behavior of successful organizations. Resource-dependence theory emphasizes the importance of external and internal dependencies and their impact on goal setting, shedding some light on the obstacles a manager or an organization may face when trying to implement the recipes provided by structural contingency theory.
But Donaldson is very reluctant to expand the scope of his favored theory. It is telling that he wonders why it would be a crucial issue who will control an organization (p. 135), and that his "integrated explanatory model" is one of organizational structure with strategy as a contingency (p. 206). To him, simply put, an organization is a structure designed to serve a specific purpose. The creation of strategy does not figure in his model, nor does the implementation of change in the organization. This narrow view is quite remarkable given the ambitions implied in the first chapter, where Donaldson finds the country's slipping economic performance "in a way surprising since US organizations have had the benefit of being able to draw on a large body of organizational theory and research generated in US universities", only to find the explanation in "an outbreak of irrationality" in the "US academic work on the topic of organization structure" (p. 1). Some help with determining the appropriate organizational structures is all it takes to put the US economy back on track, or so he would have us believe. Donaldson's hubris easily matches the one he finds in Hirshleifer (p. 165).
The discussion above indicates that Donaldson is not on a path to consensus. A man calling an influential, competing paradigm "fatally flawed theoretically and empirically" (p. 127) is not likely to successfully forge a dominant coalition anytime soon. His criticism will hardly convince the adherents of any paradigm. The contrast between his vision of a shared paradigm and his glaring short-comings as a uniter are curious. His criticism may fail to convince the adherents of each paradigm, but it may well confirm their beliefs that all the other theories deserve to die. A paranoid reader might be forgiven for suspecting that Donaldson's cunning plan is to fan the flames and spread ammunition liberally, in the hope that structural contingency theory will emerge as the sole survivor of an all-out war.
Donaldson may be biased and over the top sometimes, but many of his criticisms are spot on. Unfortunately, a solution will require some form of consensus, and that is not a task for one well-read man with strong opinions. Four stars for a rarity - a decent, albeit biased overview over all major theories, and for thinking big.
Average customer rating:
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Contingency Theory (History of Management Thought)
Manufacturer: Ashgate Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Strategy & Competition
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
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Management
| Management & Leadership
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General
| Organizational Behavior
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General
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New Business Enterprises
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All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
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Business & Investing
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ASIN: 1855214369 |
Average customer rating:
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Contingency, Complexity and the Theory of the Firm: Essays in Honour of Brian J. Loasby (Essays in Honour of Brian J. Loasby, V. 2)
Manufacturer: Edward Elgar Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Popular Economics
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Microeconomics
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Theory
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ASIN: 1840641878 |
Book Description
This is the second book celebrating Brian Loasby's contribution to economics by an internationally renowned group of authors including Mark Casson, G.B. Richardson, Nicolai Foss, Keith Pavitt, Martin Fransman and Richard Day. It extends Brian Loasby's work in the area of the theory of the firm and related methodological issues.
This book is mainly concerned with the theory of the firm, a subject central to much of Brian Loasby's work. The authors begin by considering the existence and nature of firms and their internal and external relations, paying special attention to the themes of coordination and communication costs in a world of surprise and change. The discussion then moves on to the way in which firms use and create knowledge and capabilities, referring to questions of organization, with some detailed empirical investigation of high technology industries. The final part focuses on methodological issues including rationality, knowledge, incommensurability and equilibrium, in the context of different traditions.
This book will be welcomed by microeconomists especially those interested in the theory of the firm and methodology.
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- Fresh ideas on weed management based on weed biology/ecology
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Expanding the Context of Weed Management
Manufacturer: Haworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Science
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| Agricultural Sciences
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Crop Science
| Agricultural Sciences
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ASIN: 1560220627 |
Book Description
Presents innovative approaches to weeds and weed management.
Expanding the Context of Weed Management is your key to the latest economically and environmentally friendly methods of managing weeds. You will explore the biological, cultural, mechanical, and preventive tools and techniques that are necessary to successfully manage weeds.
Expanding the Context of Weed Management teaches you how to optimize your crop production and profit by integrating preventive techniques, scientific knowledge, and management skills into your current farming routine. This practical volume contains a series of review articles and original research that present innovative approaches to weeds and weed management. In its pages you will discover valuable and practical information about:
how weeds can be considered a part of the cropping system instead of an isolated pest to be eliminated
why weeds behave as they do
short and long term approaches to changing weed management
standard breeding methods for weed competitive crops
how to improve soil quality to manage weeds
how to integrate pest management for weeds
how to avoid propagule production
how to reduce weed emergence in crops
how to minimize weed competition with the crop
The costliness of weeds and weed control is more than $15 billion a year in the United States. Expanding the Context of Weed Management will help you cut this cost with the latest methods of effective weed control. Intended for agronomists, weed scientists, crop advisors, environmentalists, students, and crop ecologists,this book provides a successful and environmentally sound perspective on weeds and their control.
Customer Reviews:
Fresh ideas on weed management based on weed biology/ecology.......1999-09-24
Weed science and weed management are evolving as fast than any weed. This book brings together some of the best thinkers in the discipline and addresses the future of weed research and improved management systems. The editor and the 29 authors and coauthors of most of the 12 chapters represent a new generation of weed scientists and they bring new insights and fresh approaches to the future of weed management. The topics covered can be broadly categorized as weed biology, dynamics, management and integration. The complexities of interactions in the biological, managerial and economic arenas are well illustrated and most authors give suggestions on how to advance the discipline beyond our present level of understanding these complexities.
While a few chapters are too theoretical or a bit removed from the reality of agricultural production systems, this book is a most valuable resource for those who seek to chart new courses for the discipline of weed science. The final chapter is one of the best as it brings together many of the concepts presented in earlier chapters. It is an excellently developed framework that captures the multifaceted impacts of and approaches to managing weeds from the field, farm, landscape, regional and global perspectives.
In addition to weed science faculty, staff and students at universities, this book will broaden the perspectives and possibilities of weed management for other agricultural professionals in academia and the private sector, extension educators, and crop consultants as well as producers seeking to move from weed control to weed and crop management. All readers will appreciate the fresh approach to one of agricultures oldest problems-weeds."
Book Description
This brand-new test preparation manual presents a short diagnostic test and two full-length practice tests that reflect the most recent SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M. Both tests include 60 core questions plus 20 E (Ecology) and 20 M (Molecular) questions with detailed explanations of answers. This manual also includes extensive subject reviews with more than 300 questions and answer explanations, an overview of the SAT subject tests, and important test-taking tips.
Book Description
Intensive preparation for the SAT II Biology E/M test includes a mini-diagnostic test and four full-length practice tests, all with answers and explanations. Two of the practice tests include core questions in general biology plus questions specifically relating to Biology E (Ecology). The other two tests include core questions and questions relating specifically to Biology M (Molecular Biology). An extensive subject review covers all test topics. They include: the cell and molecular biology; disease and the body's protective mechanisms; reproduction in lower organisms, plants, and animals; genetics; evolution; conservation of natural resources and environmental science; and the classification of living things. The book also presents an overview of the SAT II Biology E/M test as well as useful test-taking tips.
Customer Reviews:
another 5 star review.......2007-04-09
I looked up this book to recommend to a cousin of mine who's thinking of taking the BioSATII test and I when I saw the one star reviews I was compelled to comment. I agree completely with all the 5 star ratings from high scorers. I scored a 790 on my SATII back in 2003 and used this book to prepare for the AP exam as well (for which I recieved a score of 5). In my opinion, this is the best bio test prep book on the market. It's organized and detailed and it doesn't skimp out on the information it provides. The practice test questions are more similar to real questions than most test books and are generally more difficult than the real thing - meaning that when you actually take the test you will happily score better than on your practice runs.
Has its merits and demerits but essential for the test.......2006-12-25
I only had a one-hour-per-week biology class this year, but scored a 780 on SAT2 Biology M, which I think is quite OK. First, I studied the Princeton book, then the Kaplan book, and it was not two weeks before the test that I actually got the Barron's.
[TOO DETAILED?]The Barron's book is quite detailed, and the details are NECESSARY for the test. For example, only the Barron's book introduced the enzyme lactase and the disease coronary thrombosis, which both showed up on my test. Then again, some of the details were quite useless; for instance, the book needlessly focuses on diseases. There are unnecessary parts concerning "The Conquest of Diseases" and so on. As for me, I only read "Types of heart diseases" (150) and "Other diseases not caused by germs" (152) and that was enough. I think the part about alcohol and tobacco is just too much detail
[LACK OF DETAIL] To my surprise, there were parts that completely lacked detail. On the part about kidneys, the book didn't even mention aldosterone or how the medulla of the kidney gets saltier--this was looked at with the most details in the Princeton book.
I studied only about two thirds or three fourths of the book: the rest, I just skimmed or only solved the problems at the end of each chapter(by the way, these problems are useful and point-by-point) I kinda ignored the alcohol-tobacco part and the disease part, but those parts, like I said above, don't matter that much. I'm sorry that I couldn't finish the book--I could've got a higher score.
So, what I'm saying is, BUY THE BOOK, BUT DON'T RELY ON IT ONLY.
The best test prep book I've ever used.......2006-11-03
This has been all-around the best and most helpful book I've ever used to prepare for a standardized test. It is extremely informative, well-organized, and easy to read. However, the most helpful features are the section reviews at the end of each chapter and the self-evaluation charts at the end of the practice tests. The former are great sets of practice questions to put your knowledge to the test, and the latter are excellent tools for pinpointing exactly where your problem spots are, fixing those weak areas, and thus greatly improving your scores. Biology is far from my best subject but after studying with this book for a while I feel completely confident for the exam. I tried using Kaplan's book on the same subject at first but found it to be quite dull. I think this is a much better alternative.
Very Good Test Prep.......2006-07-06
My son used this book to prapare for the Biology M SatII exam and received a very respectable 710 (out of 800) on the test.
Ugghhhh.......2006-06-16
I think this review book is HORRIBLE. First, it is extremely detailed. It goes into so much detail that is useless since none of it shows up on the exam. Second, it is a very boring book. It is pretty self-explanatory, it does not do it too well, but it is good enough. But how is someone supposeed to get through this book with all of its detail if they fell asleep everytime they opened the book. I fell asleep more than 15 times. Well its good i got another review book for this sat II or else i think i may have failed it. Thanks to princeton review, i knew all the material on the back of my head.
I do not recomend this book one bit; many teacher recommend it, but as a student i say: dont waste your parents money on this book.
Customer Reviews:
good coverage, A LOT of good coverage.......2003-10-30
This book is really good and covers all of the bases of biology, but I only have a week to prepare for the test, and all of this material is, well, quite overwhelming. I would definitely reccomend this book if you have two weeks or more to prepare for this test. If you have the test really soon like me I would reccomend going with the Kaplan book.
This book was average.......2003-01-03
I am not a great studier but i did not find this book covered all the topics on the Sat2. The tests were way too easy. I scored nearly 70 points lower on the actual Sats. Decent book but i think you could find better books out there. There was a ton of information but it was too much for me to cram with yet it didn't cover all the questions on the real tests. The answers were well explained to their practice tests but maybe that was because they were so easy.
Maybe if you have over a year..........2002-12-31
When I decided to take the SAT II Biology, I also ordered the Barron's and Kaplan test preps. I had already taken the AP Biology test and recieved a 5, and I had the Cliff's AP Biology book as well. I had about a month and a half left before the Dec. exam and opened up the Barrons book to get started. MISTAKE MISTAKE MISTAKE!!! This book is very intimidating, there is way more information that you need to know, for example, the whole section on cancer and other diseases is completely unnecessary. TRUST ME...YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW THOSE DISEASES!!! The practice tests reflect the information provided in this book and is more like a "final exam" for those that read the book instead of an accurate model. I shut the book up within two days, thinking yeah right, and I picked up the Kaplan book instead. The Barron's book is also very visually unappealing and goes into too much detail. I would only use it if I had over a year to study and needed to make sure I knew every possible thing. The Kaplan book was a better at giving you the right material, but sometimes the paragraph format of the book takes too much time to read through. At this point, it would be smartest to use the Cliff's AP Biology book to get a quicker easier grasp of the information necessary. Neither the Kaplan nor the Barrons had very good practice tests, so I'd just take both to get a feel for what I need to know.
Good book, not enough detail.......2002-10-07
I was quite pleased with this book in that it covered everything and more that was on the SATII, but it alone will not do. I had a great teacher for Honors Biology, and that I belive is what earned me my 720. This book did help the nights before the test with little miscellaneous buts of information, but the book really does not teach.
The book just throws information at you without trying to get you to understand the pricess or the concept. That is was the teacher is for.
If you had a bad teacher or were not even taking Bio., this book would only help you if you were an insane memorizer like those weird kids in Japan that stay up until 2am studying for quizzes.
If you want a 'just average' score.......2002-06-01
This book was ok if u only want an average score. I just took the SAT II Biology E the other day and the questions on the test were BARELY covered in the book. The does have some detailed summaries, but only about 1/4 of the material on the test could be found in the book. and the practice tests were SOOO incredibly easy. Perhpas this was to boost morale so it made the book look like it was a good book......but I dunno. When I take the test again after i take AP bio, i'll use the Princton or the Kaplan.
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