This book represents the earliest elear, detailed, precise exposition of the central ideas and results of game theory and related decision-making models-unencum-bered by technical mathematical details. It offers a comprehensive, time-tested conceptual introduction, with a social science orientation, to a complex of ideas related to game theory including decision theory, modern utility theory, the theory of statistical decisions, and the theory of social welfare functions. The first three chapters provide a general introduction to the theory of games including utility theory. Chapter 4 treats two-person, zero-surn games. Chapters 5 and 6 treat two-person, nonzero-sum games and concepts developed in an attempt to meet some of the deficiencies in the yon Neumann-Morgenstern theory.Chapters 7-12 treat n-person games beginning with the yon Neumann-Morgenstern theory and reaching into many newer developments. The last two chapters, 13 and 14, discuss individual and group decision making. Eight helpful appendixe
"Parker and Hoffman have delivered a long overdue guide to one of the most troubling events in organizational life--the meeting. They have captured the essence of the meeting and guide the reader on a journey to meeting excellence by providing tools, tips, and techniques that take us well beyond anything done so far. I highly recommend this book to every leader at every level in every organization." "With staff located in offices throughout the world, our organization is continually facing challenges in communicating and coordinating activities. Making the most of our virtual meetings and squeezing every possible benefit out of the few face-to-face gatherings we have is critically important to the success of our operations. Meeting Excellence is a superb resource for all managers seeking to make their staff gatherings as effective and productive as possible." "Whether you lead, facilitate, or participate in meetings, this book by Parker and Hoffman is packed with extremely useful and often novel t
The volatility that has hit many middle-income countries (MICs) after liberalizimg their financial markets has prompted critics to call for new policies to stabilize these boom-bust cycles. But, as Aaron Tornell and Frank Westermann point out in this book, over the last two decades most of the developing countries that have experienced lending booms and busts have also exhibited the fastest growth among MICs. Countries with more stable credit growth, by contrast, have exhibited, on average, lower growth rates. Factors that contribute to financial fragility thus appear, paradoxically, to be a source of long-run growth as well. Tornell and Westermann analyze boom-bust cycles in the developing world and discuss how these cycles are generated by credit market imperfections. They explain why the financial liberalization that allows countries to overcome imperfections impeding rapid growth also generates the financial fragility that leads to greater volatility and occasional crises. The conceptual framework they pr
In the fast changing business and financial markets, the role of operations manager is crucially important to any organisation. As automated processes increase and settlement cycles shorten, the demands on operations managers to embrace change and to become cost effective contributors to the bottom line increases. This book follows on from Fundamentals of Global Operations Management, 2e (0470026537). Author David Loader explores the challenges of being a good supervisor and manager in an environment of constant change, variable workloads and pressure to deliver quality services cost-effectively. He covers the key aspects of the role, which include managing risk, people and clients.
Capitalism is indeed at a crossroads, facing international terrorism, worldwide environmental change, and an accelerating backlash against globalization. Companies are at crossroads, too: finding new strategies for profitable growth is now more challenging. Both sets of problems are intimately linked. Learn how to identify sustainable products and technologies that can drive new growth while also helping to solve today's most crucial social and environmental problems. Hart shows how to become truly indigenous to all markets -- and avoid the pitfalls of traditional 'greening' and 'sustainability' strategies. This book doesn't just point the way to a capitalism that is more inclusive and more welcome: it offers specific techniques to recharge innovation, growth, and profitability.
This hands-on guide takes you through every aspect of finding andsecuring the job you want. From searching for vacancies through topreparing for the interview and making a strong impression, this bookhas it covered. Key personal development techniques, such as Neuro-linguistic Programming, are featured alongside specific job-huntingadvice, helping you to develop a winning mindset and foster skills to take with you into your new career.