The Role of Multinational Enterprises in Supporting the United Nations' SDGs is an exploration of the place of the private sector in implementing select Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond the abundant literature published by the United Nations and journal articles, there are few book-length treatments of the unique role that multinationals play as facilitators of goal implementation and agents of change. This volume aims to stimulate debate and research on MNEs' best practices, fleshing out many of the seventeen goals through the lens of corporate strategic choices. Sixteen carefully selected chapters present research advances in both study and best practices format, linking disciplines, knowledge systems, and stakeholders' perspectives to support a more sustainable business model and address the varied challenges on the road to the 2030 Agenda. They comprise a balanced mix of research methodologies: comprehensive literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, integrative reviews, and case studies. The book will be of use to advanced students, researchers, practitioners, planners, and policymakers worldwide who are concerned with sustainable development and corporate social responsibility issues through the lens of multinationals. Furthermore, the book is designed to be used in graduate courses in business, economics, public policy and on sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Many organizations operate in an environment that is increasingly dynamic, turbulent, and unpredictable. This volume makes the case that they need to embrace improvisation as a core organizational capability, not to replace but to complement planning and forecasting. Research on organizational improvisation has evolved from a jazz and theater metaphor to a distinct body of empirical and conceptual work that tackles how improvisation unfolds in the full range of organizational contexts. These contexts often have very different goals, constraints and possibilities than improvisation in the arts. This makes it crucial to develop understanding of improvisation at all levels and in all types of organizations including but not limited to day-to-day operations of large firms and government agencies, strategic change, emergency management, product development, and start-ups. This book pulls together in one place major advances in understanding organizational improvisation. It describes major theoretical- and evidence-based advances in models of organizational improvisation, which the authors define as the deliberate and substantive convergence of the design and execution of a novel activity, that can be created at the individual, team, or organizational level. The authors provide, integrate and consolidate the existing literature on organizational improvisation and offer a comprehensive analysis of key processes. They go beyond a mechanical literature review to include illustrative mini-cases, novel concepts in contemporary work and short personal comments from researchers in the field. Grounded in rigorous academic work to date, this book speaks both to scholars interested in developing research on organizational improvisation and to managers. It discusses both promising paths for academic research and practical recommendations, especially those who deal with unpredictable environments that force them to either improvise or to face harmful or even fatal outcomes for organizational members and/or the entire organization.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction presents the modern theories of corporate finance. Its focus on core concepts offers useful managerial insights, bolstered by recent empirical evidence, to provide a richer understanding of critical corporate financial policy decisions. Key features include: A modern approach to corporate financial theory and evidence Key research presented in a structured manner Concepts explained in an intuitive, example-filled manner that does not require a strong mathematics background Detailed references for those wishing further reading on particular topics. Within business programs, the book offers an insightful introduction for courses on corporate finance, but also can be employed as a supplementary text in broader business courses. Experienced managers in financial functions will find the book a useful review and update of material developed since earning their degrees. Given the increasing use of cross-functional teams within the business community, the book provides a richer understanding of corporate financial policy choices for managers across a broad array of business functions.

This comprehensive and engaging Research Handbook provides a full examination of the modes and mechanisms of international knowledge transfer. Furthermore, it also provides in-depth insights into international knowledge transfer related challenges faced by multinational enterprises (MNEs). Chapters written by well-respected contributors provide extensive insights into the economic, technological, social, cultural and organizational aspects of knowledge transfer in international business and management. They also highlight the contextual influences imposed by the industrial sectors and countries that MNEs are associated with. Organised into three thematic parts, this Research Handbook provides interesting and important directions for future research within each chapter giving readers an opportunity to pursue these in greater depth. This timely Research Handbook will be an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers of international business and knowledge management. The practical case studies will provide a greater understanding of the topic and its challenges for managers of MNEs.

This comprehensive Handbook explores both traditional and contemporary interpretations of qualitative research in the workplace, examining a variety of foundational and innovative qualitative methodological approaches. Expert international contributors discuss how organisations have undergone substantial changes, prompting novel research agendas, which, in turn, required inventive applications of qualitative methodologies in a range of workplace contexts. The Handbook comprises three parts, which consider the foundational knowledge of qualitative methodologies; innovative additions to these methodologies; and their application in a range of workplace contexts and disciplines, including management, health and education policy. Chapters focus on context and the role of reflexivity as central issues for decision making about appropriate methodologies, highlighting how qualitative research has responded to contemporary developments in workplaces, such as the global dispersal of organisations, flexible work arrangements and changes to stakeholder relationships. Analysing the challenges and opportunities for conducting qualitative research in modern organisations, this Handbook will be critical reading for academics and students of organisation studies and qualitative research methods, particularly those with a focus on business and management.

Along with its interrelated companion volume, The Content, Impact, and Regulation of Streaming Video, this book covers the next generation of TV-streaming online video, with details about its present and a broad perspective on the future. It reviews the new technical elements that are emerging, both in hardware and software, their long-term trend, and the implications, and discusses the emerging ''media cloud'' of video and infrastructure platforms, and the organizational form of such TV. What kind of companies? What kind of business models? What kind of industries? What kind of impact on existing media? And what kind of market power in media industries, around the world? The author addresses these questions with facts and figures, ranging across technology, economics, communications studies, business, policy, and law. Media professionals in academia, management, technology, policy and creative production will appreciate the non-jargony yet thorough exploration of streaming online video in The Technology, Business, and Economics of Streaming Video.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This far-reaching Research Agenda highlights the main features of entrepreneurial university research over the two decades since the concept was first introduced, and examines how technological, environmental and social changes will affect future research questions and themes. It revisits existing research that tends to adopt either an idealised or a sceptical view of the entrepreneurial university, arguing for further investigation and the development of bridges between these two strands. Offering insights into both mainstream and critical approaches, top international scholars discuss a wide range of studies from various analytical and methodological perspectives. Contributions envision the future development of the 'alternative entrepreneurial university', creating space for more localised and contextualised institutions that can be both responsive to the needs of their societies and proactive in shaping them. Academics and practitioners interested in the entrepreneurial university will find this forward-looking Research Agenda to be crucial reading. It will also be beneficial for PhD researchers in framing key directions and questions for future research.

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary. This exciting Research Agenda offers a multi-disciplinary and historically informed programme for the further investigation of the global political economy of the corporate sector. It tackles the question, can and should the corporation be reformed? Christopher May develops a range of intersecting areas for research while also offering an account of the possibilities for the reform of the global corporation. Based on an understanding of the history of corporations, the author provides key insights into their management and political agency as well as the operation of the global corporate supply chain. Drawing links between a range of disciplines and perspectives on business enterprises, May calls for a more nuanced understanding of the global corporate sector in order to better comprehend the contours of the contemporary global capitalist system. This Research Agenda will be a valuable resource for students and academics of politics, economics, sociology and law, who are curious to explore the corporation in relation to their area of study.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction provides a concise yet thorough guide to understanding and planning advertising, while answering the key questions at the forefront of this modern topic: what is advertising? What is its role in businesses and organizations? And what are the implications of the offline-online shift? Key Features include: Theoretical analysis of how advertising works with specific research insights and practical cases Discussion of the ethical ramifications, pitfalls and societal consequences of current advertising practice An overview of the many contemporary advertising formats that are present today, discussing the various stages in the advertising planning process, and analyzing their effects. This Advanced Introduction will be a valuable resource for higher education students and teachers in business, marketing and communication sciences. It will also be beneficial for advertising professionals and brand managers who are interested in a concise structured overview of the important issues that matter in planning, carrying out and measuring the results of advertising campaigns.

Performance information is playing a bigger and bigger role in the public service environment. Governments worldwide increasingly realise that without reliable, useful performance information, no government or manager can plan for and monitor the success of programmes and projects. Managers must therefore be able to develop, implement and maintain a performance information system, based on the business cycles of the organisation, and internal auditors must have the knowledge to audit it. Performance information for managers and internal auditors sets out best practice based on the Framework for Managing Programme Performance Information and other relevant frameworks published by the South African government in its drive towards establishing a government-wide monitoring and evaluation system. The principles provided for internal auditing can serve as the basis for developing audit programmes. Performance information for managers and internal auditors is aimed at managers who are responsible for implementing a performance information system within government, and internal auditors who have to assist management in its role.

Along with its interrelated companion volume, The Technology, Business, and Economics of Streaming Video, this book examines the next generation of TV-online video. It reviews the elements that lead to online platforms and video clouds and analyzes the software and hardware elements of content creation and interaction, and how these elements lead to different styles of video content. What are the models of this new content? What kind of cultural and societal acceleration can we expect? What are the societal implications of the next-generation media system? What problems are emerging? What kind of market power is emerging in media industries, around the world? And how can one deal with them? The author addresses these questions with facts and figures, ranging across technology, economics, communications studies, business, policy, and law. He reviews the regulatory options, and recommends a new approach for video media. Media professionals in academia, management, technology, policy and creative production will value the approachable yet thorough information presented in The Content, Impact, and Regulation of Streaming Video.

Business Teaching Beyond Silos focuses on the application of business education to the teaching of other subject areas and how other subject areas inform business teaching. It outlines the benefits of using inter- and multi-disciplinarity to enhance business education and to influence and inform business practice within other disciplines. Drawing on case studies and the contributors' own experiences, the book showcases what cross-, inter- and multi-disciplinary learning and teaching means, and how it impacts academia and the real world. Chapters explore interdisciplinarity in STEM, as well as the humanities and social science areas, examining key topics including business teaching philosophies, cultivating business skills and team coaching. Presenting examples of where interdisciplinary teaching has been both successful and challenging, the book will enable practitioners to understand and utilise the worked examples to adapt their own practice. This practical book will be a useful resource for higher education teachers and academics who are interested in the teaching benefits of educating students with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Ever-evolving technological innovation creates both opportunities and challenges for educators aiming to achieve meaningful and effective learning in the classroom and equip students with a well-honed set of technology skills as they enter the professional world. The Handbook of Teaching with Technology in Management, Leadership and Business is written by experienced instructors using technology in novel and impactful ways in their undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as researchers reporting and reflecting on studies and literature that can guide them on the how and why of teaching with technology. Combining insights from research and practice, this comprehensive Handbook provides a state-of-the-art reflection on the role and effectiveness of technology in management, leadership, and business education. It offers a variety of resources and guidelines for the application of technology across different educational contexts and courses, and explores how specific digital tools, software, and applications have been used in the classroom to promote student engagement, assessment, collaboration, learning, and leadership. The broad range of chapters will support educators, administrators, instructional designers, researchers, chief information officers, and teaching technology developers seeking to expand their knowledge on the use of teaching and learning technologies in higher-education level management, leadership, and business programs.

Contracts form an integral part of strategic sourcing in modern supply chains. They bind people, customers, suppliers and organisations into a coherent working relationship whereby goods and services are exchanged in a mutually agreed framework. Contract management provides an introduction to the basic management principles of planning, organising, directing and control as an approach to managing contracts. Contract management explains the importance of managing the content of the contract as well as the contracting process so that unnecessary problems can be prevented and, as a result, important relationships can be maintained. The chapter on broad-based black economic empowerment has been removed from this edition as this is now well established, and new regulations in terms of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act have been introduced. South African and US case studies are included, which should give learners a broad insight into some practical problems that may occur in contracts. The late Gideon Nieman is was professor emeritus and former head of the Department of Business Management at the University of Pretoria. He worked for more than 20 years in senior positions in trade and industry before joining academia. He also presents presented short courses on contract management and procurement.

While many people remain paralyzed by the scope of Earth's environmental crisis, the eco barons--a new, unheralded generation of men and women--have quietly dedicated their lives and fortunes to saving the planet from eco-logical destruction. From the former fashion magnate and founder of Esprit who's saved more rainforests than anyone else to the Hollywood pool cleaner who became the leading force behind a worldwide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the incredible stories of "Eco Barons" offer proof that a single person's determination and vision can effect monumental change.

Accessible, current and in-depth, this textbook provides investigative insights into the steps involved in the case study research process. It is an essential resource for both graduate students wanting a novel, yet comprehensive guide to case study research, and for undergraduate students tasked with projects in business and management. Unravelling the Mysteries of Case Study Research helps students to develop a deeper understanding of cases within their contexts by presenting them from the perspective of the individuals involved. The authors discuss the stages of case study research including the role of personal motivation, objectives, research design, data collection and analysis as elements of the investigation. Key features: Demonstrates best practices for research with examples from expert case researchers Provides questions to form and guide the individual's research plans Reviews current and classic practices in case study research from North American and European perspectives Helps to identify what a case is Discusses motivation, purpose and unit of analysis issues Explains the design of a project, identification of sites, data and information Encourages analysis, curiosity, and creativity in case research.

The first book by a Coca-Cola CEO tells the remarkable story of the company's revival.

Neville Isdell was a key player at Coca-Cola for more than thirty years, retiring in 2009 as Chairman after rebuilding the tarnished brand image of the world's leading soft-drink company. Inside Coca-Cola tells an extraordinary personal and professional worldwide story, ranging from Northern Ireland to South Africa to Australia, the Philippines, Russia, Germany, India and Turkey. Isdell helped put out huge public-relations fires (India and Turkey), opened markets (Russia, Eastern Europe, the Philippines, and Africa), championed Muhtar Kent, the current Turkish-American CEO, all while living the ideal of corporate responsibility.

Isdell's—and Coke's—story is newsy without being gossipy; principled without being preachy, and filled with stories and lessons appealing to anyone who has ever taken "the pause that refreshes." It's also a readable and important look at how companies can market and govern themselves more—ethically and to great success.

This is the completely revised and updated workshop based on the perennial bestseller The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (over 1.5 million units sold) from preeminent organizational consultant, writer, and speaker Patrick Lencioni. Through a series of powerful exercises, this comprehensive trainer's kit enables teams to identify areas for improvement and take the first steps toward becoming a highly functioning team. Ideal for team off-sites and retreats or even a series of team development meetings, this training package is an excellent team development tool that allows teams of all types to begin the process of increasing cohesiveness and productivity.

Improve your knowledge of the ways global trends shape activism with this insightful volume that will supercharge your impact on communities and organizations Undercurrents: Channeling Outrage to Spark Practical Activism brings the perspective of experienced global social innovation leader, scholar and speaker, Steve Davis, to bear on some of the most powerful and helpful macrotrends rippling through society today. The book teaches readers how to harness their outrage and capitalize on global trends to instigate and encourage change across the world. The author identifies five global undercurrents with outsized importance that are shaping our world: Global economies are moving away from the old pyramid model into a diamond, bringing powerful new possibilities for human well-being; Communities are becoming the customer - rather than passive beneficiaries - as social change is increasingly led by local voices and activists; Equity is leveling and reshaping the field of social change and activism; Digital disruption, through the power of data and digital tools, impacts almost everything; and The middle of the journey to social change is becoming surprisingly sexy, as we focus on adapting innovation for widespread impact at scale. The book's lessons are supported throughout by stories, experiences, data and observations from across the globe. Undercurrents is perfect for activists and leaders of all kinds who aim to increase their impact on their organizations and the world at large, as well as the intellectually curious who hope to increase their understanding of the changing world around them.

Human Resource Management 11e is a comprehensive introductory textbook for undergraduate students. The textbook focuses on the core responsibilities of human resource management and how this function is central to the success of an organisation. The content reflects the main theories and processes and how these can be applied in an organisation to give it a competitive advantage.

This ground-breaking book specifically focuses on the leadership of innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare by providing a detailed step-by-step framework for effective leadership in the challenging and dynamic healthcare environment. Taking a fresh approach, it utilizes resources within healthcare organizations and the creative abilities of their people to provide a long-term solution to address key global issues, including the aging population, rising costs and long waiting lists, together with the challenges of staff recruitment and retention. Claudine Kearney offers in-depth insights into what is required to achieve success in the development of innovation. Chapters also demonstrate how to lead innovation, entrepreneurship and design thinking in healthcare as well as how to achieve results with a future oriented mindset. Visionary in its approach, the book examines both internal and external healthcare environment, addressing the key elements such as organizational strategy, culture and structure to overcome challenges. It also provides a thought-provoking analysis on the significant global challenges experienced within healthcare following the Covid-19 pandemic. Highlighting key learning points, this book will be an excellent resource for postgraduate students and scholars with a specific focus on medical and scientific innovations as well as those responsible for management within healthcare.

Examining the role of shareholders in modern companies, this timely book argues that more should be expected of shareholders, both morally and legally. It explores the privileged position of shareholders within the corporate law system and the unique rights and duties awarded to them in contrast to other corporate actors. Introducing the concept of shareholders as responsible agents whose actions and inactions should be judged on that basis, Stephen Bottomley unites a number of distinct corporate governance discussions including stewardship, activism and shareholder liability. The Responsible Shareholder argues that when companies cause harm to the environment, inflict injury on workers, or commit financial fraud, it is not just the actions of the directors, managers, advisers or regulators that should be scrutinized. Instead of consigning shareholders to a passive or marginal role in the drive for greater corporate responsibility, this book recommends that it is time to hold this key constituency in the company decision-making structure accountable. Comparative and interdisciplinary, this book will be a key resource for students and scholars of corporate law and governance, business law and insolvency law. It will also be of value to company law policy makers, corporate interest groups and think tanks engaged in corporate law reform.

This authoritative book examines the power of multinational corporations (MNCs) to exert influence in global politics. Focusing on the actions and motivations of MNCs, it explores how they attempt to shape the political issues that affect them. Combining theoretical perspectives with analyses of enlightening case studies, the contributors consider key areas in which MNCs seek to exert political influence such as environmental sustainability, social conflicts and corporate tax avoidance, as well as in specific industries including mining, shipping and consulting. They also illustrate the mechanisms used by MNCs to exert influence in a wide range of policy fields at multiple territorial levels, discussing how they interact with states, intergovernmental organizations and civil society, as well as how they coordinate their activities with other parts of the business community. The book concludes that MNCs enjoy certain basic privileges in society and politics due to their preponderant economic position and their key role in the processes of globalization, but action is necessary to sustain this role. MNCs in Global Politics will be critical reading for academics and students of politics, international relations and political economy, particularly those with an interest in globalization and governance. Its exploration of specific case studies will also be beneficial for policy-makers.

The marketing revolution is here

Punk Marketing is the long-awaited and breathless uprising that businesses want, deserve, and desperately need.

In this radical guide, Richard Laermer and Mark Simmons take an irreverent, penetrating look at the seismic change in the relationship between the people who sell stuff--products, services, entertainment--and those who purchase it. They demonstrate that to survive in business, a revolutionary approach is needed--one they have branded "Punk Marketing"--and it's one we all need to understand, for the traditional divisions among commerce, content, and consumers are continuing to blur ever more rapidly.

Never dull, sometimes controversial, but always a helluva lot of fun, Punk Marketing presents a manifesto for any business-person needing to engage consumers--or any consumer seeking to understand and employ their newfound power. And here's the good news: It's based on principles that have existed forever. In an age of digital video recorders, "branded" entertainment, cell phones, TV, multiplayer online games, and never-ending social networking, a coherent approach to marketing has never been more vital. With Punk Marketing, there's a built-in plan to equip you with tools to make all this change work out just fine, thanks.