'It provides the best complete discussion I know of the economics of repressed inflation' F.W. Paish.
The Economics of Repressed Inflation is a micro-economic analysis of the effects of a partially controlled inflation in a peacetime economy. This analysis suggests that the combination of inflationary pressures and the control of consumption has economic effects on the price level and on the distribution of resources which may be as serious for the economy as the more widely recognized effects of an uncontrolled inflation.

In today's South, urban centers are prospering while many rural communities and areas with high proportions of black residents have fallen behind. This comprehensive volume takes a hard look at the problem. The author examines the patterns of prosperity and poverty in the South from the 1950s through the present, focusing mainly on the period after 1970. The rural populations have an abundance of people with few skills, little education, and little hope of entering the economic mainstream of American society. They are not in line for the promise of the urban new South which has been enveloped in an industrial renaissance. A wide range of federal, state, and local data has been used in this study. It explores changes in social and economic well-being and opportunity across labor market groups. Race and sex subpopulations are given particular attention.

"Two Sides to the Sunbelt" begins with a look at how the present situation came into being. Such issues as economic stagnation and the serious problems of health, education, and welfare are addressed. The industrial and occupational climate today is examined next. The author closely ties issues on economic development to social justice as he concludes his study of this unbalanced situation.

One of the most exciting recent innovations in the social sciences has been the emergence of behaviour economics', which extends the notion of rational choice to allow for both motivation beyond self-interest and intuitions that cannot be reduced to the logic of a situation. This new book by Howard Margolis demonstrates how an account of widely-discussed topics, from tipping points in social choice to cognitive illusions and experimental anomalies, can be brought within a coherent framework.

Starting from Darwin's own comments on the origins of moral concerns and from a review of notorious cognitive illusions, Margolis shows how rational choice theory can be extended to incorporate social as well as self-interested motivation, but allowing for the cognitive complications that can be expected in domains well-outside familiar experience. This yields a coherent account of many otherwise mystifying results from cooperation experiments. A concluding chapter illustrates how the argument can be applied to the salient empirical topic of jihadist terrorism.

This book will be of great interest not only to students and researchers in behavioural and experimental economics but across the social sciences.

One of the most exciting recent innovations in the social sciences has been the emergence of behaviour economics', which extends the notion of rational choice to allow for both motivation beyond self-interest and intuitions that cannot be reduced to the logic of a situation. This new book by Howard Margolis demonstrates how an account of widely-discussed topics, from tipping points in social choice to cognitive illusions and experimental anomalies, can be brought within a coherent framework.

Starting from Darwin's own comments on the origins of moral concerns and from a review of notorious cognitive illusions, Margolis shows how rational choice theory can be extended to incorporate social as well as self-interested motivation, but allowing for the cognitive complications that can be expected in domains well-outside familiar experience. This yields a coherent account of many otherwise mystifying results from cooperation experiments. A concluding chapter illustrates how the argument can be applied to the salient empirical topic of jihadist terrorism.

This book will be of great interest not only to students and researchers in behavioural and experimental economics but across the social sciences.

The Silicon Dragon is a systematic study of the growth of high-tech giants in the Greater China Region, depicting the success story of the microelectronics industry in Taiwan. Literature and studies on Taiwan's success are surprisingly limited, and this book aims to fill this gap, addressing questions such as: How has Taiwan achieved such an outstanding performance in the information industry? How did Taiwan obtain and maintain its competitive advantage? What was the secret of success? What role did the government and manufacturers play during the development process? What insights can newcomers gain from these achievements? The book examines the government policies that acted as catalysts to the growth of high-tech industries in Taiwan, along with the roles of high-tech 'incubators' and government-administered science parks. The authors provide case studies of high profile companies including Acer, Philips Semiconductors and Macronix International, and interviews with key decision makers to highlight the corporate strategies adopted in response to government policies and global commercial demand. Finally, insightful narratives on the birth and growth of a government-fostered strategic industry are provided, as is a synopsis of the Asian contribution to the evolution of the global microelectronics development. This book will strongly appeal to academics, researchers and students with an interest in engineering, technology and business management. Business managers and government officials will also find much to interest them in this book.

The Beatles are considered the most influential popular music act of the twentieth century, widely recognized for their influence on popular culture. The inability of other bands and artists to imitate their fame has prompted questions such as: How did the Beatles become so successful? What factors contributed to their success? Why did they break up? The Beatles and Economics: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and the Making of a Cultural Revolution answers these questions using the lens of economic analysis. Economics provides the prism for explaining why their success-while legendary in scale-is not mythic. This book explores how the band's commercial achievements were intimately tied to the larger context of economic globalization and rebuilding post-World War II. It examines how the Beatles' time in Hamburg is best understood as an investment in human capital, and why the entrepreneurial growth mindset was critical to establishing a scalable market niche and sustaining the Beatles' ability to lead and shape emerging markets in entertainment and popular music. Later chapters consider how the economics of decision making and organizational theory helps us to understand the band's break-up at its economic peak. This essential text is of interest to anyone interested in the economic dynamics and social forces that shape cultural change.

Using Microsoft Excel, the market leading spreadsheet package, this book combines theory with modelling aspects and spreadsheet analysis. Microeconomics Using Excel provides students with the tools with which to better understand microeconomic analysis. It focuses on solving microeconomic problems by integrating economic theory, policy analysis and spreadsheet modelling. This unique approach facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the link between theory and problem solving. It is divided into four core parts: analysis of price policies analysis of structural policies multi-market models budget policy and priority settings. The theory behind each problem is explained and each model is solved using Excel. Microeconomics using Excel will be of great interest to students studying economics as well as to professionals in economic and policy analysis. Publisher's Note The publisher has gone to great lengths to ensure the quality of this book but regrets to inform the customer that previously available online resources are no longer available with this title.

This new text book by Urs Birchler and Monika Butler is an introduction to the study of how information affects economic relations. The authors provide a narrative treatment of the more formal concepts of Information Economics, using easy to understand and lively illustrations from film and literature and nutshell examples.
The book first covers the economics of information in a 'man versus nature' context, explaining basic concepts like rational updating or the value of information. Then in a 'man versus man' setting, Birchler and Butler describe strategic issues in the use of information: the make-buy-or-copy decision, the working and failure of markets and the important role of outguessing each other in a macroeconomic context. It closes with a 'man versus himself' perspective, focusing on information management within the individual.

This book also comes with a supporting website (www.alicebob.info), maintained by the authors.

Throughout the history of economic thought, the entrepreneur a wide variety of roles. Once cast as a fundamental agent in production, distribution and growth theories, he has now surprisingly disappeared from economic theory.

This volume accounts for this disappearance, exploring how and why such a fundamental explanatory variable disappeared from economic theory. Barreto provides a concise review and classification of the many entrepreneurial theories put forward throughout the history of economic thought. The author illustrates that the decline of the entrepreneur in economic theory coincides with the rise of the firm as an organizing principle and considers how the replacement of the human element with a mechanistic one has led to disenchantment with microeconomic theory.

This fascinating book will interest economists from a range of disciplines including the history of economic thought, microeconomics and entrepreneurship.

Competition Policy in East Asia clarifies the key issues and provides a framework for understanding competition policy, looking in-depth at a number of regulated sectors for additional perspectives.
Until two or three decades ago, competition and consumer protection policies were the preserve of the major developed economies like the United States, the United Kingdom and some European countries. Now competition issues are at the top of the international agenda as globalization spreads and as the operations of the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and other organizations have brought about a realization that regulatory reform - and in many economies the creation for the first time of regulatory instruments for competition and consumer protection - is an imperative.

G.L.S. Shackle made numerous, pioneering contributions to the study of uncertainty in economic life. This volume studies the production process, where resources must be committed to specific technological purposes long in advance of the ultimate sale of goods to the consumer. The problems of such a system rest on the durability of the instruments it uses, whose huge expense can only be recouped if they can be used for many years. Yet at the time of investment, those years of use are in the future and uncertain.
The firm is the essential institutional means of confronting this uncertainty. Expectation, Enterprise and Profit is concerned with the nature and mode of life of the firm as a means of policy formation in the face of uncertainty.
Chapters include:
The Nature and Matrix of Production, Investment and Expectation, Interdependent Decision-Making and Profit and Equilibrium.

This is a new kind of textbook in microeconomic theory. In place of the usual concentration on partial equilibrium analysis and discussion of a standard series of topics, the authors seek to introduce the student from the start to the general equilibrium approach to microeconomics, in the form of the two-sector model. This model is then applied to a variety of subjects in different special fields of economic analysis: welfare economics, international trade, public finance and income distribution. This book represents a very different approach to the teaching of micro-economic theory than normally followed, and one that will be of greater long-run value to the serious student of economics. In place of the usual textbook development of the subject as traditionally conceived through topics of increasing complexity and analytical difficulty, using partial equilibrium techniques of analysis, the book concentrates on the exposition and application of a more logically integrated set of tools that have been found of greater use in the analysis of problems arising not only in traditional micro-economics but also in a number of fields of economics that have customarily been hived off into separate specialized advanced courses. "General Equilibrium Analysis" starts with the description of the two-sector model and how these two sectors are built based on the individual micro-units in which they made up of and how they fit into the concept of the circular flow of income. Subsequent chapters deal with the evaluation of changes in factor endowment, demand preferences and technical progress by means of the model; and the theory of government, which includes both the theory of government expenditure, or public goods, and the theory of government tax and/or subsidy programmes-changes in budgetary scale, tax substitution and expenditure substitution. The model is then extended to an open economy-the so-called "two by two by two"--to consider both the normative effect of international trade and the possible determinants of international trade, with special attention being given to the relationship between commodity trade and factor mobility. Lastly this model is opened into a dynamic model of growth with its emphasis on requirements for the economy to maximize consumption per head on its long-run equilibrium growth path, and the effect of international trade on the growth path itself. "Harry G. Johnson" was Professor of Economics at both the London School of Economics and the University of Chicago. He has been editor of "The Manchester School and the Journal of Political Economy" and has served on the research staff of the Royal Commission on Banking and Finance, as a Consultant to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and as a Member of the Review Committee on Balance of Payments Statistics. Melvyn B. Krauss is William L. Clayton Senior Fellow, at the Hoover Institution. His current research focuses on the topics of foreign trade policy, regional economics and the relationship between free trade and the welfare state Both have published numerous journal articles applying general equilibrium analysis of the type deployed here to international trade, public finance and related fields.

Compass of Society rethinks the French route to a conception of "commercial society" in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Henry C. Clark finds that the development of market liberalism, far from being a narrow and abstract ideological episode, was part of a broad-gauged attempt to address a number of perceived problems generic to Europe and particular to France during this period. In the end, he offers a neo-Tocquevillian account of a topic which Tocqueville himself notoriously underemphasized, namely the emergence of elements of a modern economy in eighteenth century France and the place this development had in explaining the failure of the Old Regime and the onset of the Revolution. Compass of Society will aid in understanding the conflicted French engagement with liberalism even up to the twenty-first century.

Compass of Society rethinks the French route to a conception of 'commercial society' in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Henry C. Clark finds that the development of market liberalism, far from being a narrow and abstract ideological episode, was part of a broad-gauged attempt to address a number of perceived problems generic to Europe and particular to France during this period. In the end, he offers a neo-Tocquevillian account of a topic which Tocqueville himself notoriously underemphasized, namely the emergence of elements of a modern economy in eighteenth century France and the place this development had in explaining the failure of the Old Regime and the onset of the Revolution. Compass of Society will aid in understanding the conflicted French engagement with liberalism even up to the twenty-first century.

Transport networks are becoming increasingly important now that free trade, open access, increased competition and greater market orientation are fundamental to the current restructuring of Europe. Infrastructure networks are the corner stones of European integration and this book provides a comprehensive overview of the current concepts and policies which are being examined by researchers, government officials and policy makers. Transport Networks in Europe explores current debates and presents new proposals for well-functioning infrastructure networks. Key issues discussed include: * regional development * congestion * urban transport policy * private-public cooperation * environmental sustainability * transport borders and barriers The authors place emphasis on sustainable transport and provide a wide spectrum of policy recommendations for sustainable transport networks at the European, national and urban levels. The growing significance of transport networks in the European Union will ensure that this timely book is an essential companion for those actively engaged in transport policy formulation and implementation. It will also be welcomed by transport analysts, geographers and regional scientists.

When should government intervene in market activity and when is it best to let market forces take their natural course? How does the existing empirical evidence about government performance guide our answers to these questions? In this clear, concise book, Clifford Winston offers his innovative analysis -shaped by thirty years of evidence -to assess the efficacy of government interventions. Markets fail when it is possible to make one person better off without making someone else worse off, thus indicating inefficiency. Governments fail when an intervention is unwarranted because markets are performing well or when the intervention fails to correct a market problem efficiently. Winston concludes from existing research that the cost of government failure may actually be considerably greater than the cost of market failure: "My search of the evidence is not limited to policy failures. I will report success stories, but few of them emerged from my search." The prevalence of market failure is due to a lack of conviction in favor of markets, the inflexibility of intervening government agencies, and political forces that enable certain interest groups to benefit at the expense of society as a whole. Winston suggests that government policy can be improved by making greater use of market-oriented solutions that have already produced benefits in certain situations.

Global changes in business and tax environments are having profound impact on the volume and direction of intrafirm trade and transfer pricing strategies. Tang reports on the findings of a survey of 95 Fortune 1000 companies, sponsored by the Institute of Management Accountants, and provides highly relevant information not easily found on how companies are reacting to this new business environment. He covers corporate financial goals and strategies and divisonal performance measurements systems, among other topics, and gives highly detailed case studies based on reports from five major respondents to his survey: Whirlpool, Dow Chemical, Guidant Corporation, Masco, and Eaton. Tang's book is essential, up-to-date reading for upper level students, researchers, analysts, and corporate executives in multinational firms worldwide. Tang starts with a presentation of the major changes in the global business environment and explains their impact on intrafirm trade and transfer pricing. In Chapter 2 he reports results of his questionnaire survey, and in Chapters 3 to 7 examines up close the details revealed in his five corporate case studies. He compares these corporations in Chapter 8, focusing on corporate strategies and financial goals, transfer pricing and performance evaluation practices, and concommitant tax planning strategies. He then relates his case study research to other major findings derived from his questionnaire survey, and ends the book with a general, summarizing, analytical conclusion.

Milton Friedman and George J. Stigler shaped economics as we know it today a " their Chicago School laid the groundwork for much of the neoclassical tradition in economic analysis. This book brings together a collection of letters from these two Noble laureates from the post-war years, containing new information about their personal and professional relationships, and also illuminating the development of ideas which are now fundamental to economic theory.

The book, expertly edited by Dan and Claire Hammond, contains an introductory chapter, chronologies for Friedman and Stigler, and transcripts of sixty eight letters written from 1945 to 1957 along with enclosures.

This book explores a new theory of the firm produced through an exchange between management theory and economics. In the process economics is seen to provide a foundational element for strategy research whilst developing a more realistic theory of the firm with a greater emphasis on its internal features. The success of competence theories of the firm also reflects their ability to explain significant trends in the business world, notably the declining importance of conglomerates and critical features in the success of Asian and Japanese business.

Universal basic income is a controversial policy which is causing a stir amongst academics, politicians, journalists and policy-makers all over the world. The idea of receiving 'money for nothing', with no strings attached, has for a long time appeared a crazy or radical proposal. But today, this policy is being put into practice. With more and more trials and experiments taking place in different countries, this book provides both the theory and context for making sense of different basic income approaches, examining how the policy can be best implemented. Unlike many other texts written on this topic, the book provides a balanced account of basic income, weighing up the pros and cons from a number of different positions. The book provides a theory chapter, enabling readers to grasp some of the complex philosophical ideas and concepts which underpin universal basic income, such as social justice, equality and freedom. It also provides an examples chapter, which examines both historical and contemporary basic income studies to have taken place from around the globe. The book also features chapters on the environment and the work of women, as well as an 'against' universal basic income chapter, which specifically draws on the criticisms of the policy. This volume is an essential resource for anyone who wishes to get to grips with universal basic income.

For a long time, economists have assumed that we were cold, self-centred, rational decision makers - so-called Homo economicus; the last few decades have shattered this view. The world we live in and the situations we face are of course rich and complex, revealing puzzling aspects of our behaviour. Optimally Irrational argues that our improved understanding of human behaviour shows that apparent 'biases' are good solutions to practical problems - that many of the 'flaws' identified by behavioural economics are actually adaptive solutions. Page delivers an ambitious overview of the literature in behavioural economics and, through the exposition of these flaws and their meaning, presents a sort of unified theory of behaviouralism, cognitive psychology and evolutionary biology. He gathers theoretical and empirical evidence about the causes of behavioural 'biases' and proposes a big picture of what the discipline means for economics.

This is the first book to address the design needs of older people in the outdoor environment. It provides information on design principles essential to built environment professionals who want to provide for all users of urban space and who wish to achieve sustainability in their designs. Part one examines the changing experiences of people in the outdoor environment as they age and discusses existing outdoor environments and the aspects and features that help or hinder older people from using and enjoying them. Part two presents the six design principles for 'streets for life' and their many individual components. Using photographs and line drawings, a range of design features are presented at all scales of the outdoor environment from street layouts and building form to signs and detail. Part three expands on the concept of 'streets for life' as the ultimate goal of inclusive urban design. These are outdoor environments that people are able to confidently understand, navigate and use, regardless of age or circumstance, and represent truly sustainable inclusive communities.

The financial crisis is a recurring phenomenon, yet its various instances have differed greatly in nature. Crises have punctuated the history of Western financial systems since the early eighteenth century variously appearing in the guise of stock market crashes, large-scale failures of financial enterprises, collapses in the external value of a nation's currency, or some combination of the three.
This study explores the major patterns of change in the evolution of financial crises as enduring phenomena, and analyzes the paradoxical position that crises are at once similar to and different from each other. Brenda Spotton-Visano examines economic, psychological and social elements intrinsic to the process of capitalist accumulation and innovation to explain the enduring similarities of crises across historical episodes. She also assesses the impact that changing financial and economic structures have on determining the specific nature of crises and the differential effect these have in focal point, manner and extent of transmission to other, otherwise unrelated, parts of the economy.
"Financial Crises "offers a consistent method for interpreting variations in financial crises through time and allows for a better overall appreciation for both the transitory fragility and enduring flexibility of financial capitalism and the potential vulnerability created by on-going financial development.

This book, first published in 1971, reports on the first detailed study of pricing decisions ever made in the UK. Based on case studies, it shows precisely how thirteen pricing decisions were taken. In doing so, it reveals the objectives pursued by these firms and how conflicts between these objectives were resolved. The assessments of the pricing decisions show the strengths and weaknesses of the procedures used by the firms, and the relative importance of economic and organizational elements in such decisions.