This comprehensive Research Handbook analyses the impact of the rapid growth of digital trade on businesses, consumers, and regulators. Leading experts provide theoretical and practical insight into how to manage the legal and policy challenges of the global digital economy. Chapters cover key areas of digital trade policy and regulation, examining finance, investment, tax, AI, and security. Drawing from a broad spectrum of digital trade sub-specialisms, this Research Handbook explores diverse regional and national approaches to e-commerce, spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It scrutinises the evolution of digital trade within the international trade system, assessing its inclusion within the WTO and the move towards digital-only agreements. Contributors investigate pressing legal controversies concerning trade protectionism, the recognition of intellectual property, and the safeguarding of personal data. This Research Handbook will be an invaluable resource for academics and students in digital trade, international law, public policy, and regulation. It will also be a useful guide for legal and political practitioners seeking to understand the emerging field of digital trade.

*HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR BEST AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE TRUE CRIME AWARDS 2023* 'A truly astonishing murder mystery – this is proper journalism' Jeremy Clarkson Following a long investigation by the world-famous Sunday Times Insight team, David Collins tells the truly unique story of a string of murder-suicides in north-west England and poses the terrifying question: are they the work of a serial killer who has been operating undetected since the mid-nineties? In 1996 and 1999, two elderly couples died in the small town of Wilmslow, Cheshire. In each case the husband was blamed for turning berserk and killing his wife using a horrifying level of violence. The police failed to make a link between the deaths – despite the similarities. That might have been the end of the matter. But when two coroner's officers began to piece together the evidence, it revealed a pattern which may prove the existence of a sadistic attacker known as 'the silver killer'. Using interviews with dozens of witnesses, including police investigators, forensic and crime scene experts, coroner's officers and family members, the author pieces together the clues in an attempt to solve the mystery of what really happened.   A gripping true-crime investigation, the book reveals how suspicions were aroused and set investigators on a new trail to uncover the truth. Collins, whose reporting helped the police to convict the serial killer Levi Bellfield of killing Milly Dowler, has written a brilliant account of a crime that nearly went undiscovered which is sure to become a classic of the genre. 

This insightful and accessible introduction provides students and practitioners with a comprehensive overview of the increasingly important discipline of international investment law. Focusing primarily on the legal principles contained in the growing body of international investment agreements, this book covers the core concepts of the discipline, with attention given to their relation to each other and to the manner which they have developed through arbitration case law. The context of each legal principle is explored, along with a consideration of some of the major debates and emerging criticisms. Avoiding extensive case extracts, this book adopts an engaging and succinct narrative style which allows readers to advance their understanding of the topic while examining the legal principles with academic rigour and discerning commentary.

David Collins, a well respected scholar of management gurus proves a critical reappraisal of the very influential work of Tom Peters. This volume examines his key works and reviews his detractors, offering an analysis of his contributions to the field of management that goes beyond the simple chronological model that has previously been used. Collins focuses on the changing narratives of Tom Peters and proposes a four-fold narrative typlogy to explore this guru's evolving account of the business of management. The book argues that Peters' success as a guru derives from his abilities as a storyteller. The author notes a decline in Peters' storytelling and an increasing reliance on certain story types. Furthermore he observes that this guru now tends to place himself at the centre of his narratives of business and change. On the strength of this analysis Collins concludes that Peters has 'lost the plot' and argues that new and more appropriate, narratives must be sought and developed. Critical and compelling, this excellent book is a must read for all students and instructors working across the management spectrum, especially in the areas of management, organizational behaviour, change management and corporate strategy.

'A truly astonishing murder mystery - this is proper journalism' Jeremy Clarkson Following a long investigation by the world-famous Sunday Times Insight team, David Collins tells the truly unique story of a string of murder-suicides in north-west England and poses the terrifying question: are they the work of a serial killer who has been operating undetected since the mid-nineties? In 1996 and 1999, two elderly couples died in the small town of Wilmslow, Cheshire. In each case the husband was blamed for turning berserk and killing his wife using a horrifying level of violence. The police failed to make a link between the deaths - despite the similarities. That might have been the end of the matter. But when two coroner's officers began to piece together the evidence, it revealed a pattern which may prove the existence of a sadistic attacker known as 'the silver killer'. Using interviews with dozens of witnesses, including police investigators, forensic and crime scene experts, coroner's officers and family members, the author pieces together the clues in an attempt to solve the mystery of what really happened. A gripping true-crime investigation, the book reveals how suspicions were aroused and set investigators on a new trail to uncover the truth. Collins, whose reporting helped the police to convict the serial killer Levi Bellfield of killing Milly Dowler, has written a brilliant account of a crime that nearly went undiscovered which is sure to become a classic of the genre.

What is organizational culture? Why does it matter? This book demonstrates that conventional wisdom on this fundamental business topic has surpassed its usefulness. The author wants neither to praise scholarship on culture nor to bury it - rather he wants to build something fit for purpose by reflecting on the power of stories and storytelling. Rethinking Organizational Culture argues that that the entrenched models of organizational culture wrench thinking, feeling, and action from a context that intuition warns us are complex and problematic. Arguing that novels and novelists offer an opportunity to redeem 'organizational culture', the text invites readers to recognise that stories of organization offer connections with organizational profanity, organized polyphony, and the organizationally prosaic. A stimulating and provocative read, this book will be welcomed by students, scholars, and reflective practitioners across the business field.

In this discerning book, David Collins provides an eloquent analysis of performance requirements and investment incentives as vital tools of economic policy. Adopting a consciously broad definition of both instruments, this work provokes a constructively critical assessment of their existing treatment under international economic law.Performance Requirements and Investment Incentives Under International Economic Law astutely links the debate surrounding the use of such tools to the rise of emerging markets as key participants in economic globalization. The industrialization of developing countries has led to an increased reliance on foreign direct investments as a method of growth, in turn giving rise to the implementation of various regulatory strategies. Innovatively focusing on the inter-relation between performance requirements and investment incentives, David Collins illustrates the problems caused by their differential control and considers some possible approaches to achieving effective oversight. Drawing on network governance theory, he considers a unified regime of governance, which would allow for more comprehensive and systematic evaluation. Detailed and informative, this book will prove a useful reference tool for both academic and practicing lawyers as well as providing an excellent grounding for students and scholars of international economic law and international investment law. Governmental policy analysts will find its accessible style highly rewarding.

Concise book looking at the emptiness of business excellence and in so doing reveal the flawed foundations of popular management theory. Includes case reports to illustrate the book's arguments. Of interest to researchers, scholars and students with an interest in business and management, especially those focusing on the realities of managerial practice.

This introductory textbook explores the key legal principles and institutions that underpin the global economy. Featuring discussion of the economic rationale and social impact of the various legal regimes, Professor David Collins explores the four main pillars in international economic law: international trade, international investment, monetary relations, and development. This concise textbook offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of the international legal frameworks and organizations that govern the economic relations among and between states and multinational enterprises. Collins highlights the leading cases of international tribunals and the most pressing debates, drawing attention to the role of law in balancing the goal of economic liberalization with important public interest values and the tension between sovereignty and commitment to international rules. This textbook outlines the historic rationales and contemporary roles of prominent international organizations, such as WTO, IMF and the World Bank, exploring the ways in which the global economy of the twenty-first century has been cultivated by a distinct and dynamic discipline within international law. Key features include: Further reading lists for each topic, pointing students towards useful sources for more in-depth study Provocative and challenging discussion questions to further critical thinking either in or outside of the classroom Diagrams aiding learning by presenting essential concepts in a clear, visual format. Foundations of International Economic Law is an essential guide for undergraduate and graduate students of international economic law.

Published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of "In Search of Excellence". First intellectual biography of the world's foremost management guru Based on original research, the book distils lessons for business leaders

Published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of "In Search of Excellence". First intellectual biography of the world's foremost management guru Based on original research, the book distils lessons for business leaders

This insightful and accessible introduction provides students and practitioners with a comprehensive overview of the increasingly important discipline of international investment law. Focusing primarily on the legal principles contained in the growing body of international investment agreements, this book covers the core concepts of the discipline, with attention given to their relation to each other and to the manner which they have developed through arbitration case law. The context of each legal principle is explored, along with a consideration of some of the major debates and emerging criticisms. Avoiding extensive case extracts, this book adopts an engaging and succinct narrative style which allows readers to advance their understanding of the topic while examining the legal principles with academic rigour and discerning commentary.

We tend to assume that we may divide our activities into talk and action. In so doing we tend to suggest that talk is subordinate to action. Taking issue with these presumptions, Stories for Management Success: The Power of Talk in Organizations argues that talk is central to what managers do. Indeed it argues that, for managers, 'walking the walk' necessarily implies 'talking the talk such that storytelling is now central to managerial work'. Noting that managerial talk is increasingly located within an account of storytelling the book offers a critical review of the academic debates associated with telling tales at work and uses this critical reflection to shape and guide those who would realise the power of talk. Thus, the book concludes with six key questions designed to prompt both introspection and action on storytelling in an organized context. With reflections on the relevant management research, the author provides a scholar's digest to aid management thinking and practice. This book offers an examination of the processes of organizational storytelling and has been designed to allow practitioners of management to recognise and in so doing to unleash the power of talk in organizations.

This workbook is an interactive guide for leaders and managers to help you tell compelling stories at work. The Organizational Storytelling Workbook offers: a critical engagement with academic debates on organizational storytelling; and a series of exercises designed to allow users to improve their capability as organizational storytellers. The text begins with a chapter which locates organizational storytelling within a critical account of organizational cultures. This book argues that managerial accounts of organizational culture offer a limited appreciation of the ways in which people think, feel and act and suggests storytelling as a means of redeeming our understanding of all matters cultural. Having secured this new appreciation of culture and storytelling the workbook develops a series of maxims and exercises designed to allow users: (a) to improve their storytelling practice; and (b) to reassess the cultural assumptions and priorities revealed through their practice. Enriched with interactive features to walk managers practically through the process of improving their storytelling skills, including practical exercises, contemplative questions, and space to respond creatively to the ideas in the book, this workbook is the perfect companion to any executive or postgraduate course in storytelling as well as a useful and enjoyable companion to any individual manager that wishes to improve their skills.

Building upon decades of research, this shortform book distils the rise of management's gurus. The author analyses the economic and political changes which facilitated the rise of this new group and offers reflections on the controversies around the development of 'guru theory' (a reasonably stable and enduring set of assumptions and associated practices). The rise of management gurus is placed in the context of critiques that the field is empty, insubstantial and faddish. With reflections on the contours of 'the guru industry' and insights into the world of "management speak", the text highlights conceptual, methodological and empirical failings and suggests a radical reconceptualisation of the guru-as-performer. This concise book from a global expert on the topic is essential reading for researchers of business and management as well as an insightful addition to the wider social science library.

Siberia has had an interesting history, quite distinct from that of Russia. Absolutely vast, containing many non-Russian nationalities, and increasingly important at present because of its huge energy reserves, Siberia was at one time part of the Mongol Empire, was settled relatively late by the Russians, and was for a long period a wild frontier zone, similar to the American West. Providing a comprehensive history of Siberia from the very earliest times to the present, this book covers every period of Siberia's history in an accessible way.

Siberia has had an interesting history, quite distinct from that of Russia. Absolutely vast, containing many non-Russian nationalities, and increasingly important at present because of its huge energy reserves, Siberia was at one time part of the Mongol Empire, was settled relatively late by the Russians, and was for a long period a wild frontier zone, similar to the American West. Providing a comprehensive history of Siberia from the very earliest times to the present, this book covers every period of Siberia's history in an accessible way.

There has been an explosion of books in recent years on the nature of organisational change and the management skills needed to carry it through effectively. Most of these are written by change gurus and management consultants offering quick fixes and metaphor laden business toolkits to advise on the necessary skills. However much of this advice is banal and under-theorised Organisational Change redresses this balance by providing an original analysis of change management in organizations, in the light of wider sociological perspectives. It critically examines the, often implicit, theoretical frameworks underpinning many contemporary accounts of organizational change. Subjects covered include:
* the importance of explicit analysis of theory and context
* a critique of populist management gurus and quick-fix 'how-to' solutions
* 'under-socialised' models of change which emphasise structure over human action
* trenchant analysis of 'soft' HRM solutions
* the management of culture.
Radical and innovative, this book is a much needed challenge to the orthodoxies of change management.

This book is an original analysis of change management in organizations, in the light of wider sociological perspectives. It critically examines the, often implicit, theoretical frameworks underpinning many contemporary accounts of organizational change. Subjects covered include:
* the importance of explicit analysis of theory and context
* a critique of populist management gurus and quick-fix 'how-to' solutions
* 'under-socialised' models of change which emphasise structure over human action
* trenchant analysis of 'soft' HRM solutions
* the management of culture.

Radical and innovative, this book is a much needed challenge to the orthodoxies of change management.

This introductory textbook explores the key legal principles and institutions that underpin the global economy. Featuring discussion of the economic rationale and social impact of the various legal regimes, Professor David Collins explores the four main pillars in international economic law: international trade, international investment, monetary relations, and development. This concise textbook offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of the international legal frameworks and organizations that govern the economic relations among and between states and multinational enterprises. Collins highlights the leading cases of international tribunals and the most pressing debates, drawing attention to the role of law in balancing the goal of economic liberalization with important public interest values and the tension between sovereignty and commitment to international rules. This textbook outlines the historic rationales and contemporary roles of prominent international organizations, such as WTO, IMF and the World Bank, exploring the ways in which the global economy of the twenty-first century has been cultivated by a distinct and dynamic discipline within international law. Key features include: Further reading lists for each topic, pointing students towards useful sources for more in-depth study Provocative and challenging discussion questions to further critical thinking either in or outside of the classroom Diagrams aiding learning by presenting essential concepts in a clear, visual format. Foundations of International Economic Law is an essential guide for undergraduate and graduate students of international economic law.

David Collins, a well respected scholar of management gurus proves a critical reappraisal of the very influential work of Tom Peters. This volume examines his key works and reviews his detractors, offering an analysis of his contributions to the field of management that goes beyond the simple chronological model that has previously been used.

Collins focuses on the changing narratives of Tom Peters and proposes a four-fold narrative typlogy to explore this guru's evolving account of the business of management. The book argues that Peters' success as a guru derives from his abilities as a storyteller. The author notes a decline in Peters' storytelling and an increasing reliance on certain story types. Furthermore he observes that this guru now tends to place himself at the centre of his narratives of business and change. On the strength of this analysis Collins concludes that Peters has 'lost the plot' and argues that new and more appropriate, narratives must be sought and developed.

Critical and compelling, this excellent book is a must read for all students and instructors working across the management spectrum, especially in the areas of management, organizational behaviour, change management and corporate strategy.

What is organizational culture? Why does it matter? This book demonstrates that conventional wisdom on this fundamental business topic has surpassed its usefulness. The author wants neither to praise scholarship on culture nor to bury it - rather he wants to build something fit for purpose by reflecting on the power of stories and storytelling. Rethinking Organizational Culture argues that that the entrenched models of organizational culture wrench thinking, feeling, and action from a context that intuition warns us are complex and problematic. Arguing that novels and novelists offer an opportunity to redeem 'organizational culture', the text invites readers to recognise that stories of organization offer connections with organizational profanity, organized polyphony, and the organizationally prosaic. A stimulating and provocative read, this book will be welcomed by students, scholars, and reflective practitioners across the business field.

We tend to assume that we may divide our activities into talk and action. In so doing we tend to suggest that talk is subordinate to action. Taking issue with these presumptions, Stories for Management Success: The Power of Talk in Organizations argues that talk is central to what managers do. Indeed it argues that, for managers, 'walking the walk' necessarily implies 'talking the talk such that storytelling is now central to managerial work'. Noting that managerial talk is increasingly located within an account of storytelling the book offers a critical review of the academic debates associated with telling tales at work and uses this critical reflection to shape and guide those who would realise the power of talk. Thus, the book concludes with six key questions designed to prompt both introspection and action on storytelling in an organized context. With reflections on the relevant management research, the author provides a scholar's digest to aid management thinking and practice. This book offers an examination of the processes of organizational storytelling and has been designed to allow practitioners of management to recognise and in so doing to unleash the power of talk in organizations.

Authors David and Gareth take a trip through the places, peculiarities and past practices of Cardiff, stopping off to sample the culinary (and alcoholic) delights of the city along the way. From Clark's Pies and a heaped helping of 'Half and Half' to the oddities of the 'Kaairdiff' accent, this fact-packed compendium reveals the contributions Cardiff has made to the history of the nation and recalls some of its famous faces - Shirley Bassey, Charlotte Church and Frank Hennessy amongst them - and popular attractions. This book is guaranteed to entertain, amuse and surprise everyone who picks it up.