A feature of the new consumer societies which has emerged in more recent years has been the growing economic and social importance of conspicuous consumption. Status-directed consumer demand, stimulated and promoted by the supply of products and services marketed as symbols of social identity and style, now represents a significant part of overall economic and commercial activity. Once regarded as a form of consumer behaviour associated only with the rich and privileged, conspicuous consumption is today a worldwide phenomenon, easily observed at all social and economic levels and a major determinant of the nature and direction of consumer demand. The origins of modern-day conspicuous consumption can be traced to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, to a time when the first consumer societies were being established. As these new markets emerged, so economics struggled to come to terms with a form of socially-inspired consumer behaviour with which it felt instinctively uneasy. Roger Mason traces the development of economic theory and thought since 1700 in its attempts to accommodate a new economics of conspicuous consumption. This enlightening book will be of much interest to scholars, researchers and students of consumer behaviour in economic theory, and will also be welcomed by those in the disciplines of sociology, psychology and business studies.

Great Railway Journeys: London to Oxford and London to Cambridge is the fourth in Roger Mason's Great Railway Journeys series. It is a fascinating record of things that can be seen from trains running from London to the two great university cities. The London to Oxford line includes Brunel's wonderful bridge over the Thames at Maidenhead and the Didcot Railway Centre, which is a living museum of the Great Western Railway. Included here is the story of how the author of a world famous book left the manuscript in a cafe at Reading Station. He had not kept a copy so he went home and wrote it again. The London to Cambridge line includes Mountfitchet Castle, a fabulous copy of the one that stood on the site shortly after the reign of William the Conqueror. There is also the Eleanor Cross at Waltham Cross, erected by Edward I in the 1290s as a tribute to his late wife, Eleanor of Castile.

Benjamin Disraeli joined William Gladstone in the House of Commons in 1837. A few years later a bitter feud developed between the two men and it lasted until Disraeli's death in 1881. During this time Disraeli, for the Conservatives, was Chancellor of the Exchequer three times and Prime Minister twice. Gladstone, for the Liberals, was during his lifetime Chancellor of the Exchequer four times and Prime Minister also four times. This book analyses the causes of the feud, and it describes how it developed and the actions of two of the country's greatest statesmen. Their mutual antipathy was so great that Gladstone made an excuse not to go to his rival's funeral. In addition there is a wealth of fascinating information about them. Among other things this includes an account of Gladstone's controversial work rescuing prostitutes and his close friendship with former courtesans. It also describes how Disraeli wrote his famous novels, and his early disreputable business activities.

The book will enable readers to understand the purposes of the different budgets and forecasts and it will explain in detail how they are prepared and used. In many cases budgeting is an important (and often unpopular) part of their job and the book will show them how to do it more effectively and more quickly. It should increase their confidence and develop their management skills. The book will not just focus on the technical sides of budgeting - it will also focus on the softer skills of getting buy-in and navigating company political.

Prior to the 1832 Reform Act the electoral system was rife with corruption and in desperate need of reform. In England and Wales only about 12 per cent of adult men had the vote and the proportion was even less in Scotland and Ireland. Women did not vote at all. A single person controlled a rotten borough that returned two Members of Parliament, and for a number of years one of them was the prime minister. Furthermore, not only did voting take place in public, so landlords could and did evict tenants who voted against their wishes, but voting qualifications also differed from place to place. With the use of many fascinating anecdotes, Roger Mason tells how we got from then to now. All the major reforms are covered: Catholic Emancipation, further Reform Acts, the end of the House of Lords veto and, of course, votes for women. This fascinating history offers a complete insight into the way we have voted from the beginnings of Parliament through to the present day.

Is this the right book for me? The world of finance and accountancy can seem one of impenetrable mystery but it is one that many managers have to face in their day to day lives. With its comprehensive coverage of the subject, this book allows you not only to ask pertinent questions but also to understand the answers. Chapter by chapter, the workings of finance are mapped out and laid bare - the formal reports, the methods used to prepare the numbers and what accountants actually do every day. This edition is fully updated to reflect current allowances, rates and regulations and further information. It also includes even more questions (with comprehensive answers) to challenge the reader's understanding. Finance for Non-Financial Managers includes: Chapter 1: The purpose of accounting Chapter 2: Basic terminology Chapter 3: Accounting concepts and principles Chapter 4: The profit and loss account Chapter 5: The balance sheet Chapter 6: The cash flow statement Chapter 7: Ratio analysis Chapter 8: Users of financial information Chapter 9: The general ledger Chapter 10: Costing Chapter 11: Standard costing Chapter 12: Variance analysis Chapter 13: Two more things on costing Chapter 14: The audit of annual accounts Chapter 15: Tricks of the trade Chapter 16: Financial information for managers Chapter 17: Capital investment appraisal: experts only! Chapter 18: Activities of an Accounts department Chapter 19: Cash flow management Chapter 20: Corporate financial planning Chapter 21: Personal finance: income tax and national insurance Chapter 22: Personal finance: investment Chapter 23: Personal finance: capital gains tax and others Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

If you want to be the best, you have to have the right skillset. From finance and strategy to leadership and marketing, THE ULTIMATE MBA BOOK is a dynamic collection of tools, techniques, and strategies for success. Discover the main themes and key ideas you need and bring it all together with practical exercises. This is your complete MBA course. ABOUT THE SERIES ULTIMATE books are for managers, leaders, and business executives who want to succeed at work. From marketing and sales to management and finance, each title gives comprehensive coverage of the essential business skills you need to get ahead in your career. Written in straightforward English, each book is designed to help you quickly master the subject, with fun quizzes embedded so that you can check how you're doing.

Whether you are finding your way as a manager or you want to enhance the skills you already have, the Instant Manager series is exactly what you need! Written by leading experts, they are inexpensive, concise but above all authoritative guides to the subject at hand. The portable format allows you to carry the book wherever you go and to fit learning and development into your busy work life. Based on the 10 most FAQs, each chapter ends with a quick tip that can be taken on board immediately. A tear out card covering the most salient points allows you to carry the expertise with you wherever you go. Bookkeeping & Accounting covers the following for the financial layman or laywoman: the basic principles of bookkeeping & accounting; the different types of accounts and ledgers; what exactly is a profit & loss account and a balance sheet and a chapter on keeping computer records. Backed by the authority of the Chartered Management Institute, this is an essential addition to the manager's library.

This is your complete course in business finance. From balance sheets and profit statements to cashflow, budgets and forecasts, THE ULTIMATE FINANCE BOOK is a dynamic collection of tools, techniques, and strategies for success. Short, punchy chapters mean you can read up quickly and start applying what you've learned immediately. * Part 1: Your Finance for Non-Financial Managers Masterclass * Part 2: Your Bookkeeping and Accounting Masterclass * Part 3: Your Understanding and Interpreting Accounts Masterclass * Part 4: Your Successful Budgeting and Forecasting Masterclass Discover the main themes, key ideas and tools you need, and bring it all together with practical exercises. ABOUT THE SERIES ULTIMATE books are for managers, leaders, and business executives who want to succeed at work. From marketing and sales to management and finance, each title gives comprehensive coverage of the essential business skills you need to get ahead in your career. Written in straightforward English, each book is designed to help you quickly master the subject, with fun quizzes embedded so that you can check how you're doing.

Understanding accounts just got easier There has never been a time when managers have been more exposed to financial statements than they are today. Even if you are a non-financial manager, you will often be involved in budgeting and regular financial reporting. You are expected to understand the accounts put in front of you and to contribute to the analysis and interpretation of the figures. It is important that you understand the principles of analysing and interpreting accounts. You will then be able to deal with questionsabout the performance of your business and your customers' businesses. Understanding and Interpreting Accounts In A Week is written for managers who need to answer these questions. By setting aside a little time each day for a week, you will greatly increase your understanding of accounts and how to interpret them. - Sunday: The right approach - Monday: An introduction to accounts - Tuesday: The profit and loss account or income statement - Wednesday: The balance sheet or statement of financial position - Thursday: Using ratios to interpret accounts - Friday: Cash flow statement and group accounts - Saturday: The reports

Bookkeeping and Accounting In A Week is a simple and straightforward guide to accounts, giving you everything you need to know in just seven short chapters. From understanding the terminology to dealing confidently with accountants, you'll soon master the basics of bookkeeping and accounting, fast. This book introduces you to the main concepts of bookkeeping and accounting, giving you a basic knowledge and understanding together with practical and thought-provoking exercises. Whether you choose to read it in a week or in a single sitting, Bookkeeping and Accounting In A Week is your fastest route to success: - Sunday: The basic principles of bookkeeping - Monday: Different types of account and ledger - Tuesday: More aspects of bookkeeping - Wednesday: Preparation for the accounts - Thursday: The profit and loss account - Friday: The balance sheet - Saturday: Understanding published accounts ABOUT THE SERIES In A Week books are for managers, leaders, and business executives who want to succeed at work. From negotiating and content marketing to finance and social media, the In A Week series covers the business topics that really matter and that will help you make a difference today. Written in straightforward English, each book is structured as a seven-day course so that with just a little work each day, you will quickly master the subject. In a fast-changing world, this series enables readers not just to get up to speed, but to get ahead.

This book, written by Roger Mason, offers important advice and guidance which will help you reach your potential within business. The need for this book is high because many people are currently setting up their own business or thinking of doing so. Some of them are doing it because they want the freedom and lifestyle that comes with working for yourself.Due to the current changes occurring within economies today, alternative career opportunities are often few and far between, and in some cases virtually non-existent. Your own business is almost always an option, and it is one that a lot of people are taking.If you are considering setting up your own business, you certainly need information and some hard facts. This book will provide you with essential guidance in areas such as funding, tax, accounts and much more You will also appreciate an insight into useful character traits and the attributes necessary for success, as well as such things as the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.A complete guide to self-employment, covering: * Is Self-Employment Right for You?* Leaving Your Present Employer* Some Fundamental Early Decisions* Available Advice and Information* The Business Plan and Break-Even Calculation* Funding the Business* Funding Your Customers* Running the Business* Book-Keeping and Accounts* Dealing with Tax

Finance For Non-Financial Managers In A Week is a simple and straightforward training course in finance, giving you everything you need to know in just seven short chapters. From the profit statement and the balance sheet through to costing and budgets, it will help you deal confidently with questions such as 'What is the return on investment?', 'Do we have the resources?' and 'What are the cash implications?' You'll also find exercises to help you put it all into action. This book introduces you to the main themes and ideas finance and accounting, giving you a basic knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, together with practical and thought-provoking exercises. Whether you choose to read it in a week or in a single sitting, Finance For Non-Financial Managers In A Week is your fastest route to success: - Sunday: An introduction to the profit statement - Monday: An introduction to the balance sheet - Tuesday: Understanding published accounts - Wednesday: Accounting ratios and investment decisions - Thursday: Cash and the management of working capital - Friday: Costing - Saturday: Budgets ABOUT THE SERIES In A Week books are for managers, leaders, and business executives who want to succeed at work. From negotiating and content marketing to finance and social media, the In A Week series covers the business topics that really matter and that will help you make a difference today. Written in straightforward English, each book is structured as a seven-day course so that with just a little work each day, you will quickly master the subject. In a fast-changing world, this series enables readers not just to get up to speed, but to get ahead.