In this volume, noted experts in a variety of information, business, and management fields offer a comprehensive overview of the role information plays in global business and its impact on competition and competitiveness. At the core of the collection is a common belief in the essential value of information to the modern business and a recognition that the corporate intelligence function must today cope with changing realities produced by both new technology and the globalization of markets. Taking these as their points of departure, the contributors discuss a broad spectrum of corporate intelligence issues ranging from the uses of artificial intelligence and the structure of the corporate intelligence system to the nature of security threats, financial warfare, and corporate risk assessment.

The chapters are divided into five sections and begin with two essays on the emerging interrelated global world order. George Roukis discusses the corporate intelligence process as it embodies the global view, while Hugh Conway shows how modern technology has changed the corporate intelligence function. Three chapters explore the information applications of new technologies, including the use of the computer to further all aspects of corporate intelligence gathering and the emergence of an information industry to serve the needs of intelligence gatherers. The following section contains chapters that address, in turn, the use of intelligence in strategic decisionmaking, coping with bad news, the process of intelligence gathering, and field-marketing intelligence. Turning to a discussion of outside threats to corporate intelligence data security, the contributors examine computer security in general, defense related computer security, and the terrorist threat to corporations. In the final section, the contributors look at a number of strategic challenges. A particularly interesting chapter examines corporate intelligence in Japan; others look at geography and corporate risk assessment, the Soviet foreign intelligence service, and corporate responses to financial warfare. Competitive intelligence and marketing executives, as well as students in international business programs, will find this volume enlightening and provocative reading.

Predating the invention of the helicopter by two decades, the Autogiro was the world's first rotary-wing aircraft. The helicopter had the advantageous ability to rise straight up, while the Autogiro/gyroplane could only taxi. Yet the gyroplane was safer and more stable; both aircraft should have had value in market. Why did the helicopter survive and prosper, while the Autogiro became a nearly forgotten historical footnote? Why didn't the Autogiro catch on, and why is it being revived today? This is the first book to tell the fascinating 80-year history of today's gyroplane and its antecedent, the Autogiro. Charnov explains that the near-eclipse of the Autogiro was caused by a potent combination of bad luck, the impact of the Great Depression and World War II, and egregious business decisions. Only by understanding the amazing manner in which this aviation technology has persisted and evolved can one fully understand the basis for its future. In contrast to the fate of the Autogiro, the gyroplane's unfolding story is characterized by successful business models, effective decision making, and the emergence of cutting-edge technology. The survival of the gyroplane may be a paradigm for the persistence of earlier, less complex technologies, and its future relies on grasping its colorful history.

Many teachers of college-level business courses use titles in Barron's Business Review Series as textbook supplements to illustrate practical examples of business situations. The books also make excellent main texts in adult education and business brush-up programs. In addition to detailed analyses of today's business practices, these books include review questions with answers. The authors of this book describe and appraise several contemporary trends and techniques employed in company management, with reference to businesses of various sizes. The strengths and weaknesses of each method are reviewed.

Despite clear evidence of a serious decline in morale, the major competitors in the law firm management marketplace have virtually ignored the motivational facet of current managerial theory and practice. As evidenced by a review of the literature dealing with law firm management, including major books, handbooks, and professional seminar outlines, there has existed until now no treatment of current management theory and practice as it pertains to law firms. In addressing human resources topics as they apply to the modern law firm, this book fills a genuine void in an area which is of major importance to law firms challenged to remain profitable in an increasingly hostile environment.

"Managing People in Today's Law Firm: The Human Resources Approach to Surviving Change" provides a comprehensive treatment of critical aspects of modern management: motivation, communication, organizational culture, structure and strategy, power and politics, recruitment and training, the reward-performance-retention dynamic, performance appraisal, and planned change. Grounded in managerial theory and research, based on extensive practice, and exemplified by anecdotal war stories, this book makes valuable reading for partners, associates, managers, and future members of law firms--and offers important ideas for motivating members of all professional service firms. Intended for law firms and lawyers within them, solo practitioners who contemplate joining with others in a firm partnership, law school libraries, and general and professional association libraries including bar associations on the state and local levels.