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Books in Social sciences and humanities

Managing Public Services
Competition and Decentralization
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
Richard Common + 2 more
English
Managing Public Services: Competition and Decentralization is intended for public sector managers to help them assess their situation and assist them to think creatively about different approaches for the future. The book begins on the general principle that business is good and bureaucracy is bad. This topic is followed by detailed studies of organizations, whether these are in a competitive environment, victims of market rhetoric, or in another competitive spectrum. Public sector managers are then encouraged to analyze their own organizations so appropriate actions can be applied into their situation. The extent to which competition is happening is explained, and if competition does not work well, then the concept of decentralization may be adopted. To what extent decentralization can then be used to increase the motivation and commitment of their employees is explained. The authors believe that new ways and methods of working will follow. But, any successes of these changes have to be measured by an important gauge: the impact upon the recipients of the new and improved services. In any undertaking, failures are bound to happen, and the authors suggest that public sector managers should be more tolerant. Finally, the book notes that to achieve delivery of quality service, whether these are for customers or clients, an important approach to managerial action is the design towards a good experience. Public administrators, heads and CEOs of public institutions and private firms, professors and students in public administration, policymakers, and sociologists will find this book valuable.
Comparative Regional Systems
West and East Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Developing Countries
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
Werner J. Feld + 1 more
English
Comparative Regional Systems: West and East Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Developing Countries is a comparative study of regional systems, namely, West and East Europe, North America, the Middle East, and developing countries. This book examines the patterned and unpatterned forms of international activity through which states relate to the most important entities in world politics: their neighbors. The cooperative and conflictual behavior in international politics occurring within regional contexts is discussed, with emphasis on the sources and forms of this behavior as well as the issues that contribute to it and those that it creates. This monograph is comprised of 15 chapters and opens with an analysis of clusters of variables that form linked patterns within each international region, paying particular attention to the developmental issues that appear to be posed in the various regions of world politics. The following chapters focus on social-psychological factors in regional politics; regional patterns of economic cooperation; political change in regional systems; patterns of transregional relations; and interactions between regional organizations in various parts of the world and the global system that may affect either the operation of the latter or influence actions and functions of the former. The final chapter examines the problems and pitfalls of regional integration theories, along with their inability to "scientifically" predict the pathways of regional development. This text is designed to assist students, professionals, and the general public interested in international relations.
The Plays of Grillparzer
The Commonwealth and International Library: Pergamon Oxford German Series
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
George A. Wells
C. V. Russell + 1 more
English
The Plays of Grillparzer presents a compilation of the works of Franz Grillparzer, a famous Austrian dramatist, with emphasis on the significant features of his dramatic technique. This book presents some generalizations about what characterizes his tragedies and makes them effective. Comprised of five chapters, this book starts with an overview of Grillparzer's two plays for the popular stage, namely, Die Ahnfrau (1897) and Der Traum ein Leben (1834). This text then reviews the characteristics of Grillparzer's Greek tragedies wherein he prefers direct action to narrative. Other chapters examine the classic spirit of his second poetic drama, Sappho, which is characterized as halfway between a tragedy of fate and a tragedy of character. The final chapter examines the characterization in Grillparzer's third play, Libussa, wherein he uses an unusual extent to explain a situation, or the speaker's plans and emotions. This book is a valuable resource for readers who are interested in Franz Grillparzer's works.
Fundamentals of Public Relations
Professional Guidelines, Concepts and Integrations
2nd Edition
June 6, 2016
Lawrence W. Nolte
Dennis L. Wilcox
English
Fundamentals of Public Relations: Professional Guidelines, Concepts and Integrations, Second Edition focuses on the basic theories and principles involved in the practice of public relations and describes how public relations functions in adapting an organization to its social, political, and economic environment. Practical guidelines for implementing public relations activities are given. This book is comprised of 30 chapters and begins with an assessment of the nature of public relations, including its function and its ecological concept. Historical highlights in the field of public relations are also presented. Subsequent chapters explore five dialogues that emphasize critical problems affecting the practice of public relations: the first covers the role of the chief executive officer in public relations; the second deals with corporate social responsibility; the third shows the attitudes of labor on the question of jobs versus the environment; the fourth reports on problems of protecting the environment; and the fifth takes a searching look at the energy crisis. This monograph is designed to serve as a basic text for students of public relations and those who are in need of a refresher or even an introduction to the subject of public relations.
Labour Ward Manual
2nd Edition
June 6, 2016
D T Y Liu + 1 more
English
Labour Ward Manual, Second Edition provides guidelines for the application of obstetric knowledge to the labor ward environment. The practice of obstetrics is still an art and as such encompasses alternative approaches to achieve the same welcome end, the safety and wellbeing of both mother and child throughout labor and after delivery. The steps suggested for patient management and presentation concentrate on safety and simplicity. Throughout this book, it is stressed that the laboring woman and the fetus are the most important persons in the labor ward. This book clearly documents the emphasis on the atmosphere of ready redress by litigation; approach to women with individual needs; special care in the sensitive issue of induction; fetal monitoring; fluid replacement together with a clear protocol for management of fetal and maternal mishaps; and problems and hazards of women in the labor ward of hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) infection. This edition provides a clear concise guidance for all those involved in child birth.
Science and Starvation
An Introduction to Economic Development
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
Donald J. Hughes
D. F. Bratchell + 1 more
English
Science and Starvation: An Introduction to Economic Development provides an understanding of the nature of the process of development itself both in developed and developing countries. This book serves as a guide to the complexities of the interrelated problems of population, food, and economic development all over the world. Organized into three parts encompassing 13 chapters, this book starts with an overview of the essential differences between the nature and the technique of the social and physical sciences. This text then examines the paradox of the scientific world with poverty and mass hunger. Other chapters consider the geographical distribution of poverty and examine the vicious cycle of disease and hunger. The final chapter deals with the effect of people on economic development. This book is a valuable resource for teachers involved in liberal studies in higher education. Social scientists and students engaged in international relations will also find this book useful.
Effective Communication
Open Learning for Sales Professionals
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
Sally Vince
English
Leaving School and Starting Work
The Commonwealth and International Library: Problems and Progress in Development
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
Ethel Venables
Jack Kahn
English
Leaving School and Starting Work presents the institutional help that is available to young people when they leave school. This book examines the move of the new generation away from ""indoctrination"" in the schools towards ""freedom of expression"" and the involvement of the person in his own decisions. Organized into five chapters, this book starts with an overview of the psychoanalytic theory, which suggests that the need to assess capacity and knowledge is not the only motive. It then discusses the reality that society is a much more open one and the class structure is much less rigid. Other chapters examine the misleading concept that opportunities for personal advancement are available to anyone with the necessary ability and drive, which is a disservice to several very young people. This book discusses as well the rational and conscious process of occupational choice. The final chapter deals with the general attitudes to work and study. This book is a valuable resource for young people faced with the challenges of leaving school and staring work.
The Psychology of Learning
An Introduction for Students of Education
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
Gordon R. Cross
Edmund King
English
The Psychology of Learning: An Introduction for Students of Education provides a comprehensive coverage of educational psychology. The title tackles various psychological variables that play a critical role in education. The text first deals with learning theories, such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and the Gestalt theory. Next, selection deals with the concept of memory, which includes perception, short- and long-term memory, and forgetting. The text also talks about motivation, along with skills and language. Chapter 7 covers thinking and problem-solving, while Chapter 8 tackles intelligence and ability. The coverage of the title also includes personality and morality. The book will be of great use to student teachers, instructors, and behavioral scientists.
British Trade Unions Today
The Commonwealth and International Library: Social Administration, Training, Economics and Production Division
1st Edition
June 6, 2016
Clive Jenkins + 1 more
R Brown + 2 more
English
British Trade Unions Today is concerned with the trade union movement in Britain, how it operates, and how it strives constantly to achieve its objectives. This text examines why the British people hold trade union membership cards, why they do it, how they do it, what they expect from their unions, and how the trade union movement affects the citizens of Britain. This book consists of nine chapters and begins by discussing the history of trade unions in Britain, with emphasis on how various forms of organization came about and how they are now. The next chapter focuses on the legal battles faced by British unions to fight for their right of formal existence and compares the legal framework for industrial relations in the United Kingdom with that in the United States. The reader is then introduced to the societal goals of trade unions and what they have achieved so far, particularly with respect to improving wages and employment conditions. The chapters that follow consider the rationale for the unions' establishment of a national center, the election and selection of union officers, and union communications and publicity. This book also examines how trade unions conduct collective bargaining, along with their finances, and concludes by assessing the future of the unions in the context of the social environment in which they operate. This reference material will be useful to trade union leaders and members as well as companies and policymakers who deal with unions.

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