Drawing on research from state and federal levels, this book illustrates how governments have emphasized some aspects of performance management - such as building measurement systems to acquire more performance data - but have neglected organizational change that would facilitate the use of such information.
Features discussions of such issues as terrorism, torture, and homeland security. This book suggests ways for people in government to think more deeply, judge more wisely, and act more meaningfully. It offers practical steps for public servants to create spaces for citizen dialogue and engagement in public life.
Producers, Consumers, and Activists Challenge the Global Food System
“One problem with the food system is that price is the bottom line rather than having the bottom line be land stewardship, an appreciation for the environmental and social value of small-scale family farms, or for organically grown produce.” —Interview with farmer in Skagit County, Washington
Although minorities are more likely to engage in start-up businesses than Caucasians, minority entrepreneurs are less likely to get their enterprises off the ground or succeed in growing their businesses. Why do minority-owned businesses have higher failure rates, lower sales, lower profits, and less employment? The papers in this volume of The ANNALS review the three ingredients to creating a successful business: o Skill level and capability of the entrepreneur or the management team o Access to financial resources and venture capital o Market accessibility for the products or services provided by the enterprise Examining each of these vital factors, the authors address the effects of discriminatory barriers faced by minority business enterprises (MBEs) and examine whether the entrepreneurial process is more difficult for minorities than it is for whites. By focusing on the relationship between MBEs and each of these fundamental building blocks of business, this volume of The ANNALS offers explanations as to why it has been more difficult for minorities than for whites to succeed at entrepreneurial enterprises. Despite higher barriers for minorities, the nature of minority business has grown, and the size and scope has expanded as business diversity continues to flourish. The pioneering research in this volume of The ANNALS reflects the current diverse business environment by including research papers on the experiences of Latino entrepreneurs, as well as those of African-Americans. To date there has been a lack of substantial research and analysis on Hispanic entrepreneurship, but two intriguing studies included in this volume address that void. Scholars, students, and researchers from a wide range of disciplines will gain valuable insights and understanding into this vibrant field of research, presented in a volume that propels the study of entrepreneurship forward. Those involved in the disciplines of business, organization studies, small business/entrepreneurship, strategic management and business policy, economic and development studies, and ethnic studies will find this volume of The ANNALS to be an important and fitting collection of substantial and relevant research as well as a springboard for future research in this growing area of study.
Although minorities are more likely to engage in start-up businesses than Caucasians, minority entrepreneurs are less likely to get their enterprises off the ground or succeed in growing their businesses. Why do minority-owned businesses have higher failure rates, lower sales, lower profits, and less employment? The papers in this volume of The ANNALS review the three ingredients to creating a successful business: o Skill level and capability of the entrepreneur or the management team o Access to financial resources and venture capital o Market accessibility for the products or services provided by the enterprise Examining each of these vital factors, the authors address the effects of discriminatory barriers faced by minority business enterprises (MBEs) and examine whether the entrepreneurial process is more difficult for minorities than it is for whites. By focusing on the relationship between MBEs and each of these fundamental building blocks of business, this volume of The ANNALS offers explanations as to why it has been more difficult for minorities than for whites to succeed at entrepreneurial enterprises. Despite higher barriers for minorities, the nature of minority business has grown, and the size and scope has expanded as business diversity continues to flourish. The pioneering research in this volume of The ANNALS reflects the current diverse business environment by including research papers on the experiences of Latino entrepreneurs, as well as those of African-Americans. To date there has been a lack of substantial research and analysis on Hispanic entrepreneurship, but two intriguing studies included in this volume address that void. Scholars, students, and researchers from a wide range of disciplines will gain valuable insights and understanding into this vibrant field of research, presented in a volume that propels the study of entrepreneurship forward. Those involved in the disciplines of business, organization studies, small business/entrepreneurship, strategic management and business policy, economic and development studies, and ethnic studies will find this volume of The ANNALS to be an important and fitting collection of substantial and relevant research as well as a springboard for future research in this growing area of study.
The SAGE Library of Political Science is a new series of major works that will bring together the articles that have been most influential in shaping the discipline. Each multi-volume set will present a collection of field-defining published works, both classical and contemporary, sourced from the foremost publications in the discipline by an internationally renowned Editor or Editorial Team. They will also include a full introduction, presenting a rationale for the selection and mapping out the past, present and likely future of each area. The Series will cover both the key approaches to studying the discipline and the primary sub-fields that form the focus of political scientists' work. PUBLIC GOVERNANCE The language of public governance referring to changes in the nature and the role of the state has arisen to prominence in the last twenty years across the social, political and economic sciences. 'Public Governance' has also become a major topic of concern for political and non-profit actors, as evidenced, for example, by its role in shaping the lending criteria of institutions such as the World Bank. A vast literature encompassing contributions derived from many of the leading theories in the contemporary social sciences, including rational choice, institutionalism, functionalism, systems theory and interpretive approaches can be found across a large range of journals severing different academic disciplines. This four volume set is the first to collect the most significant and insightful articles into a single volume set. Together the volumes: - elucidate and explain many new trends of public sector reform at the state and local levels, including multi-level governance, new public management, networks, and partnerships. - explore these trends and others across many of today's most important areas of policy, such as urban regeneration, the environment, and e-governance. - illustrate ethical and political questions about good governance: how might we rethink accountability, social inclusion, and democracy given these extensive changes in political organizations? Volume 1: Theories of Governance Volume 2: Public Sector Reform Volume 3: Public Policy Volume 4: Good Governance
This book is a critical guide to conducting investigations under time- and resource-pressured conditions, equipping readers with the key skills and approaches for research designed to influence or inform development policies. Unlike a simple 'how to' guide, Research Skills for Policy and Development also provides a critique of various methods and situates these approaches within 'real life' organisational settings, enabling those working in or studying development to locate, evaluate and use relevant information quickly but rigorously. The successor to Finding Out Fast (SAGE, 1998) it reflects the changes in development management theories and practice over the last seven years, and includes new material and advice on critical use of the web as a resource and research tool. It is essential reading for development managers in NGOs and public sector agencies as well as students of development management and development studies more generally.
The real work of many governments is done not in stately domed capitols but by a network of federal and state officials working with local governments and nongovernmental organizations to address issues that cross governmental boundaries. This title analyzes the structure, operations, and achievements of these public management networks.
This book is a critical guide to conducting investigations under time- and resource-pressured conditions, equipping readers with the key skills and approaches for research designed to influence or inform development policies. Unlike a simple 'how to' guide, Research Skills for Policy and Development also provides a critique of various methods and situates these approaches within 'real life' organisational settings, enabling those working in or studying development to locate, evaluate and use relevant information quickly but rigorously. The successor to Finding Out Fast (SAGE, 1998) it reflects the changes in development management theories and practice over the last seven years, and includes new material and advice on critical use of the web as a resource and research tool. It is essential reading for development managers in NGOs and public sector agencies as well as students of development management and development studies more generally.
