In this volume, leading scholars are brought together to illuminate the advancement of the study of development economics, with particular emphasis on the question of growth and development.

The relevance of applied economic and social analysis stands or falls with the strength of the analytical tools, on the one hand, and the appropriateness of the underlying data framework, on the other hand. Whereas virtually all economic and sociological research focuses on the analytical tools, this book deals with the design of an appropriate data framework. In many countries, it is not so much a lack of data per se that is the problem. Official statistics often comprise a wealth of information, laid down in many different publications. The main difficulty then relates to the lack of integration of these statistics, so that all kinds of events that are interrelated in reality can only be studied in isolation. Of course, the lack of integration of statistics applies less to economic data, as the national accounts function as a coordinating information system for these data. In fact, an important aim of this book is to demonstrate that the basic principles of national accounts can and should be extended to a wider range of statistics, notably social and environmental statistics. For this purpose, a so-called System of Economic and Social Accounting Matrices and Extensions (SESAME) is designed and applied in this book, following its announcement in the 1993 System of National Accounts, the guidelines of the United Nations and other international organizations.

This book elucidates Gandhian theory and practice of development. It is an attempt also in mixing Gandhian ideas with social science concepts from the disciplines of sociology, social anthropology, modern communication theory and professional social work by an academic interpreter, analyst and practice oriented author who has chosen themes and issues dear to Gandhi such as rural development, alcoholism and prohibition along with concept of leadership, peoples participation and the role of a catalyst who is an outsider to the community. The author has drawn upon his own field experience and research. It is a thought provoking book which will be liked with added interest by readers.

China's reforms are being hailed as a model of how to transform a centrally-planned economy. This book shows that reform is not a uniform process and has affected major groups in Chinese society in different ways.

During the past four decades, the field of development has been dominated by three schools of research. The 1950s saw the modernization school, the 1960s experienced the dependency school, the 1970s developed the new world-system school, and the 1980s is a convergence of all three schools. Alvin Y. So examines the dynamic nature of these schools of development--what each of them represents, their contributions, how they have criticized each other, how they have defended themselves, and how they were transformed. He reviews a variety of empirical studies, focusing on the "classical" and the "new" models, to show how each of the perspectives affects the study of development. In addition, this book features a unique emphasis on the research implications of the three perspectives, involving changes in orientation, agenda, methodology, and findings.

In the last decade, female entrepreneurship has gained considerable attention from both academicians and policymakers. Despite the proliferation of studies, this field of research is characterized by being a highly multidisciplinary and dispersed field, encompassing studies from a wide range of disciplines such as business and management, education, political science, technology, and innovation. To legitimize female entrepreneurship as a distinct field of research, it is important to deepen the scientific reasoning regarding women entrepreneurs while promoting the theoretical consolidation of this area of knowledge. Female Entrepreneurship as a Driving Force of Economic Growth and Social Change presents what researchers have learned so far about female entrepreneurship, namely the main motivations that lead women to undertake it and the characteristics of this type of business, as well as the impact of context and technology on the promotion and management of companies by women. In doing so, it contributes to a better understanding of this phenomenon and how it is different from male entrepreneurship, allowing a better delimitation of this field of research. Covering topics such as diversity, innovation, social entrepreneurship, and gender, this premier reference source is ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs, managers, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Obtaining the ultimate objective of economic growth depends largely on the availability of infrastructure in the economy. New developments in finance also play an important role in enhancing economic prosperity in a country. Strategic Infrastructure Development for Economic Growth and Social Change explores different avenues of research in the areas of corporate governance, socioeconomic conditions, modern business infrastructure, business automation, strategic financial management, and financial aspects of modern businesses. This reference work discusses practical applications, skills, practices, and strategies involved in economic and business growth, and overall economic development. Academicians, practitioners, professionals, and researchers will benefit from the topics discussed in this book.