This book argues that the current state of China requires an important paradigm shift in the way the party-state manages the country's development, and goes on to assess the fitness of the party-state for implementing such a paradigm shift and the likelihood of the party-state bringing this about. It brings together an examination of the very latest situation in a range of key areas where current developments have the potential to undermine substantially the status quo, areas such as the recent economic crisis and the resulting economic slowdown, increasing labour unrest, mounting calls for social justice, worsening urban-rural disparity, the urgent need to implement social welfare programmes, the rise of civil society, and the impact of new media. Overall, the book provides a thorough appraisal of the difficulties which China currently faces.

This book argues that the current state of China requires an important paradigm shift in the way the party-state manages the country’s development, and goes on to assess the fitness of the party-state for implementing such a paradigm shift and the likelihood of the party-state bringing this about. It brings together an examination of the very latest situation in a range of key areas where current developments have the potential to undermine substantially the status quo, areas such as the recent economic crisis and the resulting economic slowdown, increasing labour unrest, mounting calls for social justice, worsening urban-rural disparity, the urgent need to implement social welfare programmes, the rise of civil society, and the impact of new media. Overall, the book provides a thorough appraisal of the difficulties which China currently faces.

Comprises five papers and discussions presented at a forum which aimed to identify paradigm shifts required for future international development. Based on a review of UN global conferences held during the 1990s, focuses on the challenges of poverty, good governance and partnership in the globalized economy.

In this book leading scholars and practitioners from different disciplines and perspectives analyze how China’s phenomenal transformation and growth over the past two decades is challenging the rules of the game, internally and globally. They focus on three critical areas: the internal economic, environmental and political sustainability of China’s development strategies; the economic development options for the rest of the developing world; and the continued economic and geo-political dominance of the United States. With its breadth of coverage and attention to the interconnections among these pivotal issues, this book makes a unique contribution to our understanding of the implications of the rise of China.

A cast of prestigious international business scholars explores here the emerging challenges and issues facing multinational enterprises. The book integrates the latest theories, thoughts and empirical evidence along with several case studies in international business in the 21st century. It is understood that countries view international business in different ways. The contributors reflect this by offering a wide variety of viewpoints and covering an array of issues, such as foreign direct investment, internationalization, trust and leadership, global education and knowledge transfer. Adding to its value are case studies ranging from American restaurant franchises on the world stage to the influence of the internet on Taiwanese SMEs. The book will be useful to scholars as a research resource, to practitioners as a modern guide and to students of international business as a comprehensive text.

This book, the first in a three-volume series, brings together the work of researchers, scholars, activists, and leaders in the Mekong region to provide a baseline, state-of-knowledge review of the contemporary politics and discourses of water use, sharing, and management, and their implications for local livelihoods.

Simple and Inexpensive Renewable Energy Solutions for Your Home It's not always easy being green, and sometimes it costs more than you'd expect to get an eco-friendly home improvement project up and running. Renewable Energies for Your Home gives you sustainable home energy solutions that won't drain your wallet or the power grid. Get details on generating heat with biomass fuels and other ways to use biodiesel and ethanol in your home. You'll discover how to harness affordable wind power and soak up free solar energy. Filled with step-by-step instructions and helpful photos and illustrations, this hands-on guide will help you reduce your carbon footprint and increase your cash flow at the same time! Renewable Energies for Your Home covers: Energy savings and environmental benefits Biomass fuels, including biodiesel, ethanol, used fryer oil, and wood Producing your own biodiesel without titration Assembling a biolight grill and fire starter Making bioburn-a firewood substitute Wind turbines Solar lighting, heating, water heating, and electric generation Building a solar heat collector Creating a wind/solar hybrid electric system