Globalisation, ICT and Developing Nations Sub-Title: Challenges in the Information Age Author: Sumit Roy, Bok Review Johnson Thomas

Book Title: Globalisation, ICT and Developing Nations
Sub-Title: Challenges in the Information Age
Author: Sumit Roy.
Publisher: New Delhi, Sage Pub.,
Year of publication:2005, No of Pages:247 p., tables,Price: $30/Rs.340.
ISBN 81-7829-487-7.
‘Globalisation, ICT and Developing Nations: Challenges in the Information Age’ authored by Sumit Roy, a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Department of economics, City university London, is focused on the critical relationship between globalisation and Information and communications technology(ICT). It is not an exhaustive study of globalisation but aims to complement existing texts. The analytical framework is based on a comparitive political economy approach and offers conceptual and policy insights into the core themes interlocking globalisation.
The force driving globalisation in the 21st century is undoubtedly Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Enabling instant communication over vast distances and in real time, ICT has far-reaching implications for transnational relationships. However, the core relationship between globalisation and ICT, a major area of inquiry, has hitherto been somewhat neglected and inadequately studied.
Focusing on this important relationship, this book emphasises that increasingly non-state institutions, as opposed to the state, are transforming economies. The author also highlights the critical need for developing regions to shape ICT which can stimulate development and usher in the information age. This book emphasises that increasingly non-state institutions, as opposed to the state, are transforming economies. The author also highlights the critical need for developing regions to shape ICT which can stimulate development and usher in the information age. Globalisations historic process encapsulates a vision of shared universal values, goals and measures to advance society. The contemporary phase of globalisation according to Roy, has served to extend and remold relationships. Contemporary globalisation is complex and is constantly redefined as world trends keep shifting and changing. The relationship between gobalisation and structural change unfolds integration and fragmentation. Attempts to create a homogenous world are matched by social forces opposing such moves.
Sumit Roy provides a comparative study of the political economies of East and South Asia (particularly India) and Africa which enables new analytical and policy insights into the linkages between globalisation and ICT.
With its original approach and fresh analytical and policy insights, this cogent and well argued book will be of interest to students and teachers of globalisation, economics, new media, development studies, politics and international relations. Policy makers, too--especially those in international aid agencies--NGOs and multilateral bodies will find it invaluable.

Johnson Thomas
johnsont307@gmail.com



Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Globalisation, international political economy and structural change. 3. Globalisation, information and communications technology and development. References. Index.
"The force driving globalisation in the 21st century is undoubtedly Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Enabling instant communication over vast distances and in real time, ICT has far-reaching implications for transnational relationships. However, the core relationship between globalisation and ICT, a major area of inquiry, has hitherto been somewhat neglected and inadequately studied.
Focusing on this important relationship, this book emphasises that increasingly non-state institutions, as opposed to the state, are transforming economies. The author also highlights the critical need for developing regions to shape ICT which can stimulate development and usher in the information age.
Sumit Roy provides a comparative study of the political economies of East and South Asia (particularly India) and Africa which enables new analytical and policy insights into the linkages between globalisation and ICT. Among the key features of this book are:
· It discusses the concepts and policies underscoring the shift from state to non-state institutions in furthering the impetus of globalisation as also its implications for development. This is set against a backdrop of the transition from an agricultural to an industrial and eventually an information-based society.
· It explores the scope of different developing regions to participate in globalisation based on a comparison of their experience of growth and development--namely, the different phases of integration, disintegration, marginalisation, and reintegration into the international economy.
· It explores the ways in which policies on ICT can be both a challenge and a unique opportunity for paving the way for development.
With its original approach and fresh analytical and policy insights, this cogent and well argued book will be of interest to students and teachers of globalisation, economics, new media, development studies, politics and international relations. Policy makers, too--especially those in international aid agencies--NGOs and multilateral bodies will find it invaluable."

Customer Value Investment, Gautam Mahajan, Book Review by Johnson Thomas

Book Title: Customer Value Investment
Sub-Title: Formula for sustained business successes
Author: Gautam Mahajan
Response, Business Books from Sage publications
www.sagepublications.com
Paperback edition, 187 pages , Price:Rs.295/-
ISBN 978-0-7619-3604-6

Gautam Mahajan, the internationally acclaimed expert in Business Strategy, Management and globalisation, resident of Interlink services Pvt.Ltd(an international consulting firm) and former President of the Indo-American chamber of Commerce has authored this book in the interests of Customer Value Management(CVM). In his own words , “Ever since I discovered that satisfaction did not lead to loyalty, which led to the concept of Customer Value Management, I have been interested in promoting CVM, it’s art and it’s science. It has been proven that creating a competitive advantage through customer value leads to increased market share, profitability and shareholder value,” he says. Gautam is CVM Inc.’s associate in India. He is also one of the finest consultants in the field. He has great ideas and practical advice and it’s all there in this book of his. He definitely delivers what he promises.
The customer is the ultimate driver of business. Customers buy products and services which in turn give them added vale , which in-turn lends a winning edge to one company over the other. The customer-in-center concept is the USP that Gautam uses to rng added profitability to companies big and small. Gautam’s book tells us why CVM is important and it’s main focus is on it’s implementation. Through this book he shows us how a company transforms itself into a customer-centric organization and what are the benefits that accrue thereafter. Gautam Mahajan makea a strong case for CV Investment by companies. He shows us how this special outlay can bring in sustained business success, generating a huge return on investment(ROI) and improving the value of the company for it’s stakeholders. In this book he literally shows us step-by-step, how the customer juggernaut gets right behind the company to spell it’s long-term success. Gautam uses examples to show the different ways in which a company can invest in the customer. The book explains how companies can move beyond customer management and satisfaction to loyalty, become market leaders and improve business results, understand the value they provide to customers, improve service quality and loyalty, set up customer Circles and build customer conduits, understand competitive strategies and pre-empt competition and measure customer capital. He also answers many other business questions while extolling the virtues of CVI. He also explains how superior customer value ensures loyalty and creates an emotional bond with the brand, thus leading to increased market share and profitability. This is a classic must-read for all business executives. It works as a powerful and practical guide to make businesses of any size successful by truly lacing customers at the center of it’s business strategy. This book is extremely user friendly and easily readable. But will the powers that be in Organizations both big and small stoop to reading this book? Only time and the depletion of the long waiting list at the consumer courts will tell the truth on this one.

Johnson Thomas