Book description
A vital and timely investigation into the opaque and powerful consulting industry--and what to do about it There is an entrenched relationship between the consulting industry and the way business and government are managed today that must change. Mariana Mazzucato and Rosie Collington show that our economies' reliance on companies such as McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY stunts innovation, obfuscates corporate and political accountability, and impedes our collective mission of halting climate breakdown. The "Big Con" describes the confidence trick the consulting industry performs in contracts with hollowed-out and risk-averse governments and shareholder value-maximizing firms. It grew from the 1980s and 1990s in the wake of reforms by the neoliberal right and Third Way progressives, and it thrives on the ills of modern capitalism, from financialization and privatization to the climate crisis. It is possible because of the unique power that big consultancies wield through extensive contracts and networks--as advisors, legitimators, and outsourcers--and the illusion that they are objective sources of expertise and capacity. In the end, the Big Con weakens our businesses, infantilizes our governments, and warps our economies. In The Big Con, Mazzucato and Collington throw back the curtain on the consulting industry. They dive deep into important case studies of consultants taking the reins with disastrous results, such as the debacle of the roll out of HealthCare.gov and the tragic failures of governments to respond adequately to the COVID-19 pandemic. The result is an important and exhilarating intellectual journey into the modern economy's beating heart. With peerless scholarship, and a wealth of original research, Mazzucato and Collington argue brilliantly for building a new system in which public and private sectors work innovatively for the common good.
Vagabond Warrior
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Cougar Fuzz
β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features have set the bar high for audiobook enjoyment. π±π ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thanks, ListenBook! The app supports background playback, which is a must for me.
NecroBull
Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Commando
Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom! Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience.
PixelPilgrim
This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Dez
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! Gone are the days of waiting for the right time to read β this app is always ready. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Rooster
ποΈ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side β beach days just got better! ποΈπ π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Firefly
π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
Red Hot Kevorkian
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable. No more converting files β this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Hyper Kong
I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Ember Rope
Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories β this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. π±π§ Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Spunky Sphinx
Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
Essex
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
101
ππ This app has rekindled my love for books β I can't stop listening! ππ§ Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Pyscho Hun
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. πΌ Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! π»π Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Firecracker
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Bitmap
π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
The Shield Toronto
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic β what a win! ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Miss Rum Punch
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful! Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you!
Kamikaze Grandma
Audiobooks have made my long commutes enjoyable, and I'm always eager to see what's next. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience