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.
Mother Hen
π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
TeederSmartie
This app has introduced me to authors I'd never heard of β now they're my favorites! 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 Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
Ella of Light
π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ Audiobook immersion without fuss β this app's ease of use is commendable. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Tabasco Dracula
π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Classy Luck
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
Renegade Slugger
I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. π©βπ³ Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories β this app adds flavor to my meals! π³π§ Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Bearded Angler
I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Red Heroine
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
EchoExplorer
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook.
Old Man Winter
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. ππ§ Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
RDTN
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
GuTzd
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
White Swan
ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Natural Mess
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. βοΈ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! π§Ήπ°
Houston Rocket
This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. π±π
SunnySnap
ListenBook has made my daily walks so much more enjoyable. I'm always learning now! The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Mr. Peppermint
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. 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!
Centurion Sherman
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care.
CloudFrenzy
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Sun Lemon
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly.
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