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.
Lord Theus
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Doll Champagne
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. ListenBook's interface is so intuitive. I was up and running in no time. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
Gr8 Flick
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature.
MindfulMingle
ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Feral Mayhem
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. 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! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
Predator
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Koi Diva
ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
Nickname Master
The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! I'm grateful for this app, as it allows me to keep up with my reading even while multitasking. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Sienna Princess
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Tall Sally
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Spooky Electric
With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need.
Drugstore Cowboy
Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Muzish
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. ⏰ Starting my mornings with inspiration – audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! ☀️🎧 From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks.
Gr8 Flick
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. 📚🎧 I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Moon Laser
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can 'read' while I work!
Demo Tequila
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is top-notch. Adjusting the tone of the voice adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I love the personalization! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
High-Fructose
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Bug Fire
I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. 🎶📚 Replacing melodies with literary symphonies – my ears are in love! 🎵📚
Phoenix Sparrow
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Pockets
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
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