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.
Sick Saurus
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Bleachers
This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. πΆββοΈπ Discovering new worlds on my daily walks β this app is my travel companion! ππ§ I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ« The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Petite Beauty
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ The sound quality is excellent. It feels like Iβm in the story.
Dora the Destroyer
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Moon Radar
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content β it's my new favorite app. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Congo Wire
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
QuestQuill
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 Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
BuzzMouse
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. 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.
Marigold Loot
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
Nickname Master
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true β from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Slacker Cat
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am.
Street Squirrel
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it!
Combo Saw
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ
Sir Squire
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy.
WanderWord
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Venious
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it! ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
PixelPilgrim
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Nola
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literary magic. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
DARK HQ
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
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