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.
Bugger
Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π
Bad Princess
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive!
BuzzMouse
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The audiobook player's silky-smooth playback is like music to my ears. Flawless performance!
Armed Hawk
This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures! Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Alberta
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. β° Maximizing my time with efficient features β this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. πβ³ Tone adjustment adds a personalized touch to the narration, making the audiobook experience even more immersive.
Bug Blitz
πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
LuminaLore
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great!
Irish Dze
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends β and they all love it! I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. With support for various formats, I can finally listen to my diverse audiobook collection.
BloodEater
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Fire Sass
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
Handsome
Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Audiobooks made convenient β this app's functionality is a true gift. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Bugger
Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. π Rekindling my love for stories β this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! ππ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless! The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
JK Friend
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively.
Marshmallow Treat
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories.
Frenzy
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
NemesisX
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Trash Sling
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Saint La-Z-Boy
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Pink Stream
The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is a triumph. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
FireBerry
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
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