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.
Pexxious
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend.
Spitfire
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. Downloading over WiFi saves so much time. Very efficient.
Tacklebox
I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks.
Black Hole Necromancer
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Tacklebox
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. I'm impressed by ListenBook's commitment to providing a silky-smooth playback experience. ListenBook is my daily companion, turning mundane tasks into exciting audio adventures. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Biscuit Meg
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling. Audiobook immersion made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Spunky Chick
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design and user-friendly interface. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. My audiobook collection has never looked better. Thanks to automatic artwork and metadata. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
QuestQuill
I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance β it's a must-have for any reader. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Force
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Manly Reno
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook! 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! 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.
Mr. 44
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work. Listened to this on a road trip and it made the hours fly by. Even my passengers who weren't following along commented on how nice the narrator's voice was.
Dahlia
The diverse range of narrators adds a new layer of depth to each story. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features.
True Sweetness
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. πΌ Juggling tasks while exploring narratives β this app is my multitasking hero! π»π
Skull Crusher
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Duchess
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Darkside Isis
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted.
Cujo
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys β thank you, app! Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive β smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
Sleek Zelda
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of.
Twin Blaze
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π 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.
Disco Thunder
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
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