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.
Mosquit-No
I'm grateful for this app β it's made reading a part of my everyday life. ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Eerie
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Take Away
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! ποΈ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level β audiobooks make it an adventure! ππ The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
FLAK Angel
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Marbles
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AxelRoad
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Tweety Bun Bun
I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze.
BuffFreak
The customer support team is responsive and always ready to assist. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. 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!
Voodoo Queen
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Miss Murder
No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Steel Solstice
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Osprey
The chapters feature on ListenBook enhances my audiobook exploration β it's like flipping through pages. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. π±π§ The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Pecan Oblivion
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Commando
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. 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.
Doughboy, Esq
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app.
Pink C
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks.
Pockets
ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Kabuki
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature.
Sugar Domino
π Say goodbye to boredom during long drives β this app makes road trips fly by! ππ Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential! Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
The Flying Mouse
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind β and this app is my partner in crime. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
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