7 take advantage of the panel structure of their data to control for possible errors of specifica tion in their models. It is interesting to note that the econometric and DEA methods may be closer than some of their respective advocates seem to believe. Several of the studies show that the former as well as the latter can be effectively used to assess the relative effi ciency of groups of firms or individual firms, and one of them explicitly compare results arising from both (Fecher et al.). Econometric techniques can also be nonparametric and applied to estimating cost or production frontiers (and not only "average" functions), while ultimately DEA should be amenable to statistical inference. Perhaps the most valuable feature of all the analyses is their care and ingenuity in putting together the data, measuring variables, and pulling out relevant information. Many of them are not content with an overall output measure, but endeavor to manage with less aggregated measures. Nearly all also include in the estimated models a number of auxiliary variables intended to control for specific attributes of outputs, inputs, or production techniques, and other characteristics of firms.

1 Nabil R. Adam and Ali Dogramaci Measuring, analyzing, and improving productivity in a given organization is a complex process that involves the contributions of economists, industrial engineers, operations researchers, management scientists, and lawyers. The objective of this book is to provide the reader with a sample of original papers that relate to these productivity topics at the organizational level. In the book, the word organization refers to business firms and municipal organizations. The hook is divided into three parts: perspectives on productivity mea surement, a range of studies at the micro level, and some productivity issues in public organizations. Part I, which consists of three chapters, deals with productivity measurement. The first two chapters of this part cover a broad framework of measurement concepts and techniques; the last chapter, on the other hand, provides the reader with an example of productivity measurement for a specific industry (in this case, food retail ing). Thus, a spectrum of productivity measurement issues is covered in this part of the book.

Recently, greater emphasis has been placed on the fact that women, regardless of whether they are located in developed or developing nations, are still facing numerous challenges regarding their financial status, education, and independence. As recent movements have highlighted such problems as unequal pay and sexual harassment and abuse, it has become imperative that steps must be taken to analyze these problems and offer solutions to combat these inequalities that would improve women’s lives and society as a whole. Overcoming Challenges and Barriers for Women in Business and Education: Socioeconomic Issues and Strategies for the Future is an essential reference source that highlights cross-cultural perspectives, obstacles, and opportunities pertaining to the advancement of women’s lives in society. The chapters within the book explore a variety of concepts for building a bridge to women empowerment and improving their participation in the development of their respective societies. Featuring research on topics such as global business, higher education, and gender discrimination, this book is ideally designed for managers, business professionals, entrepreneurs, social scientists, policymakers, gender studies researchers, students, and academicians looking for strategies that will help to empower women through the book’s social justice model, which acts as an underlying theoretical construct.

Progress in telecommunications and infrastructure, coupled with liberalization in international organizations, has introduced a number of new competitors to existing SMEs. This book analyzes strategic aspects of SME development that may help to promote growth: high-tech development, productivity increase, and strengthening of linkages.

The Third Annual Conference of Economic Forum of Entrepreneurship & International Business Organized by Dr. Ghada Gomaa A. Mohamed Conference venue: Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom Conference proceeding: Library & Archive Canada Conference date: Feb. 1st – Feb. 3rd, 2013 Edited by: Dr. Ghada Mohamed Dr. Morrison Handley-Schachler Dr. Daniel May Dr. Thomas Henschel https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/201/300/annual_conference_economic/v03.pdf