The article on network orchestrators reminded me of my first book on this topic – Competing in a Flat World: Building Enterprises for a Borderless World. The networked economy and networked effect are research of topic then. This book focus heavily on a case study on the logistics company called Li & Fung. No spoilers below.
This book provides case studies approach in understanding organisation cultures and successful leaders.
It is a smooth read and not heavy with theories.
There are comparison studies done with real organisations. This gives you an introductory insight to various multinational (MNC).
One of reasons which I know of this book is its focus one organisational cultures. Organisational cultures comes from people or leader who created a success company.
Creating a company and sustaining a company is highlighted in this book.
Lastly, you get to know many MNC and other related business books.
Overall, this is a pleasant read of business book that will guide you into the world of MNCs. Lots of success examples are quoted ranging from leadership to organisational cultures. While there are critics of the book on lack of research depths, I feel that this book is geared towards the general audiences who are new to business books. After all, it is also one of my first business books I read.
Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping by Paco Underhill is one of the my earliest book I have bought on shopping and consumer behaviors. I also consider this one of the best books I have read that set my direction towards the understanding of human and system behaviour.
Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping
This book introduces you into a scientific view on psychology of shopping known as the science of shopping.
Physically, the softcover book is light and easy to carry. It is also a light hearted read with layman terms and very little of academic flavour.
The consumer behaviour research in this book on brick and mortar shopping gives an intriguing history and lays the foundation for online shopping and the emergence of data analytics.
Consumers exhibit consistent behavioural patterns in nature and psychological understanding of human mechanics are key enablers to convert consumers to buyers.
Shopping is demographically different and one size never fit all.
Lastly, the dynamics of shopping emphasis the importance of human sensory behaviour in shopping. It lightly touch on the challenge of cyberspace without these sensory.
Overall, this is a good introductory book that opens my eyes to the psychological aspects of consumers beyond technologies. While understanding of users requirements and technology remains important, we must always remember that humans are never alike among the interaction of physical and cyberspace. A successful shopping experience requires a consistent holistic platform or shops that can adapt to consumers needs and happiness. As a result, this book influences my interest and research in consumer satisfaction.
Danny Kwok 