Gordon Boyce

Inter-organisational activity, whether public and private sector collaborations, university and industry partnerships or joint ventures between businesses, has benefits that range from increased market efficiency to innovative product development. Yet too often such activity can founder under the weight of differing expectations and divergent interests. How Organisations Connect shows how to avoid the pitfalls and make partnerships work. The contributors, experts from a range of disciplines, demonstrate the importance of developing strategies and establishing infrastructures that enable organisations to connect, and communicate, effectively. Their insights are backed up by case studies that include an investigation of three government and community sector partnerships in Australia, Canada and New Zealand; analysis of what makes a university-industry collaboration successful; an exploration of the changing relations between central banks and governments in Australia and New Zealand throughout the twentieth century; and a study of recent innovative developments in the supply chain networks of some British consumer industries. Through economic and business theory, historical perspectives and contemporary evidence How Organisations Connect presents both fascinating research findings and practical advice.

This text blends economic theory with empirical evidence to chart business development over the last two centuries in the UK, the United States, Japan and Australia. It addresses enduring concerns for entrepreneurs and managers and demonstrates the value of an historical perspective from which to judge present day issues. Each chapter considers an issue of current significance, introduces theories to illuminate the topic, and discusses historical evidence and debates. Also included are relevant case studies and original documents. Discussion questions, statistical tables, and further reading are appended to each chapter.

This text blends economic theory with empirical evidence to chart business development over the last two centuries in the UK, the United States, Japan and Australia. It addresses enduring concerns for entrepreneurs and managers and demonstrates the value of an historical perspective from which to judge present day issues. Each chapter considers an issue of current significance, introduces theories to illuminate the topic, and discusses historical evidence and debates. Also included are relevant case studies and original documents. Discussion questions, statistical tables, and further reading are appended to each chapter.