Some new reading for the new year

A New Dynamic: effective business in a circular economy

By Ellen MacArthur Foundation (ed)

Paperback: 176 pages, £25

ISBN: 0992778409

Publisher: Ellen MacArthur Foundation Publishing

Published: January 2014

This compilation of essays on the circular economy describes the business models, case studies and entrepreneurial opportunities that comprise the circular economy. Contributors include representatives from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Product Life Institute, the Rocky Mountain Institute and the Integral Science Institute, among others.

Tackling Complexity: a systemic approach for decision makers

By Gilbert Probst and Andrea Bassi

Hardback: 180 pages, £24.95

ISBN: 1783530816

Publisher: Greenleaf Publishing

Published: January 2014

In our increasingly interconnected world, decisions often have unexpected and quickly realised side effects. This book sets out to provide a step-by-step approach to modern decision-making processes, including tools for identifying potential problems, designing interventions and forecasting possible impacts.

The Long Hedge: preserving organisational value through climate change adaptation

By Jason West

Hardback: 335 pages, £40

ISBN: 1907643958

Publisher: Greenleaf Publishing

Published: January 2014

This book provides a comprehensive assessment of climate change management in the corporate sector, detailing a range of potential approaches as well as practical case studies. Particular focus is given to the financial and investment implications of climate change adaptation.

Corporation Nation

By Robert Wright

Hardcover: 328 pages, £45.50

ISBN: 0812245646

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Published: December 2013

This provocative account of American corporations considers the growing reach of the business sector and the governance systems keeping it (supposedly) in check. A well-researched and engaging narrative, it is particularly successful in positing today’s corporations in their historical economic and legal context.

Capitalism in the Age of Globalization: the management of contemporary society

By Samir Amin

Paperback: 192 pages, £17.99 

ISBN: 1780325613 

Publisher: Zed Books

Published: February 2014 

This new edition of Samir Amin’s classic analysis of contemporary capitalism offers a prescient reflection of the processes that gave birth to modern globalisation. Of specific note is the deconstruction of the Bretton Woods institutions, which remains as challenging today as when first written.

Supply Chain Transformation: evolving with emerging business paradigms

By Amiya Chakravarty

Hardcover: 500 pages, £67.99

ISBN: 3642419100

Publisher: Springer

Published: February 2014

This book delves into the dynamics that are threatening to disrupt global supply chains, asking how manufacturing, procurement and logistics are changing. Attention is given in particular to supply chain transformations relating to emerging economies, humanitarian relief and healthcare delivery.

Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility: perspectives and practice

By Brian Jones et al (eds)

Hardcover: 408 pages, £87.95

ISBN: 1783507950

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing

Published: February 2014

Broken down into 18 chapters, covering everything from strategy to social media, this book provides a comprehensive examination of the communications issues relating to corporate responsibility. Contributors herald from leading academic institutions around the world, from Poland and the UK to USA and Singapore. 

Balancing on a Planet: the future of food and agriculture

By David Cleveland

Hardcover: 301 pages, £42.28

ISBN: 0520277414

Publisher: University of California Press

Published: January 2014

This interdisciplinary primer combines critical thinking about our current global agri-food system with consideration of alternative systems. A compelling case is made for taking selected aspects of small-scale traditional agriculture and linking them with modern scientific agriculture to create a more sustainable and robust food system.

CSR books  CSR reading