Best Selling Books by Michael Harrison

The aim of this book is to bring students of economics and finance who have only an introductory background in mathematics up to a quite advanced level in the subject, thus preparing them for the core mathematical demands of econometrics, economic theory, quantitative finance and mathematical economics, which they are likely to encounter in their final-year courses and beyond. The level of the book will also be useful for those embarking on the first year of their graduate studies in Business, Economics or Finance. The book also serves as an introduction to quantitative economics and finance for mathematics students at undergraduate level and above. In recent years, mathematics graduates have been increasingly expected to have skills in practical subjects such as economics and finance, just as economics graduates have been expected to have an increasingly strong grounding in mathematics. The authors avoid the pitfalls of many texts that become too theoretical. The use of mathematical methods in the real world is never lost sight of and quantitative analysis is brought to bear on a variety of topics including foreign exchange rates and other macro level issues.

Direct and to the point, this book from one of the field''s leaders covers Brownian motion and stochastic calculus at the graduate level, and illustrates the use of that theory in various application domains, emphasizing business and economics. The mathematical development is narrowly focused and briskly paced, with many concrete calculations and a minimum of abstract notation. The applications discussed include: the role of reflected Brownian motion as a storage model, queuing model, or inventory model; optimal stopping problems for Brownian motion, including the influential McDonald–Siegel investment model; optimal control of Brownian motion via barrier policies, including optimal control of Brownian storage systems; and Brownian models of dynamic inference, also called Brownian learning models or Brownian filtering models.

Organizational Diagnosis and Assessment presents sharp-image diagnosis, a distinctive approach to organizational consultation and planned change, that reflects current research and theorizing about organizational change and effectiveness. The authors draw on multiple analytical frames to produce empirically grounded models of sources of ineffectiveness and forces for change, showing how consultants, managers, and applied researchers can break free of unproductive practices and ways of thinking to avoid uncritical adoption of management fads. They offer workable solutions to critical problems and demonstrate ways to meet organizational challenges like market downturns, technological change, and alliances with other organizations. Organizational Diagnosis and Assessment covers diagnosis and assessment of work groups, organizations, and whole systems. This volume develops analytical approaches for problem solving and strategy formation in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Diagnosis of public policy issues, like assessments of the effectiveness of health systems, is also addressed. Many of the models and techniques contribute to assessing the changing nature of the workplace, examining organizational decline and other life-cycle transitions; gendering; change and diversity in organizational culture and in workforce composition; the spread of new forms of work organization, including teams, flat hierarchies, and networks; new uses of information technology; and mergers and alliances among organizations. Organizational Diagnosis and Assessment will be invaluable to advanced students, consultants, and applied behavioral scientists in social sciences, management, social work, organizational and industrial psychology, organizational sociology, nursing, and public administration.

This book is more than just a ''palliative care'' guide for the planet - it is about innovation, solutions, competitiveness and profitability. At work, at home and as members of society, our generation has an opportunity - to be part of the obligation - and an exciting solution in restoring the balance. The authors present a bold vision for the future and demonstrate how we can get there, drawing on lessons of competitive advantage theory and the latest in sustainability, economics, innovation, business and governance theory and practice. The result is nothing less than the most authoritative and comprehensive guide to date, to building the new ecologically sustainable economy. For further information about The Natural Edge Project and to view the book''s online companion, visit www.naturaledgeproject.net.

Simon''s father has been accused of the murder of a rival cab driver and Simon faces a life branded as the son of a murderer. Then he meets Charley, grieving for her dead father, the murder victim, and they determine to find out the real story behind the murder. Together they can face up to the danger which surrounds them, and bring back some hope for the future. Michael Harrison was born in Oxford in 1939. He has taught in North Queensland, London, Oxford, and Hartlepool but is now a part-time librarian in Oxford and enjoys visiting schools as a writer. He is married with two grown-up sons. His previous books include a history of witches, funny novels, retellings of Norse myths, a book of poems, Junk Mail, and a retelling of Don Quixote. Together with Christopher Stuart-Clark, he has anthologised many books for OUP, including The Oxford Treasury of Classic Poems. Facing the Dark is his second novel for OUP, and is now reissued in a smaller mass- market format.

Learn how to deploy and monitor databases in the cloud, manipulate documents, visualize data, and build applications running on MongoDB using Node.js Key FeaturesLearn the fundamentals of NoSQL databases with MongoDBCreate, manage, and optimize a MongoDB database in the cloud using AtlasUse a real-world dataset to gain practical experience of handling big dataBook Description MongoDB is one of the most popular database technologies for handling large collections of data. This book will help MongoDB beginners develop the knowledge and skills to create databases and process data efficiently. Unlike other MongoDB books, MongoDB Fundamentals dives into cloud computing from the very start – showing you how to get started with Atlas in the first chapter. You will discover how to modify existing data, add new data into a database, and handle complex queries by creating aggregation pipelines. As you progress, you''ll learn about the MongoDB replication architecture and configure a simple cluster. You will also get to grips with user authentication, as well as techniques for backing up and restoring data. Finally, you''ll perform data visualization using MongoDB Charts. You will work on realistic projects that are presented as bitesize exercises and activities, allowing you to challenge yourself in an enjoyable and attainable way. Many of these mini-projects are based around a movie database case study, while the last chapter acts as a final project where you will use MongoDB to solve a real-world problem based on a bike-sharing app. By the end of this book, you''ll have the skills and confidence to process large volumes of data and tackle your own projects using MongoDB. What you will learnSet up and use MongoDB Atlas on the cloudInsert, update, delete, and retrieve data from MongoDBBuild aggregation pipelines to perform complex queriesOptimize queries using indexesMonitor databases and manage user authorizationImprove scalability and performance with sharding clustersReplicate clusters, back up your database, and restore dataCreate data-driven charts and reports from real-time dataWho this book is for This book is designed for people who are new to MongoDB. It is suitable for developers, database administrators, system administrators, and cloud architects who are looking to use MongoDB for smooth data processing in the cloud. Although not necessary, basic knowledge of a general programming language and experience with other databases will help you grasp the topics covered more easily.

What does it mean to offer the Gospel freely to sinners? In this work Harrison brings the blessed Gospel offer in all its power in the outward indiscriminate preaching of the word of God. Yes, God offers Christ to poor sinners that they may find rest, and that without money and without price. In this expanded work from a sermon that Harrison delivered faithfully to his church, he expounds Matthew 22:2-14, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son…” He divides the teaching, as all good puritan preachers were accustomed to do, into three sections. He first opens the text, then provides the doctrine of the text, and then applies the text. His main doctrine, faithfully developed, is that God in and by the Gospel freely offers Jesus Christ, with all the benefits of his death, to all that are willing to come to him and receive him on Gospel-terms. As much as this work is a plea to sinners on behalf of Jesus Christ, ministers of the Gospel today, even those of the reformed flavor, would do well to listen to Harrison, and learn of him in his presentation. If more preachers would follow his doctrine, style and fervor, the Spirit would look kindly on such endeavors, and there would be more Christians today made by God’s grace, and for Christ’s glory. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

Is the doctrine of justification important for today’s church? Assuredly and emphatically, YES. Harrison covers this topic in six points beginning with his main text of Isaiah 45:24-25, “Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength,” etc. He covers, 1. Who are the people that shall be made partakers of this blessed privilege of justification? 2. The nature of justification; what it is. 3. What that righteousness is, for, and by which we are justified at God’s judgment seat. 4. The time when God’s children are made partakers of this blessed privilege. 5. How are we justified by faith? 6. Objections against the doctrine of justification answered. And finally he gives the reader an application. Harrison felt the critical need for his congregation to understand that the righteousness, by and for which, we are esteemed righteous at God’s judgment seat is only available through Jesus Christ. He biblically proves that it is the active and passive obedience of Jesus Christ, performed by him in our stead, imputed to us, and received only by faith, that gives us the privilege of the doctrine of justification. Harrison’s work is a breath of theological fresh air, and it should be to every true believer who ponders the biblical nature of this most important doctrine. If you stand, on the Day of Judgment, before the judgment seat of God, in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, you will have wrapped around you the saint’s surest and only plea for pardon and eternal life. This is not a scan or facsimile, has been updated in modern English for easy reading and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

Vessels is filled with the ups and downs of recovery and reintegration. The story shows, from one man''s perspective, the primary block of the foundation necessary to make, not only his and his family''s life, but the world a happier place.

Killing a Colored Man''s Pedigree is a provocative look at why it is neither cool nor an honor to be a "baby mama." As Harrison compellingly argues, it does not take a village to raise a child; it only takes two married parents. This confrontational in-depth look at the numbers documenting the increased poverty and violent crime blacks are experiencing is proof to Michael Harrison that black American''s chickens have come home to roost and that black America is reaping what it has sown for decades. Required reading for anyone who wants to understand the problems plaguing the black community, Killing a Colored Man''s Pedigree asks questions and provides answers about issues that are seldom if ever discussed because of political correctness. Things you''ll learn: - How the high unmarried birthrate among blacks relates to the poverty and crime that plague large parts of the black community and how, as Harrison argues, it may permanently destroy black culture in America - Clinical and scientific research that explains the importance and presence of the alpha male role model, which is woefully absent for the majority of young blacks - How our culture at large, both black and white, tends to worship "baby mamas" and "bad boy black actors," sports stars, musicians, rappers, and the like and how this utterly exacerbates the problem - How modern culture encourages what Harrison terms a "phony victim status" in the black community (which trickles down into poor white culture), particularly among unwed black mothers - How corrupt black politicians whose personal agendas far outweigh the greater good have taken over black leadership and are leading black America astray - Practical solutions to these problems using education, media, and community outreach programs - Harrison''s dream of starting a national grass roots effort promoting greater personal responsibility, which could reverse this self-destructive trend and lead to a healthier black community and greater prosperity for all Ringing with passion, anecdotes, and a poignant plea for black America to do an all-around better job of behaving itself and raising kids, Harrison ultimately argues for greater responsibility as the answer to the pervasive problems facing the black community.

This book examines the dominant popular culture convention of the superhero, situated within the most significant global event of the last 20 years. Exploring the explosion of the superhero genre post-9/11, it sheds fresh light on the manner in which American society has processed and continues to process the trauma from the terrorist attacks. Beginning with the development of Batman in comics, television, and film, the authors offer studies of popular films including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman, revealing the ways in which these texts meditate upon the events and aftermath of 9/11 and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the attacks. A study of the superhero genre’s capacity to unpack complex global interplays that question America’s foreign policy actions and the white, militarized masculinity that has characterized major discourses following 9/11, this volume explores the engagement of superhero films with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

The world''s number 1 medical e-book is back with a second issue, bringing you a unique and revolutionary learning experience. In this brand new issue, we offer 16 original articles, including operative techniques, clinical cases, and a focus on new technologies. Step into the world of minimally invasive surgery and witness its amazing evolution, as told by Dr. Schwaitzberg, Chief of Surgery at the Cambridge Health Alliance. Discover some of Alsace''s many talents with our cultural escape article on Bugatti, the world famous car manufacturer which has made local pride for over a hundred years. Find out more about our online journal which complements the IRCAD worldwide on-site learning experience (IRCAD France, IRCAD Taiwan, IRCAD Brazil) and our E-learning website, WeBSurg. Enjoy this exciting new issue and stay tuned for more!

The state of the art in fluid-based methods for stability analysis, giving researchers and graduate students command of the tools.

A companion volume to the very successful "Short! A Book of Very Short Stories". A book of very short poems which will make you smile and make you think, and which you won''t be able to forget. * Very short poems are highly appealing to children who may be put off by longer ones. * Wonderful, witty black and white illustrations throughout.* Michael Harrison has edited many best-selling anthologies for the OUP.* Michael Harrison lives in Oxford.

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Cents and Sustainability is a clear-sighted response to the 1987 call by Dr Gro Brundtland in Our Common Future to achieve a new era of economic growth that is ''forceful and at the same time socially and environmentally sustainable''. The Brundtland Report argued that not only was it achievable, but that it was an urgent imperative in order to achieve a transition to sustainable development while significantly reducing poverty and driving ''clean and green'' investment. With some still arguing for significantly slowing economic growth in order to reduce pressures on the environment, this new book, Cents and Sustainability, shows that it is possible to reconcile the need for economic growth and environmental sustainability through a strategy to decouple economic growth from environmental pressures, combined with a renewed commitment to achieve significant environmental restoration and poverty reduction. Beginning with a brief overview of some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, the book then explains ''decoupling theory'', overviews a number of factors that can undermine and even block efforts to decouple in both developed and developing countries, and then discusses a number of key considerations to assist the development of national ''decoupling strategies''. The book then focuses on presenting evidence to support greater action, not just on climate change, but also on decoupling economic growth from the loss of biodiversity and the deterioration of natural systems, freshwater extraction, waste production, and air pollution. In the lead up to the 2012 United Nations Earth Summit and beyond, Cents and Sustainability will be a crucial guide to inform and assist nations to develop strategies to significantly reduce environmental pressures, strengthen their economy, create jobs and reduce poverty. ''I commend the team from The Natural Edge Project and their partners for undertaking to develop a response to ''Our Common Future'' to mark its 20th anniversary.'' Dr Gro Brundtland. Sequel to The Natural Advantage of Nations Published with The Natural Edge Project

Catalogue of an exhibition held at the Nottingham Castle Museum.

Welcome to the horror papers of Detective Billy Blanchard. Step inside File 1 and follow Detective Blanchard and his partner as the area where they live becomes the target of witches, vampires, werewolves, serial killers, and all manners of ghosts and goblins. This series of short, interconnected stories will have the reader experience the horror that unfolds as characters from an unfortunate town become the victims of the supernatural. Will the detectives solve the inhuman mystery and discover the source of evil before it is too late?

This book contains a collection of classic soup recipes from across the globe that use beer or ale as an ingredient. With simple directions and handy tips, this cookbook will appeal to budding cookery enthusiasts, and would make for a great addition to culinary collections. Contents include: “Sicilian Cabbage Soup”, “German Beer Soup”, “Bohemian Beer Soup”, “American Dark Beer Soup”, “Silesian Beer Soup”, “Bortsch With Beer”, “Puchero Con Cerveza”, “Pepperpot”, “Okhroshka, or Russian Beer Soup”, “Potage á la Dimsdale”, etc. Many vintage books like this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality addition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on cooking with alcohol.

This book contains a collection of classic dessert recipes from across the globe that use beer or ale as an ingredient. With simple directions and handy tips, this volume will appeal to budding cookery enthusiasts, and would make for a fantastic addition to culinary collections. Contents include: “Mlinczki”, “Profiterolles”, “Syllabub”, “Tipsy Pudding”, “Apple Florentine Pie”, “Christmas Pudding”, “Pineapple Fritters”, “Ale Jelly”, “Hot Beer Pudding”, “Mexican Wafers”, “Arabian Delight”, and “Toper’s Treasure”. Many vintage books like this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality addition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on cooking with alcohol.

This report explores technological possibilities and opportunities for developing and developed countries to accelerate decoupling and reap environmental and economic benefits of increased resource productivity. It examines policy options successful in helping different countries improve resource productivity in various sectors of their economy, avoiding negative impacts on the environment. It does not seem possible for a global economy based on the current unsustainable patterns of resource use to continue into the future. Economic consequences of these patterns are already apparent in increases in resource prices, increased price volatility and disruption of environmental systems. The environment impacts are also leading to potentially irreversible changes to the world''s ecosystems, often with direct effects on people and the economy - for example: damage to health, water shortages, loss of fish stocks or increased storm damage. This report shows that much of the policy design ''know-how'' needed to achieve decoupling is present in terms of legislation, incentive systems, and institutional reform. Many countries have tried these out with tangible results, encouraging others to study and where appropriate replicate and scale up such practices and successes

This paper considers a world in which pension funds may default, the cost of the associated risk of default is not borne fully by the sponsoring corporation, and there are differential tax effects. The focus is on ways in which the wealth of the shareholders of a corporation sponsoring a pension plan might be increased if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) follow simple and naive policies. Under the conditions examined, the optimal policy for pension plan funding and asset allocation is shown to be extremal in a certain sense. This suggests that the IRS and the PBGC may wish to use more complex regulatory procedures than those considered in the paper.

Investigates the early beginnings, language, and mysteries of witchcraft, calling attention to the theories of Margaret Murray, Pennethorne Hughes, and other leading researchers.