Michael E. Smith is an international relations scholar specializing in European integration and international security. His research delves into how nations cooperate on a global scale, particularly within the framework of the European Union. He examines the formation and function of international institutions and the influence of science and technology on global politics. His work offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in international cooperation and governance.
The author reviews methodological issues in the comparative analysis of archaeological data on pre-modern economies. Drawing attention to Alison Wylie’s model of analogy as a means to improve our interpretations of the past, and framing archaeological analysis as a form of “case study approach”, he highlights theoretical and methodological guidelines derived from the social sciences that can be fruitfully applied in archaeological research. Explicitly comparative analysis, he contends, is an important method for generating reliable information on the nature of pre-modern economies.
This book presents a novel framework for understanding and assessing EU security assistance operations, drawing on in-depth interviews with key policy-makers. It aims to enhance the comprehension of EU's role in global security dynamics.
The book delves into the complexities of establishing a unified security and foreign policy within the European Union, highlighting the contentious debates surrounding this integration. Through comprehensive empirical research, including interviews and case studies, Michael Smith explores how foreign policy cooperation has been institutionalized in the EU. This insightful analysis is particularly relevant for scholars and researchers in international relations, law, foreign policy, and European studies, offering a detailed examination of the subject.
An exceptionally wide-ranging introduction to International Security in the 21st Century. This takes a distinctively systematic approach centred on how and why particular issues get onto the international security agenda and particular choices and outcomes ensue, assessing the explanatory power of contending approaches in this context.
Like most businesses today, municipal utilities are confronting transformational change. Once a protected monopoly, they face an increasingly competitive environment. Their production is being outsourced. Their ability to sustain prices is being challenged. As a result, municipal utilities are recognizing the importance of their relationship with their customers. The need for quality training focused on specific competencies is becoming evident. Drawing on the results of a national survey of customer service representatives, the most important competencies for customer service providers are explored. Information from utility research, customer service competency research, training and development theory, and intellectual capital theory are combined. These concepts are linked to current research based on subject matter experts’ insights. The information is essential for managers who confront rapid change in their marketplace. This book explores the importance and competitive advantage of customer relationships. HR professionals, marketing managers and customer service managers who seek to improve customer service through training will also benefit.
