History books

The most successful business leaders always have their own compelling philosophies, but all too often the thoughts and ideologies of high-profile African American leaders are forgotten or passed over. The ideas and practices of these visionary leaders, sometimes heralded within their own communities, are often ignored by mainstream media and, over time, many of their contributions are forgotten.  Leadership experts Leon C. Prieto and Simone T.A. Phipps re-light these extinguished torches reflecting on some of the leading black business pioneers of the late 19th and early 20th century. Exploring views that embrace the traditional African philosophies of cooperation, this study of such influential figures brings to light how heavily the "golden age of black business" was impacted by the "cooperative advantage" possessed by leaders such as Charles Clinton Spaulding, John Merrick, Alonzo Herndon, Annie Turnbo-Malone, Madam C.J Walker, and Maggie Walker. Ultimately, what Prieto and Phipps bring to light is the common thread that pulls these leaders together--namely, the love they had for their communities--and what they show is that contemporary entrepreneurs of African descent would do well to regain a cooperative advantage in order to achieve the levels of success that existed in the past.   For its recovery of important strands within African American history, and for the practical advice it gleans from those strands, this refreshing study is a must-read for business students, managers, entrepreneurs and leaders of all backgrounds. The history here brought to light demonstrates to students that they too can succeed at managing any enterprise, no matter the challenges they may face.

After a decade of steady investment and construction, Chinese railways have evolved into an era of high-speed. This book has two objectives. The first is to introduce the Chinese railway system to an international audience and document the evolutionary process of railway development in China. For the first time, this book clarifies the Chinese experience with HSR deployment and details the economic and physical achievements and related managerial issues and institutional challenges. The second objective is to discuss and analyze critical concerns regarding Chinese railway operations, management and institutional structure. This book analyses best practices of railway reform, reform strategies and considers how to improve China's related institutions. This research reflects on experiences in other countries and policy implications for the Chinese railway system. The book makes recommendations for how to improve the capability and capacity of institutions and organizations, in order to achieve sustainable development of the Chinese HSR system.

The Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are more relevant today than ever before. As the national student loan debt grows, as the racial wealth gap continues to widen and as unemployment in the African American community continues to exceed that of other racial demographic groups, the HBCUs represent a collective means to combating socioeconomic ills. The HBCUs stand in the gap; supporting the African American community at-large. Through the use of best practices and HBCU administrative experiences, the authors offer a path forward for avoiding political and cultural missteps. They tout the rich tradition, legacy, as well as outcomes of HBCUs. New contributions to the field are made through a collective of higher education professionals and change agents whom are tied to HBCU scholarship. A relevant and practical book for HBCU leadership and administrators, HBCU faculty leaders and researchers that want to uncover the ways and means for cultivating success within the HBCUs longitudinally. New contributions to the field are made through a collective of higher education professionals and change agents who are tied to HBCU scholarship.

Resolving the African Leadership Challenge: Insight From History examines leadership in pre-colonial, colonial and postcolonial modern Africa, exploring the origin of Africa’s leadership challenge, and providing lessons to enhance leadership effectiveness. New ground is broken here as the author examines: The breadth of leadership issues across the entire continent The evolution of issues over time; from the pre-colonial era to the modern day The practical lessons that can be identified to resolve the leadership challenge A clear roadmap to achieve better leadership in Africa This interdisciplinary study provides a deeper understanding of the history of leadership in Africa, giving us key principles for today. It is essential reading for academic researchers, postgraduate students, and practitioners, seeking to adapt leadership theories to real-world local practice.