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African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good
by Amanobea BoatengContributing to academic discussions on entrepreneurship and gender in Africa, this book provides coverage of recent trends and an exploration of the evolution of female entrepreneurship over time. This innovative new text, written from an African woman’s perspective, fills a gap in the current literature on this topic and places important focus on the role of female entrepreneurship in Africa’s development as a continent. Focussing on key issues such as social feminism and the capability approach, the author addresses the possibility of a potential overlap between social entrepreneurship and female entrepreneurship in Africa. Insightful accounts of women from countries such as South Africa, Namibia and Ghana, along with theoretical research into the further development and advancement of female entrepreneurs, make this book an important must-read for those interested in entrepreneurship and gender in Africa.
Data Modeling with Microsoft Excel: Model and analyze data using Power Pivot, DAX, and Cube functions
by Bernard Obeng BoatengSave time analyzing volumes of data using a structured method to extract, model, and create insights from your dataKey FeaturesAcquire expertise in using Excel’s Data Model and Power Pivot to connect and analyze multiple sources of dataCreate key performance indicators for decision making using DAX and Cube functionsApply your knowledge of Data Model to build an interactive dashboard that delivers key insights to your usersPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionMicrosoft Excel's BI solutions have evolved, offering users more flexibility and control over analyzing data directly in Excel. Features like PivotTables, Data Model, Power Query, and Power Pivot empower Excel users to efficiently get, transform, model, aggregate, and visualize data. Data Modeling with Microsoft Excel offers a practical way to demystify the use and application of these tools using real-world examples and simple illustrations. This book will introduce you to the world of data modeling in Excel, as well as definitions and best practices in data structuring for both normalized and denormalized data. The next set of chapters will take you through the useful features of Data Model and Power Pivot, helping you get to grips with the types of schemas (snowflake and star) and create relationships within multiple tables. You’ll also understand how to create powerful and flexible measures using DAX and Cube functions. By the end of this book, you’ll be able to apply the acquired knowledge in real-world scenarios and build an interactive dashboard that will help you make important decisions.What you will learnImplement the concept of data modeling within and beyond ExcelGet, transform, model, aggregate, and visualize data with Power QueryUnderstand best practices for data structuring in MS ExcelBuild powerful measures using DAX from the Data ModelGenerate flexible calculations using Cube functionsDesign engaging dashboards for your usersWho this book is forThis book is for Excel users looking for hands-on and effective methods to manage and analyze large volumes of data within Microsoft Excel using Power Pivot. Whether you’re new or already familiar with Excel’s data analytics tools, this book will give you further insights on how you can apply Power Pivot, Data Model, DAX measures, and Cube functions to save time on routine data management tasks. An understanding of Excel’s features like tables, PivotTable, and some basic aggregating functions will be helpful but not necessary to make the most of this book.
To My Sisters: How to Unlock the Life-Changing Power of Female Friendship
by Courtney Daniella Boateng Renee Kapuku'A testament to the revolutionary power of sisterhood' – Kelechi Okafor, author of Edge of Here'A guide to manifesting sisterhood that lasts a lifetime and nourishes beyond the surface level' – DazedFrom the hosts of the hit podcast, To My Sisters, comes this frank, funny, and essential guide to sisterhood – for fans of Keep The Receipts and Slay In Your Lane.Join online big sisters Renée Kapuku and Courtney Daniella Boateng as they share their lessons, learnings and stories on sisterhood, and teach you how you can find, build and nourish lifelong friendships. Using their friendship profile framework, you’ll discover what kind of friend you are — open, demanding, reserved, strong or closed — and how this impacts how you show up in your friendships. From setting your own goals and dreams, to outlining what you desire from your platonic relationships and identifying where you are being underserved, this book is your essential toolkit for building sisterhood.Relatable, accessible and practical, To My Sisters contains all the resources you need to build healthy friendships, community and sisterhood.'To My Sisters guides you through the process of building and nourishing healthy connections' – Huff Post UK
Sustainable Community Development in Ghana (Routledge Studies in African Development)
by John Kwame Boateng Isaac Kofi Biney Paul Gary NixonThis book explores sustainable community development in Ghana post-COVID-19, highlighting examples of how individuals facing extreme challenges have adapted to their changing circumstances.Through the voices of African researchers, it explores the different responses that local, subnational, and national stakeholders and communities initiated to preserve the gains made in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana during the global pandemic. This collection considers how policy makers are tackling the pressing issues of sustainability, climate change and its effects on Africa and Ghana in particular, and multi-stakeholder policy responses to building communities in a post-COVID-19 world. The case studies show how communities are interacting to ensure sustainable community development and learning in the Global South, and the role that education and learning, both formal and informal, play in strengthening livelihoods, choices, and opportunities in African communities.An assessment of multi-stakeholder policy responses to building communities in Ghana, this book will be of interest to scholars and students in the field of Education, Education Management, Sociology, Economics, and African Studies. It will also be of interest to policy makers and practitioners engaged in community development programmes and activities and the development of associated policies.
Therapeutic Dressings and Wound Healing Applications (Advances in Pharmaceutical Technology)
by Joshua BoatengThe latest research on techniques for effective healing of chronic and difficult to heal wounds The healing of chronic wounds is a global medical concern, specifically for patients suffering from obesity and type II diabetes. Therapeutic Dressing and Wound Healing Applications is an essential text for research labs, industry professionals, and general clinical practitioners that want to make the shift towards advanced therapeutic dressing and groundbreaking wound application for better healing. This book takes a clinical and scientific approach to wound healing, and includes recent case studies to highlight key points and areas of improvement. It is divided into two key sections that include insight into the biochemical basis of wounds, as well as techniques and recent advancements. Chapters include information on: ● Debridement and disinfection properties of wound dressing ● Biofilms, silver nanoparticles, and honey dressings ● Clinical perspectives for treating diabetic wounds ● Treating mixed infections ● Wound healing and tissue regeneration treatments ● Gene based therapy, 3D bioprinting and freeze-dried wafers Anyone looking to update and improve the treatment of chronic wounds for patients will find the latest pertinent information in Therapeutic Dressing and Wound Healing Applications.
Therapeutic Dressings and Wound Healing Applications (Advances in Pharmaceutical Technology)
by Joshua BoatengThe latest research on techniques for effective healing of chronic and difficult to heal wounds The healing of chronic wounds is a global medical concern, specifically for patients suffering from obesity and type II diabetes. Therapeutic Dressing and Wound Healing Applications is an essential text for research labs, industry professionals, and general clinical practitioners that want to make the shift towards advanced therapeutic dressing and groundbreaking wound application for better healing. This book takes a clinical and scientific approach to wound healing, and includes recent case studies to highlight key points and areas of improvement. It is divided into two key sections that include insight into the biochemical basis of wounds, as well as techniques and recent advancements. Chapters include information on: ● Debridement and disinfection properties of wound dressing ● Biofilms, silver nanoparticles, and honey dressings ● Clinical perspectives for treating diabetic wounds ● Treating mixed infections ● Wound healing and tissue regeneration treatments ● Gene based therapy, 3D bioprinting and freeze-dried wafers Anyone looking to update and improve the treatment of chronic wounds for patients will find the latest pertinent information in Therapeutic Dressing and Wound Healing Applications.
Joomla! Social Networking with JomSocial: Learn How To Develop A High Quality Social Network Using Jomsocial
by Kwasi Boateng Beatrice A. BoatengA practical guide, this book provides step-by-step instructions for building your social networking system, showcasing real-world examples throughout. This book is for individuals or institutions desiring to develop a social networking system using the Joomla! content management system. It is suitable for both the novice and the advanced Joomla! user. There is no need for scripting or programming knowledge. All that is required is enthusiasm and the determination to implement a project.
Megaproject Risk Analysis and Simulation: A Dynamic Systems Approach
by Prince Boateng Zhen Chen Stephen O. OgunlanaProviding new knowledge on risk analysis and simulation for megaprojects, this book is essential reading for both academics and practitioners. Its focus is on technical descriptions of a newly developed dynamic systems approach to megaproject risk analysis and simulation. This is backed up by a discussion of the methodology as applied in a comprehensive case study on the Edinburgh Tram Network (ETN) project. The book informs both academic researchers and megaproject stakeholders with the latest information on risk as applied to megaprojects. As well as the complete case study, the book includes a general risk analysis framework for megaprojects, an analytic network process (ANP) method for risk quantification, a system dynamics (SD) method for risk simulation, and practical guides for the application of the dynamic systems approach in megaproject research and practice.
Megaproject Risk Analysis and Simulation: A Dynamic Systems Approach
by Prince Boateng Zhen Chen Stephen O. OgunlanaProviding new knowledge on risk analysis and simulation for megaprojects, this book is essential reading for both academics and practitioners. Its focus is on technical descriptions of a newly developed dynamic systems approach to megaproject risk analysis and simulation. This is backed up by a discussion of the methodology as applied in a comprehensive case study on the Edinburgh Tram Network (ETN) project. The book informs both academic researchers and megaproject stakeholders with the latest information on risk as applied to megaprojects. As well as the complete case study, the book includes a general risk analysis framework for megaprojects, an analytic network process (ANP) method for risk quantification, a system dynamics (SD) method for risk simulation, and practical guides for the application of the dynamic systems approach in megaproject research and practice.
Delivering Distinctive Value in Emerging Economies: Efficient and Sustainably Responsible Perspectives from Management Researchers and Practitioners
by Richard Boateng Sheena Lovia Boateng Thomas Anning-DorsonThe idea behind editing this book is to present a contemporary reference that tells the story of how businesses and institutions in emerging economies are circumventing or can better circumvent institutional voids in order to create distinct value for consumers and develop resilient and sustainable economies. For this book, we gathered 24 contributions (or chapters) on new directions and strategies to create value in emerging economies. The contributions span thematic areas such as: COVID-19 and small businesses, social influencers and COVID-19 advocacy, artisan entrepreneurship, leadership and project success, internationalization and intellectual property, cultural artifacts in corporate branding, fintech adoption, mobile money and agriculture value chain, workplace fraud, ethical decision-making in accountancy, modeling early detection of mother’s mode of delivery, assessment of health systems in Africa, online platforms and patient empowerment, students’ academic engagement and technology, and continuous use of e-learning among professional accounting students. The authors of these contributions discuss the relevance of each chapter to its target audience (practitioners and students). They also outline the implications for practice and policy (where applicable) alongside the concluding arguments of their respective chapters. In effect, the 24 chapters offer key strategic directions for businesses, public sector institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international development institutions to be more efficient and sustainably responsible in delivering distinctive value in emerging economies. Emerging economies have become an opportune interest of practitioners, entrepreneurs and policy makers worldwide. Hence, a contemporary text which explores how to create and deliver distinct value in these economies is a must a read.
Digital Innovations, Business and Society in Africa: New Frontiers and a Shared Strategic Vision (Advances in Theory and Practice of Emerging Markets)
by Richard Boateng Sheena Lovia Boateng Thomas Anning-Dorson Longe Olumide BabatopeFor African enterprises, entrepreneurs and governments to take full advantage of new digital opportunities, they need a shared strategic understanding of where they are, what they have, and what they may need to have for the future. This book presents this shared strategic vision to guide future coordinated actions of African enterprises, entrepreneurs, consumers/citizens and governments in using new and emerging digital technologies. It showcases how consumers/citizens, entrepreneurs, organisations, institutions and governments are leveraging new and emerging digital innovations to disrupt and transform value creation and service delivery in Africa.
Empowering Women in the Digital Economy: A Quest for Meaningful Connectivity and Access in Developing Countries
by Sheena Lovia Boateng Richard Boateng Thomas Anning-DorsonThis book presents multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities and best practices necessary for empowering women in the digital economy in developing countries. The book explores the components of connectivity that matter most to women. It also helps decision-makers and policymakers to adopt the policies needed to empower women in using digital platforms and developing (and taking up) careers in the digital economy in developing economies. In response, we gathered eight contributions (or chapters) on new directions, strategies, and barriers to women’s empowerment through digital technologies. The contributions span thematic areas such as female digital entrepreneurship, social media, and agricultural value chains, women in the gig economy, the digital divide, gender disparities in cryptocurrencies, and digital access in agriculture. In précis, the contributions argue that, first, appropriate legislation matters, but it is not enough – there is a need to alter social and cultural attitudes and raise awareness. Second, there is a need to address affordability. Government and development agencies may begin by offering free or discounted smart devices to rural women and appropriate digital skills training relevant to their economic activities. Third, there is a need for urgent attention by government labor agencies in developing countries to enforce decent working conditions and protection for female gig workers while maximizing opportunities being offered through these platforms. Don’t just leave women to use digital platforms and services; support them with sound policies and programs for responsible and sustainable use. In effect, this book offers clarity on new strategies, case studies/examples, and lessons in addressing or circumventing institutional challenges to women’s empowerment through digital technologies.
Empowering Women in the Digital Economy: A Quest for Meaningful Connectivity and Access in Developing Countries
by Sheena Lovia Boateng Richard Boateng Thomas Anning-DorsonThis book presents multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities and best practices necessary for empowering women in the digital economy in developing countries. The book explores the components of connectivity that matter most to women. It also helps decision-makers and policymakers to adopt the policies needed to empower women in using digital platforms and developing (and taking up) careers in the digital economy in developing economies. In response, we gathered eight contributions (or chapters) on new directions, strategies, and barriers to women’s empowerment through digital technologies. The contributions span thematic areas such as female digital entrepreneurship, social media, and agricultural value chains, women in the gig economy, the digital divide, gender disparities in cryptocurrencies, and digital access in agriculture. In précis, the contributions argue that, first, appropriate legislation matters, but it is not enough – there is a need to alter social and cultural attitudes and raise awareness. Second, there is a need to address affordability. Government and development agencies may begin by offering free or discounted smart devices to rural women and appropriate digital skills training relevant to their economic activities. Third, there is a need for urgent attention by government labor agencies in developing countries to enforce decent working conditions and protection for female gig workers while maximizing opportunities being offered through these platforms. Don’t just leave women to use digital platforms and services; support them with sound policies and programs for responsible and sustainable use. In effect, this book offers clarity on new strategies, case studies/examples, and lessons in addressing or circumventing institutional challenges to women’s empowerment through digital technologies.
The Return
by Yaw M. BoatengIn this historical novel, Yaw M. Boateng tells the harrowing story of the Atlantic slave trade and the devastating effects it had on the Ashanti Empire. 'This, then, is the story of Seku and Jakpa. But it is also the story of Malaam Fuseini, and of Africa in one of the most trying periods on human record.' It is the early nineteenth century, slavers have incited chaos, violence, and an insatiable greed across the Gold Coast. Clan is pitted against clan and those who have gained riches from the slave trade are fearing their own downfall. As advisor to the Ashanti King, Malaam Fuseini has only one plan: to unite the warring factions. Together, they can overcome the constant infighting and stand allied against the invaders. Otherwise, they will be forced to watch as the slavers burn Ashanti's cities to the ground... Among the Ashanti leaders is Seku, a military hero. His brother, Jakpa, is a former slave. Both are strangers to this land and consumed in a bitter feud against one another. Yet as the threat to the kingdom grows, the two must reconcile if they hope to save their allies – and themselves – from destruction. 'Boateng is a superb storyteller, with a keen sense of place and history, a lively imagination for dramatic action.' Es'kia Mphahlele 'The Return possesses great compassion, and more importantly, a vital sense of history.' John A. Williams 'Tense and engrossing.' Kirkus Reviews
Ethics and the Conduct of Business: Pearson New International Edition
by John R. BoatrightEthical Issues in Developing Business Policies Ethics and the Conduct of Business is a comprehensive and up-to-date discussion of the most prominent issues in the field of business ethics, and the major positions and arguments on these issues. Numerous real-life examples and case studies are used throughout the book to increase understanding of issues, stimulate class discussion, and show the relevance of the discussion to real-life business practice. Note: The focus of Ethics and the Conduct of Business is primarily on ethical issues that corporate decision makers face in developing policies about employees, customers, and the general public. The positions and arguments on these issues are taken from a wide variety of sources, including economics and the law. Teaching and Learning Experience Personalize Learning - MyThinkingLabdelivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals. Improve Critical Thinking - A substantial amount of legal material is contained within Ethics and the Conduct of Business. Not only because the law addresses many ethical issues, but also because the management decision-making process must take into account relevant legal practices. Engage Students - This book employs fifty case studies that firmly illustrate the wide variety of issues pertaining to business ethics and enable students to engage in ethical decision making. Support Instructors - Teaching your course just got easier! You can create a Customized Text or use our Instructor’s Manual, Electronic “MyTest” Test Bank or PowerPoint Presentation Slides. Plus, a substantial number of cases within Ethics and the Conduct of Business provide the opportunity for a case-study approach or a combined lecture/discussion format for your course.
Ethics in Finance: Critical Issues In Theory And Practice (Foundations of Business Ethics #1)
by John R. BoatrightThe third edition of Ethics in Finance presents an authoritative and wide-ranging examination of the major ethical issues in finance. This new edition has been expanded and thoroughly updated with extensive coverage of the recent financial crisis and the very latest developments within the financial world. Substantially updated new edition with nearly 40% new material, including sections on credit cards, mortgage lending, microfinance, risk management, derivatives, and securitization Includes coverage and references to the recent financial crisis and the very latest developments within the financial world Focuses on the practical issues that confront finance professionals, policy makers, and consumers of financial services Cites examples of the scandals that have shaken public confidence in Wall Street and world financial markets Includes numerous examples throughout to illustrate the concepts and issues described within the text
Ethics in Finance (Foundations of Business Ethics #1)
by John R. BoatrightThe third edition of Ethics in Finance presents an authoritative and wide-ranging examination of the major ethical issues in finance. This new edition has been expanded and thoroughly updated with extensive coverage of the recent financial crisis and the very latest developments within the financial world. Substantially updated new edition with nearly 40% new material, including sections on credit cards, mortgage lending, microfinance, risk management, derivatives, and securitization Includes coverage and references to the recent financial crisis and the very latest developments within the financial world Focuses on the practical issues that confront finance professionals, policy makers, and consumers of financial services Cites examples of the scandals that have shaken public confidence in Wall Street and world financial markets Includes numerous examples throughout to illustrate the concepts and issues described within the text
Finance Ethics: Critical Issues in Theory and Practice (Robert W. Kolb Series #11)
by John R. BoatrightA groundbreaking exploration of the critical ethical issues in financial theory and practice Compiled by volume editor John Boatright, Finance Ethics consists of contributions from scholars from many different finance disciplines. It covers key issues in financial markets, financial services, financial management, and finance theory, and includes chapters on market regulation, due diligence, reputational risk, insider trading, derivative contracts, hedge funds, mutual and pension funds, insurance, socially responsible investing, microfinance, earnings management, risk management, bankruptcy, executive compensation, hostile takeovers, and boards of directors. Special attention is given to fairness in markets and the delivery of financial services, and to the duties of fiduciaries and agents Rigorous analysis of the topics covered provides essential information and practical guidance for practitioners in finance as well as for students and academics with an interest in finance ethics Ethics in Finance skillfully explains the need for ethics in the personal conduct of finance professionals and the operation of financial markets and institutions.
Finance Ethics: Critical Issues in Theory and Practice (Robert W. Kolb Series #11)
by John R. BoatrightA groundbreaking exploration of the critical ethical issues in financial theory and practice Compiled by volume editor John Boatright, Finance Ethics consists of contributions from scholars from many different finance disciplines. It covers key issues in financial markets, financial services, financial management, and finance theory, and includes chapters on market regulation, due diligence, reputational risk, insider trading, derivative contracts, hedge funds, mutual and pension funds, insurance, socially responsible investing, microfinance, earnings management, risk management, bankruptcy, executive compensation, hostile takeovers, and boards of directors. Special attention is given to fairness in markets and the delivery of financial services, and to the duties of fiduciaries and agents Rigorous analysis of the topics covered provides essential information and practical guidance for practitioners in finance as well as for students and academics with an interest in finance ethics Ethics in Finance skillfully explains the need for ethics in the personal conduct of finance professionals and the operation of financial markets and institutions.
Congressional Primary Elections
by Robert G. BoatrightCongressional primaries are increasingly being blamed for polarization and gridlock in Congress. Most American states adopted congressional primaries during the first decades of the 20th century as a means of breaking the hold of political "bosses" on the nomination of candidates. Yet now, many contend that primaries have become a means by which the most dedicated party activists choose candidates unrepresentative of the electorate, and so general election voters are forced to choose between two ideologically extreme candidates. Consequently, there have been recent instances in both parties where nominees were chosen who were clearly not preferred by party leaders, and who arguably lost elections that their parties should have won. This book is the first to focus solely upon congressional primary elections, and to do so for a student readership. Boatright organizes his text around the contention that there are important differences between types of primaries, and these differences prevent us from making blanket statements about primary competition. He focuses on explanations of two sources of difference: differences in electoral structure and differences brought about by the presence or absence of an incumbent seeking reelection. The first three chapters introduce these differences, explore how they came to exist, and outline some of the strategic considerations for candidates, parties, interest groups, and voters in primary elections. The subsequent four chapters explore different types of primary elections, and the final chapter evaluates actual and proposed primary reforms. Congressional Primary Elections is the first book to provide a history and analysis of congressional primary elections and will serve as a crucial part of courses on political parties and campaigns and elections. The book gives students the tools for understanding arguments for and against the reform of primary elections and for understanding the differences between types of primaries.
Congressional Primary Elections
by Robert G. BoatrightCongressional primaries are increasingly being blamed for polarization and gridlock in Congress. Most American states adopted congressional primaries during the first decades of the 20th century as a means of breaking the hold of political "bosses" on the nomination of candidates. Yet now, many contend that primaries have become a means by which the most dedicated party activists choose candidates unrepresentative of the electorate, and so general election voters are forced to choose between two ideologically extreme candidates. Consequently, there have been recent instances in both parties where nominees were chosen who were clearly not preferred by party leaders, and who arguably lost elections that their parties should have won. This book is the first to focus solely upon congressional primary elections, and to do so for a student readership. Boatright organizes his text around the contention that there are important differences between types of primaries, and these differences prevent us from making blanket statements about primary competition. He focuses on explanations of two sources of difference: differences in electoral structure and differences brought about by the presence or absence of an incumbent seeking reelection. The first three chapters introduce these differences, explore how they came to exist, and outline some of the strategic considerations for candidates, parties, interest groups, and voters in primary elections. The subsequent four chapters explore different types of primary elections, and the final chapter evaluates actual and proposed primary reforms. Congressional Primary Elections is the first book to provide a history and analysis of congressional primary elections and will serve as a crucial part of courses on political parties and campaigns and elections. The book gives students the tools for understanding arguments for and against the reform of primary elections and for understanding the differences between types of primaries.
The Deregulatory Moment?: A Comparative Perspective on Changing Campaign Finance Laws
by Robert G BoatrightFor those who assume that increased regulation of political spending is inevitable in democratic nations, recent developments in U.S. campaign finance law appear puzzling. Is deregulation, exemplified by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, a harbinger of things to come elsewhere or further evidence that the United States remains an anomaly? In this volume, experts on the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Sweden, France, and several other European nations explore what deregulation means in the context of political campaigns and demonstrate how such comparisons can inform the study of campaign finance in the U.S. Whereas the contributors do not settle on any single theory of change in campaign finance law or any single perspective on the relationship between changes seen in the U.S. and those in other nations over the past decade, they do concur that the U.S. is rapidly retreating from the types of regulations that defined campaign finance law in most democratic nations during the latter decades of the twentieth century. By tracing and analyzing the recent history of regulation, the contributors shed light on many pressing topics, including the relationship between public opinion and campaign finance law, the role of scandals in inspiring reform, and the changing incentives of political parties, interest groups, and the courts.
Getting Primaried: The Changing Politics of Congressional Primary Challenges (Legislative Politics And Policy Making)
by Robert G BoatrightEach of the past few election cycles has featured at least one instance of "primarying," a challenge to an incumbent on the grounds that he or she is not sufficiently partisan. For many observers, such races signify an increasingly polarized electorate and an increasing threat to moderates of both parties. In Getting Primaried, Robert G. Boatright shows that primary challenges are not becoming more frequent; they wax and wane in accordance with partisan turnover in Congress. The recent rise of primarying corresponds to the rise of national fundraising bases and new types of partisan organizations supporting candidates around the country. National fundraising efforts and interest group–supported primary challenges have garnered media attention disproportionate to their success in winning elections. Such challenges can work only if groups focus on a small number of incumbents. Getting Primaried makes several key contributions to congressional scholarship. It presents a history of congressional primary challenges over the past forty years, measuring the frequency of competitive challenges and distinguishing among types of challenges. It provides a correction to accounts of the link between primary competition and political polarization. Further, this study offers a new theoretical understanding of the role of interest groups in congressional elections.
Interest Groups and Campaign Finance Reform in the United States and Canada
by Robert G BoatrightIn the early 2000s, the United States and Canada implemented new campaign finance laws restricting the ability of interest groups to make political contributions and to engage in political advertising. Whereas both nations' legislative reforms sought to reduce the role of interest groups in campaigns, these laws have had opposite results in the two nations. In the United States, interest groups remained influential by developing broad coalitions aimed at mobilizing individual voters and contributors. In Canada, interest groups largely withdrew from election campaigns, and, thus, important voices in elections have gone silent. Robert G. Boatright explains such disparate results by placing campaign finance reforms in the context of ongoing political and technological changes. Robert G. Boatright is Associate Professor of Political Science at Clark University. Cover photo: © iStockphoto.com / alfabravoalpharomeo
Reform and Retrenchment: A Century of Efforts to Fix Primary Elections
by Robert G. BoatrightThe direct primary, in which voters rather than party leaders or convention delegates select party nominees for state and federal offices, was one of the most widely adopted political reforms of the early twentieth century. Yet after decades of practice and study, scholars have found little clear evidence that direct primaries changed the outcomes of party nominations. The conventional wisdom has always been that once the Progressive movement declined and voters became distracted by more pressing issues, parties slowly reasserted their control over candidate selection. This book shows that the conventional wisdom is wrong. Exploring changes in American primary election laws from the 1920s to the 1970s, Robert G. Boatright argues in Reform and Retrenchment that the introduction of the direct primary created far more chaos in American elections than most scholars realize. As he shows, political parties, factions, and reform groups manipulated primary election laws in order to gain an advantage over their opponents, often under the guise of enhancing democracy. Today there is widespread dissatisfaction with primaries, and we are again in a period of experimentation. Boatright looks at how this history can help us understand the reform ideas before us today, ultimately suggesting that, for all of its flaws, there is likely little that can be done to improve primaries, and those who would seek to change American politics are best off exploring reforms to other areas of elections and governance.