Mark Rowbotham – författare

Cybernetics is about having a goal and taking action to achieve that goal. Knowing whether you have reached your goal (or at least are getting closer to it) requires “feedback”, a concept that was made rigorous by cybernetics. The subject of Cybernetic Synergy, although emanating from a socio-economic experiment of economic control by cybernetic means in Chile in the early 1970s, has never been approached as an applied subject in its own right. Indeed, the subject of applied cybernetics has never been addressed as a separate issue, although it has been shown that the overall subject of cybernetics applies to a wide range of disciplines, from biology to business via mathematics and engineering. Cybernetic synergy is the study of relationships and controls of and between corporate entities, on an external basis, and departments within corporate entities, on an internal basis. It concerns the decision-making process, and how decisions can be made based on feedback from any part of the organization being managed. It therefore concerns the issue of input of raw material or information, the output of the transformed information and materials, and the rectification of any issue based on negative feedback related to the productive process. It investigates not only the basic theory of the subject but also its applications in the commercial and business environment, as well as touching on government and administrative issues where shortcomings have emerged owing to a lack of synergy and communication. There are already several books available on the subject to cybernetics, but they are all concerned with mathematical approaches along with very heavy technical texts, most of which are completely alien to the layman or the simple practitioner. Furthermore, other than references to business or economic practice in some books, there has never been a book published purely about the subject of applied cybernetics relating to business practices. The book covers the subjects of management and economic cybernetics, and how the theory of cybernetic control can be used to manage business and government functions, whether small, medium or large. It looks at the history of cybernetics, and how some pioneering cybernetic concepts were used in Chile in the early 1970s to manage the Chilean economy. It uses these same principles, along with later cybernetic models, to show how such concepts can be applied to the present-day economy and business practices. It examines present-day business practices and shows how weaknesses in these systems can be addressed and eliminated by the application of cybernetic practices. The aims of the book are to provide an insight into the subject of management and business cybernetics, using the principle of cybernetic synergy, to resolve intra-corporate issues and create more efficient business practices based on simple command-and-control processes. Essentially, this book provides an in-depth insight into the use of cybernetics in business and administration environments, and would explain how cybernetics is a valuable tool in resolving corporate issues concerning efficiency and overall control. It would give a detailed explanation of the various practices and functions involved in business operations and practices.

Cargo management, especially in the maritime sphere, plays a vital role in the transfer of goods between seller and buyer. However, despite over 90% of the world’s international trade being conducted by sea, often very little is known about this subject by either party.This unique text provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the principal elements involved in the management of marine cargo and the carriage of goods by sea. Not only does it analyse key theories and debates in the maritime freight sector, it is equally instructive on practice and logistics. Furthermore, the book provides a thorough guide to the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in this dynamic industry.This second edition has been fully revised and updated to incorporate the very latest changes in cargo management legislation and procedures, including: Offshore oil & gas supply management The revised INCOTERMS 2010 Tramp shipping and spot cargo trading Project cargo management Dry and liquid bulk cargo management The IMDG Code and the marine carriage of dangerous and hazardous goods Cabotage Salvage Risk management and best practiceThis is an essential guide for shipping professionals, academics and students of marine logistics, and international trade.

This book explains the definition, concepts, practices and procedures of Free Zone operations; how they are created, how they operate, and their benefits to the global and national economy.Readers will be able to understand why Free Zones exist, their role in the development and maintenance of international trade, and how they contribute to national and global economic development and wellbeing, especially in developing nations. The author explains the processes in the establishment of Free Zones, and how government legislation and initiatives assist in this process. The book comprehensively but accessibly covers the topics of Freeports, Free Zones, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economoic Zones (SEZs), as well as issues such as Customs requirements, Free Zone law and government initiatives, including the new UK Freeport initiative. It analyses the role of such Zones in global economic development and considers the challenges and issues related to Free Zone development and operation, including security and potential crime. The book also provides a series of case studies into selected global examples of Free Zones, EPZs and SEZs.Freeports and Free Zones will have a broad readership, being of interest to global economic, fiscal and government institutions, policymakers, legal practitioners and advisers, economic and business advisers, port and airport authorities and major multinational enterprises. It will be especially relevant to the food, automotive, defence, manufacturing, logistics, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, aviation and maritime industries.

This book explains the definition, concepts, practices and procedures of Free Zone operations; how they are created, how they operate, and their benefits to the global and national economy.Readers will be able to understand why Free Zones exist, their role in the development and maintenance of international trade, and how they contribute to national and global economic development and wellbeing, especially in developing nations. The author explains the processes in the establishment of Free Zones, and how government legislation and initiatives assist in this process. The book comprehensively but accessibly covers the topics of Freeports, Free Zones, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economoic Zones (SEZs), as well as issues such as Customs requirements, Free Zone law and government initiatives, including the new UK Freeport initiative. It analyses the role of such Zones in global economic development and considers the challenges and issues related to Free Zone development and operation, including security and potential crime. The book also provides a series of case studies into selected global examples of Free Zones, EPZs and SEZs.Freeports and Free Zones will have a broad readership, being of interest to global economic, fiscal and government institutions, policymakers, legal practitioners and advisers, economic and business advisers, port and airport authorities and major multinational enterprises. It will be especially relevant to the food, automotive, defence, manufacturing, logistics, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, aviation and maritime industries.

This book covers the subjects of break bulk cargo, general cargo and project cargo, and how these cargoes are shipped. It deals with the cargoes themselves, the vessels used for their carriage, and how the carriage is managed using the process of vessel chartering. Alongside these, it also covers offshore vessel management and how offshore supply vessels are used to carry cargoes to offshore oil and gas installations. Break bulk cargo covers a wide variety of cargoes, from project cargo to more varied cargoes carried on an ad hoc basis, often between ports that are not equipped for container traffic. It also covers the carriage of specific cargoes that cannot fit inside or are unsuitable for containers. This includes the carriage of cargoes for major projects, and cargoes for the offshore sector, which is an area covered in a specific section in the book concerning the use of offshore supply vessels. To date, only minor elements of shipping books cover this kind of trade, hence the need for a new book that specifically covers this subject. The focus of this book is providing expert insights and detailed explanations of the practical issues related to all aspects of break bulk and general cargo management. The book is written for legal practitioners, shipping managers, managers of project cargo, oil and gas companies, shipping professionals, charterers, shipbrokers, shippers and anybody else involved in ad hoc vessel chartering for the carriage of break bulk, general and project cargoes. It will also serve as a valuable resource for students of shipping.

This book covers the subjects of break bulk cargo, general cargo and project cargo, and how these cargoes are shipped. It deals with the cargoes themselves, the vessels used for their carriage, and how the carriage is managed using the process of vessel chartering. Alongside these, it also covers offshore vessel management and how offshore supply vessels are used to carry cargoes to offshore oil and gas installations. Break bulk cargo covers a wide variety of cargoes, from project cargo to more varied cargoes carried on an ad hoc basis, often between ports that are not equipped for container traffic. It also covers the carriage of specific cargoes that cannot fit inside or are unsuitable for containers. This includes the carriage of cargoes for major projects, and cargoes for the offshore sector, which is an area covered in a specific section in the book concerning the use of offshore supply vessels. To date, only minor elements of shipping books cover this kind of trade, hence the need for a new book that specifically covers this subject. The focus of this book is providing expert insights and detailed explanations of the practical issues related to all aspects of break bulk and general cargo management. The book is written for legal practitioners, shipping managers, managers of project cargo, oil and gas companies, shipping professionals, charterers, shipbrokers, shippers and anybody else involved in ad hoc vessel chartering for the carriage of break bulk, general and project cargoes. It will also serve as a valuable resource for students of shipping.

This book provides readers with an authoritative guide to measure, quantify and address customs, VAT and international trade risk, especially with a view to maximising the efficiency of both trade practice and the governance and collection of national revenue associated with the regulation and control of cross-border trade.Delivering expert insight into the rationale behind customs investigations, Managing International Trade Risk defines trader risk in terms of international trade and customs and VAT compliance, and highlights the pitfalls in conducting international trade and customs management, practices and procedures. Offering a guide to dealing with customs issues that ensures correct and accurate compliance is the priority when it comes to dealing with imports and exports, it offers solutions in terms of trader knowledge of customs procedures coupled with the knowledge to avoid problems concerning customs and VAT compliance issues and regulations.This text is written for customs and VAT practitioners, lawyers, policy-makers, industry and financial professionals (international trade, tax and finance), scholars, lecturers, quasi-government organisations and Government departments (Treasury, Tax), as well as Chambers of Commerce. It will be of interest to all involved in the process of international trade, customs and VAT.

This book introduces the subject of artificial intelligence (AI), its structures, uses, application to the artificial neural network, technology applications, and the advantages and disadvantages of its use, including its potential weaknesses and drawbacks. AI, in its broadest sense, is intelligence exhibited by machines, particularly computer systems. It is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning and intelligence to take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined goals. Such machines may be called AIs. AI technology is widely used throughout industry, government, and science.Some high-profile applications include advanced web search engines (e.g., Google Search); recommendation systems (used by platforms such as YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix); interacting via human speech (e.g., Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa); autonomous vehicles (e.g., Waymo); generative and creative tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence, and AI art); and superhuman play and analysis in strategy games (e.g., chess and Go). However, many AI applications are not perceived as AI. It would appear that much of specific AI has filtered into general applications, often without being called AI because once something becomes useful and common enough, it is no longer labelled as AI.The growing use of AI in the 21st century is influencing a societal and economic shift towards increased automation, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of AI systems into various economic and commercial sectors and areas of everyday life. Its impact is felt across job markets, healthcare, government, industry, education, propaganda, and disinformation and deception, whether deliberate or otherwise. This raises questions about the long-term effects, ethical implications, and risks of AI, prompting discussions about regulatory policies to ensure the safety and benefits of the technology.

This book introduces the subject of artificial intelligence (AI), its structures, uses, application to the artificial neural network, technology applications, and the advantages and disadvantages of its use, including its potential weaknesses and drawbacks. AI, in its broadest sense, is intelligence exhibited by machines, particularly computer systems. It is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning and intelligence to take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined goals. Such machines may be called AIs. AI technology is widely used throughout industry, government, and science.Some high-profile applications include advanced web search engines (e.g., Google Search); recommendation systems (used by platforms such as YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix); interacting via human speech (e.g., Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa); autonomous vehicles (e.g., Waymo); generative and creative tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence, and AI art); and superhuman play and analysis in strategy games (e.g., chess and Go). However, many AI applications are not perceived as AI. It would appear that much of specific AI has filtered into general applications, often without being called AI because once something becomes useful and common enough, it is no longer labelled as AI.The growing use of AI in the 21st century is influencing a societal and economic shift towards increased automation, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of AI systems into various economic and commercial sectors and areas of everyday life. Its impact is felt across job markets, healthcare, government, industry, education, propaganda, and disinformation and deception, whether deliberate or otherwise. This raises questions about the long-term effects, ethical implications, and risks of AI, prompting discussions about regulatory policies to ensure the safety and benefits of the technology.

This book offers a comprehensive examination of the Customs Tariff—its structure, purpose, and role in global trade by combining economic theory, international governance, practical application, and contemporary policy issues.It begins by introducing the fundamentals of the Customs Tariff and the economic principles behind supply, demand, and the impact of unit taxes such as import duties. It then explores the global institutions that shape tariff policy: the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), explaining their roles in regulating international trade and maintaining the Harmonized System used worldwide.A substantial portion of the book focuses on the structure and mechanics of the tariff itself, including commodity codes, General Interpretative Rules (GIRs), duty rates, tariff engineering, quotas, and non‑tariff measures such as anti‑dumping and countervailing duties. It explains how tariffs function as fiscal tools, regulatory mechanisms, and political instruments—covering topics like tariff inversion, protectionism, and the weaponization of tariffs in foreign policy.The book also addresses modern trade challenges, including supply‑chain risk, rules of origin, trade creation and diversion, and the operation of free‑trade agreements and customs unions. It highlights the importance of competence and awareness among traders and customs professionals when navigating tariff systems.Later chapters examine recent U.S. tariff policies, including Section 301 and 232 actions, and discuss how tariffs are used to protect domestic industries or influence international behavior. The book concludes by considering the growing role of artificial intelligence in tariff classification and compliance, and reflects on the future of tariff policy in an evolving global trade environment.

This book offers a comprehensive examination of the Customs Tariff—its structure, purpose, and role in global trade by combining economic theory, international governance, practical application, and contemporary policy issues.It begins by introducing the fundamentals of the Customs Tariff and the economic principles behind supply, demand, and the impact of unit taxes such as import duties. It then explores the global institutions that shape tariff policy: the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), explaining their roles in regulating international trade and maintaining the Harmonized System used worldwide.A substantial portion of the book focuses on the structure and mechanics of the tariff itself, including commodity codes, General Interpretative Rules (GIRs), duty rates, tariff engineering, quotas, and non‑tariff measures such as anti‑dumping and countervailing duties. It explains how tariffs function as fiscal tools, regulatory mechanisms, and political instruments—covering topics like tariff inversion, protectionism, and the weaponization of tariffs in foreign policy.The book also addresses modern trade challenges, including supply‑chain risk, rules of origin, trade creation and diversion, and the operation of free‑trade agreements and customs unions. It highlights the importance of competence and awareness among traders and customs professionals when navigating tariff systems.Later chapters examine recent U.S. tariff policies, including Section 301 and 232 actions, and discuss how tariffs are used to protect domestic industries or influence international behavior. The book concludes by considering the growing role of artificial intelligence in tariff classification and compliance, and reflects on the future of tariff policy in an evolving global trade environment.