Economics is the strangest and most dubious as also frustrating animal of social sciences and humanities. The debate on what it is and what its strengths and weaknesses are in understanding and changing the economy and society for the better, is never ending. This book cuts through this noise for econ-undergrads with social concerns. It is crafted to be stuffed with peripatetic hops, skips and intellectual and emotional jumps about the nature and character of the brain circuits of economics in terms of its methodological, political, sociological, anthropological, historical, feminist, ethical, ecological, spiritual, literary, technical, corporate and other underpinnings. Diverse stories are told as alerts or nudges for the undergrads, who as aspirant youth have, in general, hyperbolic discounting attitude towards social change. The mind and heart of the undergrad reading this book will hopefully be ignited so as to endeavour to find out the purpose of economic education and how economics should be learnt in order to rectify the failures of our current socio-economic system. The seriously academic undergrad may also be inspired to pursue the long-range objective of doing integrated studies and research for maximised understanding and holistic policy making, which is, of course, easier to say than do.

This timely text overviews theories, concepts, and contexts relating to the emerging field of behavioral economics. Research theories and data gathered across psychology, sociology, marketing, finance, and other relevant disciplines are synthesized to identify and elaborate on the defining aspects of consumer economic wellbeing. Against a background of consumer rights and responsibilities, the book discusses consumer phenomena of earning, spending, saving, and borrowing and their contributions to improving (and in some cases to worsening) economic wellness. In addition, the author presents effective ways consumers can be encouraged to navigate key economic environments such as the media, advertising, and the internet, and to change negative financial behaviors. Among the featured topics: Historical perspective on consumer economic wellbeing. Consumer financial capability and economic wellbeing. The role of government in promoting consumer economic wellbeing. Corporate social responsibility. Theories of online shopping and e-banking. Desirable and undesirable consumption behavior. Consumer Economic Wellbeing clarifies issues and provides insights for researchers in the fields of consumer psychology and economics, psychologists and mental health professionals, and policy analysts. It is also useful as a text for college courses in related subjects.

Rising Consumer Materialism presents a theoretical advancement of materialism research. It identifies eight areas of a consumer's life that are inter-disciplinary and of prime importance towards promoting happy and rewarding lifestyles. This study examines the pre-planned purchase process as the primary step towards satisfactory consumption. The theoretical framework provides a stream of research possibilities that guide readers towards healthy consumption patterns. Therefore, the book offers practical solutions to problems such as loneliness and unhappiness. It advocates a new dimension of consumption activity and lifestyle choices that can help to re-socialize and improve social bonds; hitting materialism right at its core, making the consumption experience well informed and beneficial for the consumer as well as society. Together, pre-planned engaging, intrinsic experiential purchases with a view to environmentalism, religiosity, social giving, social support and nostalgia can cure the excessive emphasis on acquiring and showing off valuables that are disruptive to a consumer’s social affiliations and subjective wellbeing. Rather than utilizing material possessions as a proxy measure for success and happiness resulting in only temporary happiness, discontent, continuous brand/product switching, undesirable post purchase evaluations and shifting brand loyalties, the book establishes alternative mechanisms for achieving happiness. The integrated framework provides a comprehensive solution rather than a half-baked specific situational-based intervention and is a must read for academics, students and consumers alike.

Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials, Five Volume Set provides a comprehensive overview, covering research and development on all aspects of renewable, recyclable and sustainable materials. The use of renewable and sustainable materials in building construction, the automotive sector, energy, textiles and others can create markets for agricultural products and additional revenue streams for farmers, as well as significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, manufacturing energy requirements, manufacturing costs and waste. This book provides researchers, students and professionals in materials science and engineering with tactics and information as they face increasingly complex challenges around the development, selection and use of construction and manufacturing materials. Covers a broad range of topics not available elsewhere in one resource Arranged thematically for ease of navigation Discusses key features on processing, use, application and the environmental benefits of renewable and sustainable materials Contains a special focus on sustainability that will lead to the reduction of carbon emissions and enhance protection of the natural environment with regard to sustainable materials

In an era where technology and hospitality converge, the models of travel and lodging are undergoing a transformative shift known as hybrid hospitality. As modern travelers' expectations evolve and digital transformation becomes a cornerstone across industries, the infusion of technology into hospitality is not merely an option but an imperative. A comprehensive resource is needed to explore the compelling forces driving the demand for enhanced technological capabilities within hybrid hospitality, specifically focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). Utilizing Smart Technology and AI in Hybrid Tourism and Hospitality delves into various themes integral to this investigation, from delivering personalized experiences to ensuring productivity and security in global hospitality. It directs attention to the infinite business opportunities unfolding worldwide and technology's profound impact on the tourism sector. Embark on a journey through the pages of this comprehensive guide to understand why the seamless integration of technology is preferable and an essential foundation for elevating guest satisfaction and reshaping the global hospitality.

Adolescents around the globe are demonstrating for a sustainable future. Businesses, too, increasingly embrace the idea of sustainable economic activities. Sustainability has evolved from a niche topic into a mainstream one. Nevertheless, there still is a discrepancy between people’s attitudes toward sustainable practices and the extent to which they actually act on them. Which drivers and barriers of sustainable consumption exist? What are the reasons for the attitude-behavior gap? Bea Alexandra Wintschnig discusses the necessity of sustainable consumption patterns in practice as a key enabler of a general sustainable development. The variety of identified factors can broadly be subdivided into two categories: individual-related and environmental determinants. The former includes socio- demographics, personal characteristics and value orientation. The environmental determinants comprise product, service or behavior-related factors, such as cost of consumption or stereotypes of sustainable products. Bea Alexandra Wintschnig explains why people seem to talk more about environmental protection than they actually do for it. In this book: - Climate protection; - Sustainability; - Corporate Social Responsibility; - Self-efficacy; - society