The material is concerned with fundamental activities of organizations - how they provide goods and services. The increase in international competition has seen a resurgence of interest in the development of this field.

The material is concerned with fundamental activities of organizations - how they provide goods and services. The increase in international competition has seen a resurgence of interest in the development of this field.

The material is concerned with fundamental activities of organizations - how they provide goods and services. The increase in international competition has seen a resurgence of interest in the development of this field.

Includes over 60 classic papers, these volumes collect together contributions on the theory of the firm, beginning with Ronald Coase's classic work of 1937 and ending with important papers published as late as 1998.

Each of the 4 volumes has a particular focus upon this area of research and scholarship: the early debates; theories, paradigms and concepts; critical empirical studies; and emerging themes and future debates.