Takes a cynical but realistic look at some of the harsher realities of management consulting. Management consultants are experts at making a good impression and at selling their own services. However, this expertise is not always matched by the same level of technical skill. All too often, management consultants make suggestion for the sake of being seen to do something. Their real contribution to improving managerial processes is frequently minimal. They tend, therefore, to cover such shortcomings by excessive use of flamboyant “buzzwords” and high‐tech light shows.

Examines multilevel marketing in the light of the relationship between the would‐be seller and his/her perspective “downline.” States that people promoting multilevel marketing praise it as an opportunity of a lifetime with no catch. Claims that there is indeed a serious catch: the conventional process of promoting this so‐called opportunity to friends and virtually everyone else in someone's circle of acquaintance is, for the most part, unacceptable in western society. Maintains that truly determined sellers may well make money, but most will not, capitulating rather in the face of rejection ranging from disinterest to serious disapproval and resentment of the matter having being raised at all. Shows the conventional defences raised by proponents of multilevel marketing to be seriously flawed if not quite spurious.

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Illustrates the rising significance of foreign-language training with respect to employment opportunities in commerce and industry. Draws on a wide-ranging and diverse base of literature in order to indicate the value of learning a foreign language, the manner in which such training can be utilized and several other fundamental considerations relating to language and employment. Issues analysed include: the linkage of linguistic with other skills, which students are likely to benefit the most from language training, the impact of various levels of proficiency, language for business as opposed to general language training and the cultural element in terms of career prospects. Makes objective and subjective evaluations as to the significance of these various issues with the aim of assisting students, employees and educational institutions in assessing the benefits and costs, advantages and shortcomings of different types and levels of language education.

Examines multilevel marketing in the light of the relationship between the would‐be seller and his/her prospective “downline”. States that people promoting multilevel marketing praise it as an opportunity of a lifetime with no catch. Claims that there is indeed a serious catch: the conventional process of promoting this so‐called opportunity to friends and virtually everyone else in someone’s circle of acquaintance, is, for the most part, unacceptable in western society. Maintains that truly determined sellers may well make money, but most will not, capitulating rather in the face of rejection ranging from disinterest to serious disapproval and resentment of the matter having been raised at all. Shows the conventional defenses raised by proponents of multilevel marketing to be seriously flawed if not quite spurious.