The members of my research team who devoted large parts of their time and energy to the refinement and completion of this book and its chapters. In particular, I thank Maximilian Mareis, Shuo Zhang, Yang Yang, Lin Shi, Ayesha Malik, and all my business collaborators. Gratitude is also due to my Georgetown and Kent friends and colleagues, Professors Cooke, Ronkainen, Skuba, Meyer, and Gupta. Thank you Dean Lew Cramer and Martin Meyer for your strong support of the international cause. Chapeau to Deputy Dean Luc Wathieu for your support and for making the right comments at the right time. Your insights, efforts, and debates keep international business alive. I am also thankful to the kindness of the editors and newspapers who have given me permission to reprint my articles. Heartfelt thanks to David Clark, the award-winning artist who has provided the visual stimuli for this book and my annual calendar. Also thank you to my brother Thomas Czinkota, who often spends much of his weekend bouncing ideas and new directions between our minds which, more often than not, lead to new inspirations and perspectives. Thanks to his family Birgit, Michael, and Sarah for letting the two brothers have such a good time.
Most of all, I am grateful to my spouse Ilona Czinkota who is the major pundit helping the quality of my thinking and writing. Early or late in the day, she is always willing to provide ideas and suggestions. My daughter Margaret comments as well with much enthusiasm and verve. Our collaboration represents—I hope, high level early admissions training for Georgetown. Both mother and daughter are great sounding boards and arbiters, who come up with excellent questions and solutions.
Molto bene, grazie mille!
Michael R. Czinkota
Washington, D.C.