Quantitative Methods: An Introduction for Business Management

Preface

And there I was, waiting for the big door to open, the big door that stood between me and my archnemesis. I found little comfort and protection, if any, sitting in what seemed my thin tin tank, looking around and searching for people in my same dire straits. Then, with a deep rumble, the big steel door of the ship opened, engines were started, and I followed the slow stream of cars. I drove by rather uninterested police officers, and there it was, my archnemesis: the first roundabout in Dover.

For European continental drivers like me, used to drive on the right side of the street (and yes, I do mean right), the first driving experience in the Land of Albion has always been a challenge. That difficulty compounded with the lack of roundabouts in Italy at the time, turning the whole thing into sheer nightmare. Yet, after a surprisingly short timespan, maybe thanks to the understanding and discipline of the indigenous drivers, I got so used to driving there, and to roundabouts as well, that after my return to Calais I found driving back in supposedly familiar lanes somewhat confusing.

I had overcome my fear, but I am digressing, am I? Well, this book should indeed be approached like a roundabout: There are multiple entry and exit points, and readers are expected to take their preferred route among the many options, possibly spinning a bit for fun. I should also mention that, however dreadful that driving experience was to me, it was nothing compared with the exam labor of my ...