[This is] an outstanding book written authoritatively on the topic of contract and arbitration. It fills a huge void on the topic and would be useful and of great interest to every business manager at all levels. Professor Agarwal’s academic distinction and professional brilliance in engineering and law with a vast experience on these subjects make him ideally suited to write the book: A unique book of its kind.
Professor Agarwal has straddled business, law and academia providing his book with the rigour of a researcher, the world view of management and the practical issues noticed by lawyers in their professional life. His multiple viewpoints strengthened by his interaction with industry participants at the IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) campus give him a strong foundation on the subject which is never divorced from reality. This is a must-read for managers, students and law professionals who are interested in the subject.
I am happy to know that Professor Anurag K. Agarwal, an engineer turned lawyer, turned Professor of business law at IIMA has come out with another unconventional book titled Contracts and Arbitration for Managers, bringing holistic perspective of the concept of contract and arbitration with a practical approach.
It is one of the most lucid read. Only Professor Agarwal could pull up such a work, where the intricate concept of laws are explained in the most understandable terms. I believe it is a must-read for corporate managers. Especially in modern times when every manager is facing issues with contract management and alternative dispute resolution, this book comes as an interesting read. I have had the occasion of attending Professor Agarwal’s classes during my MBA days from IIMA. Let me say there are very few teachers who can teach the complex legal principles in such simple language.
Ten years back, during my brief stint as an intern under Professor Agarwal, one of the projects I loved working on was in relation to mental health laws in India and abroad. As it was my first internship, I tried hard to include all relevant sections of the legislations. When I took my work over to him, he asked me if I had watched the movies Seema and Sadma. We saw portions of both movies in his chamber and debated over unsoundness of mind and consent. He always managed to bring any subject alive. That is exactly what he has done with this book.
In today’s topsy-turvy but engulfing and dynamic business, Indian markets are equally pulsating with international market and its parties. The parties which have global footprints are entering into contracting relationship with Indian counterparts and their managers. These managers, who are mostly from engineering background, have proven their mettle in the global business world from number crunching to applying business strategies.
A major hiccup for companies willing to do business in India is their concern over how to make way through the labyrinthine legal structure. Enforcement of contracts and a swift hassle-free dispute resolution mechanism is at the heart of rule of law. Suitable guiding literature in this regard has been missing and this book can equip professionals, managers, entrepreneurs and the like to understand the intricacies of this vital domain. This book comes handy both for the working professional as well as for the curious academic.
Contracts and arbitration are things everyone need to understand. Professor Agarwal’s classes proved absolutely invaluable to me when I started working. It is great that he will now be sharing the benefit of his knowledge and experience with a much wider audience through this book.
“This book will prove to be boon for quick and clear understanding of the subject. It is an easy tool which will expand the knowledge of understanding of complex law of contract and arbitration law in India.”
The scholarship of the author is evident from the unique style of narration of intricate technical details…perhaps this is the only book dealing with an area of considerable business significance. The book contains a crisp yet summarized description of the significant legal issues deserving attention of working managers who may not be well versed with the technicalities of law.