Monday, December 30, 2013

Logistics Management and Strategy: Competing through the Supply Chain, 4th Edition, Alan Harrison

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0273730223/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0273730223&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Logistics Management and Strategy is an excellent text that disseminates knowledge and understanding of logistics in an easy-to-read way. While explaining with great clarity the theoretical concepts, it remains very pragmatic and close to business life through the use of concrete examples and well-chosen case studies. It manages to examine logistics knowledge and understanding in depth while at the same time remaining not only very accessible but really pleasant to read. Finally, its international perspective reflects the nature of logistics today.

This text is intended for MSc students on logistics courses, and as an accompanying text for open learning courses such as the global MSc degrees and virtual universities. It will also be attractive as a management textbook and as recommended reading on MBA options in logistics and supply chain management.

From the Back Cover
Harrison : Logistics Management and Strategy 4e

A concise, applied and strategic introduction to the subject of logistics and supply chain management, perfect for modern managers or students of logistics and supply chain management.

Logistics and supply chain management continue to transform the competitive landscape and have become one of today’s key business issues. This fourth edition of Logistics Management and Strategy continues to take a practical, integrated and international approach to logistics, and includes the very latest research to reflect the innovative and exciting developments in this subject area.

A clear framework guides the reader through the four parts of the book, covering:

an introduction to logistics and its contribution to competitiveness and value creation,
leveraging logistics operations within the context of the customer
supplier partnerships, interfaces and the challenges of integration
leading-edge thinking in logistics and the future challenges ahead.

New to this edition...

continued development on the theme of sustainable logistics
revised chapters on supply chain planning and control, and on agility
new chapter on sourcing and supply management.

Every chapter features case studies with study questions, activities and end of chapter discussion questions to help students explore logistical concepts in operational detail.

'Well written and contains a wealth of valuable ideas and concepts.' – Dr Jan de Vries, University of Groningen

'Very up-to-date, both in terms of its conceptual framework and the topics covered. Remarkably clear and easy to read.' – Dr Tony Whiteing, University of Huddersfield

Alan Harrison is Professor of Operations and Logistics at Cranfield School of Management, and Director of Research at The Cranfield Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Remko van Hoek is visiting Professor of Supply Chain Management at The Cranfield Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management. He is also Chief Procurement Officer at GDF SUEZ/Cofely the Netherlands.

A very useful, important book for an online class (BUS698, Ashford University). A very important asset for successful grading for the online class.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (January 28, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0273730223
  • ISBN-13: 978-0273730224
  • Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches

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Valuation in Life Sciences: A Practical Guide, 3rd Edition, Boris Bogdan

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3642108199/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=3642108199&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


This book is the first complete guide to valuation in life sciences for industry professionals, investors, and academics. Boris Bogdan and Ralph Villiger introduce the characteristics of drug and medical device development, explain how to translate these into the valuation, and provide valuable industry data. After guiding the reader through the theory of valuation, including DCF, decision trees, and real options, the authors demonstrate how to value projects, patents, licences, firms, and stocks on real-life examples, even treating complex licence and company structures. Special emphasis is put on the practicability of the proposed methods by including many hands-on examples, without compromising on realistic results. The 3rd edition of the successful work includes new studies about success rates and about drug development in the biotech industry and their influence on valuation.

Review
From the reviews:

"‘Valuation in Life Sciences: A Practical Guide’ leads readers step by step through the theory of life sciences valuation. … it is an important read for biotech investors. … It is the first book of its kind that combines industry data and valuation theory together with practical advice. It includes valuation techniques and tools that allow investors to pick undervalued biotech stocks." (GEN – genetic engineering news, February, 2007)

"Valuation in Life Sciences: A Practical Guide opens up the black box and describes, step by step, a relatively simple procedure for quantitative valuation in life sciences. The book guides the reader through the recommended procedure of quantitative valuation … . This book is recommended to those who would like to acquire a profound understanding of quantitative valuation and use a simple spreadsheet approach of their own cases." (Rudolf Gygax, Nature Biotechnology, Vol. 25 (9), 2007)

"This book provides some interesting examples – for business development and licensing executives – of where ROV may be used. … For the general reader and business development executive there is a good explanation of ROV and its applications in life science … . The book may also be of interest to biotechnology company business development executives and university technology transfer officers … . this book is essential reading as it not only provides the mathematical theory but also the applications in different types of deals." (Roger Davies, Business Development & Licensing Journal, Issue 4, 2007)

From the reviews of the third edition:

“The content and discussion contained in ‘Valuation in Life Sciences’ is excellent. The Swiss authors provide a practical guide to what mathematical tools gives meaningful valuations … . Recommended for anyone planning to be involved in the development of a biotech venture.” (C. Mathews, Amazon, December, 2010)

“The authors always keep the necessary rigour to make the book a valuable reference to professionals such as business developers, investment bankers, or analysts. … it an excellent textbook for students as well. … ‘Valuation in Life Sciences’ addresses also the financial beginner with guided and easy-to-understand examples in Excel. I highly recommend the book to everyone in financial biotech.” (Amazon, November, 2009)

“This book is an excellent overview of business development valuation and great for those who want to catch up on some techniques and tools. It gives an accurate picture of BD in pharma. For those in the business … it remains a very valuable tool.” (J. Serres, Amazon, March, 2009)

From the Back Cover
This book is the first complete guide to valuation in life sciences for industry professionals, investors, and academics. Boris Bogdan and Ralph Villiger introduce the characteristics of drug and medical device development, explain how to translate these into the valuation, and provide valuable industry data. After guiding the reader through the theory of valuation, including DCF, decision trees, and real options, the authors demonstrate how to value projects, patents, licences, firms, and stocks on real-life examples, even treating complex licence and company structures. Special emphasis is put on the practicability of the proposed methods by including many hands-on examples, without compromising on realistic results.

The 3rd edition of the successful work includes new studies about success rates and about drug development in the biotech industry and their influence on valuation.

This book goes into depth and provides mathematical formulas to price the value of biotechnical companies. We used this to make tons of money by investing in undervalued companies that later rose in value. It provides all the parameters to take into account EVERY variable possible. The formulas are somewhat complex, but can easily be deciphered by someone knowledgeable in mathematics or by using a computer program to put the variable in and then it's easy to value any company. Biotechnical companies highly fluctuate in price and value, so this book really gave us an edge because it's those fluctuations that enable you to use to your advantage IF you have an edge such as this book provides.

Got this as a gift for someone in the field who had previously expressed a desire to own it but was not happy with the prices he found in Canada. Great price for an important reference.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 370 pages
  • Publisher: Springer; 3rd ed. 2010 edition (April 29, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 3642108199
  • ISBN-13: 978-3642108198
  • Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 6.5 x 9.5 inches

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Cases in Leadership (Ivey Casebook Series), 3rd Edition, W. Glenn Rowe

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452234973/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1452234973&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Cases in Leadership, Third Edition is a unique collection of 32 real-world leadership cases from Ivey Publishing plus 16 practitioner readings from the Ivey Business Journal. The updated casebook helps business students gain a better understanding of leadership and enables them to be more effective leaders through their careers. Each of the selected cases are about complex leadership issues that require the attention of the decision maker.

This casebook provides an invaluable supplement to any standard leadership text by connecting theory to actual cases. However, it has been organized to work especially well in conjunction with the Sixth Edition of Peter Northouse’s Leadership: Theory and Practice.

Review
I like the global approach to presenting leadership, as well as the collection of cases available. It is well written, and lends itself easy to generate engagement within the classroom. (Redmond Humphrey 2012-02-17)

About the Author
W. Glenn Rowe began studying leadership within the context of strategic management at Texas A&M University, where he completed his PhD in 1996. He rejoined the Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial in September 1995, where he taught strategic management and strategic leadership. On July 1, 2009, he became the Director of Ivey’s Executive MBA Program. He serves as a reviewer for several academic journals and is active in the community. He has facilitated strategic-thinking sessions for several organizations such as the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (Newfoundland and Labrador), the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, Fishery Products International, Gros Morne National Park, and Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. He is the coauthor of a strategic management textbook and its associated casebook, both of which are in their third edition. His research is published in journals such as the Strategic Management Journal, the Journal of Management and the Leadership Quarterly.

Laura Guerrero worked in retail management for 10 years in Canada, the United States and Mexico. She has an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso. Later, she completed a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration on Management and Organizational Studies at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. In 2009, she completed a PhD in Organizational Behavior at the Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario. In addition to her interest in gender and culture as they relate to leadership, her research has focused on careers of expatriates and immigrants. In September 2009, she joined the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Texas at El Paso as an Assistant Professor of Management.

Product Details :
  • Series: Ivey Casebook Series
  • Paperback: 528 pages
  • Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc; Third Edition edition (April 4, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1452234973
  • ISBN-13: 978-1452234977
  • Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 7.2 x 9 inches

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Managing in a Global Economy: Demystifying International Macroeconomics (Economic Applications, InfoTrac Printed Access Card), 1st Edition, John E. Marthinsen



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0324395507/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0324395507&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Marthinsen's MANAGING IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY: DEMYSTIFYING INTERNATIONAL MACROECONOMICS is written specifically for MBA students and addresses important issues confronting business managers. This exciting new first edition presents macroeconomics in the context of real world decision-making, It helps students grasp practical "big picture" concepts, nurtures an understanding of what causes macroeconomic variables to change, and relates these changes to issues confronting managers.

Marthinsen integrates the three major macroeconomic sectors (i.e., the real goods market, real loanable funds market, and foreign exchange market) in a user-friendly way with a minimum of math and only supply and demand analysis. Liberating readers from dry, overly complex macroeconomic models, Marthinsen uses theory only as a means to an end for practical understanding.

Clear and concise, the book focuses on concrete business examples to show how economic shocks, such as monetary and fiscal policies or shifts in international capital flows, affect management decisions. The book was written for MBAs who were not necessarily economics majors, making it appealing to students with a variety of undergraduate backgrounds.

Marthinsen keeps readers visually engaged with strategic use of figures, tables, charts, and illustrative exhibits. MANAGING IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY offers a strategic focus, emphasizes the interaction among markets, and equips MBAs with a macroeconomic perspective that will last (and be used) for years.

I happened to be one of the student who had access to this texbook a year before it was released. Fantastic Material! You really start getting the Macro Econimic picture in terms of where the exchange rates, interest rates are headed etc. Great book for a person who wants to understand forecast the state of economy and its business impact

I had the opportunity to take a Macroeconomics class with Professor Marthinsen when he was putting the final touches on the book. It is easily the most accessible economics text I have read, which was important because I was a Psychology major in undergrad (not a business major). The book has a great blend of being comprehensive/thorough while still being accessible. I recommend it to any MBA interested in understanding macroeconomics and how these macro factors can influence a business.

Written well for anyone with little to no prior background in macroeconomics to pick up and start reading. Covers all of the critical issues with just enough depth to hold down a conversation.

Given the dryness of the subject matter this book is pretty entertaining, and explains complex technical concepts simply and well. It's not difficult to follow, and is better than some textbooks that I've used on this subject.

This was a great book, expertly written with students in mind. The explanations are very clear and straight-forward. Highly recommended!

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 768 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 1 edition (February 12, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0324395507
  • ISBN-13: 978-0324395501
  • Product Dimensions: 1.3 x 7.5 x 9.2 inches

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Liquid Lean: Developing Lean Culture in the Process Industries, 1st Edition, Raymond C. Floyd

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420088629/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1420088629&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


From 20 years experience leading lean at Exxon as well as having led large scale breakthrough improvements in the tar sand to oil conversion process in beautiful Canada,Raymond Floyd clearly articulates many concepts and lessons learned. The book is structured following the Shingo Prize model evaluation criteria categories of:

1) business results
2) consistent lean enterprise culture
3) continuous process improvement
4) cultural enablers

His original thinking around material transformations (as opposed to assembly/filling) and the recognition of the "time independent" nature of many chemical/fermenation/ processes is refreshing and spot on. The many examples generously sprinkled throughout the book make reading it a practical exercise.

The section on the inherent inflexibility of "Liquid Lean" processes caused by the chemical nature of the production transformation includes the brilliant example of the New York Subway System.

The special importance of the role of Statistical Process Control (SPC) or Lean Six Sigma in improving Liquid Lean environments is also covered in simple, yet thorough detail.

The unique people challenges in processes with many pipes and tanks, as well as the leadership challenge in such an environment is treated as the last, but not least valuable section.

I found this a very useful summary of key lean concepts applied to a process industry There are some significant differences compared to the traditional manufacturing scenarios The author obviously has had many years of successful experience which I could relate with . A great resource to have in your bookcase and to share with others

Victor Caune OE/CI Manager Fonterra Echuca Aus

I have used the information in this book to help drive Lean at my site. Mr. Floyd does a great job of explaining how to use the Lean tools in the continuous process flow industry. This is an excellent book for managment to learn how to identify waste and improve processes by working smarter not harder.

It is a great book tying lean to continuous process industries. For those of us Lean Practitioners it makes our jobs a lot easier as we can communicate to our clients in terms we and they understand. There are some wonderful examples of applying lean. One down side is the book is in need of a good editor and I have had a red pen out since I started making changes to the writing.

Gregg Messel

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 346 pages
  • Publisher: Productivity Press; 1 edition (February 24, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1420088629
  • ISBN-13: 978-1420088625
  • Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 6.5 x 9.6 inches

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The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management, 4th Edition, Alan Rushton

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0749457147/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0749457147&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Now in its fourth edition, The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management covers the full scope of logistics and distribution, providing a broad strategic framework for planning as well as a clear and straightforward description of the basic functions and elements.

This definitive handbook clearly explains: concepts of logistics and distribution; planning and logistics; procurement and inventory decisions; warehousing and storage; freight transport; operational management.

Fully revised and expanded with brand new chapters on supply chain segmentation, air transport, maritime transport and outsourcing, there is detailed discussion of the latest trends and issues that confront logistics. This book will help in logistics managers' quest to improve service and reduce cost, as well as keeping them aware of the many different facets of logistics and the supply chain.

It should be of interest to practicing managers and supervisors, to candidates taking tests for the various professional institutes, and to students who are reading for degrees in logistics, distribution and supply chain management.

Very basic book. Suitable if you don't know anything about the topic and want to get very broad view about area of logistics.

Excellent timing and delivered promptly. The correct item was received as ordered.The book is a great assessments and reference text for both students and practitioners.

I liked this book, because it is easy to read and understand. This is very important especially for international students.

I received the book kind of late, but I didn't need it really bad, so it was ok. The condition of the book was great.I recommend the seller.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 664 pages
  • Publisher: Kogan Page; Fourth Edition edition (July 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0749457147
  • ISBN-13: 978-0749457143
  • Product Dimensions: 1.7 x 6.9 x 9.6 inches

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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

BizPlanBuilder Express: A Guide to Creating a Business Plan (with BizPlanBuilder CD-ROM), 3rd Edition, Inc. JIAN Tools for Sale

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0324421184/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0324421184&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Make your business plan shine! BIZPLANBUILDER EXPRESS: A GUIDE TO CREATING A BUSINESS PLAN and its accompanying BizPlanBuilder CD-ROMshows you step-by-step how to prepare each section of your plan, including ready-to-customize samples, prompts and advice, detailed marketing analysis, straight-forward financial tools, and links to marketing resources. BIZPLANBUILDER EXPRESS: A GUIDE TO CREATING A BUSINESS PLAN is the workbook you need to utilize this powerful business plan software, which works on either Windows or Macintosh, to its full potential.

Review
PART 1: BUSINESS PLAN BASICS. PART 2: TYPES OF BUSINESS PLANS. PART 3: WRITING THE NARRATIVE. Vision and Mission. Company Overview. Product/Service Strategy. Market Analysis. Marketing Plans. PART 4: COMPLETING THE FINANCIAL PLAN. PART 5: ASSEMBLING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN. Funding Resources for Your Plan. Appendix A: Preplanning Resources. Appendix B: Postplan Operations: Resources for Managing Your Business. Appendix C: System Requirements. Appendix D: Using Microsoft Word and Excel.

This is a good started kit for anyone who is going into business. I would recommend this book along with the CD. When purchasing make sure you have the CD. The book has a lot of info but the CD is like "hands on".

This book is required for my course to create a business plan. I just started but so far it is okay.

Dear Amazon, I finished my class. I am thankful for having to purchase this book form Amazon, it was in a very good condition, very reasonably priced, it arrived right away, and I am very delighted. Thanks a bunch for having great sellers on your lists.

This book/CD-rom package makes it very easy to create a business plan. It walks you through every single step, and gives you suggestions about what materials should be in each section of the plan. Highly recommended if you're just starting out with business plan writing, or if you need a refresher.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 3 edition (May 5, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0324421184
  • ISBN-13: 978-0324421187
  • Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 8.4 x 10.6 inches

More Details about BizPlanBuilder Express: A Guide to Creating a Business Plan (with BizPlanBuilder CD-ROM), 3rd Edition

Pricing Strategy: Setting Price Levels, Managing Price Discounts and Establishing Price Structures, 1st Edition, Tim J. Smith

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0538480882/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0538480882&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Learn how to make pricing decisions that will maximize a firm's profits by creating and capturing customers with PRICING STRATEGY: SETTING PRICE LEVELS, MANAGING PRICE DISCOUNTS AND ESTABLISHING PRICE STRUCTURES. Written by recognized pricing thought leader and principal of a successful pricing firm, Tim J. Smith, this comprehensive book emphasizes the stakeholder's importance in making decisions, while highlighting key trade-offs to consider when choosing between opposing outcomes. In this book's balanced presentation of quantitative instruction and qualitative concepts, learn more about the influences that should guide your decision making.

Review
"The book is the most comprehensive pricing strategy book currently available on the market. It explains conceptual pricing topics that can be readily understood and applied by managers setting and managing price." --Steve Shook, University of Idaho

"The book not only covers the various aspects of strategic pricing, it also provides the necessary quantitative tools to determine the price levels. This book overcomes one of the key weaknesses of its competitor, Nagle and Holden's Strategy and Tactics of Pricing, i.e., not enough tools to arrive at prices." -- Praveen Kopalle, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College

About the Author
Well-known in the industry as a thought leader in pricing, Dr. Tim Smith is Managing Principal of Wiglaf Pricing as well as Adjunct Professor of Marketing at DePaul University. Dr. Smith is a researcher, an instructor, and a consultant in pricing strategy. He is a regular presenter at THE Professional Pricing Society conferences, in both the United States and Europe. With hard-hitting, focused messages for executives, he regularly presents actions that lead to dynamic results. At Wiglaf Pricing, Dr. Smith provides strategic pricing support for globally leading firms such as Symantec, as well as a host of entrepreneurial firms and portfolio companies of private capital. Dr. Smith has developed his insights into pricing through past roles, including Chief Marketing Officer of ISB Development, a software subsidiary of Nonolet in Novosibirsk, Russia, and Business Development Manager of SPL WorldGroup, a software product and consulting firm. Dr. Smith began his career as a research scientist in quantum mechanics before his interest in strategy prompted him to pursue an MBA. His focus on pricing is a natural culmination of his deep love of math and his market orientation. Dr. Smith holds an MBA with High Honors in Strategy and Marketing from the University of Chicago GSB, a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Chicago, a BS in Chemistry and Physics, and BA in Mathematics from Southern Methodist University. In addition to this text, he has authored another book on systematically growing revenue in business.

I first purchased this book about a year ago as I was beginning to re-engage in a B2B industry I had previously spent 20+ years in. Strategy is always an interesting topic, and inquisitive by nature I have always been intrigued by why firms, mine and others took the pricing actions that they did, so I bought the "textbook". Although as a textbook it is complete with exercises at the end of each chapter (and answer sets which are not available -ug), it is written at a level and with a style which makes it easily readable.

The understanding of pricing strategies gained from reading this book, along with following the author Tim Smith through his work at his consulting company Wiglaf Pricing and their [...] has allowed me to reexamine my industry with renewed insight, and identify a path forward which is more explainable, well reasoned and sucessfully sustainable.

I consider Pricing Strategy to be a must read for anyone serious about understanding the pricing side of a business. I highly recommend Pricing Strategy without reservation.

While I am somewhat biased as an associate of Tim Smith but this presentation is the best I have ever seen on the subject of strategic pricing. I have been teaching marketing as an adjunct professor in Chicago for 28 years and pricing is an integral part of my teaching curricula. This book takes the art and science of pricing and setting prices to an entire new level. It offers excellent perspective in pricing and theory and practice and offers the most complete presentation of pricing that I have ever seen.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 344 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 1 edition (January 18, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0538480882
  • ISBN-13: 978-0538480888
  • Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 7.9 x 10 inches

More Details about Pricing Strategy: Setting Price Levels, Managing Price Discounts and Establishing Price Structures, 1st Edition

Organization Theory: A Public and Nonprofit Perspective, 3rd Edition, Harold F. Gortner

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0495006807/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0495006807&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Master organizational theory with ORGANIZATION THEORY: A PUBLIC AND NON-PROFIT PERSPECTIVE! With coverage of how organizational theories relate to both government and nonprofits, this political science text provides you with information that is vital for your future career. A book specific website provides case studies, review materials, and links for further exploration that help you discover how theory applies to real-life. Studying is made easy with tools found throughout the text such as review questions, a glossary of important terms, ethical considerations, and the impact of technology on government and nonprofit organizations.

Review
Preface. 1. Organization Research and Theory. 2. Blurring Sectors: Public and Private. 3. Pivotal Controversies. 4. Structure. 5. Communication. 6. Accountability and Transparency. 7. Decisionmaking. 8. Motivation and Culture. 9. Leadership. 10. Change and Stability. Glossary. Index (an author index and a subject index).

About the Author
Harold F. Gortner is professor emeritus of government and politics at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Gortner's research and teaching interests are in the areas of organization theory, public administration ethics, public management, and Canadian politics. In addition to holding administrative positions at the university, he has worked in state government agencies and taught in and consulted with foreign universities. Other publications include ADMINISTRATION IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR and ETHICS FOR PUBLIC MANAGEMENT, along with articles and chapters in a variety of public administration journals and anthologies.

Kenneth L. Nichols is associate professor of public policy and administration at the University of Maine. Dr. Nichols' research and teaching interests include organizational change, technology impact, futures research techniques, ethics in the workplace, and administrative themes in literature. A former administrator with the Internal Revenue Service, he has co-edited ENTERPRISE GOVERNMENT: FRANCHISING AND CROSS-SERVICING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT and published articles about organizational change, ethics, older employees, tax policy, and technology dissemination. He is developing a how-to book of strategic management and forecasting tools.

Carolyn Ball is an associate professor of public policy and administration and director of public administration graduate programs at the University of Maine in Orono. Dr. Ball's teaching and research interests include diversity¿particularly religious diversity in the workforce¿and organizational behavior and culture, as well as evaluation. She has published articles on religion, community policing, domestic violence, and evaluation. She has worked in a state workforce development agency and in healthcare and youth nonprofit agencies. Her consulting experience includes working with state and local transportation and public safety departments.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Cengage Learning; 3 edition (October 2, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0495006807
  • ISBN-13: 978-0495006800
  • Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 6.4 x 9.1 inches

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Monday, December 16, 2013

Kaizen: The Key To Japan's Competitive Success, 1st Edition, Masaaki Imai

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007554332X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=007554332X&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


For the professional manager or student of management, a comprehensive handbook of 16 Kaizen management practices that can be put to work. KAIZEN uses more than 100 examples in action and contains 15 corporate case studies.

From Library Journal
Books about Japanese management have become kind of a cottage industry, from Theory Z ( LJ 5/1/81) to The Art of Japanese Management ( LJ 8/1/81) and The Mind of the Strategist ( LJ 6/1/82) to Kaisha: the Japanese corporation ( LJ 12/85). This volume covers some of the same groundthe current superiority of Japanese management stylebut approaches things from a different perspective. Essentially, Imai contends that the Japanese edge can be found in a philosophical orientation captured in the concept of Kaizen. Kaizen management is anchored in the notion of perpetual improvementeven if all is going well. In contrast to U.S.-style management, it takes a longer-run view and is process-oriented rather than geared to immediate results. Importantly, the Kaizen philsophy is also quantifiable , rooted in the mathematics of quality control theory. Recommended. Gene Laczniak, Coll. of Business Administration, Marquette Univ., Milwaukee Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The book Kaizen is very famous and it is often cited. Only because of it's fame, it is worth reading already. Imai shows how production is organized in Japan, and he shows the enormous attention given in Japan to continuous improvement. However, he is rather simplistic about the differences between Japan and the West. However, the book gives a good introduction is some major themes in the field of continuous improvement and it is the origin of many ideas later cited by other. Thus: worth reading if you want to get to know a basic book about continuous improvements in production processes.

Most American businesses no longer worry so much about the Japanese miracle. International focus has moved from Japan to China and back to Europe. Many Japanese companies are now looking to the US for recapitalization and management assistance.

So why is a book on Japanese management techniques still so relevant?

First of all, continuous improvement and lean manufacturing have become universal management tools, not strictly limited to one country. This book presents as good an introduction to the subject as any. With today's focus on execution, this topic are becoming even more current. (Dare I say topical?)

Additionally, understanding continuous improvement is still important in the context of broader corporate change. What are the strength and limitations of incremental changes versus more radical corporate moves? Read the book and learn more.

This book certainly won't turn a mediocre manager into a great leader, but Kaizen is a useful addition to the toolbox of any manager.

This book covers the relevant aspects of Kaizen and its implementation. Don't expect this book to give you a step-by-step implementation plan for your company. It does something better than that: it gives you the understanding to design your own implementation plan. It is a good basis for discussion. I often reference it while lecturing about Kaizen and TPM and take a few sentences from the book to challenge the audience. Everyone who pioneers in Kaizen in his/her company needs this understanding (and a set of brains to translate the concept to the everday reality, but that's why they pay you the big bucks, I hope). Although it's a very good book, you will find yourself stimulated to read other material on this topic because it creates an "eager want" to know more and to see the puzzle come together. In the end, no author will do that; finalizing the puzzle is your job...

To be concrete, this book is definately recommended. You'll never understand it all by just reading one book (or by just reading, period). It will give you a quantum leap in your understanding and all concepts will be there. Only action and involvement can do more.

This is an excellent book on how production is organised in Japan. It explains the Kaizen concept of continuous improvement and its implementation, highlighting the essential differences between the production and operations management philosophies of the West with those of Japan. The foundation of the Kaizen method consists of five fundamental elements namely teamwork, personal discipline, improved morale, quality circles and suggestions for improvement.

This is a very enlightening book for those who want to understand the basic concepts of continuous improvement (as opposed to innovation or business process reengineering) in the production process and how this has been successfully applied in Japan. Some very successful companies like Toyota owe their success largely to the employment of this concept.

This is essential reading for those who wish to introduce Kaizen in their organisation. The book is written in a simple and easy to follow and understand style. However, the book is becoming a bit dated having been written two decades ago, and in any case, the spotlight nowadays has shifted to China, but nevertheless, this is excellent reading about a concept that is still delivering good value to those companies that are correctly employing it.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 260 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Irwin; 1 edition (November 1, 1986)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 007554332X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0075543329
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches

More Details about Kaizen: The Key To Japan's Competitive Success, 1st Edition

Managing Operations Across the Supply Chain, 1st Edition, Morgan Swink

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0073403318/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0073403318&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Managing Operations Across the Supply Chain is the first book to offer a global, supply chain perspective of operations management – a treatment that embraces the foundations of operations management but includes new frameworks, concepts, and tools to address the demands of today and changing needs of the future. It reflects three key shifts in operations management:

1. From a focus on the internal system to a focus on the supply chain
2. From a local focus to a global focus
3. From an emphasis on tools and techniques to an emphasis on systems, people, and processes

There are errors in the book (more than there should be). Also, there are steps left out when the book is trying to explain how to solve a problem.

Please fix now. It somehow doesn't work well on Android devices. It always said "incompatible with this device." :( Anyone with a Samsung Note 2 should NOT buy this ebook.

Who doesn't like managing operations across a supply chain? Helped me ace my class and that is all I needed from it.

Clean book and would buy from this seller again. I do like the outline of the book and the side notes in the margins which helps with quick reviews and homework.

I purchased this book for a college course. It's your average textbook and nothing is really that special about it. I'm not a huge fan of the book because it's not an exciting read for me at all. It got me through the course though so I guess that's a plus!

I assumed the book, if bought new, would include the DVD (required for the class I'm taking). Once I received the book I found out the DVD was not included. To be fair, Amazon never said the DVD was included, and I think the publisher does not automatically include the DVD if not specifically requested. While I blame this problem on the publisher, I think Amazon should be aware of the problem and require the publisher to include the DVD.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 608 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Irwin; 1 edition (March 8, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0073403318
  • ISBN-13: 978-0073403311
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 8.5 x 11 inches

More Details about Managing Operations Across the Supply Chain, 1st Edition

Writing Effective Policies and Procedures: A Step-By-Step Resource for Clear Communication, 1st Edition, Nancy J. Campbell

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081447960X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=081447960X&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Book Description
"Policies and procedures -- they're what make a company run efficiently and legally. Now managers have a definitive guide to creating accurate policies and procedures documents. The book is useful for professionals in such areas as:

* health and safety * human resources * office management * administration * quality
* manufacturing * customer service * finance and accounting.

Readers will enjoy the unusually friendly, informal approach of this book. Loaded with examples, checklists, guidelines, quick tips, work plans, and forms, it is ready for immediate use. The book shows how to:

* write (and design) documents clearly (so employees will understand and follow the policies)
* plan, analyze, and research each element
* help employees increase efficiency, reduce mistakes and frustration, and save time and money -- by providing clear guidelines to follow
* avoid legal mistakes that can get a company in trouble."

About the Author
NANCY J. CAMPBELL (Kansas City, MO) is a trainer, facilitator, and speaker specializing in the development of management skills to enhance employee performance.

The book is easy to read and understand. It provides helpful guidelines and background material to design procedures. It works a bit as a checklist, in order to remember all the elements in procedure writting. However, it's not meant for any particular industry, and is very general. I would have liked to find more specific examples, and maybe sections for particular industries.

This book was very helpful in getting started with the procedures that our department so desparately needed. The book didn't mention the computer industry in particular but everything applied. It helped us get the information extracted from the appropriate people, pick a format, plan, and write. The book is easy to read and not dry at all. The 'tools and resources' check lists were great. This book was worth the price tag for me.

Some of the basic writing tips regarding word choice, sentence length, reading level, and formatting are great. The rest might apply if your company has never documented its policies and procedures before or if you work in a static workplace (government office?) where policies or procedures are added or changed only a couple of times a year (do people really still print these on paper?) However, if you work at a dynamic, constantly changing company that must respond to thousands of different customer queries a day, much of the advice is not applicable.

Product Details :
  • Plastic Comb: 412 pages
  • Publisher: AMACOM (January 1, 1998)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 081447960X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0814479605
  • Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 8.7 x 10.8 inches

More Details about Writing Effective Policies and Procedures: A Step-By-Step Resource for Clear Communication, 1st Edition

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Second Stage Entrepreneurship: Ten Proven Strategies for Driving Aggressive Growth, 1st Edition, Daniel J. Weinfurter

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1137302585/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1137302585&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Successful serial entrepreneur Dan Weinfurter utilizes his wealth of experience to explain how to drive a start-up company from concept to competitor

Second Stage Entrepreneurs takes the potential entrepreneur throughout the course of their company, showing them how to set up an appropriate and effective company culture. Based upon the author's own experiences leading multiple companies past their founding and into growth, Weinfurter offers readers a key look into the challenges they will face at every step of the journey.

Review
"In an era where it seems everyone is focused on 'launching' new ventures, finally someone is highlighting the issues around 'growing' a new business. Weinfurter provides practical advice on how to address the challenges of growth to insure a business scales." - Linda Darragh, Executive Director, Kellogg Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative (KIEI), and Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

"Weinfurter's book shows entrepreneurs how to strive for significant revenue growth with practical and specific advice. Highly recommended." - Shellye Archambeau, CEO, MetricStream

"This is a must read for entrepreneurs facing the central challenge of growth. Weinfurter provides a comprehensive yet practical framework to help business leaders harness all their resources to drive business success." - Ganesh Natarajan, CEO, Mindcrest Inc.

"Successfully growing a business today is not for the faint-hearted, and Dan's book provides practical advice and real-world solutions to those gutsy enough to start a business in the face of so much economic uncertainty." - Jim Kaitz, President and CEO, Association for Financial Professionals

"Dan's book captures his own experiences of growing several companies through the Second Stage of Entrepreneurship and lays out the important steps in an easy to read and common sense approach. Second Stage Entrepreneurship will help all emerging entrepreneurs plan for the challenges and the wonderful adventure they will be living." - Joseph P. Flanagan, Chairman and CEO, Acquirent, LLC

"Great ideas and insights into making a business grow and succeed once you've actually started your business! This is a 'How To' book on growing and managing the many facets of the enterprise, to create a truly cutting edge successful business." - Jude Reyes, Reyes Holdings

"A fantastic reference for entrepreneurs and leaders of small, growing businesses. Weinfurter's insights provide an invaluable checklist for those who want to take their business to the next level." - Keith H. Yamada, CIVC Partners

"It's a must-read for every entrepreneur. Dan Weinfurter knows from his own experience and that of the scores of business owners whom he's advised that a great idea or even a proven business model is not enough. He drives home the importance of advance planning and great personnel. If you want to know how to expand your business without giving up control, Dan tells you how. He makes it clear that, if you want to do what you like, then you need to do what you're good at and let others do the rest. It's a 180-page MBA." - Christopher G. Kennedy, Founder and Chairman of Top Box Foods and Chairman of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, Inc.

"Dan Weinfurter is a builder of businesses. In Second Stage Entrepreneurship, he shares his experience and accumulated wisdom in developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for growing companies. His Ten Proven Strategies - ranging from competitive differentiation to organizational development/hiring to culture and, ultimately, to planning the founder's exit - will be a useful guide for any entrepreneur making the transition from start-up to sustainable growth." - Eric Larson, Managing Partner/Founder, Linden LLC

About the Author
Dan Weinfurter is the managing partner of Chicago Growth Consultants and serial entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience. He has been the founder and CEO of two private equity-backed businesses and was the 'number two' executive for a third, all three of which achieved high rankings on the Inc. 500. Parson Group, started from a business plan in 1995, landed the coveted #1 spot on Inc. Magazine's 'Inc. 500' list in 2000. He has provided both consulting and interim management to a variety of both start-ups and large public companies. He currently serves on the Boards of Colonnade Advisors and ThermoFluids, and was formerly a mentor for the Clinton Foundation's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. He has been featured or quoted in Inc. Magazine, CFO Magazine, Chicago Tribune and The Chicago Sun Times, BBC Online, the New York Times, and Wall Street Journal among others.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (October 22, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1137302585
  • ISBN-13: 978-1137302588
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1 inches

More Details about Second Stage Entrepreneurship: Ten Proven Strategies for Driving Aggressive Growth, 1st Edition

Small Groups as Complex Systems: Formation, Coordination, Development, and Adaptation, 1st Edition, Holly Arrow

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080397230X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=080397230X&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


What are groups? How do they behave? Arrow, McGrath, and Berdahl answer these questions by developing a general theory of small groups as complex systems. Basing their theory on concepts distilled from general systems theory, dynamical systems theory, and complexity and chaos theory, they explore groups as adaptive, dynamic systems that are driven by interactions among group members as well as between the group and its embedding contexts. In addition, they consider not only the group’s members and their distribution of attributes, but also the group’s tasks and technology in order to understand how those members, tasks, and tools are intertwined, coordinated, and adjusted. Throughout the book, the authors focus our attention on relationships among people, tools, and tasks that are activated by a combination of individual and collective purposes and goals that change and evolve as the group interacts over time.

About the Author
Dr. Arrow has two major research interests. The first is the formation and development of small groups as complex dynamic systems. The second is the psychology of war, in particular the evolution of social capacities that help men and women cope with the challenges to survival and reproductive success posed by war. Topics of recent papers include gender relations in the military, the evolution of heroism, the role of friendship in dissolving the social anxiety of outgroup interactions, sources of cohesion in groups of different sizes, and using complexity to improve the effectiveness of groups in health care.

I wish I had found this book in 2000 when it was published. It was groundbreaking at the time and still an excellent book on theories of small groups. It is primarily an academic book for psychological and sociological research on small groups but also includes insights for business and other disciplines.

But now that 14 years have passed since its publication it clearly lacks the latest research on groups and the world has moved on. Yet, my reason for reviewing this book and recommending it, is that remains an entry point for bringing complexity theory to human and organizational systems. Again, while it lacks the latest research (because of its age) it has clear and concise language about complexity concepts that make it relevant today.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I is about the history of small group scholarship. Part II introduces a complexity-oriented theory of small groups. Part III speaks of implications of the theory along with strategies for future research. Since much has changed in the complexity field in the last decade, I will not critique the theory or strategies that were proposed at the time of publication. Rather, I will just list some gems that I found particularly valuable in 2013.

1. The authors begin by noting that "many of the important phenomena regarding groups function as nonlinear, recursive, systemic relations - hallmarks of complex systems" (p. 27) and that: "Small group research studies done in the typical experimental setting not only fail to study the interactions between group and embedding context but take great pains to strip away "irrelevant" contextual factors" (p. 27). This is still a point of contention today - but the authors got this right. It's a good reference for introducing complexity theory.

2. A number of complexity terms are introduced, defined, and applied within the context of small groups or organizations:

Groups as self-organizing systems (p. 38)
System level emergence from local actions (p. 56)
Attractors (p. 57)
Initial conditions (p. 74)
Chaos theory (p. 155)
Adaptation (p. 172)
Fitness Landscape (p. 172)
Feedback (p. 202)(Generally a dynamical systems perspective - not always consistent with complexity theory)
Co-evolution (p. 207)

3. The reader will find much to like about the application of these topics within the context of groups and organizations. It especially provides an in-depth discussion of fitness landscapes and attractors which are taken from the mathematics of complex systems. Here, these topics are applied in a literal as well as a metaphorical way to explain particular types of group behavior.

Overall, the authors' perspective and theoretical development is based on a synthesis of dynamical systems theory, complexity theory, and general systems theory to explain numerous group processes (formation, development, transactions, etc.). It is difficult to judge nearly 14 years later, the specific contributions that were made at time of publication, since we know much more today about organizational complexity. For example, it is much more likely today that researchers incorporate stochastic variables into models of complexity rather than considering them to be non-relevant (p. 38).

Today, we also appreciate that groups and organizations (due to path dependence and learning) are far-from-equilibrium, a concept which departs from dynamical systems theory where systems are perceived to be stable or correctable to regain stability. Consequently, concepts such as feedback are envisioned and function in very different ways from some of the descriptions in this book.

Much has also changed in the study of social networks which particularly enrich the topic of group behaviors. Today's research has advanced our understanding of local behaviors affecting system outcomes, especially given the power of computers to model high degree vertices and edges in networks to reveal the effects of small changes.

None of these comments are criticisms of an excellent book published in 2000. Those who study group processes and complexity will benefit from this resource.

If you found this review helpful please click "Yes".

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 344 pages
  • Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc; 1 edition (March 21, 2000)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 080397230X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0803972308
  • Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches

More Details about Small Groups as Complex Systems: Formation, Coordination, Development, and Adaptation, 1st Edition

Health Economics, 1st Edition, Frank A. Sloan

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0262016761/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0262016761&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


This book introduces students to the growing research field of health economics. Rather than offer details about health systems around the world without providing a theoretical context, Health Economics combines economic concepts with empirical evidence to enhance readers' economic understanding of how health care institutions and markets function. It views the subject in both microeconomic and macroeconomic terms, moving from the individual and firm level to the market level to a macroeconomic view of the role of health and health care within the economy as a whole. The book includes discussion of recent empirical evidence on the U.S. health system and can be used for an undergraduate course on U.S. health economics. It also contains sufficient material for an undergraduate or masters course on global health economics, or for a course on health economics aimed at health professionals. It includes a chapter on nurses as well as a chapter on the economics of hospitals and pharmaceuticals, which can be used in master's courses for students in these fields. It supplements its analysis with readings (both classic and current), extensive references, links to Web sites on policy developments and public programs, review and discussion questions, and exercises.

Review
" Health Economics is Sloan and Hsieh's magnum opus, in which they share with readers their exceptionally broad and rich understanding of all aspects of the field. There are very few people who could have written this book, and among them very few who would have been willing to expend the time and effort to synthesize decades of research and make it all clear and accessible. This textbook is a gift to the next generation of health economists."--John Cawley, Professor of Policy Analysis and Management, Professor of Economics, and Co-Director of the Institute on Health Economics, Health Behaviors and Disparities, Cornell University

"Sloan and Hsieh fluidly integrate the basic insights from economics into the study of health care and health care financing, while incorporating new developments in medical decision-making analysis and behavioral economics. Many students in the U.S. come to health economics with an interest in global health issues, and they will see here international application of the main principles. An excellent first textbook in health economics."--Thomas McGuire, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School

"This comprehensive book covers virtually every aspect of health economics. The book can be used in a highly successful manner in courses for undergraduate economics majors and minors, as well in those for undergraduates and graduate students with little background in the discipline. Moreover, given its wide-ranging discussions of practically all of the recent literature, it is a key supplementary text for graduate courses in health economics. Bravo for this tour de force of the field!"--Michael Grossman, Distinguished Professor of Economics, City University of New York Graduate Center; Health Economics Program Director, National Bureau of Economic Research

" Health Economics is likely to be the new standard. The exposition is accessible and engaging. The economic content is deep as well as broad, and will serve the needs of both advanced students and economics novices."--John A. Romley, Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California; Economist, Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics; Managing Editor, Forum for Health Economics & Policy

About the Author
Frank Sloan is J. Alexander McMahon Professor of Health Policy and Management and Professor of Economics at Duke University. A leader in the field of health economics for more than thirty years, he is coauthor of The Price of Smoking (2004) and Medical Malpractice (2008) and coeditor of Incentives and Choices in Health Care (2008), all published by the MIT Press.

Chee-Ruey Hsieh is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Economics, Academica Sinica, Taiwan, and the coeditor of three previous books on the economics of health care.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 816 pages
  • Publisher: The MIT Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0262016761
  • ISBN-13: 978-0262016766
  • Product Dimensions: 1.4 x 8.1 x 9 inches
More Details about Health Economics, 1st Edition

Friday, December 13, 2013

Key Management Ratios, 4th Edition (Financial Times Series), Ciaran Walsh

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0273719092/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0273719092&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


With over 33,000 copies sold, Key Management Ratios is a market “classic”. This new edition is re-packaged with a new jacket design to revitalise the Key Management brand and new two-colour internals make it more readable and visually appealing.

Key Management Ratiosis an antidote to any fear of finance. Drawing data from 200 companies worldwide, the book brings clarity and simplicity to its explanation of every measure and shows how they all link together to drive your business.

From cash flow and profit to ROI and ROTA, its unique approach remains as classic as ever, bringing a simple and visual understanding to a complex subject.

From the Back Cover
Financial measures are critical for business success and if you’re a manager, for your career. That may scare some people. But here’s the good news: there is a relatively small number of essential management ratios with which you can measure any aspect of business performance you need to. If you can master these, you will have a firm grip of business finance and need never be put off by the numbers again.

Key Management Ratios cuts straight to the measures that matter. It shows you what they are and explains exactly how they show just what’s going on in your company. Its clarity of explanation and unique visual presentation will help you quickly understand everything you need to know about business ratios.

THE CLEAREST GUIDE TO THE CRITICAL NUMBERS THAT DRIVE YOUR BUSINESS

About the Author
Ciaran Walsh is Senior Specialist Finance at the Irish Management Institute, Dublin. He is trained both as an economist and an accountant and had 15 years industry experience before joining the academic world. His work with senior managers over many years has enabled him to develop his own unique approach to training corporate finance. As a consequence, he has lectured in most European countries, and the Middle East. His main research interest is to identify and computerize the links that tie corporate growth and capital structure into stock market valuation.

If ever there was an un-putdownable book in financial management, this is it.

The author has extremely clear fundamentals, and makes it very easy to follow his logic every step of the way.

The introductory chapters on accounting are the best I have come across. The industry benchmarks are extremely useful. It would be great if we had a newer edition, with updated benchmarks, and a more industry-specific break up (e.g. software)

This book is a must-have for MBAs, under-grads, managers, small business owners, and just about anyone who needs to analyze ratios.

I'm very impressed with Mr. Walsh book (review based on 3rd print). I have never come across a textbook on this subject which made the links between balance sheet, income statement and cashflow so much clear right from the beginning. The set-up of the book is great with clear pictures accompanied with explanatory text. Whenever I have to review a certain term, just seeing the graphics brings it all back.

Product Details :
  • Series: Financial Times Series
  • Paperback: 408 pages
  • Publisher: FT Press; 4 edition (January 24, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0273719092
  • ISBN-13: 978-0273719090
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches

More Details about Key Management Ratios, 4th Edition (Financial Times Series)

The Supply Mangement Handbook, 7th Edition, Joseph Cavinato

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071445137/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0071445137&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


Turn to the collective wisdom of the field's top experts to understand and solve even the most complex supply management issue

For more than three decades, The Supply Management Handbook (formerly The Purchasing Handbook) has been vital for purchasing and supply professionals in every field and industry. This latest edition comprehensively updates and revises this classic to encompass the ongoing shift from simple purchasing to a new, more technology-based imperative--identifying and managing supply chain sources and strategies.

Addressing every essential issue from outsourcing to total cost of ownership to negotiations and contract management, an international team of supply management experts offers the authoritative, practical coverage you need to survive and thrive in today's ever-changing supply management environment. Topics include:

What key organizations are doing now to develop and implement next-generation supply methodologies
An organization's duty to and interaction with society, and insights for addressing the evolving concept of social responsibility in the supply arena
A five-step best practices framework for implementing total cost of ownership in supply management
Logistics considerations for the supply management professional
Supply management in a risk-sensitive environment
Sharpening your supply management skills

Dramatic social and technological changes have brought new roles, responsibilities, and challenges to supply managers - along with exciting new opportunities. This definitive reference is the most trusted and efficient way to prosper in this ever-changing field.

About the Author
Joseph L. Cavinato is a professor at The American School of International Management.

Ralph G. Kauffman is a professor at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Anna E. Flynn is vice president and associate professor at the Institute for Supply Management. The Institute for Supply Management produces the influential Manufacturing Report, a monthly economic indicator.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 1000 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 7 edition (June 13, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0071445137
  • ISBN-13: 978-0071445139
  • Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 6.3 x 9 inches

More Details about The Supply Mangement Handbook, 7th Edition

Organizational Culture in Action: A Cultural Analysis Workbook, 2nd Edition, Gerald W. Driskill

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1412981085/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1412981085&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


This book is a practical guide to “reading” the culture of organizations and to understanding the implications of culture for organizational effectiveness. Beginning with an explanation of the theories of organizational culture, the book provides guidance on collecting information, leading students through qualitative research methods of observation, interviewing, and analyzing written texts. Students come away equipped to apply cultural insights to fostering diversity, supporting organizational change, making leadership more dynamic, understanding the link between ethics and culture, and achieving personal growth.

Review
"This workbook does a tremendous job of making a lot of complex information easy to understand and apply to real situations." (John Gribas 2010-09-20)

"Excellent and most applicable for any organization going through restructuring." (Kumiko Watanuki 2010-12-07)

About the Author
Dr. Gerald W. Driskill (Ph.D., University of Kansas; M.A., & B.A., Abilene Christian University)is an Associate Professor of Speech Communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has taught graduate classes in Organizational Culture and Intercultural Communication since 1993 at UALR. He has taught Managerial Communication in Bangkok, Thailand and has also published a number of organizational communication articles from observation and interview transcript analysis in a multinational firm to analysis of communication patterns in day care cultures. He has served as a President of the local chapter of ASTD (American Society for Training and Development). The workbook grew from his collaboration with Dr. Brenton as he received positive feedback from mid-level managers and others in the ASTD network that used the course material in their own organizations.

Gerald continues to teach in the areas of organizational and intercultural communication. On campus he continues to take a lead role in internationalizing the curriculum. His current participant observer research focuses on communication and unity among religious, non-profit, and government organizations engaged in community building. This research provides a window into issues relevant to leaders creating a culture of community mindedness within their organizations.

Dr. Angela Laird Brenton (Ph.D., University of Kansas M.A., University of Oklahoma, B.S.E. & B.A., Oklahoma Christian University) is Dean of the College of Professional Studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has taught graduate classes in Organizational Culture since 1982 at UALR, Pepperdine University, Abilene Christian University, and Southwest Missouri State University. She has published a number of articles using qualitative research methods to study organizational communication--from critical linguistic analysis of organizational texts to analysis of organizational identification. She collaborated on the workbook with Dr. Driskill using materials she has developed over the years of teaching and consulting in the areas of organizational culture.

Angi, with her current administrative duties as dean of an eight-department college, teaches primarily in the area of conflict analysis and mediation and plans future writing projects in that field. She is particularly interested in conflict analysis in religious and non-profit organizations, as well as developing consensus in public policy disputes. She has been appointed as a founding faculty member of the Clinton School of Public Service, associated with the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, and is currently developing a course in Communication Process and Conflict Transformation for that innovative master's in public service.

I recieved my book very quickly and in good condition. It is the newest edition and so I did not waste my money buying a product that was out of date.

Product Details :
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc; Second Edition edition (September 13, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1412981085
  • ISBN-13: 978-1412981088
  • Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 8.4 x 10.8 inches

More Details about Organizational Culture in Action: A Cultural Analysis Workbook, 2nd Edition

Monday, December 9, 2013

Shipping Derivatives and Risk Management, 1st Edition, Amir Alizadeh


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0230215912/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0230215912&linkCode=as2&tag=freemanagementzon-20


A comprehensive book on shipping derivatives and risk management which covers the theoretical and practical aspects of financial risk in shipping. The book provides a thorough overview of the practice of risk management in shipping with the use of theoretical examples and real-life applications.

Review
'A thorough investigation of the fascinating shipping markets by experts in the field. A "must have" for practitioners and researchers in the commodity world.' - Helyette Geman, Director, Commodity Finance Centre, Birkbeck College, University of London and ESCP-EAP 'This is certainly a unique book which combines the theoretical and practical aspects of risk management in shipping. The book provides the readers with essential knowledge of risk assessment in shipping markets and enables them to understand the freight derivatives instruments, their applications, pricing mechanisms and trading strategies. It is a must read for any one involved in the shipping business.' - Mr Knut Moystad, Director of Corporate Development, Imarex 'This useful book combines a practical introduction to risk management techniques with a theoretical exposition for those who want to dig deeper. An excellent choice for anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of freight derivatives.' - Dr Martin Stopford, Managing Director, Clarkson Research Studies

About the Author
AMIR ALIZADEH is a Reader in Shipping Economics and Finance at Cass Business School, City University, London, UK. His research interest includes modelling commodity and shipping freight markets, derivatives and risk management, and forecasting. He has published in several academic journals in the area of transportation, risk management, finance and economics, and has been working as an advisor and a consultant.

NIKOS NOMIKOS is a Reader Lecturer in Shipping Risk Management and Director of the MSc degree in Shipping, Trade and Finance at Cass Business School, London, UK. He holds a BSc in Economics from Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece and an MSc in Shipping Trade & Finance from Cass Business School. After completing his PhD thesis, which examined the effectiveness of risk management techniques for hedging freight rate risk, he commenced working at the Baltic exchange as Senior Market Analyst, being in charge of the freight indices and risk management section. Since November 2001, he has been with the Faculty of Finance at Cass Business School, where he lectures on Finance, Financial Markets, Futures & Options and Financial Engineering. His current research interests include risk management and risk analysis in shipping, commodity and financial futures markets. His research papers have been published in international finance journals and have been presented in conferences world-wide. He also acts as a consultant on issues of risk management on a number of shipping and financial institutions.

This book provides very good understanding on how to measure and manage freight rate volatility and explore the options available to the shipping professional.

Product Details :
  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (May 12, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0230215912
  • ISBN-13: 978-0230215917
  • Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 5.6 x 8.6 inches

More Details about Shipping Derivatives and Risk Management, 1st Edition

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Great Companies Deserve Great Boards: A CEO's Guide to the Boardroom, 1st Edition, Beverly Behan




Review
“I have attended over 500 board meetings of Fortune 100 companies and I wish I had read this book before I went to the first one! It is excellent.” —Norm Augustine, retired Chairman and CEO, Lockheed Martin

“This book is a must-read for any CEO or board member that wants to create a high-performing board” —Steve Bennett, former CEO, Intuit and board member QUALCOMM, Symantec

“Beverly Behan has made a compelling argument for getting better value from many public companies’ most under-used asset—the board of directors—and has given us an accessible, practical guide to making it happen.” —Nell Minow, Co-Founder, The Corporate Library

“I’ve probably served on more than 50 boards over the last dozen years and was amazed to discover so many ‘new’ ideas in this book. A must-read for directors and perhaps more importantly, new CEOs.” —Frank McKenna, Deputy Chairman, TD Bank Group and former Canadian Ambassador to the United States

“Should be mandatory for C-level executives, a threshold requirement for anyone likely to be elected CEO and a vehicle for all CEOs and directors to study and discuss in order to make the board and themselves more effective.” —Warren Batts, 2006 NACD Director of the Year, retired CEO of four companies, and Adjunct Professor, University of Chicago Business School

“While Great Companies Deserve Great Boards is a useful primer for first-time CEOs and board members, the book also provides helpful reminders for those more experienced in the boardroom.” —Arthur D. Collins, Jr., retired Chairman and CEO, Medtronic, Inc. and board member of three Fortune 500 companies

“A powerful resource for CEOs and board members packed with relevant, real-life examples” —Joe Herring, Chairman and CEO, Covance

“Crisply written and chock-full of insights for CEOs and board members” —Leonard Coleman, former President, National League of Professional Baseball and Presiding Director, Avis-Budget Group

“I highly recommend Great Companies Deserve Great Boards as an excellent read for CEOs, directors and others…Beverly Behan has consulted far and wide in preparing this comprehensive book.” —Frank Brown, Dean, INSEAD

“A well-written book from an author who has grappled with the challenges of the boardroom. Contains penetrating insights into the CEO/Board dynamic; offers clear and refreshingly pragmatic recommendations for more effective boards.” —Gail Cook-Bennett, Chair of the Board, Manulife Financial

“I get a great deal of board practices material from a variety of well-regarded sources and this is the single best piece I have read.” —Wendy Lane, board member, Willis Group, Laboratory Corporation of America, UPM-Kymmene

“Beverly Behan has created an outstanding resource in Great Companies Deserve Great Boards. It’s not enough that boards strive to meet obligations. Every company deserves a great board that adds value to the company and makes the CEO a better leader. Beverly has put her two decades of hands-on board experience to work to do just that.” —Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business and active board member of several Canadian and US boards

“Bev hits the nail on the head! Pragmatic and filled with tactics and approaches that really work” —Don Shippar, Chairman and former CEO, ALLETE, Inc.

“Engaging and thought-provoking from the very outset. Soon I was underlining pages for quick future reference. An insightful and valuable handbook for not only CEOs but for all directors.” —Joel L. Reed, Lead Director, Venoco, Inc

“A must-read for new CEOs and those executive who aspire to be competitive for a CEO assignment” – Mike Bonney, President and CEO, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

“How a Board of Directors operates can make or break a CEO. For those CEOs who want to be in the first category, this book is a ‘must-read.’” —James R. Ukropina, former Lead Director of a Fortune 100 company

“Great Companies Deserve Great Boards is a practical primer for CEOs who want to maximize the effectiveness of their boards. Delivers advice on how to transform the corporate board into a significant strategic asset while avoiding the pitfalls that plague so many boards today.” —Susan Ness, former Federal Communications Commissioner and board member.

“Great Companies Deserve Great Boards serves as an indispensable tool and roadmap of the do and don’t in the world of boards. Written in a easy to read 'plane time' format, it provides excellent examples of the author’s teachings and recommendations. The valuable insight gained from this publication are enormously worthwhile for anyone who is on or works with boards.” —Gary D. Cohen, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary, The Finish Line, Inc.

“Great Companies Deserve Great Boards is a must read for not only CEO’s but all board members and senior executives. Beverly Behan shows that she really gets it when it comes to board operations.” —Tim Marquez, Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board,Venoco, Inc.

“Bev Behan has provided the definitive guide on how to fully reap the benefits of a Board of Directors and create a brain trust, a partnership, and a winning team for the company and shareholders.” —Leslie Kenne, Lieutenant general (retired) US Air Force, Board Member of both public and not-for-profit companies

"Bev Behan’s extensive experience working with boards and executives is evident in this book. The concepts presented are sound, simple, and essential for successful board operations. As a new CEO and chairman, I found her book to be very helpful and recommend it highly for board members, CEOs, executives, and anyone that deals with corporate governance." —John C. Procario, Chairman, President and CEO, American Transmission Company

"There are a lot of guides for directors on how to do a better job. But Beverly Behan has written an excellent and very practical book for CEOs about how to get the most from their boards." --BNET

About the Author
Beverly Behan has worked with more than 100 Boards of Directors in the United States, Canada and internationally for over a decade—from Fortune 500s to recent IPOs. For the past three years she has been a regular columnist ("The Boardroom") for Bloomberg BusinessWeek.com. She has been quoted as an expert on board effectiveness by nearly every major business publication, including The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and Business 2.0 and has been named to the Directorship 100, Directorship Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in governance and the boardroom.

Product Details :

  • Hardcover: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (June 7, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0230113656
  • ISBN-13: 978-0230113657
  • Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 6.3 x 9.8 inches


More Details about Great Companies Deserve Great Boards: A CEO's Guide to the Boardroom, 1st Edition