Book Description

B> Appropriate for courses inOrganization Development, this new edition explores the improvement oforganizations through planned, systematic, long-range efforts focused on theorganization's culture and its human and social processes. The authors presenta concise and comprehensive exposition of the theory, practice, and researchrelated to organization development. The Sixth Edition reflects the most recentdevelopments, advances and expansions, and research in the area of OD. KEYTOPICS: Adds and updates new material to provide the most currentinformation available. Strengthens coverage by adding new interventions and newmaterial. Offers a more lively tone and writing style. Emphasizes theeverchanging paradigms in OD theory and describes several new and importantinterventions in considerable detail. Sets discussions in the rapidly-evolvingcontexts of globalization, intensified competition and collaboration, TotalQuality Management (TQM) and large-scale organizational change.Provides excellent coverage of the organization and its dynamicsfor managers and professionals. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

how about some double loop learning ?
This is a flawed edition of a classic book.
Yes, it is historical in its overview. Yes it is dense with ideas and concepts. It makes readers think that OD/change management is hard work. But this is a good thing. Change aint easy, and intervening in people's working lives is serious business. Lets learn from the past. It also has lots of case explanations, and it does explain the theory clearly. I wouldn't let anyone who couldn't understand it near my consultancy work.

The criticism that it is dated is a bit more on the mark; not because the more recent stuff on change isn't there, it is, but it is tacked on to the material from earlier editions with no thought to the coherence of the book's structure. A shame; it needs a good, new third author who loves the original text to bring it up to date.

Despite the flaws, I give it 5 stars to bring the average up. Those who award it only one star do it an injustice. And, a lesson for the would be change agent, things in life, whether books or bits of our client organization are rarely wholly good or wholly bad..... (ok,ok).

Another good thing, compared to its competitors its small !

Out of date. Great during the seventies!
This book is long out of date. Read either Kotter, Beitler, or Schein.

This book is out of date!
This book was written in the seventies! It shows. I recommend reading something current; such as Cummings & Worley, or Beitler, or Kotter.

Great Resource!
I really didn't care for this book at first, but had to purchase it for a class. As I read the book, it began to grow on me and I found it to be a great resource book, one that you may want to keep in your personal library for future questions about organizational development. This book gives great options on how to get people to work together, how to endure the resistance of people during change, as well as how to make the most of the a sucessful organizational change. I wish I had this book when I was president of my organization and had trouble getting larger groups of people, all with various strong opinions, to work together. This book gives it to you straight, a definite source of relief when dealing with or preparing for chaos in an organization!

This book "fills in the blanks" of OD
The book provides an introduction to the discipline, describing the historical foundations as well as specific applications in both for-profit and non-profit settings. The definition provided is deceptively simple; it is brief, yet completely encompasses the critical elements of OD efforts. What brings me back to it as a text again and again, however, is it's comprehensive list and descriptions of OD techniques. I have yet to find another book that so simply lays out the fundamentals of activities for interpersonal, team, inter-team, and large-scale organizational change. The final chapters deal with issues of consulting and the future of OD.
Because it ranges from a large-scale conceptual overview down to the nitty-gritty specifics of OD activites, it serves as an ideal framework to springboard to other books and readings.

Only caveat: The writing style is not commensurate with the excellence of the content. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you dream of opening up your own retail business, but don’t know how to get started? In Retail Business Kit For Dummies, retail marketing guru Rick Segel gives you the expert advice you need to get your business on its feet, with unbeatable advice on branding, marketing, and merchandising. You’ll figure out how to start and run your business, including day-to-day operations and procedures as well as all the little details retail professional handle on a daily basis.

If you’ve ever wanted to make your living interacting with customers and being your own boss, this book offers all the inside advice you need to get going. In fact, this book is perfect for anyone:

• Who wants to be her own boss
• Considering a career in retailing
• Who loves working with people
• Thinking about opening their own business
• Who loves to sell

Retail Business Kit For Dummies covers all the nuts and bolts of setting up shop — finding the perfect location, choosing and purchasing merchandise, and hiring employees. You’ll also discover how to write a business plan and deal with paperwork like taxes, permits, registrations, and other requirements. There’s also great advice on the art of selling and the fundamentals of promotion and advertising. You’ll also benefit from such practical advice like the ten keys to retailing success and ten ways to impress customers. And there’s much more:

• Branding your business
• Identifying and targeting your ideal customer
• Developing a marketing plan
• Pricing your merchandise
• Fulfilling legal and financial responsibilities
• Getting the word out
• Choosing the right media to advertise in
• Setting up and running a sale
• Fundamentals of accounting and financial statements

The book also includes a helpful CD-ROM packed with sample financial reports, customizable legal and business forms, checklists, and tools for building your own coupons, gift certificates, and much more. Whether you’re thinking about starting a business or need help running the business you already own, Retail Business Kit For Dummies is the fun and easy guide to big profits. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great for basics, too general for experienced marketers
I should preface this review by saying that I am probably not the typical reader the author had in mind when writing this book. As a marketing consultant, I was recently was engaged to develop retail feasibility study and project plan for an Internet retailer planning their first bricks and mortar store. Although I have retail marketing experience, I bought this book to make sure that I had all bases covered and to get some fresh ideas on visual merchandising, retail POS systems and operations for small retailers.

This book is a great tool for a would-be entrepreneur thinking about starting their first retail business. It covers all the basics needed to plan, set up and manage a retail business, from writing the business plan to making the business a reality. The author makes good use of case studies which illustrate some of the retail successes and failures that he has observed. Another feature I found particularly useful are the tips on all aspects of retailing that could take years of trial and error to learn on your own. Last but not least the CD contains a wealth of useful forms and checklists.

Some areas that I would like to see developed in future editions are:

• Visual merchandising and store layout - more on principles and examples of floor plans
• Software suggestions - small business retail POS systems, planogram and merchandising design software
• Sample budgets and project plans
• Links to online sources of information - where to find designers, software, sales staff etc

To summarize, an excellent book on retail basics and if Rick Segel writes an "Advanced Retailing for Dummies" book, I will be the first customer.

Great book for retailing entrepreneurs!
I'm a CPA in Redmond, WA with a heavy retail clientale. (I'm also the author of QuickBooks for Dummies and Quicken for Dummies.)

This is a great book for people looking to start successful retail stops. Tons of great ideas. It's also a great book for established retailers looking to improve their profitability.

My one gripe with the book is that the tax advice and information is wrong. But your accountant or attorney can and should provide that information to you.

...P>Steve

Learning to serve customers the RIGHT way
The most interesting parts of this book were the ones about customer service. Generally I HATE shopping, because salespeople are either all over you the minute you walk in the door, or else they ignore you. (I bet everyone has experienced the
you're-inconveniencing-me-while-I-gab-with-my-friend-on-the-phone syndrome!) It makes you want to buy everything from the Internet-hey....

Sorry I'm being so negative, I just feel that too many stores have forgotten that they exist TO SERVE THE CUSTOMER! Okay, I've vented and I feel better now! My point is that Retail Business Kit For Dummies HASN'T forgotten that. The author (Rick Segel) is adamant that retailers should wow their customers and be appreciative of them. I especially like the chapter on soft suggestive selling-no, it has nothing to do with sex, it's all about offering hassle-free, non-pushy service.

In closing, I think every store owner and manager should read this book. It would make the retail world a much more pleasant place for customers-which would, in turn, make the stores more profitable. Obviously, that's the bottom line.

Everything You Need to Know About Retail Businesses
Hi, Amazon.com shoppers. I would like to say a few words about Retail Business Kit For Dummies. I work in the retail industry, and I was drawn to this book because I heard Rick Segel speak several years ago. He was so funny and inspirational, and I really enjoyed his presentation, unlike some speeches I've heard that put me to sleep. So, I was curious about this book. Let me say that I was not disappointed. I felt that Rick's personality really came across, which made the material very fun to read. (IMHO, it doesn't matter how valuable the information is if it's written in a dry and boring style.) I think the little anecdotes and true stories that he scatters throughout are a great way to illustrate the points he makes. For example, I really liked a story he told about a jewelry store owner who sent out a very elaborate (read, expensive!) invitation to a private sale to his best 78 customers. Almost 50 of them came to the event and spent money, results that totally blew away the response he had gotten to the thousands of cheap postcards he sent out in past promotions. The moral? It pays to focus on your very best customers, even if you have to spend a little more.
Basically, I learned a lot of tips and tricks of the trade that I can share with my colleagues. What a great book! To anyone who's reading this review, check it out! It gives you a ton of great insights you'll appreciate.
Thanks for listening (well, reading!) and have a great day!

This book is priceless!
I loved this book! Actually, I've read several of the Dummies books and liked them all; they really do put complex information in "plain English." Retail Business Kit For Dummies is no exception. After reading it I feel that I could run right out and open up a successful store! I'm not ready to quit my day job just yet. But someday . . . ! ... Read more

Book Description

For advanced undergraduate and MBA courses in Supply Chain Management. This book brings together the strategic role of the supply chain, key strategic drivers of supply chain performance, and the tools and techniques for supply chain analysis. Every chapter gives suggestions that managers can use in practice and all methodologies are illustrated with an application in Excel.Fully updated material keeps the book on the forefront of supply chain management.Distribution networks (Chapter 4); Sourcing (Chapter 13), discusses different sourcing activities including supplier assessment, supplier contracts, design collaboration, and procurement; Price and revenue management (Chapter 15); Early coverage of designing the supply chain network—after developing a strategic framework, readers can discuss supply chain network design in Chapters 5 and 6 and then move on to demand, supply, inventory, and transportation planning; Information Technology in the Supply Chain (Chapter 17).For business professionals managing the supply chain. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good reference material for practitioners
I found this book to be a great source of reference for managers. It is not really a good teaching source, as I thought it already starts with a fair amount of assumed previous knowledge and jargon.

The sections that are most well developed are the ones on inventory management and transportation logistics, where I found examples that were directly applicable to situations I encountered in a retail environment. The portion on forecasting was not as useful, and the part on e-business seemed somewhat contrived. Overall, this is the best reference I have found that does not require a heavy amount of mathematical familiarity.

Excellent book overall but...
I refered and used this book in 2 grad level courses. The first was a business school course on SCM (with an above average quantitative focus for a B-school course) and again for a fully quatitative SC Engineering course. While I was initially very impressed with the book, using this over 2 semesters has raised a few gripes.

For the qualitative issues on SCM {make no mistake, these 'fluff' aspects are very important} there is no other equal. Chopra and Meindl do an outstanding and comprehensive job. They also bring out the importance of using scientific, quantitative techniques for SCM. This however is where my gripes start.

Having brought out the importance of quantitative tools for use in SCM, they do only a moderate job on explaining these tools. For example, the chapter on forecasting (only the most simple and commonly used models are explained) is unnnecessarily complex and confusing. The topics covered are adequete but need revision. Treatment of inventory management also could be more detailed and better explained.

This is an excellent book but for more comprehensive learning (if you want an understanding of the quantitative aspects too), I think this book needs supplementing (say with course notes) or another book like "Modeling the Supply Chain" by Shapiro.

Peter Meindl - The Godfather of modern supply chain mgt
Written by one of the leading minds in the field, Peter Meindl of I2 technologies has a lot to teach. This is an excellent text and as a fellow Dallas/Ft. Worth resident, I would enjoy meeting him. If you are an MBA student with a concentration in Operations Management, this text should be required.

Meindl, a management team member of I2, has helped develop I2 into the undisputed champion in enterprise software. While SAP may have the market share with their archaic DOS based application, I2 has windows functionality and everything that matters. They have raised the bar with their supply chain knowledge, leading solutions, and collaborative knowledge in supply chain strategy. This text will give you a big step forward in becoming a Supply Chain leader.

CLEAR AND CONCISE TEXT WITH GOOD CASES
Although this book is written more for MBA students, the flow and texture of this book should be well-received by those who are not at post-graduate level. For practising managers, like me, I find a great deal of my knowledge gap is filled when reading this book. As the first reviewer mentioned, this book complements a rudimentary text and a more detailed one available in the market, perhaps I may add that it also compliments well with a latest supply chain textbook "Modeling The Supply Chain" which also pairs well with Chopra and Meindl's book because the former offers quite a good spectrum of case studies that supports the text. Some of the numerical exercises seem to come from live cases, too, which led me to appreciate that exercises built in this text are not neccessarily academic ones. I strongly recommend this to international practitioners and students alike since the cases that flow along with the textbook are of international genre.

Tactical approach for Supply Chain
While Handfield and Nichols book may be over-introductory, the better analytical book must be "Designing and Managing the Supply Chain" by Simchi-Levi (1999). Some researchers want more mathematics might jump to "Logic of Logistics" by Simchi-Levi directly. To fill the gap of those 3 books (Handfield vs. Simchi-Levi (SCM) vs. Simchi-Levi (Logic of Logistics), Chopra and Meindl compile almost every issues in Supply Chain Management (SCM) that you can find in publications in this single book. This book is the best compromise between tactics and strategics. Cases and analysis are presented with respect to the topic of each chapter. Only high school mathematics are more than enough to understand the analytical tools they proposed. Readers may opt for this book either the first book in SCM or supplementary book for your further research/study. Chopra and Medindl book is a good support to your "Design and Managing SCM" by Simchi-Levi and I think it can be substituted if you need only one book. Good for both practitioners and educators. ... Read more

Book Description

Since its first appearance, The Art of Floral Design has become the definitive standard in teaching design techniques. In-depth and illustrated in full color, it offers comprehensive information on the principles and mechanics of flower arranging, basic flower anatomy, and arrangement styles for all occasions. This well-written text combines theory and practice to familiarize readers with the basics and guide them through more advanced floral techniques. This book is sure to remain on your reference shelf throughout your career in floral design. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Student's Review
A comprehensive guide to floral care and designing. The author has complete instructions with illustrations which are very helpful.
The author also teaches concepts through repetition and ties the chapters together by reviewing past concepts.

Excellent Textbook of the Basics of Floral Design
We used this textbook in our 'intro to floral design' course at Texas A&M University. I thought it did an excellent job of teaching all of the basic design principles, and it also had very good pictures and diagrams to aide in the learning. Unfortunately, I sold this book at the end of the semester, and I wish that I had kept it. I have been looking for a more economically priced floral design book, as complete as this one, and have not been able to find it. I you are a beginning designer, or need the ultimate floral design reference, this is the book for you!

Textbook Style Book
This is a great book. It is a textbook style book, so it is a little on the technical side. If you are interested in retail floristry then you will find it to be a great book. But if you are a hobbyist or are looking for a book to give you ideas for arrangements to place around the house/office this book maybe more technical than you want.

Lacks good design, but great practical knowledge.
Norah Hunter was my floral design instructor, so of course, we used her book. Coming from a strong design background, I think that the arrangements are at best mediocre and lacking creativity. Some of the design theories seem over simplified to me as well. However, although the design instruction falls short in my opinion, the practical knowledge she teaches about flower names, running a floral business, care and handling, etc. are invaluable to anyone working in the floral industry. The book also contains an excellent appendix of flower and foliage names with illustrations.

The Art of Floral Design
"This is the BIBLE OF THE FLORAL INDUSTRY! " That is the exact words my instructor used five years ago when I attended design school. Since that day, I still refer back to it again and again. The techniques and illustrations are wonderfully formatted in such a way that is easy to understand. Everything from the history of floral design up to todays job opportunities within floristry are covered. If you strive to be a knowledgable designer in all areas, this book will surely lead the way. More examples of topics covered are; wiring techniques for corsages, proper care and handling of flowers, understanding color, design principles, controlling cost, holidays, funeral arrangements, the list goes on and on. This is a must have book for any designers library. Sincerely, Julie E. Bargeron ... Read more

Book Description

The magazine business is an entirely unique industry.It might even be said that every magazine is, in fact, its own business—what works for Playboy is very different than what works for Vogue. The key is in knowing how the business works, and then adapting to fit your idea. James Kobak has the know-how to teach you just that, with over fifty years of experience and several successful startups under his belt. He has written this book to help a new generation of magazine publishers avoid reinventing the wheel, and to let them learn from someone else’s missteps and heartaches instead of their own.

The book starts with the basics: why there is a constant need for new magazines, what makes for a successful magazine, and the life cycle that all magazines go through.Then it plots out, step by step, what is involved in starting a magazine: how to test the concept for a new magazine, produce a pilot issue, develop a business plan, assemble a staff, raise money, and more.Next the book helps you develop an organizational plan: who’s in charge of what, how the various departments get their jobs done, and how they interact with each other.Finally, Kobak covers how a magazine’s strong brand can be used to expand into other areas, such as database marketing, book publishing, and the Internet.

Peppered throughout with immutable laws of magazine publishing, real-life examples, helpful charts, and 168 things you must do, the book concludes with appendices on the history of the business, sources of information, major suppliers and consultants, a glossary of terms, and other necessary facts and information about this growing industry. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A wealth of information
So you want to start a magazine? It won't be easy..it won't be fast--and it definitely won't be cheap!

Author James Kobak took up the unthankful task of trying to write a user-friendly guide to a profession that many magazine publishers study for four years or more at a university or college.

For the most part, Kobak does a pretty good job. He is obviously enthusiastic about the subject. He has been direct witness to the start-up and/or purchase of many magazines. So he knows his subject.

The reader faces one big challenge. Reading this book is like scraping the top off a mountain. Once the reader moves past the initial "you can do it" enthusiasm of the first few chapters, s/he is immediately faced with the immensity of the task that starting a magazine may present. By the time Kobak closes up his last few chapters with the drudgery of statistics, bookkeeping and forecasting, the shackles of optimism will have rolled away from the reader's demeanor and the reality of his/her endeavor will stare him/her boldy in the face.

There is so much information crammed into the 300-some pages of this book that I ran my highlighter dry trying to capture it all. Kobak writes in an unintimidating style for those new to publishing. That said, however, the information is sometimes muddled by sloppy editing and the author's occasional lapses of clarity in his writing.

For its wealth of information alone, this is a must read for anyone who plans on starting a publishing venture without going the college route. Kobak eplains very clearly that starting a magazine is not inexpensive. Perhaps that is why he priced his book so reasonably. So that we readers could learn that fact first.

A relief...
Every single book that I'd ever picked up about the magazine business was pretty cut-n-dry and hard to understand (vocabulary wise) with entirely too many numbers that made me go "???" But this book was conversational and informative. I found out some things that I didn't know about from the magazine I was writing for. It's a great way to learn about the magazine business if you're starting it on your own or just to understand the behind-the-scenes of what the owners do. He lost me in the end with the numbers but I still enjoyed it.

Great for Experienced Publishers Too....
How to Start a Magazine is a must read for anyone thinking about starting a magazine, and anyone currently in the business. While the book targets the wanna-be publisher, it is also one of the best books I have read for experienced magazine professionals too. Kobak masterfully describes all of the key competencies of magazine publishing in a straight forward no nonsense manner. Unlike many texts on this subject, this book is full of practical real-life examples of what to do, and what watch out for. The author also does an excellent job of exploring how to expand the business of established magazines into international markets, book publishing, list rentals and custom publishing. This book is well worth your time and money.

First half great. Second half wanting.
Unlike the more down-to-earth Starting And Running A Successful Newsletter or Magazine, this book is targeted for the up-scale magazine publisher wannabe. Still, it is a worthy addition to anyone serious about publishing for profit.

I have researched high and low for statistical data regarding circulation promotion. This book is the only one that provided quality information that can be used to guage one's prospects after test marketing. This information will prove intensely valuable when I get game and small livestock farming in the test marketing stage.

He also provided great advice regarding establishing the scope to insure you provide what your readers want, with the operative word WANT instead of need. To a degree, of course, he slips into consultant mode, but this wasn't too distractive.

It was only as he got into the later chapters that I felt like he was too intent on getting readers to hire consultants than in providing content for the reader.

James does a great job in explaining the life cycle of periodicals and why so many die after having outlived their usefullness.

I encourage all who consider publishing to buy this book when they buy Cheryl Woodard's.

A must read for people in magzine business
A very readable account which gives perspective on the nature of the business, its pitfalls and surprises. It encapsulates a wealth of experience in pithy sentences and straightforward format. A must for anyone serious abut the magazine business or with even a gleam of becoming a publisher in his or her eye. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Organizational guru Ken Blanchard has long had a knack for writing management books that are easy and fun to read (The One Minute Manager, plus 11 other bestsellers). Now, in his latest, he becomes (with the help of three coauthors) something of a novelist, relating the saga of the Riverbend Warriors, a come-from-behind boys' hockey team, to teach a broader lesson about the importance of, and the key dynamics behind, good teamwork in organizations of every sort.

High Five! starts with otherwise exemplary exec Alan Foster losing his job because--you guessed it--he isn't a team player. Unemployed, bored, and demoralized, he decides to coach his fifth-grade son's failing hockey team into better shape. But it's not until he enlists the help of Miss Weatherby, an aging African-American retired teacher and champion girls' basketball coach that things really start to turn around. As we follow the struggle of the increasingly well-oiled Warriors machine as they drill, strategize, and bond their way through the season, we learn some of the fundamental lessons of what makes good teams--and good team-building by coaches and managers. Among them are "repeated reward and repetition," the guiding notion that "none of us is as smart as all of us," and four key traits that shall here remain undisclosed (hint: their acronym spells PUCK).

As fiction goes, don't expect high literature here. But to its credit, the book's ending isn't 100 percent happy, either. If you worry that the aged but whip-smart Weatherby might die at the end, don't--instead, she becomes perhaps the world's first octogenarian, black female management consultant. As books on teamwork go, Blanchard's latest is on the lighter side, but it still packs a fair share of commonsense wisdom when it comes to putting together, motivating, and sustaining work teams worthy of the Stanley Cup. And it may even have inaugurated a new fiction genre: the organizational tearjerker. --Timothy Murphy ... Read more

Reviews (28)

I'm a Raving Fan for High Five
Typical. That may be the best word to describe Ken Blanchard's recent book, High Five. It's typically written and, as typical for Blanchard, easy to comprehend the point he is trying to make. The story is one of a displaced (fired) Alan Foster, a great performer but horrible team member. Foster has the incorrect notion that individual production is more important than company performance. Too often, people in business and sports begin to believe their production is essential to the team when in fact there production is breaking down the team. High Five takes you into the concept of teamwork with a look at Alan Foster's fifth grade son and his hockey team. They are the cellar dwellers and with good reason...no teamwork. With the help of an aged woman and a bit of introspection, Foster helps turn a band of underachievers into a team worthy of a championship. As a coach of elementary-aged students and a manager of people, High Five is a helpful, instructional tale that will benefit me greatly in both roles. There's a reason for the terms "team sports" and "sports teams". Football, basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer...they are all driven by a team. Michael Jordan is a great example of a star who shined the brightest when he adapted his individual talents to the goals and values of the team. This same concept works in your company, in your department and in your office. To beat the competition, it takes everyone working together...as a team. Ken Blanchard continues to underwhelm me with his style and overwhelm me with his message. You'll be a Raving Fan for teamwork when you read High Five.

High Five Ho-Hum
The management principles illustrated in this book are sound but could be more effectively displayed on a poster.Blanchard lists basic principles that have been the staple of many management books in the past decade: hire good people, define goals, provide the tools staff need, encourage teamwork, and reward achievement. Knowing what needs to be done is not the problem; knowing how to implement the principles is the challenge, and it's precisely that challenge that Blanchard ducks. My impression was that the book was not carefully written or researched. Take, for instance, the scene in which member of the boys' hockey team is rushed to the hospital with a closed head injury. The boy is unconscious, and Blanchard has an EMT administer codeine "so he won't wake up and thrash around." Sorry, Ken -- but how long the victim of a head injury is unconscious is a key diagnostic tool. Sedatives that prolong unconsciousness or supress the respiratory system would not be administered in an ambulance. This gaffe made me wonder how much care the author took with other information -- and whether or not the physician-author of "Who Moved My Cheese?" read the book carefully before writing his glowing endorsement. All in all, a disappointing work.

Sounds Good In Theory
I would love to go to work everyday as a member of a high performing team. The book has good ideas in theory, but it seems next to impossible to actually make them work. The real reason behind the book though is the fact that people will get farther when working together. I think that is what all the parable books are trying to tell us, to look at things from a different perspective.

Also check out the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey, it will show you how to look at the rat race fom a whole new angle -- what do you want in return for running the race?

Motivating quick read
This is a great book to share with your team members to inspire them and to help them learn how to work together more effectively. It's easy to read and will lead to great conversations.

Sounds good in theory
I would love to go to work everyday as a member of a high performing team. The book has good ideas in theory, but it seems next to impossible to actually make them work. The real reason behind the book though is the fact that people will get farther when working together. I think that is what all the parable books are trying to tell us, to look at things from a different perspective. Also check out the book Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey, it will show you how to look at the rat race fom a whole new angle -- what do you want in return for running the race? ... Read more

Book Description

This best-seller is a "must have" book for anyone who desires a pharmaceutical sales job. The "Insider's Guide..." is a complete guide offering step-by-step instructions on how to gain a pharmaceutical sales position. This includes instructions on resume preparation, applying for positions, uncovering unadvertised positions, gaining interviews, successfully negotiating interviews, 150 interview questions and answers, pharmaceutical selling instructions and examples, salary negotiation, pharmaceutical sales industry outlook, 28 pharmaceutical company profiles, a listing of pharmaceutical contract companies and a listing of pharmaceutical companies with web site addresses. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Jane Williams has accomplished the impossible!
I posted the following message on Amazon shortly after receiving my job offer. I have reviewed the new 6th Edition of the Insider's Guide... and have found that Jane Williams has accomplished the impossible. She has improved a book that already had fantastic information. The new book contains 150 pharmaceutical sales questions and answers! As a current pharmaceutical sales representative, I feel that this is the absolute best book on the market for anyone wanting to gain a pharmaceutical sales position.

Wow! What a great book! I have landed a fantastic pharmaceutical sales job with one of the top five companies thanks to the Insider's Guide and the coaching I received from Jane and staff at Principle Publications.

I couldn't have made it through the tough interviews without the guide. All of the questions and answers about how to handle the physicians who turn you down during a sales call, to why they should hire you over someone with sales experience, to how to "sell the product", etc. were all covered in detail in the book with examples! This "saved" me during my interviews, especially during the last and most difficult interview. I feel like I was asked most of the 78 questions and answers covered by the book during my five interviews.

Without my career comparison document and sales binder that I prepared by using the Insider's Guide I am certain that I could not have passed the interviews. Jane deserves a medal for this writing this book! I choose this book because it is the #1 selling book in its class on Amazon.com. There's a reason why it's #1...it's the best book on the market!...

By far the best book on the market !
Jane, thanks for writing the best book on the market and helping me gain the best-paying position I've ever had! Thanks for teaching me not only what a pharmaceutical sales rep does but for teaching me how to think and respond like a rep! That made the difference for me during my interviews.

I was surprised that the pharmaceutical company who hired me would ask so many questions that relate directly to what a pharmaceutical sales representative does, but they did just that. When I read all the questions and answers in the "Insider's Guide..." I thought that surely no one could be expected to know this much information about the pharmaceutical sales industry, but they do expect you to know the information. Fortunately for me, I was prepared!

The Insider's Guide was by far the most comprehensive guide that I purchased and contained the most relevant information for passing the interviews. To all of the aspiring pharmaceutical sales reps, my advice is to purchase this guide and then follow Jane's instructions to the letter. Even if you have a degree in English like me, you too could beat out the competition and win the pharmaceutical sales position!

Elizabeth Morehouse

This book is the bomb!!!
Okay people, I bought the book 3 months ago, and I must say it is the bomb!!! I have no sales experience, but this book guided me step by step. It even gives you various scenarios with various answers. It is outstanding for a newcomer to the industry. Take heed and get the book!! I wanted the newest edition, but it hadn't come out yet and I was desperate to begin my research. I had 2 interviews with the same company--I was referred by my pharmaceutical sales rep friend--and I believe they went well. I am waiting to proceed to the next step, which is with the district manager. Needless to say, I was overly prepared. The binder the book suggests you put together totally "WOWED" the interviewer. 2 words...THE BOMB!

New Pharmaceutical Sales Representative!
What a superior career guide! After looking at several books, I found Ms. Williams' Insider's Guide... and used it to prepare for a pharmaceutical sales career. Three weeks after buying the guide, I have a job with Pfizer!! There is no way that I could have prepared for those FIVE interviews without the Insider's Guide... I wasn't surprised by a single interview question. This book is the best investment I've ever made. I can't recommend it enough to anyone who wants a career in pharmaceutical sales.

Absolutely fantastic!
As a professional sales consultant, I am always looking for books that I can utilize as a consultant. The new 7th Edition of the "Insider's Guide..." is absolutely fantastic! This book offers excellent advice on networking, the pharmaceutical industry and the new physician call guidelines for pharmaceutical sales representatives, understanding the interview process, using personality profiling to your advantage, 150 specific detailed pharmaceutical sales interview questions and answers as well as major pharmaceutical company profiles and contract sales organizations contact information.

The book is very well written, professionally edited, and reflects the author's credibility. It is easy to see why this book is being utilized by college and university sales and marketing professors for their sales and marketing courses and special sales classes. ... Read more

Book Description

Leaders face numerous critical crossroads in their careers, moments that can provide extraordinary learning and growth opportunities or ensnare them and prevent further development. The good thing about these passages is that they’re predictable, and with proper preparation, leaders not only can survive them to become stronger but can use these experiences to enhance their leadership, compassion, and effectiveness. This book lays out thirteen specific “leadership passages” based on research, interviews, and coaching of senior executives in such well-known companies as Johnson & Johnson, Novarits, Intel, GE, and Bank of America. For each passage, the authors describe what to expect, how the passage constitutes a choice point, and what effective leaders do to navigate and grow from the challenge. Some of the passages include: moving into a leadership role for the first time, dealing with significant failure for which you are responsible, derailing/losing your job, being acquired/merging, losing faith in the system, understanding the importance of children, family and friends, and personal upheavals such as divorce, illness, and death. The authors provide a wealth of practical tools and techniques to improve your leadership, along with real-life examples from recognizable leaders and breakthrough ways in which companies can use the concept of leadership passages to grow talent. ... Read more

Book Description

The Great Boss Simple Success Formula

Companies Do What the Boss Does
Groom 'Em, or Broom 'Em
Hire Slow, Fire Fast
Don't Be Tired
The Rule of the Ds
Delegate Down, Down, Down
Don't Hire a Dog and Bark Yourself
Don't Shoot from the Lip
Never Be Little, Never Belittle
Listen to Phonies, Fools, and Frauds
Don't Check Expense Accounts
"Quit" Is for Scrabble
It's Okay to Be Quirky

Did you ever have a great boss? Everyone should have one, but not enough people do. If you're a boss, or hope to become one, or have a less-than-great boss, then this is the book that could change your career-and your life.

In times like these, being a great boss can be harder than ever. If you want surprising and useful advice on how to handle the tough stuff -- from having to fire a long-time employee to being a new boss with a demoralized team -- the stories, observations, and advice contained in this gem of a book will set your feet in the right direction. And if you just want advice on living up to the legend who preceded you in the job, or even ways to emulate someone who was a great boss to you, Jeffrey Fox has gathered anecdotes from some of the mightiest and most respected bosses in America. The bestselling author who brought you How to Become CEO and How to Become a Rainmaker knows the territory about which he speaks.

Fox is the master of the counterintuitive angle. For every boss who has implied "I know what's best, that's why I'm the boss," Fox counsels, "Listen to Phonies, Fools, and Frauds" and "Don't Check Expense Accounts." His stories from bosses who have cared equally for employees' lives and the bottom line will inspire you to see that profit counts, but so do camaraderie, motivation, and a great place to work.

In a time of considerable corporate downsizing, it's more important than ever for bosses to surround themselves with motivated employees. Jeffrey Fox's newest volume will have a place on the shelves of top brass everywhere who want to remain leaders of their pack. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Lots of useful ideas for any work setting
Recently, I read HOW TO BECOME A RAINMAKER: THE RULES
FOR GETTING AND KEEPING CUSTOMERS AND CLIENTS by
Jeffrey J. Fox . . . it was one of the best business books that I have come across in a long time.

So when I came across an earlier book by Fox--HOW TO BECOME
A GREAT BOSS: THE RULES FOR GETTING AND KEEPING THE
BEST EMPLOYEES--I just had to get hold of it . . . and I did, getting the chance to listen to the taped version . . . I'm glad I did, too; it's another winner!

Fox presents nothing brilliantly new, but he writes in a clear and readable fashion . . . in doing so, he presents lots of ideas that you can immediately apply to almost any management
situation . . . he also makes it clear that management involves
just about anything that we do, and a result, we should perhaps
think of many folks as "managers" that might not ordinarily
fit into that category (I'm thinking parents here, for example).

In particular, I liked his following "Great Boss Simple Success
Formula":
1. Only hire top-notch, excellent people.
2. Put the right people in the right job. Weed out the wrong people.
3. Tell the people what needs to be done.
4. Tell the people why it is needed.
5. Leave the job up to the people you've chosen to do it.
6. Train the people.
7. Listen to the people.
8. Remove frustration and barriers that fetter the people.
9. Inspect progress.
10. Say "Thank you" publicly and privately.

Advice with attitude
Jeff Fox writes his chapters short and sweet, just how I like them. No drawn out, boring examples, just "in your face" advice that you should know.

The draw back to this book is that it's mostly things I've read elsewhere. The advantage is that Fox says it more succinctly than others, so for the time-challenged, that is a nice perk.

If you've already read dozens of books on management, you may not need to pick this up. If you're a new boss or having trouble with employees, this is probably a worthwhile read.

Not the least bit helpful
I normally don't write reviews but I just read this book and I couldn't believe how much of a waste of money it was. Here's the book in a nutshell- Hire good employees and fire bad ones.

Simple and right on target
Simple and right on target. This book gives great tips and suggestions for improving your supervisorial skills. Written in short, thoughtful, digestable chapters, this book is a must have for anyone who supervises others and want to be better at it.

Puts things into perspective
"How to Become a Great Boss" is simple to read and allows you to formalize what you might already know. Many of the ideas/suggestions are instinctual characteristics of a good manager that Fox puts into words for all to understand.

Very straight-forward tips. When finished reading the short chapters you get the message and have an idea on how to apply in real life.

One of the best books I have read since becoming a Manager. Cuts through the BS and gives you direct advice. ... Read more

Book Description

STATISTICS FOR MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS is the worldwide best selling business statistics text. It is currently being used at hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the world. This text teaches students how to apply statistics to real business problems through the authors' unique three-step approach to problem solving. Students learn to IDENTIFY the right technique by focusing on the relationship between the problem and data type. They then learn to COMPUTE the answer either by hand, using Excel, or using MINITAB. Finally, they INTERPRET the results in the context of the problem. This approach enhances student comprehension as well as practical skills, and offers maximum flexibility to instructors wishing to teach concepts by hand or with the computer, or by using both hand and computer methods. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

My Bible
This book became my statistics bible. After never attending any statistics classes at the University, I was suddenly forced to work with multiple regressions at work. This book helped me understand all about statistics that I needed for my business purposes. The examples are very helpfull to understand what the tests actually do and how you can solve your own inference problems. I read the whole book in about 10 days (2 hours a day) at the beach and now work mainly with the overviews in the last chapters when I have a problem to solve at work.

A lot of ambiguity and errors
I had to use this edition as text book for my Statistics Course in an MBA Program and found multiple errors and ambiguities in describing basic concepts. Lack of rigurousity in presentation is pervasive. Although an engineer by formation, I found this book a terrible reading as an initiation in statistics!

Warning don't go near the 5th edition
The 5th edition of this book, available still in many places, is one awful book. The instructions for most of the Minitab examples are incomplete and in many cases worthless. Many explanations are superficial and the tie in to the overall statistical picture is weak. I have heard the 6th is better, the 5th should not have been printed.

Basic an clearly understandable
This book covers a wide area of fields necessary for business and economic students. It also explains how to go on if necessary conditions are violated. Time-series analysis, which is very important for economic students, are not covered to the extent as other topics, but it nevertheless gives a good introduction of other statistical concepts necessary for understanding following books on time series analysis. For my opion there are a little bit to much exercises than necessary, for an autodidactic study but enough for class room work. A very fine feature is that there never come up terminologies which has not been discussed before and one can use MS-Excel.

It's a very usefull book
It's realy usefull for to problem solving. It helps to learn easly to solve the problems with Excel. ... Read more

Book Description

Secrets for developing leadership and competitive advantage in any organization

The Extraordinary Leader is a research-based book about leadership. It analyzes 200,000 assessments from 20,000 managers and presents new insights that demystify this complex subject. It clearly establishes the importance of developing great leaders versus being satisfied with merely good ones, and highlights the link between leadership behavior and an organization's performance.

From the authors' research, a new model of leadership emerges that challenges long-held beliefs about leadership competencies. The authors identify 16 competencies that tower above all the others-­­the ones that separate great leaders from the average. One of the book's major breakthroughs is its focus on the importance of maximizing strengths as opposed to merely correcting weaknesses. Further, the importance of balanced strengths is introduced: when strengths are clustered in one area, the leader is less effective than he or she could be with strengths in different areas.

Reviews (3)

Packed With Knowledge!
In this volume, two battle-scarred veterans of what might be called "The Leadership Wars" - that is, the exhaustive effort over several decades to define the elusive nature of leadership and how it can best be nurtured - present insights on leadership that are based on a series of formal surveys conducted with companies nationwide. They also present 16 core competencies that affect the perception of whether you are, or aren't, a great leader. In many ways, they demystify leadership. Being a great leader, they tell us, isn't a matter of genetics or tea leaves: by studying what it takes to be a great leader, you can become one yourself. We strongly recommend this book for followers who want to become leaders, and for leaders who would like to be a little less lonely at the top.

Rich in Facts, Excellent in Examples
Unlike many studies of leadership and management, this book roots out how human behaviors affect results - with robust research and anecdotal evidence that provides readers with progressive but comprehensible logic. It is the best business book I have encountered, because it balances reality against theory, and effectively reconciles the two. It is a bonus that the authors did not impose academic terminology on those of us in the real business world.

The great thing is that the authors took the time to quantify and then explain how perceptions of leaders translate into actions by those they lead. The best thing about the book is that it lists specific levels of characteristics and competencies that distinguish adequate from excellent. A reader can quickly paint a self portrait (or picture of fellow leaders, for that matter) that reveals strengths and flaws. Then, one can easily identify what is needed to move up the ladder of respect and esteem. The hard part is that many leaders, as they say in the book, "think that being 'good' is good enough". For those who truly have an interest in greatness, this book gives the recipe.

Easy to follow, it thoughtfully breaks down the elements of leadership, starting with broad categories that are boiled down into actionable behaviors and traits. The Extraordinary Leader also gives some surprising insights based on findings that will hopefully change how business leaders establish value systems and shape company culture.

This book has become an extremely valuable tool in my consulting practice!

The best book on developing leaders - by far!
For the past two years I have been working as a consultant on the creation of an executive service for the UN. More recently I have played a similar role for the US federal government. I have become a student of the thinking and the books on developing leaders. This book is by far the most important book to read. Its based solidly on research findings but more importantly on intuitively valid conclusions. It makes practical sense.

It takes the current state of the art and moves it forward. It also raises important questions about prevailing beliefs and practices. The ideas developed in this book make you realize why most executive development is not productive.

I see this book as a companion piece to another of the great books on the subject, Results-Based Leadership. Jack Zenger is one of the authors of both books. ... Read more

Book Description

Based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's five-million-dollar, five-year study on the future of the automobile, a groundbreaking analysis of the worldwide move from mass production to lean production.

Japanese companies are sweeping the world, and the Japanese auto industry soars above the competition. Drawing on their in-depth study of the practices of ninety auto assembly plants in seventeen countries and their interviews with individual employees, scholars, and union and government officials, the authors of this compelling study uncover the specific manufacturing techniques behind Japan's success and show how Western industry can implement these innovative methods. The Machine That Changed the World tells the fascinating story of "lean production," a manufacturing system that results in a better, more cost-efficient product, higher productivity, and greater customer loyalty. The hallmarks of lean production are teamwork, communication, and efficient use of resources. And the results are remarkable: cars with one-third the defects, built in half the factory space, using half the man-hours. The Machine That Changed the World explains in concrete terms what lean production is, how it really works, and--as it inevitably spreads beyond the auto industry--its significant global impact.

Reviews (14)

a Manufacturing Mustread
The Machine That Changed the World; The Story of Lean Production
A great book that although becoming a little outdated portrays the ongoing trends in the automobile production industry in three major cultural areas.
The three areas are;the Asian lean production (Toyota) v.s. the American system,(mass production) v.s. the European craftsman system. On a larger scale it will and is affecting manufacturing everywhere.
Henry Ford was the founder of the American mass production system, and Ford was very successful adopting it to the aircraft and steel industries. American companies adopted this system and it is one of the main reasons for American pre-eminence in many industries worldwide. Toyota has become the founder of the Lean system of manufacturing. Most of the
early adherents to this system were other large Japanese companies, and responsible for the Japanese manufacturing miracle since the 1960's, as it was adapted from automotive to all manner of industries.
The book is well written and interesting even though it is based on an MIT study of global trends in the auto industry. I would like to see an update to this book. The one anomaly I see is the German Automobile industry. If Japan and Korea have some of the most efficient auto manufacturing plants in the world and
North America is becoming more competitive, what is happening in Europe comes as no surprise. Many European automakers have yet to fully embrace American mass production techniques and are now faced with the greater efficiencies of Lean
production. The book does not explain in my mind the success of the German Auto industry. It seems to be the one exception to the rule.

Excellent in-depth analysis of the automobile industry.
In "The Machine That Changed the World", Womack, along with several other individuals, give an analysis of the Automobile Industry within global boundaries. This book was the summarization of a five year, five million dollar study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Analysis was provided for both foreign and domestic automobile manufacturers with an eye toward the future. This book spoke "globally" far earlier than it was hip to speak in such terms, analyzing such foreign automotive powers such as Toyota, with their Toyota Production System, perhaps the greatest example of Lean Manufacturing in the world. For anyone who would like to learn anything about the automobile industry in general, or even further, would like to learn about successful business practices, I highly recommend this text.

Don't "Machine" - try "Lean" instead
If you are just starting out learning about Lean Manufacturing, and you only have time to read one book, "The Machine that Changed the World" is an historically important book but "Lean Thinking" is the one that actually gets you started toward implementation. It's one of those rare occasions where the sequel was better than the original.

Lean should be a journey not a destination
This is the first book that I planned to read as a part of learning about lean, the other two books are "Lean thinking" and "Becoming Lean" , so far I could say that the "Machine that Changed the World" is a good benchmarking between craft, mass and lean producers. It mainly gives you an insight of the differences between lean and mass producers from the production, sales, marketing, customer relation and other dimensions. If you don't know about lean I really recommend you to start by reading his book because it will make you start to think in a lean way, if you know about lean and convinced about what it can do to you organization start with lean thinking and then go to "Becoming Lean".
This book is aimed at strategic level and as a key tool to convince old timers about the lean-mentality against the push-mentality.

Excellent Introductory Book
I usually refer to this kind of books as "Open Minds", are written in a very simple way that may seem that the content is simple, BUT IS NOT. This book is in my opinion a must read for any Industrial Engineers, Managers, Supervisors. It can be used also for training and kaizen events.
Silly is that one that reads this book expecting that he will know everything about lean manufacturing, JIT, or modern IE.
In summary, this book is the entrance to a new world with a new way of thinking and doing thins and it is a necessary complement to any technical book. ... Read more

Book Description

This leading book in international marketing features comprehensive cases that cover consumer, industrial, low tech and high tech, product and services marketing.Specific chapter topics examine the global economic environment; the social and cultural environment; the political, legal, and regulatory environments; global customers; global marketing information systems and research; global targeting, segmenting and positioning; entry and expansion strategies: marketing and sourcing; cooperation and global strategic partnerships; competitive analysis and strategy; product decisions; pricing decisions; channels and physical distribution; global advertising; promotion: personal selling, public relations, sales promotion, direct marketing, trade shows, sponsorship; global e-marketing; planning, leading, organizing, and monitoring the global marketing effort; and the future of global marketing.For individuals interested in a career in marketing. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The up to date Case
This book has easy to understand & have up to date case. The Harley Davidson case is one of the cases that showing us how's struggling US to face Japanese company offensive. This is the good case to picturing the dawn to earth marketing strategy compare to arrogant & not efficient strategy willing by US Company.

good service
the service is very good and efficient

clear, understandable jargon
Marketing concepts are explained within global marketing frame in an understandable manner using the jargon everybody can understand. The principles that each company must take into account both at home and abroad are revealed. Especially, I liked "18 Guiding Principles of the Marketing Company". Articles from the scholars at prestigious business schools are related to global marketing concepts in most understandable way. This makes the book richer. Another thing making the book richer is Global Income and Population estimates, that is both put inside the text and at the end of the book as appendix. These estimates give clear grasp to the reader about world demographics and economic structure, and helps reader understand the subject at hand and, in general, world dynamics better. Interesting and information & expertise-loaded cases differentiates the book from other boring textbooks. The future of global marketing section of the book gives the reader an invaluable horizon. I suggest that you read it carefully, you will get too many things from it.

Students found this to be informative but not presented well
Valuable, current information presented in a rather dull, uninteresting format according to MBA students. Very comprehensive. ... Read more

Book Description

Classic insight for modern times.

The world's foremost producer of personal development and motivational audio programs now offers a completely unique approach to learning leadership skills.

Most programs on leadership present the successes of contemporary men and women as role models for study. While valuable lessons can be learned from their examples, few models or success stories reveal the true essence of their leadership abilities or can anticipate the special circumstances, conditions, or situations that you deal with as a manager.

In the runaway bestseller Leadership Secrets Of Attila The Hun, author Wess Roberts draws from the imaginary thoughts of one of history's most effective and least beloved leaders, Attila the Hun, to discover leadership principles you can apply to your own situation. In a uniquely creative and entertaining approach to a most serious task, "Attila" reveals his principles for successful morale building, decision making, delegating and negotiating, and gives advice on overcoming setbacks and achieving goals. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

A Good Read!
Wess Roberts draws on the life experiences of the leader of the Mongol hordes to craft imaginative monologues on leadership - an attribute as valuable today as when Attila united the Huns in 415 AD. The advice is general. Its effectiveness probably depends on how well you apply it, although the idea of a historic icon of barbaric vengeance counseling us in cultural sensitivity seems a bit of a stretch. While the treatment is certainly colorful, you might worry about ways some modern-day chieftains could misuse Roberts' principles to justify their own Visigoth approach to management. We from getAbstract recommend this book to those looking for new and interesting ways to approach the perpetual management issues of team-building, inspiring loyalty, setting goals, and achieving objectives.

Pretentious
This book was entirely too pretentious to read. He should have tried to write in the active voice and with a reasonable vocabulary. I bought it used for less than a dollar plus shipping--I got wripped off.

Great work if you can get it
What a country this is! How else to explain this book? Take an historical figure about whom little is known, ascribe certain banalities about leadership to him, jazz it up with some colorful language, set it in a guidebook format with short chapters and lots of bullets--and sell huge numbers of copies! Get Ross Perot to endorse it!

This book cries out for a spoof--heck, it already seems like a spoof. I'm thinking of taking a few days to write "Leadership Secrets of Spongebob Squarepants" and see how it sells.

Great leadership primer
Sure, if you're looking for an in-depth treatise on Attila or Leadership you are bound to be disappointed. I have read this book numerous times and have assigned it to my subordinate managers as required reading. In every case those people have been pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to read, understand and apply to improve their leadership and management practices. It gets individuals interested in picking up other, more detailed works on leadership and management that they might not have been drawn to in the first place.

Do Not Waste Your Time: Low-Brow Business
Well... where to begin??? Wess Roberts is really a good example of an initial interesting idea milked and warped to horrible proportions; neither the historical metaphor nor the advice he gleans from it really ascends above the line of a comic book. Read the "Economists" review of this book and their trashing of its author -- who appears to be rather less than he appears. I can add little except to say that I bought it in a rush in an airport and then after the first page I realised there was something terribly wrong with this book (it is written for about someone who has a 12 year old reading comprehension level).

If you are a person who sees the world in a Manichean world view of "good and evil"/ "us and them" then you may ultimately see some kind of value in this book. All research however indicates that a successful business relationship is formed on the basis of honesty, trust and committment to a win-win relationship with the client. Without that fundamental understanding business and corporations do not advance. Those companies that practise the Attila mindset will ultimately remain Neanderthals and will condemn themselves to always being small-time, cheesy presenters with a life time of believing in the simplistic explanations for complex behaviour.

I would have given it a 0 if I could have. This book has the distinction of not even being worthy to grace the shelves of my personal business library. Spend your money on Drucker or even Napolean Hill. You will get a better return. ... Read more