Book Description

Human Resources Kit For Dummies offers a wealth of practical information, insights, and tools to help align an organization’s human resources practices and policies with its overall business objectives. It provides detailed guidelines on how to set up and implement successful HR practices, as well as actual tools you can use right now – forms, templates, Web site links, and much more.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a HR professional, you’ll appreciate this up-to-date guide to the most common HR functions, including hiring, benefits administration, performance evaluation, and training. If you want to create an employee-friendly workplace or find new ways to compensate your top people, Human Resources Kit For Dummies gives you the information you need to:

• Develop a recruiting strategy
• Find great staffing sources
• Create the right benefits packages
• Make offers candidates accept
• Outsource and use temporary help
• Keep current on employment laws

This helpful guide will help you get the maximum mileage out of job fairs and online recruiting, create effective wage structures, dole out kudos and discipline – and keep it all legal! You’ll get an overview of key issues impacting HR administration, and understand how the process works, from staffing to benefits. You’ll understand the changing needs and demands of both the marketplace and your employees, discover new motivational techniques, and develop wages and benefits packages that keep you competitive. You’ll find expert advice on every aspect of HR, including:

• Anti-discrimination legislation
• Developing a “flat” organization
• Recruiting on campus
• How to read a resume
• Interviewing prospective employees
• Wooing reluctant candidates
• Using temporary employees
• Measuring employee performance
• Firing or laying off employees
• Designing training and development plans

The book also includes a CD-ROM packed with vital forms and contracts, from job application forms and sample employee policies to performance appraisals and benefit plan worksheets. For small business owners or HR professionals who need a helpful reference to the kinds of issues companies deal with daily, Human Resources Kit For Dummies is the friendly guide that makes HR simple and easy. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

4 stars
Very elementary but perfect for my new assistant that was new to HR.

Useless
Do not read this book unless you have never even heard of the Human Resources profession. The book covered such basic concepts that anyone with a little common sense could have figured out on their own. I wanted to learn more about the laws that govern H.R., recruiting and sucession planning. There was a simple introduction to a few of the laws that affect H.R. policies, but nothing in depth. The section on recruiting was extremely basic and succesion planning was not even mentioned. I have only been in the H.R. business for one year and this book didn't cover anything I didn't alreaady know.

Poor organization, Elementary, yet a useful reference for...
This is a good source of information for both professionals and new students of HR management. Content:The author has done a descent job collecting useful informations and also adressing a number of key issues in the field of HR management.Non-the-less he often fails to provide an in-depth analysis that the discipline deserves.Indeed, imprtant topics such as,HR Forcasting on P.65,is dealt with as if it is a legal briefing than an in-depth analysis that such crucial subject requires.

Organization:Perhaps, the weakest part of this book is its poor organization; It lacks cohesiveness.In fact, it is organized so poorly that the reader notices almost instantly. Conclusion: It could be a solid book if re-orgonized/revised, added more in-depth analysis,and avoid unnecessary repeatitions that appper and re-appear throughout the book.Still, a good source for new students and new employees of the HR management.

Purpose is to give a basic HR overview
The book gives indeed a basic overview of the HR functions, that's why it's part of the 'Dummies' series. The concept of the 'Dummies' books is to make the reader acquainted with a certain subject, so in that sense it perfectly served it's purpose.

Basic and shallow
I had hoped for an in-depth discussion of HR pitfalls and remedies. Instead I got a VERY basic course in hiring, firing, evaluation and such. Maybe if you have never been a manager, this might help you. But if you have any experience at all, don't bother. ... Read more

Book Description

Supervisory Management blends skill-building opportunities and traditional management principles to prepare learners to become supervisors in today's business world. The central theme of Supervisory Management is working through people--developing and empowering them to become better and more efficient in their roles. It closely follows the SCANS requirements for workplace competencies and foundation of skills and personal qualities needed for job performance. The text offers practical insights and advice to address common managerial situations, making it a useful reference for supervisors throughout their careers. In this sixth edition, the authors continue their "hands on" approach with numerous self-checks and skill-building opportunities, even more applications exercises. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Theory Explained!
This soft cover book provides information of management and leadership. Learning theories can be applied to business and education. Charts help to detail author's outline of organizational management. A worthy book for leaders.

This Book Is A Great Overview
I recommend this text in the management and supervisory classes I teach. It has a little bit of something about many topics which will assist supervisors and managers. And, to be quite honest, it provides enough buzz-words and buzz-concepts to allow the reader to sound up-to-date and knowledgeable in a discussion of organizational issues! The wide range of material in this book is what justifies an otherwise fairly steep price-tag.

communication
"What is the major barriers to effective communication. As an manager or supervisor, how to eliminate or reduce these barriers. Please use some examples in your workplace to illustrate your points.

A long read, but time well spent.
I read this book because I am a big fan of Ken Blanchard and I was not let down. I could only take the book in small doses, taking over a month to read. However, situational selling to me was like a discovery, really opening my eyes to seeing the workplace and interrelationships much differently. I recommend this book to those who have the staying power of a long textbook type book. ... Read more

Book Description

It?s here! An all-new edition of the handbook that started the active training revolution.

You'll learn how to:
* Assess training needs and participants
* Develop active training objectives
* Create practical opening exercises
* Prepare effective lectures
* Design active training exercises
* Provide for back-on-the-job application . . . and much more!

Silberman is synonymous with active training. Thousands upon thousands of trainers look to Silberman for sage advice on teaching adults the way they learn best: by doing.

Now Silberman presents an all-new edition of his runaway bestseller, Active Training. This handbook shows you how to design and conduct experiential programs in private and public sector organizations from beginning to end. Silberman has augmented the first edition, with a wealth of new training exercises and updated case studies, along with information on emerging training technologies and ways to substantiate the ROI of training. Plus, a new section entitled Introducing Active Training explores in greater depth the reasons why adults learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.

You get over 200 real-life designs and case examples distributed over 35 subject areas including:
* coaching
* communication skills
* team building
* performance appraisals
* customer service
* problem solving
* time management
* leadership . . . and much more!

The index to the case studies enables you to find a training example that suits your current need. Checklists and assessments reinforce training topics and enable you to plan for action.

I'm 'Gung Ho!' about Active Training. All trainers should find it a valuable reading experience. It is loaded with sound concepts and practical ideas.
--Ken Blanchard, co-author, The One Minute Manager and Gung Ho!

Within the covers of this book is all the material you need to make a course or seminar a success. Silberman?s guidebook is loaded with practical, original training tips and a whole host of ways to incorporate these ideas into your training. Experience the second edition of this training classic and you'll never face an audience the same way again. Active training starts here! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wow!
Great book with plenty of practical comments and ideas which allow you to design a truly active session that both, your audience and you, will enjoy.

The best book in training i have read since i am training
I have pleasant meetings with you book Active Training at the last weeks. I am very impressed from it. The book is the best book that has been written about active teaching and learning. The book taught me new active ways as well. The book could help you diagnosis your faults at training and remind you what you forget to do. The book is very friendly. Active Training make it clear that you can be the best trainer if you just work for it. "Active leaning" might hurts but it helps you to grow. I am very grateful about the adventures. The book function like a mirror that tell you where your lipstick is not polished , so you can correct it. The book gave me new insights even I am teaching for 10 years already . The book is like a mentor If you like you can give your hands and travel at a virtual exelent training class.

Many good ideas on how to make your training more active
This book has many good ideas on how to make your training more active. For example, it give one ideas on how to turn a mundane one-way lecture into a lively interactive discussion so that the participants not only enjoy the learning, but retain and use the knowledge gained. In addition, there are many activities that a trainer can use to make his or her training more lively. I strongly recommend this book to all trainers. ... Read more

Book Description

Coachingis based on the premise we must understand people before we can coach them.Flaherty asks fundamental questions rather than supply "easy to apply" tips and surface bandaids. "Coaching is not telling people what to do; it's giving them a chance to examine what they are doing in the light of their intentions." (from the Preface) "A coach is someone who builds a respectful relationship with a client and then researches the situations the client finds himself in, with particular emphasis on the client's interpretation of the events." (from Chapter 1)Then, in partnership with the client, the coach can work to altering actions to bring about expected outcomes.This book provides the language and operative principles and assessment models and sample coaching conversationsnecessary to do that.

The book is grounded in many different paths of wisdom including time-tested philosophies, sociological premises and psychological discussions. Chapter bibliographies encourage further interdisciplinary reading.

ú This book is a coaching tool enabling the reader to become a business coach who can self-correct and self-generate your own innovations
ú It addresses the question: How do I contribute to someone's competence in a respectful, dignified, effective way? ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent coaching resource -- worth your investment
A friend of mine who did a review of coaching resources for Harvard Management Communication Letter let out a huge yawn when I mentioned James Flaherty's book. We had a good and lively debate over drinks in Cambridge (Massachusetts).

Meanwhile, if you're a serious practitioner (or serious about getting into coaching), don't let the style scare you off. This one is a gem, with an ontological bent, and packed with practical models and exercises. James' book is the result of a lifetime of study, decades of coaching, and integration of diverse intellectual traditions, including hermeneutics, phenomenology, pragmatism, the arts, and Zen.

I have studied under James and my only wish is that his sharp (and sometimes goofy) sense of humor and amazing gift for story-telling had come through in his book. Perhaps in his next book.

great guide to coaching
I am a coach and i train people into coaching, and I use this book and referr to Flaherty as one good manual to get a frame on how to work with people and which way to build with them the coaching interaction, objectives and achievements. It is also very clear, has a lot of visual maps, and it's quite accurate too when it comes to issues definitions and their origins. It' not the complete guidebokk of coaching but very helpful indeed.I do suggest any coach to have it among the basic important manuals.

For the Serious Coach


This book probes the philosophical underpinnings of coaching. Jim challenges the reader and coach to examine the core issues and fundamental questions that we all face. It's a serious book for those in the coaching business. Put on your thinking cap for this one.

• Mark Kelly, coauthor of MASTERING TEAM LEADERSHIP: 7 ESSENTIAL COACHING SKILLS

A textbook for the practioner
This is heavy reading, but well worth it. Remeber your college philosophy classes and associated textbooks? Well, Flaherty takes the beauty and probing questions of philosphy and creates practical use of them by applying them to the art of coaching. Flaherty relies heavily on a few of his favorite modern philosophers, and takes their discoveries and theories and converts them into assessment models, enrollment techniques, etc. What you end up with is a very lucid, free flowing book that allows the coach to see the client as a human being with varying motivations, competencies, agendas, etc., and frees us from the trap of attempting to coach our clients into becoming ourselves (someone with our values, motivations, etc.); instead allowing them to grow into their own self-correcting, self-generating person.

One caveat, this book looks just as much at the growth of the coach as it does at the growth of the client. In fact, the author asserts that failed coaching often stems from a coaches inability to completely appreciate the client for who s/he is (their motivations, world interpretation, etc.); this falls under the topic of Relationship in the book, and essentially discusses the meaning and importance of mutual appreciation, respect and freedom of expression. He advocates self discovery and continued growth of the coach; allowing yourself to learn from your client while they learn from you.

In summary, the book moves us away from simply using techniques and models as our "catch all" coaching tools and moves us towards understanding the unique human being, their unique situation, their unique drive, their unique interpretation of the world, etc. The author also encourages coaches to understand their own humanity, including their own mortality, so that our connections with our clients are more solid and hopefully more fruitful.

Although the author does provide some assessment model examples, don't expect a step by step coaching program from this work. The author throws out ideas to stimulate our own thinking about ourselves and our clients' needs. It is left up to us to put the theories, suggestions and ideas into a workable form that can be used in our coaching practices.

A note on the heavy, textbook quality of this work: It is just that. It is an amazing, thought provoking work, but it's college textbook like quality (the author does begin to throw in humor around page 90 or so) can be a little rough to get through (hence the 4 out of 5 stars).

If you don't mind free-flowing structure that allows you to draw your own conclusions, or are looking for a humanistic view on this sector of consulting, then this work is for you.

Terrific
This is one of the two best books on coaching I have seen. Not for the casual reader, it is ideal for the serious practitioner of change. It has the rigor and systematic approach that are needed in a field that has become the province of lifestyle gurus and fortune-tellers. It provides a solid philosophical base for change through coaching that is a great foundation. It could serve as a textbook for how to coach. Thanks, Mr. Flaherty. ... Read more

Book Description

Pierce and Newstrom's Leaders and the Leadership Process, 3/e is a collection of readings, self-assessments, and applications on leadership intended to give students a feel for the breadth and richness of this study. This experiential paperback book provides students with a sense of the complexity associated with organizational leadership as well as an understanding of the pieces that serve to define leadership. The text encourages students to engage in dialogue and to think critically about the leaders and the leadership process. Self-assessments, which begin most chapters of the book, encourage students to look at their own personal leadership style. A capstone section of Applications, in the form of case studies and experiential exercises, asks students to move beyond theory to the practice of leadership. The authors use this combination of readings, self-assessments, and applications to create a “leadership mosaic” – one that encourages students to examine the concepts, propositions, perspectives, and theories one at a time as it builds towards the students ultimate unique leadership mosaic. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Leadership Theory Is Not Practice
I used this book to teach an undergraduate course on leadership.The book was not my choice.The articles and research were edited in such a way that the reader really didn't feel that any of the theories were supported or substantiated by the data.

If it was the authors' intention to leave room for personal reflection and opinion, they succeeded.As for the assessments, the text, including the instructor's manual, provided little direction for interpretation.

I wish Pierce and Newstrom spent more time on and went into greater detail with the chapter introductions.

Tedious, but less than some...
(2nd ed.)This book is a compendium of 44 articles on leadership, intended for higher education audiences, especially management students in college.The authors also include 19 self-assessment instruments for the reader.The book finishes with 11 case studies and "experiential" exercises (as opposed, I guess, to cognitive exercises?).

The topics are slanted toward social-psychological (roles, gender effects, group dynamics, leader behaviors, cross-cultural contexts, and so forth).As a result, the writings can be tediously "scientific."The book is very well referenced, but, as the authors state, it is not a review of the leadership literature.

The cover drawing is one of five people putting sails on a boat that is not in the water.I presume this is sort of a Magritte comment on leadership.I think it also is a comment on the patchwork tedium of the subject.And after all the sails are on, what does one know about leadership?And, is one a leader? ... Read more

Book Description

Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, by Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart and Wright is specifically written to provide a brief introduction to human resource management. While it doesn't cover the depths of human resource management theory, the book is rich with examples and engages students through application.

This first edition takes on a different approach than the hardback text by the same team. Instead of a higher level of theory that's geared towards the HRM professional, this book focuses on the uses of human resources for the general population. Issues such as strategy are reduced to give a greater focus on how human resources is used in the every day work environment.

Much like this author team's first project, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management provides instructors with a robust ancillary package.A comprehensive instructor's manual, test bank, PowerPoint presentation and a complete Online Learning Center make course preparation easy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Some good ideas, but not the best.
This is a good book, but it is not one of the best. Get copies of Kotter, Schein, Beitler, or Collins' books.

An Excellent How To Guide on Managing/Creating Change.
I found the book to be extremely informative. Douglas Smith has done a masterfull job of creating a step by step guide for the process of both Creating and Managing Change in any organization. He also points out why many Change Efforts fail. The 10 step guide that he has created should help us all avoid the common pitfalls of this process and help greatly improve our odds of success. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is either thinking about starting a change effort or currently in the midst of one now.

The best hand-on book about Change Management available.
This is clearly the best book about the practical side of Change Management I've read so far (and I've read more then 20 by now). This book really helps me in my day-to-day work as a Change Manager. Smith has closed a big gap in the Change Management literature, this is the most practical book you can look for! Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

This market-leading Payroll Accounting text/workbook illustrates the calculation of payroll, payroll taxes, and the preparation of records and reports that form the foundation of a payroll system. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn the techniques and practices behind effectively managing people-the healthcare industry's biggest asset. This book presents all of the concepts and practical tools necessary for a manager to create a successful, customer-focused workforce in healthcare.

Topics covered include:

Recruitment and selection
Job analysis and job design
Performance management
Physician compensation
Employee and employer rights ... Read more

Book Description

This combination of varied readings, real-world cases and thought-provoking exercises prepares readers to enter an increasingly broad workplace where diversity must not only be accepted, but also understood. Covers a broad definition of diversity from primary—race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical/mental abilities and age) to secondary aspects of diversity—religion, communication, military experience, international work experience, etc. For use as a reference to diversity trainers who particularly value the experiential exercises.

Book Description

Get it done fast and right!

You're busy! You don't have the time or the need to wade through the theory of a traditional instructional design book. But you do need a basic understanding of what instructional design is and a hands-on, to-the-point method of ensuring that the training and performance interventions you put into place meet the needs of your staff and your organization. Right?

Well then this is the book that you've been waiting for! If you have any involvement in training or HRD at all, you'll find this guide to understanding and creating quick and effective training designs an asset to your work. Respected consultant and author, George Piskurich has included input and commentary from practitioners and trainers in this one-of-a-kind guide. Find out how these methods are applied in real world situations and how you can put them to work for you! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Clear and easy to follow
I teach Instructional Design, and most of my Grad students don't have a clue what it is. They do not realize that Instructional Design is a Process not a Product. Piskurich's book is a no-nonesense walk through all the steps in the process. Each step is explained in clear, unambiguous language, and is easy to follow. This book can make anyone into an Instructional Designer.

A good resource to add to your ID library
While certainly not the "definitive" book on the art and science of instructional systems design, this text contains lots of tips and tools to help you as you design your instructional project. Warning: Because books are often published months or years after they were researched and written, and as with any text that contains hyperlinks, you will find some of the links are no longer active.

Very Practical Guide to Instructional Design
For instructional designers at all levels of experience and in all settings, this book gives insight and practical applications for the systematic design of instruction. It is also excellent for sharing with clients, colleagues, and professional who have limited or no familiartity with Instructional Systems Design (ISD). The layout and content simplifies the perceived complexity of ISD models and provides straightforward concepts and practices. A must for the professional developer's library!

One of the best books written on the subject!
A must have for all instructional designers and trainers. An extremely well written book and a very enjoyable read--- it puts the book "The Systematic Design of Instruction" to shame...which by the way is a "definite sleeper"! If you want current information about instructional design, with step by step directions, with clear and concise professional opinion, this book is definitely for you! I highly recommend this book to all design associates.

Rapid Instructional Design - review
This book is an excellent guide to learning the processes of instructional design. The book details clearly the proper methods and techniques in creating courseware and the desired design stages to successfully create a well defined & structured course. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent! Superb, easy reading.
Grote's writing style is easy and captivating. Puts discussing difficult issues with employees into perspective. Highly recommended for any supervisor or manager that will deal with a difficult employee situation.....and guess what....eventually you will! A must read. Being used in our training program for future supervisors. ... Read more

Book Description

Leveraging the New Human Capital forever changes the way managers see today's highly complex employees.Through interviews with corporate executives, overviews of available research and four stories of major corporations, the book sets out five specific strategies organizations can use to adapt to this new workforce. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

EXCELLENT GRAND TOUR OF NEW IDEAS FOR ORGANIZATION & HRM
An ambitious overview of new approaches to human resources. Key to the book are five adaptive strategies: choosing to invest in people; adopting a new set of beliefs; redefining organizational culture; transforming management practices; and ensuring a fit between the first four strategies based on purpose, culture, and management practices and policies. The adaptive strategies involve rethinking how to achieve business results, reexamining how work is organized, and transforming how people are managed. The book concludes with the effects of adaptive cultures and practices on organizational performance. We at Stern's Management Review (www.FutureOrganization) find this to be an excellent grand tour of new ideas and practices in organization and human resource management. As a premium, the book includes extensive references, making it all the more valuable. ... Read more

Book Description

"Schank's success designing teaching software has made him a much sought after figure among businesses, military clients, and universities."

The majority of corporate training programs are weak, ineffective, costly, and inconvenient for the time-pressed employees they are supposed to train. Designing World-Class e-Learning explores on-line learning­­--today's hottest business training topic­­--and explains the "learning-by-doing" approach that the author and his firm have used to develop effective on-line courses for Harvard Business School, IBM, GE, Columbia University, and other world-leading organizations.

Roger Schank, a leading E-learning guru and innovator, demonstrates steps and strategies proven to excite employees, make them want to learn, and decrease training costs while increasing productivity. Schank's approach to E-learning involves:

• e-Learning by doing
• Encouraging learners to fail--­­and learn from failure
• Just-in-time storytelling from experts
• Powerful emotional impact

Reviews (2)

Packed with Knowledge!
E-learning expert Roger C. Schank describes the secrets of a good e-learning program. He emphasizes using e-learning to train in-house employees, although his methods could work in any setting. Schank clearly establishes the basic principle that makes e-learning work: learning by doing. He outlines methods using scenarios and simulations that permit the learner to put new ideas into practice immediately. He's a little too fond of failing and trying over as a learning method, when one might learn just as well by studying others' failures and successes. However, he supports his approach with education-based examples that demonstrate how children learn, along with an inside look at IBM and GE programs. Visuals in the book show the computer screen in a teaching mode as displayed to the user, so you see how your e-learning material should look, whether on a Web site or on a local intranet. We from getAbstract recommend this solid hands-on instruction manual for training and development managers, and for those who are building e-learning experiences.

Modern Alchemy That Produces Some Gold
For masochists who can only learn from their own mistakes, this book provides the best way to teach them. Roger Schank's methods create temporary results that can help people react well in a situation but can limit a persons ability to think ahead avoid problems and communicate issues and solutions appropriately.

Schank's "Sink or Swim" approach of leading the learner to failure encourages educators to be clever and sneaky about the way they craft their training. He warns against telegraphing your punches to the learner. His methods manipulate peoples fears to get them to do what he wants them to do. The golden rule of education is to respect the pupil and Schank unfortunately treats learners with more contempt than he claims traditional methods produce.

The good news is there is plenty of useful insight and examples that aren't covered in other books that I know of. I have mixed feelings because I like so much of what he points out that is wrong with most training and education today. I am also in agreement on how he stresses the importance of good stories and examples and I'm in the car with him right up until he locks the doors, floors the gas and steers the car off a cliff.

Like many alchemists, Schank really believes in his methods to turn base metals into gold and is unyielding in his opinion that all other methods are worthless. He uses only the worst case examples of traditional training methods to reject the educational establishment while using the most idealistic examples to promote why he is the only one who can teach people anything. Thank god, he was there to help Enron communicate issues better to their employees. See the case study on page 44 "e-learning at Enron".

Schank's basic philosophy is that people can only learn from their own failures. He states, "Real thinking never starts until the learner fails." This is a serious flaw. Not many of us would survive if it were true. Learning from our own mistakes is how we keep from falling behind but learning from others mistakes is how we move ahead. And this is what traditional education methods can accomplish, if they are done correctly.

Schank states that "Small children are failure machines, failing hundreds of thousands of times before they learn." He seems to think this is okay and that's the way it should always work. But, most children don't need to be run over by a car to learn not to play in the street. Most children don't need to poke an eye out to learn not to run with scissors.

Schank continually refers to flight simulator training as the ultimate way to educate because pilots are immersed in a completely realistic three dimensional environment. But flight simulator training is just one part of a larger effort that pilots go through. If he would bother to follow up on this a little more, he would find that the FAA and the major airlines discovered a big problem, some time ago, with too much reliance on simulator training.

The problem is that people don't like being set up to fail. When this happens they begin to blame the computer training and don't take responsibility for the failure. The significant changes that have been made include providing more preparation of presentational information and guided practice before pilots enter the flight simulators.

Schank brags throughout the book about how people get through his training courses and graduate classes without learning anything new but that they know how to do something. Well, that just doesn't fly in most of the world. The reason you teach people a certain process and test for knowledge instead of just how to do something is because people tend to take short cuts that may seem productive in the short term but can get other people killed or in trouble. Schank's programs teach people to figure their own way to accomplish a goal. Who cares how they get there? Well sometimes, the Justice and Treasury Department care how you get there, often the news media care how you get there and usually your co-workers care. Ask the ex-employees of Enron whether they care.

Schank couldn't find any psychological research to support his theories, so he made up his own and refers to his own books for support. If you read a broader selection of books than what he recommends, you'll find that most research supports that people consider motivation to be a personal responsibility while they perceive de-motivation to be the responsibility of the system or person they work for or learn from. This means you can pump people up or scare them for a short period of time but ultimately people motivate themselves. However, they are quick to blame the system if you trip them up.

Schank's entire methodology is based on artificially imposing failure on people, to motivate them to learn. When you set someone up to fail, you may teach them not to repeat a mistake but they will become increasingly resistant to this form of training and will begin to blame the system for their failures.

Schank's psychology and methods are at odds with human nature but while Schank rejects all traditional methods of training and education, like multiple-choice tests and Instructional System Design (ISD), I can't reject all of his experience. Overall, he is too extreme and dangerous for me, but like all good agitators, he provides a unique perspective and makes some good points because he has so passionately pursued how to educate people.

Reading this book has been good for me if only to provide a backdrop and comparison to what I am currently doing. Writing this review has helped me deal with the snow storm that people like Schank stir up. There is actually a great deal of valuable information (knowledge) in this book on real corporate case studies, using stories, examples and gathering content that you won't find elsewhere. I just recommend being very careful how you apply it. ... Read more

Book Description

Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques presents a practical, straightforward method for interviewing witnesses and victims, interrogating suspects, and accurately identifying them as truthful or untruthful. Instead of relying on intuition or a "gut feeling," interviewers will learn how to utilize four types of questions and apply accurate assessments of nonverbal behavior and verbal clues.They will also learn how to quantify their observations and numerically assess the truthfulness of each suspect, to minimize subjectivity.

Readers will also learn how to use the authors' Integrated Interrogation Technique, a 10-point, highly successful approach to obtaining court upheld confessions.The advantages and disadvantages of recording an interview or interrogation are discussed in detail, as well as some of the current legal aspects of these processes.

Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques includes numerous illustrations and pictures to enhance the reader's understanding as well as model worksheets and forms including: Consent Forms, Forensic Assessment Interview Technique Form, Numerical Evaluation Form, Sample Confession, and a Pre-employment Security Booklet.Investigators will turn to this book again and again to help find the truth in each person they interview.

*Features the authors' 10 point Integrated Interrogation Technique - a highly successful approach to obtaining court upheld confessions
*Numerous illustrations and pictures enhance the reader's understanding
*Comes with model worksheets and forms including: Consent Forms, Forensic Assessment Interview Technique Form, Numerical Evaluation Form, Sample Confession and a Pre-employment Security Booklet. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques
I have read several books on this topic in the past. I found this book to be very interesting and easy reading. It contained excellent information applicable for anyone involved in the field of interviewing.

The book was very well organized, and answered many questions for even a trained interviewer/interrogator.

I would highly recommend it for anyone in the fields of intelligence, law enforcement, private investigations or polygraph.

This Book Delivers
I have just finished reading this book and I am thoroughly impressed with it's attention to detail, usable procedures, and overall organization. It was a very quick read, and I now feel like an expert in the art of interrogation. I am already confidently putting these new techniques into practice and seeing results. If your goal is attaining the truth in an interview situation, buy & read this book.

An Obligatory Handbook on Interviews and Interrogations
Nathan J. Gordon, et al have authored an outstanding publication which is well documented, authoritative, well organized, and an easy read as well as a page turner. This reviewer,who has authored several textbooks on polygraph testing, highly recommends this book to anyone involved in the art and science of interviewing and interrogation. ... Read more

Book Description

As an international speaker and consultant to virtually every business sector over his more than thirty-five years of research and development in technology-based instruction, Michael Allen now speaks out about his frustrations with e-learning and brings fundamental issues to light. He shares specific, commonsense guidelines that reliably produce effective and practical learning solutions. From his pioneering work on learning management systems, to authoring systems, and now on instructional design, experts and buyers alike follow his leadership and respect his opinion:

"Every subject area has its bible. This is it for e-learning. This is the how-to book for both instructional designers and executives responsible for corporate e-learning programs. Especially well done and unique to this book are the chapters on learner motivation and how effective instructional interactivities are created. The bottom line, from our experience working with Michael Allen and his team, is the methods and principles defined in this book work–and work well."
–Mike Groszko, Manager, DaimlerChrysler Quality Institute

"Michael Allen has done it all. He has designed and developed huge amounts of effective e-learning. He has built several very successful businesses providing programs to sophisticated clients. He has managed development. He personally led the creation of Authorware, the benchmark authoring system used throughout the world. He has lectured. He has written. He has taught. His opinions and perspective are sought by many. But mostly, he thinks. And the results of that thinking are to the benefit of us all. I am glad he wrote down what he thinks."
– Gloria Gery, Gery Associates ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Emphasizing the essentials
This book takes e-learning to its core mandate, that of engaging and involving the learners, so that they learn the key skills and knowledge required.

An excellent and easy read, with lots of good examples and non-examples, nicely compared side by side.

Must have for new designers
This book is a must have for the aspiring e-Learning developer. It reviews enough theory to make the point and directs the reader quickly through the logic and science of good e-Learning design.

This book directly applies to your work!
Dr. Allen is a champion of learner-centric design - and has written a refreshingly reader-centric book about the topic. He understands that learning is an "internal, personal, and ultimately individual act." His words reveal his passions and opinions in such an authentic manner that you can quickly understand his perspective, and extract points of meaning that can directly apply to your work. As a producer and designer of interactive media, I continually find his insights an inspiration.

Guidance from the Master
This book is subtitled, "Building Interactive, Fun and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company" and I think that says it all. I've spoken on the topic of where's the fun in eLearning and know that most of what I've seen is "deadly boring."

I have known Mike Allen since I worked for Authorware in the 1980's. One of the things I always regretted was not working in the MN office, as he, along with the rest of the Authorware team, conducted critiques of the work in progress being developed for customers. The few I did attend were always insightful and thought provoking. Along with being pretty scary if your work was on the agenda, because you might have to listen to bad along with good feedback. Mike Allen is a kind person, but not one to mince words when it comes to what makes up good and bad eLearning. I've also had the opportunity to attend several lectures by Mike on eLearning.

This book shares his insight on what makes good elearning, particularly from the viewpoints of motivation and interactivity. I am starting a new project with a lot of possible impact and reading his book has helped me immensely. Also, it contains several little history lessons on eLearning and Authorware that I really enjoyed. Lots of examples of good projects are discussed and included on a CD-ROM that unfortunately is not included in the book, but available for free from his website. If you are really interested in learning more on what makes good eLearning, I would definitely order it soon.

It's about time we had this book!
I have been involved in what is now called eLearning since 1976. I wrote Making CBT Happen in 1987 to help implement eLearning... so I am familiar with this field. Michael Allen has provided us with what we need to design and develop powerful and effective and engaging eLearning. Finally... a solid, experience-based book is available to us all. I read the book and loved the specific guidance on when to do what. Michael moves beyond the technology to its use. Specific design strategies are revealed... and "virtual" templates are provided. So many designers are just given authoring tools and goals... but no direction, creative support or stimulus for ideas. This book fills that void.

This will surely be the baseline resource for eLearning Design for at least the next five years! Thank you, Michael Allen! We needed this. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Supervisor's Portable Answer Book
An excellent reference book for the front line supervisor. I am an HR Director, and when I get calls from managment or supervisors on how to handle a personnel problem, it is the first book I refer to. I haved used this book since 1990 when I was in supervision and have bought over 100 for other supervisors. Excellent tool. ... Read more

Book Description

Is it cost-effective to add staff in a given area? Does a training program have a positive impact on costs and sales? In this era of increasing cost and budget justification, HR pros need not only make their function more responsive to organizational changes, they need to justify their own existence. They'll capably do both with this timely, updated edition. It provides a proven, quantifiable method for accurately measuring the productivity of all major personnel functions. And by focusing on such new practices as benchmarking an HR information systems, it gives HR managers both the knowledge and guidance to demonstrate that their fuction is being efficiently managed and contributing to the productivity and effectiveness of their organization. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Updated classic
This 3rd edition updates a classic HR book (originally written in 1984). New chapters on technology, outsourcing, etc. as well as revision of the basic chapters has kept this book on the forefront of HR "must haves".

The Most Practical Measurement Resource Available!
This book is a must-have for anyone concerned about cost-effective, value-added human resources results. It is the clearest, most concise work of its type. Anyone, regardless of their level of experience in human resources, can quickly use the contents of this book to become immediately more effective in their workplace. ... Read more

Book Description

Get any training session off the ground fast­­or jumpstart one whenever it lags­­with the more than 400 proven activities in the bestselling Games Trainers Play series. Their names may range from ``Tombstone Planning'' to ``The `Nobel' Prize Winner,'' but these brilliant offbeat, unexpected, disarming, fully reproducible games have one serious mission: to coax even the most reluctant groups to talk, laugh, think, and work together. Page after page of fun, easy-to-plant tearout exercises help you: break the ice and get particpants acquainted; shake up outworn habits and perceptions; challenge with thought-provoking brainteasers; test learning and retention; develop communication and listening skills; bring out and involve particpant-leaders; win back lethargic, distracted, low-energy groups; encourage creative problem-solving; boost or reinforce a group's self-image; forge cohesive work teams that value group effort; facilitate transfer of training to the job.

Reviews (5)

I like it!
So many training guides merely compile the same old activities that have been circulating forever. I was glad to see some really unique activities in here (even though it first came out twenty years ago!). I also found the trainer's introduction pertinent and helpful.

If you work in an international context, you'll be especially pleased. Many of the other game compilations have activities that are language (puns, play on words) or culture (trivia) based. This volume seems relatively free of such nonsense.

It's not the sexiest book you'll pick up. The format and design are simple, even stark. Nevertheless, for sheer fun for your buck, you'll have a hard time beating it.

Games Trainers Play
I was really looking forward to getting this book and was so disappointed when I got it. I don't see how anyone could rate it at 5 stars. It was dry and boring. There are better books out there than this one. I even met Ed Scannell last year in Austin. I'm just gled that he is not as boring as the book.

reader's comments
This book is very helpful for me. I am working as Training Manager at hospitality industry, and in our country we do not have such books to facilitate the training session or to help in getting the proper ice breaker. I would say if we have a definit games book for the hospitality career will be appreciated. Thank you.

Excellent resource pack for any business trainer
Excellent resource pack, with a very comprehensive selection of exercises appropriate to many subject areas in business training. I really enjoy trying out new exercises all the time and this pack allows for this.

Excellent
This book is excellent for helping the trainer develop conceptual thinking in staff. Good for lead ins and cooperative education as well. ... Read more