Book Description

Praise for Trade Like a Hedge Fund

"If you want factual advice based on real research, this is a must-read."
–Larry Williams, author, The Right Stock at the Right Time

"Altucher, a successful money manager, reveals his most profitable stock trading strategies and how to use them, despite strong protests from his partners and clients. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Grab them ASAP!"
–Yale Hirsch, founder of Stock Trader’s Almanac and editor of thirty-seven annual editions

"I can’t believe that James Altucher has written this book! He’s given away dozens of ways I know to make money. I am glad I’m not in the game anymore. He could ruin it."
–James J. Cramer, founder and markets commentator of TheStreet.com, and cohost of CNBC’s Kudlow & Cramer ... Read more

Reviews (8)

I will keep it for reference
I liked this book because the author offers creative, original trading ideas. I plan to keep it as a reference, which is more than I can say for most books on the subject. Maybe the readers who didn't like the book were expecting the author to do their thinking for them.

Trading Tool Box
This book is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. This is quantitative finance not technical analysis. Floating in a wasteland of books about trading using technical analysis and supposed "insider" techniques, this book delivers what the others pretend to deliver validated trading techniques. Before purchasing another compendium about the latest "rocket science", check out this collection of situational trades that are tested (on a distressingly small(mostly 4 years)) data sample and proven to produce profits. Even with Altucher's minimalist writing style, I feel that he waxed too poetic about the nature of the causes behind the anomalies. After all, does it matter how they work if in fact they do? Lean on the observations and if you still feel compelled to divine a reason, go for it, just make sure that it doesn't interfere with your research.

Some of the systems have painful drawdowns and need additional tweaking or a strong constitution to make them work.

Some of the trading techniques were a little loose for my tastes suffering from a few flaws. Examples include too small of a sample size or the possibility that on occasion the number of trades take would exceed capital and therefore leaving a distorted return # (see technique 13 and think of LTCM or 9/11). Even with the flaws this book is a non-stop idea generator.

Garbage
Essentially day/trend trading at high risk.
His partner who threatened to buy all of the books issued and burn them and their secrets should have. However at least he's honest that all of one's efforts can be wiped out by rare blips.
Not worth the cover price for anyone. There are easier ways to blow your brains (and wallet) out! There are no 'get rich quick' plans without luck. Better go earn a living or invest and not trade!

As Clint Eastwood said "A man has got to know his limitations!"

Wyckoff's book on How I Trade and Invest in Stocks and Bonds is still a classic and will warn you to get out if you don't have a trader's instincts (and most traders lose too!]

Not sure if it's worth the money
I 've seen various forms of some of these strategies published and quantified elsewhere in greater detail.

I also disagree w/ another reviewer's comment regarding the book "enlightening one" to the way Hedge Funds operate and the ways of Wall Street. This is only one of the many stles in existence today.

If your looking for system ideas, better books exist but for the beginner it's a start.

Just finished this book....will read it again within 2 weeks
Four years of Economics @ an Ivy College didn't do as much as this book did to educate me about the markets....especially Hedge Funds. If you're in the busines......it's a must read! ... Read more

Book Description

Managing Human Resources Through Strategic Partnerships, 8e allows readers to capture the excitement of this dynamic field in an interactive and tightly integrated text. Managing human resources effectively requires mutual understanding and collaboration among HR professionals, managers, and all other employees. In this edition, the authors encourage such collaboration by clearly presenting principles for effectively managing human resources and also explaining the different HR roles and responsibilities of the three primary HR partners. Together, these HR partners can develop and implement an approach to human resource management that satisfies the needs of the organization as well as the multiple external stakeholders who ultimately determine its success. ... Read more

Book Description

The Art of M&A, Third Edition, is the leading answer book in today's fast-changing, enormously complex merger world. Written in a handy, easy-reference Q&A format, this no-nonsense handbook covers everything from the early stages of locating a suitable target--or finding that you are a target--through the postmerger trials of turning multiple companies into one.

Synopses of nearly three dozen landmark cases give real life insights into legal rulings from previous high profile mergers. Over the past decade, The Art of M&A has helped thousands of executives make sound decisions. Now, let it provide all the information you will need to buy or sell companies, whether public or private, domestic or foreign. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great Reference Book
This is a fantastic reference tome for anyone involved with M&A. As a private equity Associate, I have found this book to be invaluable on multiple levels as both a reference guide for securities law, as well as for procedural issues such as sample formats for term sheets, DD check lists, etc.

Also, while it is a dense read, I think this would be invaluable for people just entering either Investment Banking or Private Equity to read as an introduction to the rules, regulations and procedures surrounding mergers/acquisitions.

A Definitive Manual for M&A Transactions
If you only were allowed to have one book on this subject in your library, this is the one that you want. It gives good coverage to all of the important topics needed to evaluate, price and execute a transaction. The footnotes at the end of each chapter are an excellent reference. It also benefits from a very detailed index. The Q&A format of the text is a bit unusual for a work of this type, but is actually quite useful when browsing or quickly finding the key theme of each paragraph or section. It also contains a good selection of sample documents and checklists. Overall, it delivers a lot of high quality information the investment banking professional can really use.

Yes, this is a very focused topic, but it is a great book!
The very size of this book on such a specialized topic may seem daunting. However, the writing is so lively and the organization by question and answer is so easy to use that you will find this a very useful and comprehensive handbook.

It is NOT a theory laden textbook. Rather, it is a very useful and practical guide to the field and will help the careful reader avoid many pitfalls. There are many ways to make mistakes in buying companies and this book can open your eyes to quite of few of them. In fact, if you are the target of a buyout, this book can be of special importance and interest.

I admit to being fascinated by this topic so take that into consideration when evaluating what I say about this book. But even so, mergers and acquistions are so much in the news (for good and ill) that it can only help to get more background on what is really going on and how these deals are (or at least should be) put together.

The book reads MUCH shorter than its size and is fairly comprehensive on the subject - from the methods in selecting candidates for acquisition to what to do when you are a target of an acquisition to some very specialized topics. It also deals with M&A issues with both public, private, and even family firms.

Honestly, I am surprised at how glad I am that I bought this book. It is terrific.

Highly Practical
I have been an M&A practitioner for twenty years and rarely have I found a book that is as readable and useable as this one. The author is able to synthesize difficult concepts and communicate them in a highly user friendly way.

Very thorough
Very detailed source for information on mergers, acquisitions and buyouts. The question and answer format is a great way to identify the information that you need. This book really is a handbook; I wouldn't encourage reading it cover to cover, but to use it as more of a reference book. The footnotes at the end of each chapter are useful to finding more in depth information, and the book gives a generous number of websites which you can consult. ... Read more

Book Description

"A well written and comprehensive journey into M&A...an essential reference for any M&A practitioner...this isn’t just a book about great thoughts and process, but rather how to turn insight into deals, and deals into lasting value."
–From the Foreword by Joseph R. Perella
Chairman, Institutional Securities and Investment Banking Group, Morgan Stanley

"Bob Bruner’s Applied Mergers and Acquisitions is a masterful and comprehensive treatment of the topic of M&A. The book is remarkably complete, discussing economic valuation, legal considerations, deal structure, ethics, accounting, post-merger integration–and more. It blends material from practice and from academia in an easy-to-read style, making it a must-read, and want-to-read, for anyone interested in this subject."
–Peter Tufano
Sylvan C. Coleman Professor of Financial Management, Harvard Business School

"Preeminent scholar Robert Bruner has combined the best insights from theory with proven lessons from industry to produce the definitive resource on mergers and acquisitions. Bruner’s renowned teaching skills and keen intellect are evident throughout, rendering a must-read for finance students, investors, and corporate executives into a remarkably enjoyable read."
–Mark Kritzman
Managing Partner, Windham Capital Management Boston and Research Director, The Research Foundation of the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR)

"How many books really succeed in teaching M&A practitioners to distinguish among deals that should be avoided, deals that are promising but can’t be executed by the teams involved, and deals where significant value can be achieved? We should start the count with Bruner’s Applied Mergers and Acquisitions. Bruner is the ultimate teacher for practitioners who want to improve performance."
–Edward A. Snyder
Dean and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Economics
University of Chicago Graduate School of Business

"Bob Bruner has achieved the impossible: covering in one book all relevant economic, financial, accounting, legal, and tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions and illustrating each concept with case studies. Impressive!"
–Theo Vermaelen
Professor of Finance, INSEAD

"Bob Bruner’s book combines the best of academic thinking and business practice on one of the most fascinating and challenging topics in all of business. The area of mergers and acquisitions stretches executives and scholars to consider the whole realm of management practice–from strategy, to finance, to law, to negotiations, to integration planning, to human behavior."
–Robert S. Harris
Dean, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive and well written!
Truly an essential reference for M&A. I found the book incredibly helpful in assessing M&As for future value. The case studies particularly helpful. Every executive should read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Hands-on help for quickly­­and persuasively­­writing company-mandated performance appraisals

Writing performance appraisals is one of the most difficult and time-consuming tasks managers face. Perfect Phrases for Performance Reviews simplifies the job, providing a comprehensive collection of phrases that managers can use to describe employee performance, provide directions for improvement, and more. For example:

• "Sets priorities well"
• "Misses important deadlines"
• "Thorough, reliable, and accurate"

All managers and HR professionals will value the book for its:

• Hundreds of ready-to-use phrases, organized by job skill and performance level
• Tips for documenting performance issues and conducting face-to-face reviews
• Easily adapted performance review templates covering five performance levels

With the wide-ranging assortment of descriptions available in this book, managers will be able to find the perfect terms to help them analyze and understand the work performance of each person they work with.

Reviews (3)

Perfect Phrases for Performance Reviews .... Not!
The background to giving appraisals is very good, as is the advice on how to conduct an interview. For this alone the book is worth purchasing. Included within this book are many pages of "perfect phrases". To state they are perfect is, I feel, a little misleading. Although I must mention that at the start of the book it is stated that these sentences should be altered to suit the individual. My gripe is that the sentences have not been rated very well. For example, on page 41 under Accuracy, Outstanding options provides you with "Mistakes don't slip through" as one of the choices. Should that not read, "Exceptionally accurate at all times". Many of the sentences are very weak and fail to use any "power words" to strengthen an employee's qualities.

My feelings are that the book has been thrown together from previous appraisals with little though to the content of the phrases. The "sentences" require regrading and stronger words added to give them more bite. Also other attributes need to be added to give the book a wider audience such as: Loyalty, Sense of Duty, Competence, Confidence but to name a few.

Finding Fish
Finding Fish, by Antwone Fisher is an awsome autobiography of a foster child that became a very good father and served his country in the army
This story is about a boy, Antwone, who was put into the foster care system as a child. He stayed with the very abusive family for about 12 years. He didn't want to believe at the time that it was a bad place to live. But when he got older he finally realized that it wasn't agood place to be living and that the foster parents weren't letting him grow up. He was thrown out of the house at the age of 17 and was homeless in the coldest weather. If it weren't for his social worker believing in him and telling him that he could make it. He wouldn't have made it as far as he did. His message is that you have to have help to get anywere and have confidence in your self.
I liked the story. I say this because it shows how going through a tough life can get a good life in the end. I can relate to the foster care system and not wanting to move. I know what his life is like, especially when he denied some bad things but not all of them.

Phrases and a lot more
Doing performance reviews--preparing for them, filling out the form, and understanding how to make them effectively improve an employee's performance--can be a challenging task. How do you make it a positive experience, for yourself and for the employee? It's not easy. How do you let the person know he or she is not living up to the organization's expectations? Again, not easy. This book can help in doing these things. The majority of book is given over to phrases you can use in over 70 different categories of performance. Each category has five levels of phrases, from outstanding to unacceptable. Even if some phrases don't fit exactly what you're looking for, you have a place to start and you can easily modify them to fit your purposes. I also like the first part of the book on how to plan, conduct, and write a performance review. The book also has two cool appendixes. One is titled "Ten Mistakes Managers Make When Conducting Performance Reviews," and the other is "Seven Mistakes Employees Make During Performance Reviews." For a retail price of [money], this book is a great tool for anyone having to do performance reviews. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

A master of customer service reveals his secrets for developing long-lasting business relationships and customer loyalty. "We shower our customers with attention. There's no doubt in my mind that our philosophy can be applied to selling just about anything -- from aircraft engines to beanbags." (Jack Mitchell) The only way to stay in business is with customers, and Jack Mitchell knows how to attract them, and how to keep them.

He has a deceptively simple but winning relationship approach to customer service -- that a relationship is at the heart of every transaction. Jack's business philosophy is based on "hugs" -- personal touches that impress and satisfy the customer, such as: -- Remembering the name of your customer's dog
-- Calling a customer to make sure he's satisfied after a purchase
-- Having a "kids' corner" with TV, books, and treats
-- Knowing your customers golf handicap
-- Introducing customers to business contacts
-- Letting your customer use your office to make a personal phone call This is a proven theory -- hugging works! Mitchells/Richards achieves among the highest margins in its industry, as well as amazing customer loyalty. Complete with anecdotes that exemplify outstanding customer service, Hug Your Customers shows how any business can adapt this hugging philosophy to attract great staff, lower marketing costs, and maintain higher gross margins and long-term revenues. At a time when customer service has become the difference between success and failure, Hug Your Customers shows how Jack's one-of-a-kind philosophy brings the results you're looking for. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

One of the best business books I've read in a long time
HUG YOUR CUSTOMERS by Jack Mitchell is one of the best business books I have read in
a long time . . . it describes how he transformed a little store
started by his parents into two of the most successful clothing
establishments in the business.

I know that I was really into it by the copious notes I was
taking on just about every topic . . . in addition, I kept thinking
to myself that next time I'm anywhere near one of his
stores in Connecticut, I want to stop by and see for myself

how Mitchell has managed to succeed when so many
others fail in the industry.

As he notes, "We shower our customers with attention.
There's no doubt in my mind that our philosophy can be applied
to selling just about anything--from aircraft engines to beanbags."

He does this by showering his customers with "hugs"--personal touches
that impress and satisfy the customer . . . these include such
things as:
Remembering the name of your customer's dog;
Calling a customer to make sure he's satisfied after a purchase;
Having a kids' corner with TV, books and treats;
Knowing your customer's golf handicap; and
Letting your customer use your office to make a personal phone call.

The book was chock-full of other ideas that could be applied
to just about any situation; among them:

When I'm bored at home, rather than reading a book, I often
punch the button on my computer and put in parameters to
pull up our top one hundred or top one thousand customers,

men and women, and I study them like I was studying vocabulary
words for the SAT's. The names go into one of the attic rooms
of my brain and lodge there. As I once knew all stats on Joe
DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, I now try to know all the stats
on my top thousand customers. Because that's the game:
knowing the customer.

A hug can be a thoughtful remedy for an annoyance. When the
Postal Service raised the price of a stamp to 37 cents from 34 cents,
my first thought was, "Oh, great, now I've got to stand in line to get
3-cent stamps so I can use that mound of 34-cent stamps I bought
so I wouldn't have to wait in line for a long time." I hate waiting
in lines, especially at a government agency. But who doesn't? So
I sent out a personal note to five hundred of our good customers,
thinking they might be in the same boat, and included some 3-cent
stamps. "You know you are the focus of our business," I wrote.
"In an effort to make your life less hectic, I have enclosed a
handful of 3-cent stamps." It was a hug out of nowhere, and they
loved it.

Consistency means that if you're going to do anything for the customer,
you have to do it for everyone, including someone you've never seen
before. That means that a customer is more important than a
mannequin. One Saturday years ago, Mitchells was really mobbed,
and this couple came in who had never been there before. The wife
asked if we had a certain tie in a green coloration. I flipped

through the tie racks and couldn't find it. The woman nodded at
a mannequin and said, "There it is." So I got up and removed it and
took if downstairs to be steamed. Meanwhile, the couple browsed
around and wound up buying several suits, a couple of sport jackets,
and twenty-three custom shirts. As they were checking out, the woman
said, "We were in a store in Stamford before we came here, and there
was a tie on the mannequin that I liked and I asked the manager if he
could take it off, and he said, 'Absolutely not, the visual department
is coming out from New York today and the visuals have to be
perfect.' "

Hooray For Customer Service!
In an era of cookie cutter department stores, and speciality shops that require sales staff to complete "Attitude 101", it is incredibly refreshing to learn the story of Jack Mitchell, and his vastly successful enterprise Mitchells/Richards, which is the subject of "Hug Your Customers".
Mitchell, the second generation to run the family clothier, stresses time and time again in this history/marketing/advice tome that the key to retailing success is going the extra mile to please a customer, thereby developing loyalty (as well as increased sales).
Mitchell is not only a shrewd business, but also a great storyteller, and has mastered the art of remembering his customers - the stories he tells in this book about exceeding customer expectations through fairly simple means (creating customer profiles, involving family in business...) are lessons that anyone in business has heard ten times over, and has probably discarded for the latest marketing trend. Mitchell's simple storytelling style works great when discussing the importance of old fashioned customer service principles (selling merchandise displayed on mannequins, charting birthdays, phone calls to customers to remind them of special events...) - his buisness philosophy makes great (common) sense.
Mitchell's ideas of service translate extremely well into any sales environment, and this book is a great resource (and reminder) for anyone in sales, marketing, or public relations work. He is great at capturing the larger picture of the value of relationships in the sales enviroment - as well as valuing the sales staff.
In an era where quality customer service seems to be a forgotten skill, its great to read of someone who has had great success because he practices the very simple rules of successful sales - know your customer - greet them and treat them with respect - go tohe extra mile to satisfy their needs. Unfortunately, we have come to expect less of salespeople these days because such simple courtesies are rarely extended in today's retailing marketplace. I found a number of strategies laid out by Mitchell to be great starting points for customer interaction in my own work, and that is the best reccomendation a reader can give a book of this type.

Creating a Magical Experience for Customers
A business owner who'll do anything for his customers--even fly across the world to deliver a suit! He turns clothing shopping from commodity to magical experience--and he is very well-compensated. I read this all the way through in about two sittings.

Packed With Knowledge!
This terrific book wastes no words and no time, but delivers the goods. Jack Mitchell, CEO of two high-end clothing stores in Connecticut, offers solid (if not all new) principles of customer service and relationship management in a personal, lively, entertaining way. The book is immediately applicable to retail and small businesses, and sheds much-needed light on managing a family business. The book draws a straight line from customer service to business success. The author, whose warmth and candor is totally endearing, may be faulted for denying that location matters. After all, his stores sit in one of the most affluent regions in the U.S., so he would probably enjoy some measure of success even with mediocre customer service. And, his customer service is great, intense to the point of being instructive. If he is overenthusiastic about his formula, that's to be expected of a salesman. We find a lot of useful material here for anyone in a customer-contact business and, as a bonus, this familial saga is really fun to read. Highly recommended.

Mitchell Deserves A Hug
Everyone that deals with people should read this book. I would love to give it to the geeks that invented the computerized customer service reps.. those shameful beings. Hugs become extra important for someone who basically deals with clients through a computer.. like me :) The one thing I would change about this book is that certain sections tend to get really vague. ... Read more

Book Description

In Balanced Scorecard Step-by-Step, Paul Niven shares his extensive experience in developing Balanced Scorecards for Fortune 1000, public sector, and not-for-profit organizations. The reader quickly learns that a Balanced Scorecard implementation is more than a "metrics" project, that it touches many critical organizational processes. Through detailed step-by-step discussions, Niven provides insight on and practical solutions for: developing performance objectives and measures that faithfully translate strategy, generating executive support, and assembling the right team. Readers also learn how to ensure the Balanced Scorecard becomes an integral component of their management systems by cascading it to all levels of the organization, aligning budgets and compensation with strategy, reporting results with software, and putting in place systems to ensure lasting success.

"Paul Niven, through his experience as project leader at the excellent and highly successful implementation at Nova Scotia Power, and subsequently as a Balanced Scorecard consultant, is one of the few who can talk and write knowledgeably about how to make the Scorecard happen in an organization. Balanced Scorecard Step-by-Step guides readers through the processes required for a successful Balanced Scorecard project. In addition, he shows how to become a strategy-focused organization by imbedding the Balanced Scorecard into critical organizational processes." —From the Foreword by Robert S. Kaplan

"This is the Balanced Scorecard journey, told step-by-step by one who has traveled the BSC road many times. Paul Niven is not just a sideline cheerleader for the BSC; he is someone who rolls up his sleeves and has what it takes to fine-tune BSC performance promises. A must-read for anyone considering or already on the BSC journey." —Catherine Stenzel, Editor, Journal of Cost Management ... Read more

Reviews (9)

How to Achieve and Then Sustain Superior Performance
It is noteworthy that Robert S. Kaplan wrote the Foreword to this book. He and David P. Cohen are the co-authors of three other books on this important subject: The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action, The Balanced Scorecard: Measures That Drive Performance (HBR OnPoint Enhanced Edition), and most recently The Strategy-Focused Organization: How Balanced Scorecard Companies Thrive in the New Business Environment. In the Preface, Kaplan graciously welcomes "this new book to the Balanced Scorecard literature" and goes on to suggest that "Niven's contribution will enable many more organizations to achieve successful Balanced Scorecard implementations."

Given the potential benefits of such a program, one which provides a measurement system that balances the historical accuracy and integrity of financial numbers with today's drivers of economic success, I strongly recommend that Kaplan and Norton's books also be consulted. The total cost seems a small price to pay for the substantial value that will be derived.

Here is how Niven organizes his material :

Part One: Introduction to Performance Measurement and the Balanced Scorecard

Its purpose is to "familiarize [the reader] with the field of performance measurement and provide a solid grounding of Scorecard background and principles."

Part Two: Step-by-Step Development of the Balanced Scorecard

Next, Niven provides his reader with "a detailed review and description of the elements necessary to construct this new and powerful management tool."

Part Three: Embedding the Balanced Scorecard in the Organization's Management System

Then Niven shifts his (and his reader's) attention to implementing -- literally step-by-step -- a cohesive, comprehensive, and cost-effective system based on the aforementioned principles (Part One) and elements (Part Two). This marks the "Scorecard's transition from a measurement system to a strategic management tool." Niven explains in Chapter 8 how to align every employee's actions with the organization's overall goals.

Part Four: Sustaining Balanced Scorecard Success

Niven carefully examines the importance of frequent reports on results (to date) which both broaden and (more importantly) deepen support of the Scorecard within the organization. To repeat, the Scorecard is an effective management tool as well as a source of measurement information.

Part Five: Balanced Scorecard in the Public and Not-for-Profit Sectors and Concluding Thoughts on Scorecard Success

The "many advantages conferred by a the Balanced Scorecard" were recognized and appreciated almost immediately by public-sector and not-for-profit organizations. This "rising trend" serves as Niven's focal point in Chapter 13 and then, in the final chapter, he shares some concluding thoughts.

These specifics are provided so that those who read this review will have a clearer understanding of the scope of what Niven offers. No brief commentary such as this, however, can adequately suggest the depth of his probing analysis. He wrote the book for decision-makers in organizations which are now deciding whether or not to commit to a Balanced Scorecard program. Also for decision-makers in other organizations within which such a program is now underway. Niven concludes his Preface with Euripides' especially relevant comments on the importance of balance, first expressed almost 2,500 years ago: "The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, you are really a wise man." I wholly agree with Niven that "the same applies to organizations."

Muy recomendado/ highly recomended
Adquirí este libro y no puede parar de leerlo hasta que lo terminé. Simple, bien escrito, práctico.
Probablemente es el libro mas útil sobre el tema que se haya publicado

It is a simple written, useful book, you wont stop reading until its finished.

Learn How to Do It
If you are interested in the experience of companies that implemented the BSC, read the Kaplan and Norton books. Now if you want to learn HOW TO actually DO IT then this book is for you. Instead of selling the reader on the BSC concept Paul Niven teaches the BSC step by step - just like the book title says. I particularly liked Chapter 5 - commonly used measures from each of the BSC perspectives. This is a good book to have if you are implementing or planning to implement the BSC.

Outstanding BSC Handbook
This book makes BSC theory utterly accessible. It provides an appropriate amount of background for those who do not know BSC theory well, but the balance of the book is dedicated to implementing BSC for almost any type of company (profit, non-profit, public sector). Niven's language is clear and thorough and his book serves as a step-by-step implementation plan for BSC.

Should Charge $250,000 Or More For This Book...
This book gives you the power to say "Thank you, but no thank you" to the legions of high-priced consultants (like myself) who offer to help design, establish and implement your company's balanced scorecard.

While Robert Kaplan did write the introduction, he and Norton must be very dissappointed that they didn't write this book -- I'm certainly sorry that I didn't write it. Author Paul R. Niven provides all the tools, methodologies and steps necessary to create and execute your own balanced scorecard. He's held nothing back. It's all here. Whether you lead a local non-profit or are the CEO of a Fortune Global 500 corporation (like my clients), Niven has provided detailed step-by-step instructions for both of the key phases of the balanced scorecard project:

I. Planning Stage:
Step One: Develop objectives
Step Two: Determine appropriate organizational unit(s).
Step Three: Gain executive sponsorship.
Step Four: Build your balanced scorecard team.

Step Five: Formulate your project plan.
Step Six: Develop a communication plan.

II. Development Stage:
Step One: Gather and distribute background material.
Step Two: Develop mission, values, vision, and strategy.
Step Three: Conduct extensive interviews.
Step Four: Develop objectives and measures.
Step Five: Develop cause-and-effet linkages.
Step Six: Establish targest for your measures.
Step Seven: Develop the implementation plan.

This book is fantastic. In fact, I'm thinking about placing a bulk order for the book to give to all my clients. On second thought, why give away all the "secrets?" Seriously, this is one of the best business and management books I've read this year. Overall grade: AAA+++/Highly Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Inventory accuracy starts with an understanding of the conditions under which errors occur and ends with error-resistant processes, intelligent use of technology, a well-trained and highly motivated workforce, and an ongoing process of continuous improvement. In between, there’s cycle counting, root cause analysis, process evaluation, user interface design, procedures, employee training, accountability, control methods, process checks, audits, exception reporting, transaction techniques, measurement, counting methods, bar codes, RF systems, speech-based technology, light systems, and software.

Inventory Accuracy: People, Processes, & Technology covers all of these topics and more in a comprehensive treatment of the subject of inventory accuracy in distribution, fulfillment, and manufacturing environments. In addition to documenting the standard tools and techniques used to achieve accuracy, the author provides insights as to why many of the standard solutions don’t provide the best results and offers alternative methods. The focus on practical solutions that take into account the sometimes-conflicting priorities that affect accuracy, results in an approach that not only looks good on paper, but more importantly, works in the real world. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Essential Warehouse Manager's Desk Reference
If you are responsible for the integrity of your company's inventory, then I strongly recommend that you read "Inventory Accuracy". Written in plain English, with an emphasis on the practical, this book contains a wealth of valuable tips and techniques for both the new and seasoned warehouse manager. While thoroughly addressing current technology, the book also emphasizes the importance of the human factor.

A good read and an invaluable tool...

Excellent book on what is still important ... Inventory!
I greatly enjoyed the new book, especially the detailed sections on measuring accuracy, cycle counting, combining count logic selections in creation of a count, the "bin locator" versus the "warehouse management" systems, and count variances.

The practical information continues even into warehouse personnel issues - such as shrinkage and the wide variety of people personalities that are involved in shrinkage.

Many effective and practical tips are provided for the technical AND non-technical operations professional. If you are a warehouse manager or supervisor - then you should get a copy of this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The Nonprofit Kit For Dummies is the only comprehensive guide of its kind at a reasonable. This is a nuts-and-bolts guide for real people -- nonprofessional managers and volunteers who hope to start a nonprofit but don't know where to begin or who already run one but are struggling with a multitude of decisions and tasks -- real-life issues like staffing, budgeting, fundraising, tax reports, and facilities. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not helpful at all
As an attorney, I read a lot of publications about creating nonprofits -- here's what you need to know about this book:

1) No clear instructions on how to incorporate or how to fill out (very complicated) IRS forms necessary to obtain tax exempt status.

2) Covers a lot of topics only lightly, skipping important details.

3) No detailed info on state laws, which is extremely important to every nonprofit corporation.

If you really don't want to visit an attorney, Nolo's book "How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation" is the best one available, and addresses everything this Dummies book doesn't.

Be careful!!!
OK this book makes you feel like incorporating is as easy as bying the book ...

But it is way too vague, and omits to tell you what you get yourself into !

After reading this book, I incorporated and for additional info I bought Nolo's How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California by Anthony Mancuso (or How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation if you don't live in california) and I got really scared.
This nonprofit kit is really for dummies, it doesn't even talk about applying for state tax exemption which is as important as federal tax exemption, or your responsibilities and duties as a director or officer.

I would really advise you to buy Nolo's book (nolo.com). The author is much more responsible, he clearly tells you that you should prepare your bylaws, your federal and state tax exemption application BEFORE submitting you articles of incorporation ...

Plus, this nonprofit kit for dummies is making some huge mistakes! It tells you that the Board of Directors is composed of the president, vice president, secretary and CFO ... which is totally untrue, they are officers
The board of directors is composed of guess what ... directors.

all-in-one resource
This book puts it all together, with very savvy advice on not just what to do to launch and sustain a non-profit, but how to do it well, with realistic goals. My favorite sections are the ones on writing: how to develop a mission statement and a grant proposal. But all the nuts & bolts information about budgeting and raising money is excellent, too. The advice also is very flexible, so it can apply to nonprofits that are social service-oriented, arts-oriented, etc. A good starting point for all of us who want to turn dreams into realities.

Now I don't feel so dumb!
Great book for someone starting at ground zero!

Before I found this book, I was struggling with my fear of overlooking some important aspect while starting a non-profit, the Financial Literacy Infusion Project (FLIP). My intrepidation was actually putting some of FLIP's potential funding in jeopardy. When I looked at the scope of topics in the table of contents, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was on my way to filling in some important "holes" I had overlooked and feeling confident that I was developing a strong foundation for FLIP.

Hutton & Phillips cover the gamut of starting and running a non-profit in a reader-friendly format. NP for Dummies is also loaded with references and resources for more information on any subject covered. The CD is also a definite, easy to use PLUS! ... Read more

Book Description

This classic text for MBA programs offers balanced coverage of concepts, methods, and uses of managerial accounting with an increasingly strong emphasis on management decision-making. This approach helps focus on concepts and managerial uses of financial information rather than techniques of cost accounting. The current edition emphasizes international issues, strategic effects of decisions, ethics, and new management accounting trends. Also emphasized are process improvement, integration of financial reporting issues for management decision-making, and application of managerial accounting tools to the emerging service sector, government, and nonprofits in examples and problem material. ... Read more

Book Description

A step-by-step approach for planning and performing an assessment of internal controls

In addition to financial results, companies must now analyze and evaluate the quality of the processes and controls used to report these results. How to Comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 provides a comprehensive, logically structured approach to help readers test and evaluate internal control in their companies.

Designed specifically for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance, How to Comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 features:

• A step-by-step approach to engagement performance
• Original material from a leading expert in auditing and accounting
• Practice aids, including forms, checklists, illustrations, diagrams, and tables
• In-depth explanations to help professionals understand how best to approach the internal control engagement
• Examples and action plans providing blueprints for implementing requirements of the Act

Reviews (1)

Exceptional resource
This book does not much dwell on the details of Sarbanes-Oxley - the reader is assumed to have an understanding of the salient details - but, instead lays out a comprehensive action plan for complying with Section 404.

The author begins with three chapters covering the overall goals and objectives, roles and responsibilities, assessment issues, and an excellent chapter about internal control criteria. Each of these chapters ends in appendices that support the compliance initiative.

Milestones, covered in Chapters 3 through 7, are clearly defined with respect to what it will take, key issues, and appendices that provide examples, guidelines, checklists and other material that support compliance. I was impressed by the straightforward approach, the complete and clear identification of all issues - and especially so regarding IT, developing documentation, and testing the controls - and the fact that the control objectives were carefully mapped to the COSO Framework.

If you want a realistic view of the scope and complexity of Section 404 compliance this book will provide it. If you are an IT professional I strongly recommend visiting Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ASIN B00006BW74), which makes available a free 84-page document titled "IT Control Objectives for Sarbanes-Oxley". For more general information, there is a commercial site that provides news and updates on Sarbanes-Oxley issues (ASIN B0000AM23N), as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (ASIN B00013Y80Y), which provides rule making information and a means to comment on proposed rules. You can reach these sites by pasting the ASIN numbers in the search box at the top of this page, selecting all products and clicking GO. ... Read more

Book Description

The text is current, concise, and clearly written, with cases at the end of each chapter to illustrate the material.
* An interactive CD lets students test and expand their understanding with multiple-choice questions, key term matching exercises, demonstrations of various concepts and techniques, critical thinking exercise, interactive cases, and videos.
* A dynamic Web site provides test study guides, exercises, games, web testing, relevant articles, from The Wall Street Journal and other sources linked to the text, links to relevant web sites, additional cases, and other materials. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This was my class textbook
Don't be deceived by the many colorful photos and illustrations used throughout this textbook - it is not an elementary "Dummies Guide to Cost Accounting" primer.

I found Jiambalvo's book clearly communicated all of the relevant accounting topics one would expect to learn in an MBA level managerial accounting course. The accounting examples in the book are interesting, nicely explained, and the chapter progression does a good job of incrementally building on previous lessons.

The CD that comes with the book is surprisingly well-done. It is well-produced and provides very good supplementary support to each chapter in the book.

It would have been nice though if the CD would have included electronic versions of the cases. There were many times I spent an extra ten minutes or so simply retyping in spreadsheets from the book that could have been done for the reader.

Basics
Good book but most of the time it remains pretty basic with very simple concepts. There are more pictures than actual information. Nice first book on the topic. ... Read more

Book Description

Financial Accounting 6e, is designed to prepare users to succeed as future business managers. The text demonstrates how financial statements are useful and interesting tools for diagnosing a companys problems or strengths, and for making loan, investment, acquisition, employment, and political decisions. The sixth edition interweaves analytical principles with real examples and real data from well-known companies. This text takes a business-activities approach to link accounting to what a business really doesoperating, investing and financing. The result provides students with the practical skills they need to understand complex business issues and make smart strategic decisions. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very good initial approach to Financial Accounting
This is the textbook we were given for our Financial Accounting class in our MBA. So far, it's proven to be an excellent complement to the lectures, and even as a stand alone book, it contains enough information to guide you through the initial steps of financial statement generation and analysis. It definitely is very pricey, but it is a very good book. ... ... Read more

Book Description

Ideal for management majors who plan to become HRM professionals, this highly accessible text presents a conceptual model of the field—placing HRM in the overall context of business management. Students gain a broad, practical understanding of how HRM policies affect the workplace from productivity, quality, and customer service to employee morale. French addresses timely issues changing the current role of HRM, including international topics, the Internet, emerging legal concerns, social responsibility, and performance appraisal.

• The text covers several new discussion points, including worldwide terrorism, white-collar unionization, office/factory romances, corporate universities, "cash balance" plans, peer-to-peer counseling, and religious harassment.
• Comprehensive cases cover recent developments and issues based on well-known sources such as Business Week, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Ethics, and a number of related journals.
• A strong pedagogical framework includes International Perspective boxes, A Question of Ethics boxes, and Contemporary Issues boxes. In addition, end-of-chapter experiential exercises often involve group discussions and role-playing.

Reviews (2)

Great book!!
Great learning book for Professionals who like to expand their learning horizons. Discover and learn the practice of the Human Resource different labor relations, new laws and how to handle different situations in the day by day bussines environment. Helps a lot to handle employees and employers ethical cases. Comonmly used by Proffesor José Ramiro Rodriguez in Polytechnic University of PR.

Management
This book is highly recomended in the Polytechnic Univercity of Puerto Rico. Porf. Jose Ramiro Rodriguez uses this text book in class. The specific goal is to develop the know-how and skill to deal with the management of human resources in scientific and technical organizations in order to achiveve their goals effiently and effectively. ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Enterprise Risk Management

"In the aftermath of Enron, WorldCom, and Sarbanes-Oxley, every publicly traded company should be concerned about risk management. This book takes a pragmatic approach to risk management that can benefit any CEO or senior executive. Lam lays out clear strategies to address what is often a highly complex issue."
–William L. Walton, Chairman and CEO, Allied Capital Corporation

"James Lam provides one of the most practical, insightful books on risk management that I have read in the last thirty years. It clearly reflects experience and deep understanding of the art as well as the science in risk management practices. A must-read for all who wish to advance risk management practices in their businesses."
–Sandra Jansky, Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, SunTrust Banks, Inc.
Chairperson, Risk Management Association

"In this book, James Lam has provided an effective overview of business risk. Enterprise Risk Management will be useful to professional risk managers and business executives seeking to understand the latest tools and organizational approaches."
–Robert Simons, Charles M. Williams Professor of Business Administration,
Unit Head–Accounting & Control, Harvard Business School

"The most comprehensive and engaging handbook on enterprise risk management, written by the pioneer of the Chief Risk Officer function. Filled with practical examples and lessons learned, this book is destined to become one of the most widely read primers on today’s top business initiative. James Lam is the authority on enterprise risk management, and I highly recommend this book to all board directors, senior executives, and risk managers."
–Cassandra R. Schultz, Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, KeySpan Corporation

"James Lam’s book Enterprise Risk Management: From Incentives to Controls provides an insightful road map to best practices in risk management. Based on a solid and successful career in risk management, James’s advice is both timely and relevant and should be required reading for all risk management professionals."
–Michael J. Litwin, Chief Credit and Risk Officer, Merrill Lynch Capital ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The book for ALL CROs and CFOs
Thank you for writing this book. This book is must read for all CROs and CFOs. Looking forward to reading your coming Risk Management books.

Critical but Easy to Read and Comprehend
Anyone whose career interests intersect with the risk management discipline will find this book extremely valuable in understanding the risk management discipline and viewpoint. Anyone who is considering a career in risk management will find this book a critical help for success. James Lam writes in an easy to read style and the ease with which one can grasp and understand the material might fool one into under estimating the rigor and logic James has built into his work. I recommend this book without reservation.

Edward P. Paules, Managing Director Risk Management
Investors Bank & Trust
Boston, MA 02116

ERM Made Practical and Executable
James Lam, the founder of ERisk and the pioneer for the chief risk officer concept has penned the best and most comprehensive book yet on enterprise risk management and how this emerging business practice can add practical, measurable value to any business concerned about how risks affect performance and stakeholder value.

For the first time, a true ERM expert has articulated in user friendly terms, what ERM is and how it can be applied to many different business types in many industries. This book makes clear that there is no one way to design and ERM model and that customizing it to the needs of the business will be the one way to optimize the outcomes desired.

The book is well organized and starts with a section on setting the "context" for delving into risk management; outlining the framework of a comprehensive approach; showing real world applications in various industry contexts; and closing with some prognostications on the future of the practice.

I highly recommend this book to all business managers who want to take risk management and their careers to the next level.

Enterprise Risk Management: From Incentives to Controls
Excellent resource on Enterprise Risk Management.

The author draws upon his 20 years' rich real world experience to drive the subject to home. It offers valuable insight, which is rare to find elsewhere. This book is not only up to date and comprehensive, but also particularly practical.

As a risk analyst with more than 6 years experience, I highly recommend this book to those who are in this field and to those who have interests in this field. ... Read more

Book Description

Term Sheets & Valuations is the first ever in-depth look at the nuts and buts of terms sheets and valuations. The book, written by leading venture capitalist Alexander Wilmerding of Boston Capital Ventures, covers topics such What is a Term Sheet, How to Examine a Term Sheet, A Section-by-Section View of a Term Sheet, Valuations, What Every Entrepreneur & Executive Needs to Know About Term Sheets, Valuation Parameters, and East Coast Versus West Coast Rules. In addition, the book includes an actual term sheet from a leading law firm with line by line descriptions of each clause, what can/should be negotiated, and the important points to pay attention to. A must have book for any executive, entrepreneur, or financial professional.

Praise for Term Sheets & Valuations:

"This primer should be required reading for every entrepreneur. It is short, authoritative and worth its weight in gold." - Murray Low, Executive Director, Columbia Business School, Eugene M. Lang Center for Entrepreneurship

"An invaluable resource for executives and financial professionals." - Graham D.S. Anderson, General Partner, EuclidSR Partners

"A valuable resource for entrepreneurs..." - Jeffrey Donohue, Esq. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Most Insightful Book Ever Written on Venture Capital
I would spend $1,000 for this book - simply put. Even though I am a VC, I was completely awe struck by the detailed information on raising capital, term sheets and valuations this book presented. Besides having great insight into raising venture capital, the highlight of the book is clearly an actual term sheet, put together by one of the leading law firms, with line by line descriptions of what the wording means and actual "legal wording" for "investor favorable," "entrepreneur favorable," and "neutral" terms. This is information you pay $20,000 for with your lawyers. This book is a must have for any entrepreneur, venture capitalist or financial executive.

The Book Every Management Team, VC & Lawyer Should Have
This is by far the most widely used title by every venture capitalist. I would highly recommend this book to every vc, lawyer, and management team member (especially) of every company looking to obtain venture financing. You could not find better advice on negotation points, changes to wording or overall guidance on a term sheet than Wilmerding's advice in this book. Especially look at Chapter 3 where Wilmerding goes through line by line what every parapraph means on a term sheet. Also check out Wilmerding's other book, Deal Terms, or Raising VC From a Tier 1 Firm (which includes the entire text from Term Sheets & Valuations and Deal Terms).

Advice from a seasoned financial professional....
After having this book referred to me by about 7 of my venture capital friends I decided to take a look. Well, I was very impressed as this is the first venture capital book I have seen to provide a true insider's perspective. This book literally tells you exactly the wording you need to use to make the section applicable to you - whether you are a:

Venture Capitalist

Entrepreneur

Lawyer

Etc.

Look at the below section and the detail it provides (you should note the book itself goes on to explain what this entire section means and what each section specifically does):

(4) Conversion: [Investor Favorable, Middle of the Road and Company Favorable are the same.]

The holders of the Series [A] Preferred shall have the right to convert the Series [A] Preferred, at any time, into shares of Common Stock. The initial conversion rate shall be 1:1, subject to adjustment as provided below.

(5) Automatic Conversion:

Investor Favorable:

The Series [A] Preferred shall be automatically converted into Common Stock, at the then applicable conversion price, (i) in the event that the holders of at least two thirds of the outstanding Series [A] Preferred consent to such conversion or (ii) upon the closing of a firmly underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock of the Company at a per share price not less than [3 times the Original Purchase Price] per share and for a total offering with net proceeds to the Company of not less than $40 million (a "Qualified IPO").

Middle of the Road:

The Series [A] Preferred shall be automatically converted into Common Stock, at the then applicable conversion price, (i) in the event that the holders of at least two thirds of the outstanding Series [A] Preferred consent to such conversion or (ii) upon the closing of a firmly underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock of the Company at a per share price not less than [2 times the Original Purchase Price] per share and for a total offering with gross proceeds to the Company of not less than $25 million (a "Qualified IPO").

Company Favorable:

The Series [A] Preferred shall be automatically converted into Common Stock, at the then applicable conversion price, (i) in the event that the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding Series [A] Preferred consent to such conversion or (ii) upon the closing of a firmly underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock of the Company at a per share price not less than two times the Original Purchase Price (as adjusted for stock splits and the like) and for a total offering of not less than $5 million, before deduction of underwriters commissions and expenses (a "Qualified IPO").

The Industry Standard for Term Sheets in the VC Industry
As a VC, I can tell you this is THE book every VC, lawyer, investment banker and entrepreneur has on their desk regarding term sheets. It is a great overall reference and the line by line explanations are extremely important for anyone doing deals. I would also highly recommend Wilmerding's second book "Deal Terms" and "Executive Reports: Raising VC From a Tier 1 Firm" which includes this entire book, Deal Terms, Ways of the VC and a list of top VC Firms. I am also told this book specifically is available as a CD-Rom (sold separately), in a Word document, that you can use for your own dealings.

This Book Saved Me
As an entrepreneur trying to secure venture financing, this book was a godsend. Not only did it help me better negotiate with my investors, but it made me seem like I really knew what was going on and had experience in the area. It also saved me thousands in legal fees since I was able to make suggestions on my own time (not lawyer time). My backers were quite impressed with this book themselves and all bought copies after I shared it with them when the deal closed. If you have any ties to venture capital at all, this book is worth it's weight in gold. ... Read more

Book Description

Fast food has hastened the malling of our landscape, widened the chasm between rich and poor, fueled an epidemic of obesity, and propelled American cultural imperialism abroad. That's a lengthy list of charges, but here Eric Schlosser makes them stick with an artful mix of first-rate reportage, wry wit, and careful reasoning.

Schlosser's myth-shattering survey stretches from California's subdivisions where the business was born to the industrial corridor along the New Jersey Turnpike where many fast food's flavors are concocted. Along the way, he unearths a trove of fascinating, unsettling truths -- from the unholy alliance between fast food and Hollywood to the seismic changes the industry has wrought in food production, popular culture, and even real estate. He also uncovers the fast food chains' disturbing efforts to reel in the youngest, most susceptible consumers even while they hone their institutionalized exploitation of teenagers and minorities.

Reviews (1014)

McInteresting Look at Fast Food
I read this book knowing I was not going to learn any new and cheery anecdotes about how Ronald McDonald got his start..... instead I read this to solidify the notion that fast food was not a healthy choice. And boy, did this book give you reasons it is not, and I'm not just talking nutritional value here.

I found this book fascinating for the detail was great, well researched, and given to the reader straight. It was an eye opening book. Who knew that due to the meat industry being run just by a few corporations, essentially we are eating the same meat from the same feedlots and slaughter houses whether we buy it at a fast food chain or the local supermarket, and perhaps even the nicer restaurants. I also found some of the content appalling. Cattle are fed cats, dogs, other cows, even old newspaper! If this doesn't outrage you enough, just wait to you get to how these same meat conglomerates treat the low paid, low skilled employees of the slaughterhouses.

This book is insightful and unbelievable, and will make you question how the fast food giants sleep at night.

I'm Supporting What?
I've been trying to write a review for this book and end up not being able to grasp the profound effect it has had on me. I'm left will a feeling of being too small to actually do anything about the "wool" being pulled over America's eyes. From basic human rights to our nation's safety (e.coli, salmonella, etc.), the fast food industry has been able to break laws, cover up incidents and some how flourish, making billions of dollars a year.

I devoured this book, it is easy to read, accurate and eye opening. The contents in this book is something that every American should be familiar. Fast food customers need to be informed of what goes on to deliver that "happy" meal on to that plastic tray from beginning to end. I'd like to thank Eric Schlosser for writing this book, his research has caused me to take a look at what I'm supporting and risking by consuming meat. I for one will not support these arrogant corporate giants and have chosen to stay away from fast food. I have seen the light and it's not from the glowing golden arches down the street!

Appalling. Read it and weep.
Since many other reviewers cover the more repulsive details of Schlosser's book, I will stick to pointing out something I think deserves even more attention: one of the themes of the book is that the fast food industry has its tentacles in EVERY aspect of Americans' lives. Changing this goes far, far beyond bypassing a Big Mac...boycotting fast food is not the same thing as boycotting the fast food industry, when industry practices have made the USDA powerless against meatpackers, advertisers target children as consumers, and schools are taking money for corporate sponsorship.

This a fantastic book and it touches on a lot of areas that I don't normally think of relating to fast food, such as the plight of abused migrant workers in the slaughterhouses and the economics of teen labor. Everybody should read it, even if you never eat fast food, because you're affected too.

Disturbing... Will never eat fast food again!
I must warn the reader that you'll never want to eat fast food again after you read this book. I've never been a big fast food junkie, though I've eaten it if there isn't anything else around, but I won't again take a bite of the same even if I'm starving during a road trip and the only food available is a drive-thru burger joint. Eric Schlosser's book is an impressive, albeit disturbing dissection of the fast food industry in the United States, one that examines each aspect of said industry with unflinching, well-researched facts. The result is an unflattering picture of an indust