Book Description

Reviews (694)

An Important Book
The value of Barbara Ehrenreich's troubling, but remarkable investigation of the dearth of opportunity faced by working class Americans, is evident from the gamut of highly emotional reactions it has raised here.

Many readers seem enormously offended simply on the grounds that Ehrenreich was not actually a member of the working class, and only "visited" a life of poverty and toil. These readers take great pains to say that poverty is a serious issue, while discounting the book on the grounds that Ehrenreich - who holds a PhD of all the horrible things! - has no right to raise it. This is a willfully deluded argument which would seem to white wash all kinds of investigative journalism across the board. The attacks on Ehrenreich's credentials appear designed to avoid a discussion of the book itself, a low but familiar critical tactic, shooting the messenger to destroy the message.

It is understandable, however, that people would seek to look away from the experiences that Ehrenreich relates from her sojourns in the waitressing, housekeeping, and retailing industries. The pay is meager, the work is often backbreaking, and the management is consistently exploitative. You may already have suspected this to be the case, but the hard details in Nickel and Dimed - of trying to find housing, of applying for community aid, of unpaid overtime, and a thousand other tiny indignities - confront the reader with the vivid reality of how many of their fellow human beings are forced to live.

Terrific book, terrific writing
I love this book. Some people seem to find it hard to believe that a person can't "get by" on minimum wage, or that people get stuck in low-paying jobs - some claim that "everyone starts at minimum wage in life, but they get promoted and make more", etc. That doesn't always happen, or even happen that often. Ms. Ehrenreich's book shows the struggles she faced in just a short term experiment, but imagine trying to do it for the long haul - there are other crises that occur in the lives of working people - such as, lack of medical insurance - a HUGE problem - and car troubles, to name a couple. In this book, Ms. Ehrenreich was working during the warmer months - God knows what she may have encountered during the winter in Maine or Minnesota!But this terrific book gives a glimpse into the lives of the working poor, even with everyone seemingly going right for Ms. Ehrenreich. By the way, several reviewers have claimed that she has 'contempt' for the poor, and has a snobby, yuppie-ish attitude. Nothing could be further from the truth. I don't know why people make false allegations in a book review, I suspect it's to dissuade others from reading the book and deciding for themselves. Read this book, you'll be glad you did. And pass on a couple copies to your state reps, senators, etc. Teach them a few things. I look forward to future works by Barbara Ehrenreich after reading this - she's wonderful.

The Working Poor of America get a voice
This case study in, as the subtitle says "(Not) Getting by in America" was in many ways surprising. I thought I had a pretty good handle on the fact that there are people in desperate straits out there, that being in desperate straights is awful, and that it would be better if no one had to do it. But some of the problems that are described in this book were things I had never even thought of. One of her main contentions is that many of the working poor are borderline homeless, living, ironically, in expensive motels because they can never get far enough ahead to save the deposit for a real apartment. The lack of medical care and desperate penny-pinching wasn't surprising, but what struck me was that the author, daughter of a union organizer and left wing journalist, was consistently surprised at the importance that her co-workers placed on the jobs they were doing, quite apart from the monetary rewards or managerial incentives.

This struck me as especially tragic, because it just reinforces the fact that most people take satisfaction in doing something well, and it's obvious from the lives these people lead that they aren't in the habit of shirking work. Shouldn't hard, quality work bring you a life with the basics we should all have? A thought provoking, if not especially surprising book.

STAYS with you forever!
I read this book 3 years ago, and I'm STILL experiencing recall and flashbacks to some of its passages. For example: I might be doing nothing much in particular, as I set myself down to dinner at a family style restaurant...and WHAP!!! I will recall a passage from "Nickled and Dimed" concerning the not very pretty or easy plight of many waitresses and cooks who work at such establishments. And "Nickled and Dimed" does it all with a sense of humour, to boot!

Very thought provoking and enlightening for anyone who wants a better understanding the working poor and the flaws in our socio-economic system.

"Nickled and Dimed" should be required reading for every politician and social worker in the United States.

Try Living it for Real
The biggest problem with the "realism" here is the fact that the author knows, throughout all of it, that she will be going back to her 'real' job and some serious money along with her yuppie lifestyle. She doesn't even pretend to want to find out how it feels to live this life for real. Try having $5.00 in your pocket on the 2nd of January to last you the rest of the month, with 2 babies crying because there isn't any heat in your house. And then come to the realization that you REALLY only have $5.00 in your pocket with 2 crying babies and no heat. And try realizing that the reason you are in this situation is because your town was hit by a flash flood that wiped your home away and your insurance company refused to cover the damages because they don't cover "floods." Suddenly you are poor and desperate and nowhere to turn. Try that. Then write your book. The only problem would be finding someone to publish it. The general public still doesn't want to hear about the true struggles of the working poor or what the circumstances were that lead to that poverty... they only want to be entertained and feel "enlightened" because they now "understand the plight of the poor." Sorry... you really don't. Next time you sit down to a full meal, consider there really are people out there eating ketchup on noodles and nothing else. All week... maybe even all month. ... Read more

Book Description

This modern-day classic features a treasure-trove of proven, viable trading plans suitable for every type of trader. Based on the proven methods of trading legend W.D. Gann, this thorough work has been updated to be relevant for today’s most active traders – and even includes powerful new swing trading techniques. Each plan featured provides well-defined entry & exit rules, risk management assessments and profit objectives. And, the charts and support materials are large and clear, so you can easily grasp the essence of each plan, and incorporate them into your own trading. A companion video workshop is also included that clarifies each concept in detail, so you can understand exactly when, and how, to implement them. Having a solid, reliable trading plan is the only sure way to achieve consistent trading success. Now, Gann master Robert Krausz reveals numerous trading plans and trading techniques that have been proven to be profitable in all different market climates, and which have endured for decades. It’s the definitive guide to Gann trading methods for today’s trader.COMES COMPLETE WITH VIDEO! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is it!
If your psychological temperament permits you to be a swing trader - AND you are adequately capitalized (a $25,000 account is 'way too small) - you will find a wealth of information in this book and its accompanying video. This book is one of the few available that was written by a successful trader. It is absolutely the best book on trading methodology that I have ever encountered!

If you want to learn how to actively manage your own speculative-fund portfolio, your effort will be well-served from studying this book! ... Read more

Book Description

With every employee who walks out the door costing up to 200 percent of their annual salary to replace, retention is one of the most important issues facing business today. This bestseller gives everyone from CEO to front-line supervisor solutions for keeping the employees they simply can’t afford to lose. The authors show that what employees really want, even more than bigger salaries, are meaningful work, opportunities for growth, excellent bosses, and a sense of connection to the company. This thoroughly updated and revised edition includes a new manager’s troubleshooting guide with 26 strategies that can be used at every level and a chapter on saying thank-you in the workplace. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

The Best Book to help retain the employees you love!
Love 'Em or Lose 'Em is one of those books you want to give to every manager, supervisor, executive who has ever let a talented employee walk out the door, in turn causing them thousands of dollars to replace. Dr. Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans have made this book full of easy to use activities and useful To-do lists that are critical tools for ANYONE who has employees that they would hate to lose. I found the book extremely easy to read, and the 26 chapters fun to go through. The book is designed so that you can take and apply one chapter (or retention strategy) at a time, instead of being overwhelmed by trying to apply them all at once. A lot of the strategies in the book are common sense, but I know that managers still don't apply them when an employee is about to walk out the door. I would hope that ALL managers, supervisors, executives, etc. would apply just ONE strategy. I think they would be amazed and surprised at the effectiveness this one attempt would have on changing the employee's mind to stay. I highly recommend this book for all organizations, and for all levels within the organization. It truly is the best book I have read on retention strategies, and the authors make the book so applicable to the challenges faced in today's tight labor market!

A Practical Guide for Managers Committed to Retention
Love 'Em or Lose 'Em is a wonderful resource for any manager looking to retain valuable talent. Because the book is organized into topic areas that span an array of pertinent retention issues, one can easily jump around to those topics that are most relevant to them. Each chapter contains constructive and concrete suggestions, along with insightful quotes from employees who have dealt with decisions to stay or leave an organization. Also, the many opportunities for self-assessment are extremely helpful. It would be impossible to walk away from this book without any new ideas for retaining employees that are vital to your organization. The authors have successfully translated a compendium of research into practical, how-to explanations of what motivates people to stay in a job and what managers can do to influence this outcome. This combination of knowledge and advice create an experience of worthwhile reading and exploration.

A Message You Can Bank On
Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans' message is reinforced by the voices of those who are able to translate the investment in human capital to the bottom line. This is a book with sound principles and concepts -- one well worth taking to heart. Mr. and Ms. CEO, when properly implemented, these are concepts whose payoffs you can bank on!

Engage, Motivate, Retain
In working with literally thousands of managers a year, I find very few complaining about employee turn-over. Or its more positively stated corollary, retention of great people.

That doesn't mean that attrition of great associates isn't a problem---just one that most managers overlook or choose to ignore for its embarrassing implications.

What most managers do complain about (ad nauseum) can be summed up in two words: employee motivation. Which, of course, has everything to do with causing the very costly problem of human leakage from the company payroll (as well as most of the frustrations that deny managers restful nights and peaceful days).

And so, it is such a shame that the title of this superbly helpful guide is misleading. Or at least inadequate. Instead of "Love 'Em or Lose 'Em," it should declare, more appropriately: "Keep 'Em: Engaged, Motivated to Produce, and on YOUR Payroll!" Clunkier for sure. But much more accurate. If not compelling.

This book by veteran consultants Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans is a handy advisor for pressured, task-based (and, yes, even gruff) managers who are too consumed to always remember---but who know down deep---that people, the engaged and motivated variety, really do make the difference in producing great results.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION
Unlike so many other collections of myriad motivational techniques, this book is:

• Grounded in research (current and original by the authors, as well as contemporary and classic studies by others)

• Flush with very real world examples---many of them likely will seem hauntingly familiar and hit frighteningly close to home (perhaps striking dead-on in your very own solar plexus)

• Aimed squarely at managers who ordinarily reject, refute, and yeah-but all the trite touchy-feely, overly saccharine, and unrealistically techniquey advice about motivating people. (You know, the kind spewed by the legions of naive-to-clueless consultants who manage nothing more than to pen ridiculously over-idealized management books.)

• Packed with rich, diverse, immediately actionable tactics that are practical, low-or-no-cost, and doable. No matter how uninvolved or inept your own boss or HR department, you'll find lots and lots of choices and material from which even the most casual, or cynical, skimming reader can easily draw. (As the authors note in their Preface: "'Love 'Em or Lose 'Em' does not offer a single technique or a large, complex program for keeping good people. Instead, it provides 26 strategies, each of which includes dozens of small, easy-to-implement ideas." True enough.)

Unlike far too many "management cookbooks" (some unreasonably popular), this work distinguishes itself by helping a manager to:
• Assess his or her own management style---not against the standard of an imaginary "perfect leader" but rather in specific dimensions that truly affect employee performance; and
• Accept responsibility for affecting employees' engagement, productivity, and retention. (As the Gallup Organization and others have been harping on lately, it's the individual manager, not the CEO or mythical corporate culture, who really affects the day-to-day work of individual employees.)

This book by Kaye and Jordan-Evans encourages its readers to ask themselves important questions about their OWN needs and assumptions (critical to understanding why one does what one does). And it provides a remarkable treasure trove of questions that a manager can ask employees, in comfortable conversations, to gently unveil their personal interests, wants, and needs impacting their on-the-job motivation and performance. Moreover, it provides plenty of options for managers to deploy tactics that leverage those vital insights into productivity-changing actions.

PICKING NITS
A hidden gem in the book is its Quick-Start Guide. It provides a valuable overview of the book, and is itself full of practical tactics. But it is unnecessarily and inexplicably inconspicuous. Hidden really. Buried between the last chapter and the Notes and other end matter.

Likewise, a useful self-assessment that guides the reader to the themes most helpful to a specific reader resides in the LAST chapter.

Despite these curious editorial decisions, my advice is to buy two copies of this book. One for you and one for the least people-oriented boss you know. Then, read the book. Backwards and selectively. Begin with the Quick-Start Guide on page 243, and then take the "Retention Probability Index" assessment on pages 237 & 238.

Oh, be sure to take (with a deep breath and earnest commitment to brutal honesty) the Jerk Boss self-assessment on pages 91-93. To get full value from this uniquely helpful book, it's good to know what you're really up against.

-- Don Blohowiak, Lead Well Institute, [website]

Not just for managers
LOVE 'EM or LOSE 'EM contains 26 steps for improving employee retention organized in an A-Z fashion. Although written during the recent boom times when retention was a challenge, information presented is quite valuable now for managers who wish to stay employed. The suggestions will promote a happier and more productive workforce. Many of the concepts can be applied to all interpersonal relationships - between co-workers, family and friends.

The book's presentation is visually appealing - section headings and key passages are in a complimentary blue font. There are various other eye-catching features that make the book interesting and exciting. Each chapter starts with a short statement from a fictitious employee referred to as A.J some key excerpts follow

Introduction:
I quit.
I'm giving you my notice.
I found another opportunity.
I've accepted another offer.
Can we talk?

Chapter 1 Ask - What Keeps You
They never asked.

Chapter 2 Buck - It Stops Here
I think my manager actually could have kept me. But I don't think he ever saw it as his job.

Chapter 5 Enrich - Energize the Job
The job just became ho-hum. I mean, I was good at it, my customers were pleased, but I was just plain bored.

Chapter 13 Mentor - Be One
I wish I'd had someone to warn me about some of the political ins and outs that were never written in any policy manual.

Chapter 18 Reward - Provide Recognition
It wasn't about the money, really. Oh, sure, a bonus would have been nice when I brought that new client in or when I finished those specs ahead of schedule. But a "thank you-I noticed" would really have been appreciated.

Generously distributed throughout are "Alas" sections - short, as the authors state, "the-fish-that-got-away" stories that actually happened. There are numerous "Business Examples" - things that really worked in large and small organizations. As references to other parts of the book there are "Go To" Icons to augment the information being presented.

If you're wondering how effective your management skills are in retaining employees, go to Chapter 26 - Zenith and take the assessment of your "Retention Probability Index".

At the end of the book is a Quick Start Guide - you might want to go there first and get an overview of the entire book.

Employee retention as well as productivity is not just about the money and the other "hygiene" factors (work space, hours, etc.), it's about listening to and respecting others. In these difficult times, it's more important than ever.

This book is clearly for everyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Unhappy with your job? Before you vote with your feet, consider the advice of career specialists Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans and learn to love your job. In this practical sequel to their bestseller Love 'Em or Lose 'Em, the authors focus on employee satisfaction as a responsibility you must share with your employer. Although the format of Love It, Don't Leave It: 26 Ways to Get What You Want at Work is gimmicky--the suggestions follow the 26 letters of the alphabet--the advice is smart and specific.

Based on research with 15,000 people who have job longevity, Kaye and Jordan-Evans identified five top "stay factors" such as opportunity for growth and pay equity. Using these factors, they map several dozen CPR ("Career Path Resuscitation") including taming the boss from hell,finding multiple mentors, protecting family time, bringing fun to work, breaking out of your cubicle and solving your Rodney "no respect" Dangerfield problem.

One standout chapter enriches our understanding of the out of the box metaphor by comparing the properties of glass, concrete, and vapor boxes. Rich in examples and underlined with strategies, this book will attract a wide audience. Follow your heart careerists may question the very idea of lobbying against changing jobs. Still, when the authors urge each reader to become the author of his or her job satisfaction, the book becomes a valuable companion in an uncertain economy. --Barbara Mackoff ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Love It - Practical and really useful
This is the book that truly gives employees a path to their own satisfaction and job enrichment. It made me understand that I can and should take responsibility for my own worklife and that there are things I can do myself that will improve my satisfaction, happiness and outlook at work. Instead of waiting for my manager to make things happen, there is much I can do for myself. Thank you for Love It. I wish I'd had it before I left my last job.

Finally ... an employee's toolkit for job satisfaction
I was lucky ... I was gifted with an intuitiveness on how to navigate corporate America to grow, learn and stay satisfied, for years on end, in an organization. But as a manager of literally hundreds of people over the years, I got tired of them saying "fix it" -- "where's my promotion" -- and so on. Yes, as a manager I did have responsibility to grow, develop and keep my people engaged. I also felt that they too had to take some steps, take the initiative, and drive their own careers. This book is perfect for all of those people -- those that didn't know how to find out what they want and go for it. I plan to send a copy to many of those favorites ... those who wanted to grow, but needed some guidance. This will definitely make their worklife easier, and more satisfying. Finally, a guidebook with great how-to's for employees everywhere to take some very positive steps towards a better worklife. An excellent read, it should be on the lunch tables across corporate America.

Left It, Didn't Love It
Given the rave reviews for this book, I was surprised by the lack of content and value. The book's message is a truism: only you are responsible for your own happiness. It goes on to encourage you to ask for what you want. These aren't bad assertions but they're more complicated to implement than this book would have you believe. The content is structured like an article in a woman's magazine: it uses a bulletized format with basic questions to ask yourself like "What do you enjoy" followed by inane suggestions like "Decorate your office". Cloying and without substance, this book fails to answer many core questions. What if your boss declines your request? What motivates an organization? How do you make lateral moves? Where are the examples of individuals who reengineered their work situation and how exactly they did it ? Granted, too many employees don't understand the work relationship or how to work an organization. But this is not the book that will address those issues. If you're still determined to read this book, my copy is up for sale on Amazon's used site.

Leaving or staying, read this book!
This eminently practical book reaches out to you in a real way. Clearly the authors understand the frustrations of employees and offer not one but several layers of approaches to help you get the most from your job. How to think about leaving or staying, what to ask, what to say, conversations to have, and checklists to get clear on your views all help you to make the best decisions. The authors pack so much practical assistance into one short book it is just amazing. This book is designed for fast easy reading. Don't miss out on this great treasure!!

Taking charge
What an excellent guidebook to show each employee how to take charge, have fun, be more productive, and enjoy time at work. Even the best managers and leaders can't provide all those results for their people. The employees have to do it themselves. Thanks, Bev and Sharon, for providing the guideposts along the way. ... Read more

Book Description

During the past decade, American businesses have shifted their focus in human resource management and labor relations to employment issues such as wrongful discharge, sexual discrimination, and other employee rights. This employment law emphasis is reflected in the new title of Cihon and Castagnera: EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW, 3e. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Worth it or Bust it!
This book is very well written, with solid legal definitions, along with additional case examples to show recent court rulings. I however feel the price paid for this book is a tad bit to steep! I have paid less for other labor books that are equal to the quality shown forth in this book. There is nothign so profound or so unique to justify such a expensive price. ... Read more

Book Description

Labor Relations, the most accurate, readable, timely, and valuable book of its kind on the market, provides readers with a basic understanding of unionism in its natural habitat and a fundamental appreciation of the union-management process.It focuses on the negotiation and administration of labor agreements, and emphasizes the more significant bargaining issues. The 11th edition includes much new material and an extensively revised and updated bibliography.For vice-presidents and directors of labor relations, union presidents, and others who are full-time labor-management professionals for either managements or unions. ... Read more

Book Description

New laws affect every aspect of being an employer--from interviewing and hiring, to handling employee benefits to firing.

The most complete guide to your legal rights and responsibilities, The Employer's Legal Handbook shows you how to comply with the most recent workplace laws and regulations, run a safe and fair workplace and avoid lawsuits. Learn everything you need to know about:

*Hiring: Understand the legal guidelines for hiring employees, writing job descriptions, conducting interviews and investigating applicants.
*Smart personnel practices: What to include in employee personnel files, employee handbooks, performance reviews and references for former employees.
*Employee benefits: Learn the ins and outs of wage and hour laws, retirement plans and health insurance.
*Workplace health and safety: Comply with OSHA requirements, and implement policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse.
*Discrimination: Prevent sexual harassment and discrimination based on age, race, pregnancy, sexual orientation and national origin.
*Termination: Avoid wrongful termination cases, conduct a final meeting and protect your business information when employees leave.
*Laws affecting small business practices: Everything you need to know about the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, health and safety issues, employee testing and more.

The 6th edition updates the book's easy-to-use legal charts to provide the latest employment laws for every state.

Whether you hire one employee or one hundred, The Employer's Legal Handbook gives you the practical and legal guidance you need to run a fair and productive workplace, and stay out of legal trouble. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Worth its weight in gold!!!
This book should be on every employer's bookshelf! I am so impressed by how comprehensive, well organized, and easy to use it is. Steingold really knows what he's talking about, he explains all of the complex laws and regulations that trip up unprepared employers and result in expensive lawsuits. Thanks to this book I learned the best ways to comply with OSHA, wage-and-hour laws, sexual harassment and discrimination laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act and many many more. You owe it to yourself to know your rights and responsibilities as an employer and to protect your company from needless litigation.

A mile wide and several feet deep
An excelent, readable, survey of the law on this topic. The greatest strengths of the book are two-fold. First, it is written in easy to follow, plain english. Second, it is amazingly comprehensive. I have been practicing employment law in two millenia, and this is the book that I use (after reviewing dozens) to teach non-lawyer classes on the topic. As with any survey book, it doesn't cover the details of the many topics it touches. You don't want to use this book to deal with comprehensive planning or an employment law dispute. But if you read this book you'll understand much of the language and many of the concerns of the experienced human resources professional or lawyer that you need.

Protect your business from employee and government law suits
Here is the book that will teach you what you need to know to keep compliance with the law and protect your business. Easy to read and comprehend, this book will help you promote fair business practices and avoid lawsuits. Folks, there are many laws most business people don't know about. This book will bring you up to speed. It's a necessity for the small and large business alike.

employers legal hand book
rules and regulations of firing hiring,etc.from a jo ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Without question the BEST Labor Economics text ever!
This is truly an amazing work, which shows so many models of labor market phenomena at the undergraduate level that an undergraduate's economics education is incomplete without it. This book is essential reading for both undergraduates and policymakers who want to learn labor economics, economics in general, or have a deeper understanding of public policy issues. The best features are its unmatched explanations of human capital models, labor market discrimination models, and labor union models -- which will change the way you think of these issues and give deeper understanding. The book is both concise, deep, a quick and fun read, and makes Nobel-prize winning material accessible to any undergraduate or policy maker.

All about Labor Economics
George Borjas in this book deal the basic of de Labor Economics, it's very usefull for the pre-grade student and it's preleminary to introduce in the labor world (academic). It's good but it's necesary to complement with anothers advanced books for a improve vision. ... Read more

Book Description

This text is a concise guide to employment-discrimination and related laws especially designed for management students. The information contained raises awareness of the issues in the work place and enables future business managers to provide informed leadership necessary for a discrimination- and harassment-free work place. ... Read more

Book Description

Uncle Sam employs 2,704,950 workers and 62,322 students - and annually recruits hundreds of thousands nationwide and internationally for entry level to professional occupations. Benefits are excellent, including comprehensive health care and medical savings accounts, 401K savings plans, attractive retirement annuities, low-cost life insurance, liberal vacation and sick leave, plus an average annual salary that exceeds $56,000.

Job seekers looking to land a high-paying and secure government job can get an insider's perspective and help from the completely revised 9th edition of "The Book of U.S. Government Jobs" by Dennis V. Damp. This edition features updated information throughout plus a major revision of Chapter Eleven which covers Homeland Security and law enforcement opportunities and new insights from Damp who worked in the federal sector for over 35 years. Abundant resources and tools are provided to help with the job search including easy-to-follow checklists and networking resources.

The completely revised 9th edition explores:

* Entry Level Jobs
* Professional Jobs
* resumes/Applications/KSAOs
* Interviewing Skills
* Student Hiring
* Part Time Jobs
* Overseas Jobs
* Internet Web Sites
* Outstanding Scholars
* Veteran's Preference
* Sample Exams
* The Job Search
* Post Office Jobs
* Disabled Hiring
* Agency Contacts
* Job Hot Lines
* Benefits/Pay

The federal sector offers considerable employment opportunities. Currently 34% of the federal workforce (919,683 workers) are now eligible for retirement and within the next year 50% of the total workforce (1,352,475 workers) will be eligible for regular or early retirement. The biggest change in the federal sector in over 50 years is the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which consolidated the functions of 21 agencies to better protect America and to fight terrorism.

This book is based on the author's 35 years of government experience. Damp retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2004. "The Book of U.S. Government Jobs" provides an insider's first-hand view of what it takes to go from job hunter to hired employee, and everything in between to improve your chances of landing a high-paying government job. Damp's career included numerous management positions where he was responsible for recruiting, rating, interviewing, assessing, and hiring applicants. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A handy and easy-to-use resource
Now in an updated ninth edition, The Book Of U.S. Government Jobs is a no-nonsense career resource that explains in plain terms where available American government jobs are and how to get one. From an overview of the federal employment process, to advice concerning the interview process, completing one's employment application, and passing civil service exams, to overseas employment opportunities, careers specific to the postal service or law enforcement, and much more, The Book Of U.S. Government Jobs is a solid primer of what to expect and thoroughly reflects the many changes in the American governmental employment process that have been wrought in response to the September 11th attacks. Point-by-point requirements, recommendations, and contact information for each institution from which one can seek employment form the heart of this handy and easy-to-use resource.
... Read more

Amazon.com

Self-employment gurus Paul and Sarah Edwards have updated their popular Working from Home series with a new edition of Making Money with Your Computer at Home: The Inside Information You Need to Know to Select and Operate a Full-Time, Part-Time, or Add-On Business That's Right for You. Focusing on the publishing, health, finance, music, and design industries, they describe 100 viable computer-oriented home-based enterprises in part 1 and include resources for further information. In part 2, they explain how to use computers to manage finances, fulfill administrative duties, complete marketing chores, and perform other tasks. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Outstanding!
Finally a making money at home book that is worth buying! This is an outstanding, easy read loaded with ideas for everyone. The 100 computer-based businesses listed each come complete with resources to follow up on in addition to what to expect in the area of salary. Paul and Sarah Edwards seem to really have a knack for communicating what so many of us are looking for. Of course the book contains all of the important money and business issues as well. I highly recommend this book as a "one-stop-shop" on the subject.

Well worth the money
This is a great book. As someone just begining to think about a home business, this book was very informative. I had had a general idea of what I might do, but this book helped clarify it and even gave it a name. It also gave me some other ideas to toss around. Beyond that however, the book was great in letting you know how to get started, some of the pitfalls to watch out for, and an overall sense of what it takes to start a home business. The only down side I found to the book was the constant references to other books by the same authors to get more detail information on any given topic. It was very frustrating when I didn't have the other books. But I guess their sales tactic worked since I bought two more of their books! I haven't read them yet, but because of this book I am looking forward to it.

The title of this book should be: How NOT to make money.
Warning!!! DO NOT PURCHASE THIS BOOK!!!

It is a complete wast of money.
Even though this book was written a few years ago, there is absolutely nothing in it that could even possibly be helpful. Basically, they just give you a little synopsis of 100 different potential business, from catering, daycare, tutoring, etc ; Businesses that are going to cost you a lot more than you could ever make in profits. And most of the websites they give you(few and far between) and just about all of the newsgroups they give you are gone.

There are many books out there about how to make money at home with your computer, and just save yourself the time and most importantly, the money, and look somewhere else...

Full of great ideas!!
This was a great, informative book! If you are thinking of a home business, or already have one in action this is the book for you. I work from home, but what I got was added ideas that I can combine with my already existing business.

There are 100 ideas for computer based business. Each one has idea's and resources to help you get started. I found the explanation for each was very detailed and if you have any creativity what so ever you take it and go from the idea's listed.

This really was a very useful and resourceful book!

Good Ideas, Now Do It!
Almost every home has a computer these days, and this book gives you good ideas on how to actually make that electronic box more lucrative than playing computer games, surfing the internet, or just a word processor. Gives you several business suggestions. All you need to do is start doing it. ... Read more

Book Description

After all the gains of the civil rights and women's movements, why are black people and women still faring so poorly when it comes to wages, employment levels, and the distribution of jobs? Unlevel Playing Fields tackles this critical question by presenting two contrasting economic theories -- neoclassical and political economy -- and showing how each theory explains discrimination and inequality in the labor market. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions and suggested readings. The authors also offer some practical proposals for altering the status quo. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

intriguing insight
This book provides some very insightful perspectives and opinions on minority employment in today's world. Although it can be fairly subtle in some spots, the book is based entirely on fact, and therefore is a good tool for those interested in contemporary labor studies. For those in the field, this book provides fresh new insights. It is appropriate for those studying labor economics, women's issues, minority issues, and discrimination. ... Read more

Book Description

The breakthrough approach for aligning people with strategy for higher profits

Organizations that select, develop, deploy, manage, and motivate their people to produce outstanding business results have an extraordinary competitive advantage that others can't copy. Backed by Mercer's nine-year, $10 million study of leading companies around the world, Play to Your Strengths shows how to leverage a company's human capital strategy into business results that are measurable and profitable and that will create exceptional, enduring competitive advantages.

This bottom-line-boosting guide gives managers, senior executives, and consultants the theory, tools, and processes they need to:

• Measure the effects of people on business results
• Determine the impact of strategies before making them
• Focus on the organization's most effective people strategies
• Deliver more money to the bottom line in a sustainable manner
• Create enduring, copy-proof competitive advantages

Reviews (2)

~How~ people contribute to performance ... MBA must-read!
The term "human capital management" has stepped into the long line of buzzwords that attempt to leverage people into increased organizational performance. Play to Your Strengths takes a step beyond the rhetoric to actually explore "how" to accomplish this. From their 3 critical questions -- led by "what are we spending on human capital (cost) and what is it buying us(value)?" -- to their six-factor framework defining human capital, the authors give insight into how organizations should measure the contribution of people to a company's bottom line. They also provide real company examples and perspectives from investors, CEOs, and managers.

As a professor of business management, I've found that one of the most difficult challenges is helping students to learn how they can actually make good decisions in deploying personnel. This book goes beyond the "soft" side of management, developing an approach that fits with the organizational imperative to heed the bottom line. I'll be using Play to Your Strengths as supplemental reading for my MBA courses.

Science, art, or a new lable for an old management tool?
Whenever guru-accented statements like "leveraging human capital to produce results" I feel a quiver, not of excitement, but of caution. However, management trainees and schools like label-accented seminars and books, so this title, Play to Your Strengths, isn't anything that will offend anyone.
People are generally any company's core area asset. Despite the company's product, service, busines strategy, market share and management structure and reorganizations,it's people who ultimately make the differnce. People who are at the top, bottom, and between.
Apparently, this book is backed by a $10 million study. Hopefully, it was money well-spent. Human capital, in all of its forms - internal, external, management, labor and regulatory, is vital to understand, to appreciate, and to show appreciation for. As well, in today's world, the ethical element of conducting business is one that needs to be mentioned more often.
Frank G Anderson
MBA, Information Management
Korat, Thailand
Tel. 044-274972
mobile: 01-8773981 ... Read more

Book Description

'The New Knowledge Management' is the story of the birth of "second-generation knowledge management," told from the perspective of one its chief architects, Mark W. McElroy. Unlike its first-generation cousin, second-generation Knowledge Management seeks to enhance knowledge production, not just knowledge sharing.As a result, 'The New Knowledge Management' expands the overall reach of knowledge management to include "innovation management" for the very first time.

'The New Knowledge Management' introduces the concept of "second-generation knowledge management" to the business community.Mark W. McElroy has assembled a collection of his own essays, written over the past four years, chronicling the development of related thinking in the field.

Unlike first-generation KM, mainly focusing on value derived from knowledge sharing, second-generation thinking formally adds knowledge making to the scope of KM.In this way second-generation KM expands the overall reach of KM to include "innovation management" for the very first time.'The New Knowledge Management' finally begins to bridge the gap between KM and the field of organizational learning, which up until now have been viewed as miles apart.

* Charts the next generation of knowledge management thinking by the President of KMCI: the leading KM organization
* Expands the overall reach of knowledge management to include "innovation management" for the very first time
* Mark W. McElroy, chief architect of second-generation Knowledge Management, shares his vast experience in a collection of his own essays ... Read more

Reviews (4)

a non-book
As the reviewer from mexico notes, most of the chapters of this book are reprints of previously published articles. This make the presentation disappointingly repetitive.

OK but still not practical enough
The author makes a great contribution creating the awareness that KM is much more that IT, and that it is about creating new knowledge and organizational learning. Although the idea is not new, he presents it through an interesting framework called the Knowledge Life Cycle. Thats great.

On the other hand, since the book is a compilation of previous papers from the author, I feel that he repeats the same ideas over and over again. I couldn't find explicit evidence of the aplication of these ideas on the day to day work. I also see a contradiction in the sense that he says that the new KM is more about creating new knowledge, but it seems to me that he is trying to create new knowledge through the re-frasing and re-naming of other author's ideas. Please...don't throw more "fancy words" to the KM arena, it is already full !

The "next generation" of Knowledge Management is here!
In this wonderful little book, Mark McElroy begins to do for Knowledge Management what Peter Senge did for Organizational Learning: He connects deep theory with cogent practice, bringing the entire discipline to a new level. The book is a carefully designed compendium of Mark's leading-edge thinking over the past several years. In it he lays out the foundations for the next generation - "demand-side" - Knowledge Management, which enhances individuals capacity to produce knowledge, rather than simply use what's already there. By integrating a unique approach to complexity science with insights from organizational learning, he develops a model of "sustainable innovation" which is based on a broader theoretical framework of Social Innovation Capital (SIC). His SIC framework generates a core insight - the Policy Synchronization Method - a theory-based yet practical method for creating the conditions that support innovation in the long term. His writing is as useful as his modeling, for he constantly grounds his thinking into concrete and highly applicable suggestions that can be utilized in a wide range of contexts. Near the end of the book he shows the economic returns on investment from his second-generation KM, and concludes with a "presentation" that can be used to help make the case for these ideas in formal and informal settings. As a professor of entrepreneurship and management at a business school, and a 20-year student of complexity science, I am a true fan of Mark McElroy, and I am excited by this book and the ones soon to follow.

Comments of book "The New Knowledge Management"
The book "The New Knowledge Management" addresses some very intriguing concepts and provides some innovative thinking in the knowledge management area. It shows how the fundamental concepts of organization learning, innovation, social innovation capital, and complex adaptive systems are related to knowledge management. The author introduces the reader to the idea of "second -generation knowledge management" which is used as a framework to relate the above concepts to knowledge management. "Second-generation knowledge management is more inclusive of people, process, and social initiatives than "first-generation knowledge management". The book provides some unique insights and organizations approaches to sustain innovation. These insights are the first of its kind and have far reaching implications to how we should manage organizations. The book is very thought provoking and a must read for people interested in theory and practical implications. I am currently using it as one of my text in teaching a graduate course in knowledge management. ... Read more

Book Description

How can you build a successful community of practice that is integrally linked to your company's strategic vision? Learn from the first-hand experience of Hubert Saint-Onge, recognized by Fortune magazine as a leader in the field of knowledge capital, and co-author Debra Wallace, the people responsible for a recent project to establish a community of practice for independent agents at Clarica Life Insurance Company- voted one of the most admired knowledge enterprises in the world by practitioners and researchers.

'Leveraging Communities of Practice for Strategic Advantage' combines theory and practice to outline a model for developing successful communities of practice and proposes a direction for establishing communities of practice as an integral part of the organizational structure. Saint-Onge and Wallace relate what worked, what didn't, and why as they tell the story from inception through implementation to assessment. Whether you're developing communities of practice or want to learn how to leverage existing communities for strategic gain, this book provides you with everything you need to launch successful communities of practice in your organization.

* Hubert Saint-Onge has been recognized by Fortune magazine as a leader in the area of leveraging knowledge capital
* Clarica has been voted one of the most admired knowledge enterprises in the world by practitioners and researchers
* Combines theory and practice to outline a model for developing successful communities of practice ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very practical indeed
This book has proved very practical indeed with the developing of CoPs in our environment.

A useful practical model
The book describes the introduction of a virtual community of practice, the Agents Network, at Clarica Life Insurance, Canada's first and oldest mutual insurance company. The book offers a practical and detailed example of the establishment, implementation and evaluation of the virtual community, with examples of the tools used by the project team at Clarica.

The authors introduce the notion of communities of practice as a new strategy to leverage knowledge capital to create sustainable competitive advantage. By valuing communities of practice, by recognising the contribution of community members, and giving support for time and commitment) and providing an infrastructure (e.g. giving them a communication platform, active facilitation and information resources), the authors suggest that organizations can increase the speed of innovation and knowledge sharing.

The Community Development Process Model (p.137) provides an excellent 'roadmap' to the approach they undertook that is readily understood. Practical suggestions and tools about evaluating the value of the community are also provided. There is a good combination of theory and practice and, therefore, something for anyone interested in this topic. It has a balance between high-level strategic models, and detailed and practical examples.

The approach taken at Clarica was systematic and project-managed, with the organization playing a very active role in facilitating the conceptualisation, establishment, growth and expansion of the community. The organization obviously provided significant resources to undertake the project. Virtual communities of practice, like the one described in the book, clearly require strong organisational support and resources due to the technological infrastructure they require to be effective.

The authors do not purport to provide a recipe - rather, they tell a story about the introduction of a virtual community of practice in one organization - as such, the book offers an in-depth view of the process. The questions asked at the end of each chapter are intended to challenge readers to assess whether the approach described would work in their own organization.

Practitioners may be tempted to read more widely to find alternative approaches to developing communities of practice, and to select 'the best of the best'. The Clarica approach is only one way, but it does provide sound conceptual models that set the strategic context, as well as diving directly into the detail. There is a useful associated website.

The Future is Here!
Hubert and Debra, thanks, you two have written a monumental work, but in such a humble and mater-of-fact manner. The more I read, the more I became frustrated with the title, because although the book is about the strategic nature of "Communities of Practice," it offers so much more. For the last thirty years, people have been trumpeting the 'end of the hierarchy,' but without anything to put in its place. Know we know the future, and it is here!

In Nonaka and Takeuchi's "The Knowledge Creating Company," there was the suggestive diagram of the "hypertext organization." It showed three layers, the hierarchy, the project team community and a third space, the knowledge community. A few years later Nonaka understood that this third space was what the Japanese call "Ba," a shared mental space. Is this not what you two are talking about in your "Reflective and Strategic - Communities of Practice?"

Please write your next book as quickly as possible and reveal the key to the "culture of leadership," a phrase that got short-shrift. Revisit the earlier work you did at The Mutual Group around "values." I am convinced this, more than any number of memos, meetings and check lists, was what made it possible to accomplish what you did at Clarica. ... Read more

Book Description

Savas provides a complete guide to privatization––the background, theory, and practical reality. This book explains what, why, when, and how to privatize. Contracting services, using franchises and vouchers, divesting government-owned businesses, privatizing infrastructure through public-private partnerships, reforming education, privatizing the welfare state, and overcoming opposition to privatization are discussed in detail. In addition, Savas provides hundreds of examples from local, state, and federal government in the U.S. and other countries. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

media wants to burn this and suppress it
Is awesome to see ideas outside the mainstream. Most people today like monarchy. Kings are obsolete. Let people do as they please and the inefficiency will be squirted free like bad zits. Rmoving the rules that govern is privatization. Privatizing education alone would lead to much smarter people. Let all the rules that restrain people from creating good go away. Watch life improve. think different. Think freedom of action from the rules of the king.

awesome book anti-rules--media will want to burn it
Being a real rebel is thinking different. Thats what this author does. Get rid of rules of the goverment. Let private owners decide. These ways of releasing people lead to hugely improved results. Awesome read. Media will want to burn this book. It explodes all collectivist works.

Pro-Privatization
I will begin by stating that I have a major problem with the book. Savas skews his own statistics in order to push readers into supporting the privatization of our nation's public sector. His book focuses entirely on the private sector's greater efficiency over the public sector without addressing many other important issues. If you want a very one sided book that is pro-privatization, then buy this one. If, however, you would like a book that seeks to enlighten readers with facts and allows them to make their own decision on the matter, then find another book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Future of the Workforce Described for Policy Makers
This book describes the future workforce to policy makers. It gives individuals making career decisions some objective, long-range data about the future. Projections include fastest-growing occupations, ethnic and age mix of the workforce, needs of employers, and income to be expected.

As reviewed in Annotated Bibliography of Learning A Living, A Guide to Planning Your Career and Finding A Job for People with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Dyslexia by Dale S. Brown

Work Force 2020
This book is a masterpiece of research. So much is said very succinctly. It is vast in scope, breath and depth yet very understandable. Everything is supported by research. Numerous charts are extremely well done, informative and simple to understand. If you want to plan your career or help guide someone elses future, you must read this book. It has vital information about job trends, types of jobs, and what they pay. You will not be sorry about reading this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The Handbook of Employee Benefits has become the definitive reference book for every benefits professional. It is required reading for the Certified Employee Benefit (CEBS) Program, thus making it the handbook professionals use when they need authoritative answers on important questions concerning objectives, cost, and implementation of effective employee benefit plans. Jerry Rosenbloom's encyclopedic handbook has become the one necessary reference for understanding and selecting the benefits plans that works best for both employees and companies. This edition of this classic has been completely revised and updated, including 18 new chapters, a new section on performance incentive programs, and over 70 expert contributors. Important changes and additions reflect today's hot issues such as healthcare, employee compensation, and use of technology through e-benefits. New material includes: In-depth discussion of key legislation, most notably The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (SBJPA); New health chapters on behavioral healthcare, disease management, alternative medicine, and elder care; Chapters on the basics of stock options, compensation management using stock options, and global stock ownership plans; Additional material on new types of retirement plans and new proposed pension legislation; Two new chapters on benefits technology applications and employee self-service through the Internet. Employee benefits are an integral, costly component of an employees' pay package (nearly 40%). The proper benefits plan is not only essential for an employees' well-being but is also critical in ensuring high levels of employee satisfaction. With the spiraling costs of benefits, employee benefits continue to play an integral part to a company's bottom line. ... Read more

Book Description

Ernie Zelinski has taught more than 150,000 people what THE JOY OF NOT WORKING is about: learning to live every part of your life—work and play, employment, and retirement alike—to the fullest. In this completely revised and expanded edition, you’ll learn how to create an excellent work/life balance by working less, producing more, and being more leisurely; how to gain the courage to leave a life-draining job; and, if you are recently retired or unemployed, how to bring purpose and community back to your life. Plus, new to this edition are 30 inspiring letters from readers detailing how the book helped them live a more exciting and rewarding life. Illustrated with eye-opening exercises, thought-provoking diagrams, and lively cartoons and quotations, THE JOY OF NOT WORKING will guide you to living a more exciting and rewarding life—at work and at play. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

An amazing book
A message from France, written by a grateful French reader:

Be careful! This book is a ULO (an unidentified literary object)!It's completely different from all the other "advices books" that you may have read already.This one could really change your life... if you really want it of course.
"The joy of not working" ("L'art de ne pas travailler" for the French version, published by Les Editions d'Organisation in Paris) highlights a real problem of society : the overwhelming place of work in our lives, and its consequences. Ernie Zelinski calls into question the dogma of w