Book Description

Project Management for Business and Engineering is a direct response to the ever-increasing need for better project management.This book encompasses the full range of project management - everything from origins, philosophy, and methodology to actual applications.Nicholas describes concepts and techniques such as project initiation and proposals, scope and task definition, scheduling, budgeting, risk analysis, control, project organization, and the often overlooked "people" side - project leadership, team building, conflict, and stress management.

The Systems Development Cycle is used as a framework to discuss project management in a variety of situations, making this book useful for managing virtually any kind of project, program, or task force.Over 230 figures and tables, 60 short examples and illustrative cases, and end-of-chapter summaries, review problems, questions, and case studies are included.

The author draws upon his experience with projects in information technology, systems analysis, aerospace engineering, human resource development, and over a decade of teaching project management as a university professor.

ú Comprehensive, balanced topical coverage; interesting to read
ú Numerous figures and tables (figure/table appears every 2.5 pages, average)
ú Systems approach: methodologies, development cycle, and engineering ... Read more

Book Description

The Pocket Guide to the Baldrige Award Criteria - 9th Edition
Mark Graham Brown

This handy pocket book is a quick reference guide to interpreting the criteria in the seven Baldrige categories. Whether a company is applying for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award or not, this can help employees at all levels as they work toward improving quality. Includes answers to frequently asked questions and quick tips indicating what excellent companies do in each category. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Classic on fine art of specialty retailing
I've read two books by S. Marcus - "Quest for the Best" and "Minding the Store". Both are fascinating.
Without any doubt, Stanley Marcus is the most talented American retailer of the 20th century. You will find out from this lively narrative what made him the best - impeccable taste, discriminate merchandising, extensive knowledge of manufacturing, business vision, professional honesty and breadth of intellectual interests. If you aspire to be a specialty retailer, drop 99% of the books about selling, they will not show you a worthy real-life example of how to run a store that customers can not resist to visit. Marcus does not hold back any secrets how he did it.
Read, laugh and get inspired.

This is a book ALL retail sales employees should read.
A friendly and enjoyable tale of success in the retail business and how success was accomplished. Stanley Marcus recounts the growth of his family business and the stories of customer demands and customer service that created a hugely profitable and customer orientated retail empire.

While customer service is the primary focus of the book, creating innovative and exclusive items for the very wealthy provides a glimpse into how the rich find ways to dispose of their money. Marcus was a master of imaginative packages.

I bought 4 copies of the original edition and gave them away to people in sales. There is no better book for a young, or old, sales person to read. ... Read more

Book Description

Reliability-Centered Maintenance provides valuable insights into current preventive maintenance practices and issues, while explaining how a transition from the current "preserve equipment" to "preserve function" mindset is the key ingredient in a maintenance optimization strategy. This book defines the four principal features of RCM and describes the nine essential steps to achieving a successful RCM program.

There is an easy to follow example illustrating the Classical RCM systems analysis process using the water treatment system for a swimming pool. As well as the use of software in the system analysis process, making a specific recommendation on a software product to use. Additionally, this new edition possesses an appendix devoted to discussing an economic model that has been used successfully to decide the most cost effective use of maintenance.

Top Level managers, engineers, and especially technicians who rely on PM programs in their plant operations can't afford to miss this inclusive guide to Reliability-Centered Maintenance.

*Includes detailed instructions for implementing and sustaining an RCM program for extremely cost effective manufacturing
*Presents seven real-world cross-industry RCM sucess case studies that have profited from this plan
*Provides essential information on how RCM focuses your maintenance organization to become a recognized "center for profit"
*Offers over 35 accumulated years of the authors' experiences in Lessons Learned for the proper use of RCM (and pitfalls to avoid) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Indispensable aid to managers and facilitators of TPM
As a Continuous Improvement Technician I am always interested in maximizing production and quality. TPM is one of the most important tools in making continual improvements in a manufacturing process. James Leflar's book is the best resource that I've read on the practical application of TPM. It has many illustrations and ideas that can be used by any manufacturing facility. It should be in the library of every maintenance department and be required reading for all managers. ... Read more

Book Description

An Inside Look at the Process of Innovation—and How to Make it Work for your Business While the need for innovation is widely recognized, the practices that nurture it elude many executives. Winning the Innovation Race examines the three dimensions of innovation—people, processes, and technology—and provides vivid examples of practices that encourage innovation. This comprehensive book describes the forms that innovation takes in industrial organizations and how superior companies manage to sustain innovation through effective management. The practices of PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contributions to Excellence) Award-winning companies are used to illustrate how truly innovative companies make the most of their employees, how they treat product development as a "perfectible process," and how they create reward systems that build cultures of innovation. Some of the vital lessons you’ll learn in this unique resource:

• The virtue of "cheap failures"
• Why organizational discomfort is needed
• The role of executive leadership
• How to sustain a culture of innovation

Amazon.com

There's always room at the top. Those seeking to stake their claims can turn to The World Class Project Manager: A Professional Development Guide for expert planning advice on setting and reaching their management career goals. Authors Robert K. Wysocki and James P. Lewis and contributor Doug DeCarlo have extensive experience in training project managers, and their simple, direct style helps readers define their assets and devise a career development strategy. Through stories about clients and interviews with professional development consultants, the authors personalize the process and help readers understand and overcome the obstacles to success in project management.

The World Class Project Manager is well illustrated and packed with examples of simple steps to improve people-oriented and more strategic skills. Plentiful self-assessment exercises, including an expanded Meyers-Briggs and the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument, help organize the prospective PM's strengths and talents to best direct their assignments and advance their careers. Finishing with concrete advice for handling the day-to-day problems and mini-crises that inevitably arise on the job, the book gently steers readers toward confidence and competence in all things mission-critical. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Book Description

Essential reading for passing the Certified Project Manager exam!

The First Book to Combine Operational and Human Skills into a Flexible, Proactive Project Management Framework

The ability to effectively manage projects is a, if not the, key skill for managers in today's bare-bones, hyperspeed workplace. Still, in most organizations, comprehensive project management training programs remain more the exception than the rule, leaving managers to make up the rules­­and pick up the pieces­­as each project takes on a life of its own.

Project Management is today's most thorough training manual and reference for understanding and managing every aspect of the project environment. Focusing on the human element that is critical to project implementation and completion, it provides:

An intuitive five-step approach for collecting the necessary information to plan, schedule, and control a projectKeys to managing project teams and ensuring effective communication between teams and stakeholdersTechniques for maintaining control­­both formal and informal­­over projects of every size and scopeA project is a process, one that either succeeds or fails one small step at a time. As a manager, you and you alone are responsible for the timely and successful completion of each step. Project Management features examples, case studies, and analysis for each phase of the typical project, to ensure that each project you manage meets its goals on time and on budget.

Projects involve the creation by an individual or team of an entirely new product or process. To reach that goal, project managers must understand both the operational and human aspects of spearheading a project from conception to completion. In addition, because each project has unique characteristics and requirements that often aren't apparent until the project is well under way, a manager must be fully prepared to provide intuitive and instant solutions­­and be confident those solutions are correct.

Project Management provides proven guidelines for managing projects from both the operational and behavioral standpoint. This added focus on the human aspect­­unique in today's project management professional library­­shows you how to work within the existing organizational culture, manage stakeholders and team members based on their differing and often competing goals and viewpoints, and even manage projects across organizations with opposing goals and cultures.

Beginning with the initial planning stages and moving through teambuilding, control, and final delivery of project results, Project Management outlines solution-oriented, integrated methodologies for implementing the processes of project management. Examples from a wide variety of both manufacturing and service environments highlight the hands-on skills and solutions required for:

Defining projectsOrganizing projectsEstimating time and cost requirementsAnalyzing and managing project riskManaging teams and stakeholdersScheduling resources for utilization and availabilityMonitoring performanceConducting and learning from a project auditEffective project managers must seamlessly blend operational skills, prioritization abilities, and behavioral insights, often simultaneously. Project Management outlines a step-by-step framework for managing any project, in any industry or environment, and consistently achieving objectives with a maximum of efficiency and a minimum of waste. ... Read more

Book Description

Operations Management: Contemporary Concepts and Cases, Second Edition is an ideal book for the professor who wishes to use a short text with cases, or who would like to have a book priced low enough to permit the luxury of adding additional reading materials to a core concepts book..This book employs a crossfunctional perspective, making it appealing to non-majors and practical for use in an MBA level course in operations management. The size and price of the book also make it attractive for the cross-functional curriculum since those courses often require the student to purchase more than one text.The cases offer variety in length and rigor; with several ofwhich are from Harvard and Darden.This variety makes the book appropriate for both undergraduates and MBA students.The student CD-ROM, which is packaged with the book, is an interactive learning tool and brings the material to life. ... Read more

Book Description

This informal, clear-cut guide to the essential concepts of operations management gives students an excellent alternative to conventional textbooks. It can also serve as a valuable information source for men and women currently in business. Covers these key areas:

* Understanding and controlling the main factors in any business operation, including costs, quality, speed of delivery, and flexibility.

* Paradigms for management decision-making.

* Learning to forecast needs for goods and services.

* A summary of the process of product planning, manufacture, and delivery, including facility location, scheduling of operations, and quality control. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good General Reference
Pretty good general reference. Does not go into depth but I don't think that's the purpose of the book. Gives you enough insight to be able to do further research or at least understand what the brod concepts are.

Is there a software with this book?
I want to know about this book. Are there Jobshop Scheduling or Queing(assing n job for m machine for minimum idle time)and I finding the software about it. ... Read more

Book Description

As a crucial component of many medium to large organizations, project management is emerging as a highly valued discipline in its own right, as well as becoming a focus for group training and information sharing. While everyone in project management is concerned with time and resource allocation, the positive interaction of team members is also vital—as this book clearly demonstrates by drawing on the best practical examples from two of the most experienced people in the field. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Excellent book on "How To" of a PMO
This is a quickly read and absorbed book on the start-up of a project management office. It provides great insight on what to plan for and how to implement. This is a great starter on the implmentation of a project managment office. It's a great book to highlight and use as a reference point during the planning and implementation process.

High level overview of a PM Office
If you are a high level executive, or someone who thinks that a project management office is right for your organization, then this book is for you. This book describes the funcationality of the PM office. Once understood, a rational decision can be made whether or not to create a PM Office.

However, if you are looking to build a project management office, and need a jump start - look elsewhere. You can get another book that will give you templates, and suggestions for specifically implementing a project office. I'd recommend a Project Management Maturity Model resource, as well. It should help you start with some important aspects of project management, then build on that foundation as the model matures.

This book may be a handy companion to give to people who want projects done, but have no clue what's involved. For instance, a financial executive may want a project done, but know nothing about scope statements, work breakdown structures, or risk management. They may think that there is no time to do these types of things. Then they blame the project manager when the project fails to be completed on time, within budget, and meet the quality standards.

This is a good book ... for the right audience.

Terrific Introduction and Great Value
This book is a terrific value for the money and provides a good introduction to PMOs. Although the book is small, it provides the basic components and steps for setting up a PMO. It's a great read for the busy individual who wants to get started. I frequently use the book as a reference.

Beginners Only
This book is very basic. Those with any training, experience, or knowledge of Project Offices will not increase their knowledge here. For beginners, it is a good introduction chapter to allow you to know what you don't know and seek greater detail elsewhere.

Good value, quick overview
This book is a good introduction to a hot topic -- the project office. It is not academic, but focuses on defining what project offices are, what value they have, and what you should focus on if you want to develop one. Its short length (under 100 pages) and low price (about ten bucks) is a real asset. In my organization we view it as a bible and checklist to see what we can hope to accomplish through our project office. It is also useful as a sales tool to convince senior managers who don't know anything about project management that the project office has value. ... Read more

Book Description

Project Selection Under Uncertainty is the result of a five-year research program on the selection of projects in New Product Development (NPD). Choosing the New Product Development portfolio is of critical importance in today's business environment. The NPD portfolio has considerable strategic effect on the "middle term" success of a business. This book takes a step in developing a theory that addresses the need for quantitative prioritization criteria within the broader strategic context of the R&D portfolios. Its foundation lies in mathematical theory of resource-constrained optimization with the goal to maximize quantitative returns. The book seeks to broaden the portfolio discussion in two ways. First, simplified models - appropriate for the data-poor NPD context - are developed, which attempt to illuminate the structure of the choice problem and robust qualitative rules of thumb, rather than detailed algorithmic decision support. Such robust rules can be applied in the R&D environment of poor data availability. Second, the annual portfolio review is not the only important choice in resource allocation. In addition, the book discusses how ideas might be pre-screened as they emerge, and how projects should be prioritized once they are funded and ongoing. ... Read more

Book Description

Strategies for Cost-Effective E-Business ERP Implementation—in the Shortened Time Horizons of the Internet Age

The need for seamless Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and e-business implementation is nothing new. What is new is the shorter time frames that now dominate the organizational landscape. Projects that used to take years to complete must now be up and running in a matter of months or even weeks. Moreover, they must be done successfully—the first time.

E-Business and ERP is the first book to detail the many aspects of organizing an ERP or e-business project for rapid implementation. This comprehensive guidebook—produced by an experienced manager of rapid application implementation projects—explains how to:

• Rapidly implement systems that meet current requirements and are easily adaptable to encompass the next generation of technology
• Better understand and manage the risks associated with such projects
• Understand outsourcing alternatives and the use of application service alternatives

The potential returns from implementing new e-business ERP applications have skyrocketed. Let E-Business and ERP supply you with all the information you need to develop a core competency in rapid implementation of packaged business applications—and take the fullest profitable advantage of today’s evolving e-business opportunities. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Packed with Knowledge!
Implementing new software into your company's core businesses processes is a painful procedure. Technically challenged readers might well find some pain in the pages of this book, but the agony is no fault of the author. The topic at hand, integrating new software applications packages with current systems, is one of the most complex and difficult challenges in all of business. We from getAbstract recommend that you take your medicine like a man (or a woman) and read this comprehensive guide to meshing new software with your old business. You are sure to benefit from its practical strategies and management techniques, as will your company.

Structured, Realistic and Well Thought Out
This book covers what it takes to successfully manage a rapid implementation project for any enterprise-wide application. It does so in a structured and realistic manner that addresses risks, critical success factors and common deliverables. Project management is much more than common sense - it requires a process and skillful use of PM techniques, such as those contained in PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). This is reinforced by the appalling number of IT projects that either fail or are cancelled. While this book doesn't go deeply into specific PM techniques, nor does it especially align to the PMBOK, it does provide a realistic framework. It also gives a complete list of risks and barriers to success that you'll encounter in ERP and other complex systems projects.

I especially like the way the author decomposes the systems into layers and the project approach into phases. These allow you to step back and see the big picture, and to do a better job of estimating scope, complexity and required resources before embarking on the project. The project management approach itself is solid, and is linked to critical success factors that will make or break any project. He also provides excellent advice on team management, and especially team communications and cross functions.

Managing complex projects are not easy, and this book contains no short cuts. It does show you how to plan and control a rapid implementation project for any enterprise system, and if the advice and general approach provided in this book is heeded and followed your chances for success will be dramatically improved. Just don't let anyone who thinks it's a matter of plain common sense anywhere near the project because you'll find the project to be just another statistic in the boneyard of failed IT projects.

Too shallow
To read this book is a waste of time, to buy it is a waste of money. Too much of it is common sense (given that project management is to a good degree made of common sense) and not specifically adjusted to E-Business/ERP projects. The general approach is to do everything faster, but the authors forget that changing volume or quantity of work is affecting the quality too. To take one step out of a 'normal' project plan (realization) and rename it 'rapid implementation' is not enough to live up to the new (and old) challenges that come with implementing E-business and/or ERP solutions. The title of the book is misleading, as the authors are not presenting approaches that should be taken by project managers faced with such an implementation. No specific risks or solutions are laid out that come with such an implementation i.e. interface development, integrating different applications, data exchange etc. If you are an experienced project manager looking for a guidebook this book tells you nothing new, if you are an aspiring project manager this book is not providing enough.

Strong project approach, some gaps - overall: valuable
This book provides a sound approach to planning and managing an ERP rapid implementation project, but falls short of the mark on the "E-Business" part alluded to in the title.

First, the strengths: the rapid implementation roadmap that is the topic of chapter 2 is thorough and well thought out. The phases are commit [to the project], start, manage, analyze, configure, test, change, support, convert, prepare, go live and improve. The roadmap gives both structure to a project plan and breaks it down into manageable pieces.

Chapter 3 covers vendor selection, and provides excellent material for developing RFIs and RFPs and evaluating responses from vendors. Among the best practices given here are identifying key requirements, focusing on what is essential and using a proof-of-concept approach. Managing the rapid implementation, chapter 4's topic, is comprehensive and is consistent with sound project management practices. Key areas that are particularly strong address taking a deliverables-based approach, managing scope and project issue management. These are the ingredients of a successful implementation and the author covers them in depth. Chapter 5 covers the people part of the equation by providing guidance on how to organize the implementation team, roles and responsibilities, and managing change. My favorite two chapters are 6 and 8. Chapter 6 addresses nine essential factors for success, the best (in my opinion) is the rule that no reengineering is allowed during the implementation. This is sage advice because if you attempt to take advantage of opportunities to reengineer you are going to quickly drift outside of project scope, not to mention slowing to a crawl what is supposed to be a rapid implementation. Chapter 8, my other favorite chapter, gives a list of "project accelerators", which are methods or processes that will ensure that the rapid implementation is rapid.

Weaknesses: (1) The author does not address E-business despite the title of this book. I am going to assume that the publisher insisted on including that in the title. (2) There are some glaring gaps in the author's "eXtended Enterprise System" (EXS) framework. He cites six layers using the technical infrastructure as the foundation and moving up through a transactional backbone, advanced applications, cross-application repository and a management dashboard as the capstone. What is missing from the picture is middleware, including transaction monitors, message queuing and the other "glue" that holds together an enterprise architecture. While this book is more suited for project managers, the omission is serious because the middleware layer increases the scope and complexity of an ERP project as well as the cost. (3) Technology support issues (chapter 7) was not strong in identifying release criteria to production, not the artifacts that production needs in order to support an ERP system. Release to production is a critical point in the life cycle that affects IT service delivery, as well as operational considerations (performance and capacity baselines, workload scheduling, etc.).

Recommendation: The rapid implementation approach given in this book is complete and attainable. The author gives practical advice that can be applied to not only ERP implementations, but other system implementations as well. As such, this is a good book for project managers and upper IT management. If you note the gaps I cited above and take them into account, this book will lead you through a successful implementation. I am subtracting a star for the misleading title and the weaknesses, but still highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Freight transport and logistics operations have become so technicallysophisticated that a whole language of generic terms, jargon, abbreviations andmanagement buzzwords, to say nothing of legal terms and definitions, has beengenerated.Vehicle manufactures now strive to find new terms to describe technicalachievements and new products.The aim of this dictionary is to identify these terms and,in clear, unambiguous English, provide accurate descriptions and definitions.Thisdictionary is a unique source of reference for anyone connected with logistics andtransport, whether they are experienced managers or newcomers to the industry. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The next step for Open-Book Management
In his first book on Open-Book Management (OBM), the author builds the case for why a change in management practice is necessary, and why OBM in particular uniquely best addresses the issues needed for successful management today. Once one has read that book and is either interested enough to want to learn more or sold to the point he or she wants to implement it, then this book is the perfect follow-up.

This book focuses on the details, and they say the devil is always in the details. You could say the authors first book dealt more with the "WHY" and this deals more with the "HOW", though there is some crossover. By drawing experiences (both good and bad) from 100 companies, the reader can benefit enormously by not having to deal with as much trial-and-error personally. I highly recommend this book to those who are likely to implement OBM.

"A New Way of Thinking": Macro and Micro Perspectives
I recently re-read Case's Open-Book Management: The Coming Business Revolution (1996) and then this book (1999). Both are even more important now than when originally published. In this volume, Case develops his key ideas in much greater depth while examining more than 100 companies which -- to varying extent -- have implemented open-book principles. Perhaps without intending to, some reviewers have incorrectly suggested that these principles have relevance only to publicly-traded companies. In fact, I think they can also be of substantial value to non-profits as well as to privately-owned companies. Consider the over-used phrase "taking ownership" in the context of assuming responsibility for helping to reduce costs by completing more and better work in less time or in the context of assuming responsibility for making certain that a customer's problem has been solved. Heaven knows, what Case advocates will increase "business literacy" among everyone involved in a given enterprise but it can and should accomplish more, much more.

For example, effective application of open-book principles will create a "transparent" organization. That is, one in which everyone is kept fully informed of what is most important to the success of that enterprise. Such knowledge includes but is by no means is limited to financial information which explains, for example, how much it costs to open the door each business day or how much money is spent on training, overtime, postage, shipping, etc. According to Case, "Really the only way for a company to boost performance consistently over the long terms is to have employees who work enthusiastically and effectively and who take responsibility for their own work. Good systems -- meaning good procedures and equipment -- are indispensable. But what makes the difference in the end is whether the employees doing the job think about doing it just a little bit better and care whether they do or don't." At a time when competition is more ferocious than ever before, "battles" will be won or lost within what Case characterizes as "the human dimension of business -- the wanting, the caring, the enthusiasm, the problem solving and initiative taking." Open-book principles offer a new approach to management, one which starts from scratch with a new set of assumptions "about how people in an organization work together." In this volume, citing countless real-world applications of those principles, Case explains HOW...and, of equal importance, WHY.

If possible, read Open-Book Management first. You may also wish to check out Kaplan and Norton's The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action and then its sequel, The Strategy-Focused Organization: How Balanced Scorecard Companies Thrive in the New Business Environment. Perhaps the Lone Ranger could prevail armed only with a silver bullet but the rest of us need a full arsenal of weapons. Many of them are provided by Case, Kaplan, and Norton.

A must read book for any interested in Open-book Management
One of the best books yet on Open Book Management. Full of practical advice for anyone trying to use Open Book Management in their business. As anyone involved in implementing OBM will tell you, you need all the help you can get. This book has given us a host of new ideas and lots of hands on stuff to help us to make OBM a reality in our business. We hope the next book isn't far away.

OPENING YOUR ORGANIZATION TO THE OPEN-BOOK PHILOSOPHY.
Opening and reading this book is extremely worthwhile. It is a practical guide showing how to IMPLEMENT the open-book philosophy.

This work provides a new model of business management that bridges the people- versus profit-orientation approaches. Discusses and presents features of ten open-book bonus plans. Some key topics are participation, communication, and empowerment. Filled with lots of detailed information and insights. Reviewed by Gerry Stern, founder, Stern & Associates, author of Stern's Sourcefinder: The Master Directory to HR and Business Management Information & Resources, Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder, and Stern's Compensation and Benefits SourceFinder.

Excellent insight in to the practical side of OBM
Great practical information on actual open book practices from several companies. ... Read more

Book Description

Maintenance has a far greater impact on corporate profitability than most managers are willing to consider, much less admit. And, as the competitive environment in the world continues to increase the pace, no company can ignore the advantages of Total Productive Maintenance. The author explains how TPM is becoming an essential element of world-class manufacturing by providing optimum maintenance policies and practices.

Features

--Shows how TPM can be implemented by modifying many of the standard techniques and programs currently used in the United States.
--Helps organizations optimize the effective use of corporate assets in order to maintain a competitive advantage in their respective marketplaces. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent introduction to maintenance and TPM
"Total Productive Maintenance: An American Approach" provides the reader with a good introduction to both TPM and maintenance in general. The author recognizes that most U.S. companies do not have the prerequisites for TPM - a work order system, preventive maintenance schedules, CMMS, inventory controls, etc. - adequately implemented and wisely chooses to cover these topics in some detail before discussing TPM implementation.In doing so, he provides the reader with a wonderful introduction to maintenance management.

Typical of Terry Wireman, the book is written in no-nonsense language that gets straight to the point.He resists the temptation to include unnecessary topics and details, and thus is able to adequately cover TPM and many of the maintenance basics in only 186 pages - a true achievement.In addition, Wireman includes several useful tools, such as a maintenance organization maturity grid, a list of typical metrics with benchmarks, and a business case template.

This book is a worthwhile read for anybody involved in maintenance.

tpm
July 10, 2002 ... Read more

Book Description

This unique resource delivers complete, easy-to-understand coverage of the management of complex technical projects through systems engineering. Written for a wide spectrum of readers, from novices to experienced practitioners, the book holds the solution to delivering projects on time and within budget, avoiding the failures and inefficiencies of past efforts.

It provides you with a framework that encapsulates all areas of systems engineering, clearly showing you where the multitude of systems engineering activities fit within the overall effort. You get a top-down approach that introduces you to the philosophical aspects of this discipline, and offers you a cohesive understanding of a plethora of important terms, standards and practices that have been developed independently. Moreover, the authors present key systems engineering issues in a manner that promotes individual thinking and unique approaches to the varied projects you encounter in the field. ... Read more

Book Description

Business experts, business economists, and organizational psychologists agree that a specific business strategy must be chosen for a corporation to excel. Beyond the strategy, companies must have a performance measurement system that ties every aspect of the organization - from the boardroom to the factory floor - to the strategy.

In their book 'Corporate Performance Management', noted authors David Wade and Ron Recardo show companies how to craft a strategic focus and create sound business strategy by using a unique and pragmatic performance-measurement system. Concepts in the book are illustrated by 'real world' case studies. It provides tools and techniques to show how to apply the concepts within an organization.

David Wade is the director of performance measurement for Aetna, Inc., and the author of several business-related books and articles.
Ron Recardo is the founder and managing partner of The Catalyst Consulting Group, L.L.C. The author of several articles and books, he is a frequent speaker at meetings of professional associations, trade groups, and senior executives. ... Read more

Book Description

The Editors have taken the occasion of Professor John A.Buzacott's retirement as a motivating event to develop this volume.The objectives of Stochastic Modeling And Optimization OfManufacturing Systems And Supply Chains is to both honor JohnBuzacott's achievements and to publish a set of well-written chapterson highly timely topics in the field of manufacturing and supply chainmanagement. The book is organized into two parts. The first partfocuses on aspects of manufacturing systems modeling. This partincludes chapters on the evolution of manufacturing systemsmodeling, queuing network models and related softwaretechnologies, two-moment approximation for fork/join queues, andasymptotic optimality of a scheduling policy. The second part focuses on production-inventory systems and supplychains. This part includes chapters on a multi-echelon logisticssystem, optimal control of a substitutable inventory system,structured assemble-to-order systems, the impact of advancedemand information on various production-inventory controlmechanisms, the quality of demand information as it impactsflexible contracts, the supply of information goods using spotand forward pricing strategies, modeling frameworks that connectmaterial flows with financial information flows. The book examines cutting-edge topics that have been invited andorganized by the Editors from leading researchers in the field. Eachchapter presentation has been carefully reviewed and crafted by theEditors and contributing authors. The volume is a fitting recognitionof John Buzacott's lifetime contributions to this field. ... Read more