Book Description

In e-Learning and the Science of Instruction authors Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer— internationally recognized experts in the field of e-learning— offer essential information and guidelines for selecting, designing, and developing e-learning courses that build knowledge and skills for workers learning in corporate, government, and academic settings. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A great deal of research in e-learning summarized
Over several million years, humans have learned from other humans, by speech, action and observation. It can be strongly argued that this is hard-wired into our genes, as the survival advantages of communication and learning from each other are obvious. In the last few decades, a new and fundamentally different form of learning has emerged. This form of learning requires only one human, the learner. Instruction is carried out via a computer, which has the advantage that it never grows frustrated or impatient with the student and will repeat the lesson an indefinite number of times.
However, the first attempts to replace the human instructor were not successful. Early programs that were little more than drill and practice were dull and students lost interest very quickly. The repetitive nature and lack of originality proved to be a near-fatal weakness. The first online courses were little more than correspondence courses, where the correspondence was electronic rather than via letters. As was the case with correspondence courses, a small percentage of the students did well, but most found them inadequate.
It turns out that the successful electronic delivery of learning material is very hard, much harder than the traditional method. It requires new forms of thought and a great deal of attention to detail such as colors and sounds. Electronic delivery also requires a level of sensory stimulation, such as a combination of visual and audio, which is consistent with traditional modes of learning.
Therefore, until computers reached the point where the instruction could be multimedia and user-driven, e-learning could never really be a viable alternative. Now, that has changed and this book contains a large amount of collected wisdom about how to construct and evaluate quality lessons. The authors summarize an enormous amount of research in the field, presenting it in an easy to understand manner. I created online courses for a college and instructional material for my corporate training classes before I read the book and I found their pointers to be right on the mark. They described many of the problems I encountered and their proposed solutions were generally similar to those I found through trial and error.
If you are considering either the development of online courses or are evaluating some for purchase, then you should read this book. The current power of computers can easily convince you that electronic education is much easier than it actually is, and this book will help you avoid making errors.

excellent content, okay readability
Although I agree with the reader from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada that the book reads like a university textbook, I have found it very useful for designing and justifying my designs of online instruction. When someone wants you to change your design, you can respond by saying, "According to Clark and Mayer, people who learn from integrated text and graphics performed 68% better." Stats like that help to justify budgets!

One of the very best
I have been developing and teaching online courses for several years and have an extensive library that I have collected over that time. I have found this book to be one of the four or five I return to on a regular basis.

As a person who serves as a reviewer for other faculty work, I lament that this book is not required reading. In addition to discussing how to correctly use technology it also spends significant time looking at how students learn and how we, as faculty, should adress students in an online environment.

Too Boring and Academic
I found this book boring and not all that practical. It reads like a university textbook rather than a helpful resource for e-learning designers and developers. The example screens are often busy and it is often difficult to perceive the point that is being made. I live by the 80/20 rule, and wish that this book focused on the 20% of the content that will give 80% of the benefit.

Finally!
THIS is the book I have been looking for! It seems that most of the other books on e-learning start with instructional design principles and cover basic HTML and multimedia aspects of moving a course to the web. This book covered researched principles on what on the web helps and hurts learning. Although I do recommend learning instructional design as a starting point for all your on-line classes, this book will be invaluable when it comes to deciding how to present the content. ... Read more

Book Description

A Hands-on manager's guide to making the most of today's product development breakthroughs

A quarter century after MRP first transformed the global manufacturing arena, Next Generation Product Development stands poised to similarly impact new product development. This movement-defining book gives R&D professionals an in-depth explanation of the ways in which companies are able to achieve substantially higher levels of development productivity, while better aligning product development with strategy through new practices and systems.

Processes explored in Next Generation Product Development, and enabled by cutting-edge new-enterprise software, promise to explode the possibilities of what product development professionals can accomplish. This hands-on practitioner's guidebook will:

• Establish a common set of frameworks and concepts
• Introduce new project portfolio and product strategy management practices
• Help R&D professionals increase productivity by 30 to 50 percent

Reviews (2)

Buy the book and begin...
Review of:
"Next Generation Product Development" by Michael E. McGrath

The last paragraph of Michael E. McGrath's newest book "Next Generation Product Development" boldly states that "product development has never been for the faint of heart." And I suspect that most everyone who has ever been involved in such activities will quickly shake their head "yes" to this "truth" statement, and quietly wish there was a better way. Fortunately in his new book McGrath guides us to this better way--a way that offers "more opportunity and promise for getting better new products to market faster, WHILE DOING MORE WITH LESS." The claim is nothing short of a renaissance of product development capability.

I like this book a lot. I like the multi-faceted emphasis on integration. I like the productivity theme and the need for new management processes. And I like the idea that we are only beginning the renaissance of product development capability, especially given the growth of collaborative development.

I confess that I do not like the continued use of the DCM abbreviation (it stands for "development chain management.)" But I suppose I can learn to live with another "alphabet name" because it does get to the heart of the matter--how to manage a lot of INTERDEPENDENT projects, all of which are going on at the same time. Of particular importance are McGrath's thoughts involving a "networked team," new concepts which I think will be fundamental to tomorrow's successful product development.

To join this renaissance, exactly where does one begin? McGrath offers three entry points: changes in resource management, changes in project management, or changes in strategy management. I suppose someone will try all three at once, but frankly just one is probably a lot for an organization to swallow. For different entry points McGrath offers us guidance, with levels of maturity assessments and/or stages of implementation. But even still, there is a lot of material to assimilate and multiple readings of many book sections will be needed to fully comprehend his recommendations.

However I suggest that you don't spend an excessive amount of time studying. Organizations mainly learn by doing, and this book lays out the "learn by doing" path toward success. Past generations of development have emphasized invention, project management, or time-to-market. This next generation is a path toward productivity within the entire development enterprise. It is a path toward "better decision making, better investment in R&D, better return on that investment, more collaboration with external partners, and true empowerment of development activity."

I suggest that you buy the book and begin.

Nils L. Dailey
N.L. Dailey Associates

A Clear and Compelling View of the Next Generation in PD
Michael McGrath has done it again. He has articulated a clear and compelling description of the next major generation in product development - the R&D Productivity Generation. The new generation builds on the major accomplishments of the last generation, which McGrath calls the Time-to-Market Generation. Whereas the TTM Generation primarily focused on getting individual products to market as quickly as possible, the R&D Productivity Generation will focus on the most effective and productive use of a company's total R&D capability (both internal and extended enterprise) to drive overall corporate revenue, profit and market share.

During the TTM Generation from 1992 to 2000, benchmarking studies determined that the R&D Effectiveness Index (the ratio of new product profit to R&D investment needed to create new products) doubled from 0.5 to about 1.0 across all industries. Over the next ten years, McGrath forecasts that the R&D EI will double again to 2.0 driven by the processes and systems of the R&D Productivity Generation. The message is clear. Companies that lead the way in implementing the R&D Productivity Generation will gain significant competitive advantage in the market place.

Through out the book, McGrath illustrates the new processes and systems using an example company, Commercial Robotics, Inc. CRI is a hypothetical company, but represents the kind of advances that are now being made at many different corporations. The example gives compelling evidence for the benefits that accrue to a company that systematically implements the new R&D Productivity Generation.

For all committed to product development excellence, from senior management to individual contributors, the Next Generation Product Development is a clear view into the future and what it will take to be world class in the decade ahead. ... Read more

Book Description

A wall of silent resentment shuts you off from someone you love....You listen to an argument in which neither party seems to hear the other....Your mind drifts to other matters when people talk to you....

People Skills is a communication-skills handbook that can help you eliminate these and other communication problems. Author Robert Bolton describes the twelve most common communication barriers, showing how these "roadblocks" damage relationships by increasing defensiveness, aggressiveness, or dependency. He explains how to acquire the ability to listen, assert yourself, resolve conflicts, and work out problems with others. These are skills that will help you communicate calmly, even in stressful emotionally charged situations.

People Skills will show you
* How to get your needs met using simple assertion techniques
* How body language often speaks louder than words
* How to use silence as a valuable communication tool
* How to de-escalate family disputes, lovers' quarrels, and other heated arguments

Both thought-provoking and practical, People Skills is filled with workable ideas that you can use to improve your communication in meaningful ways, every day. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

One for the bookshelf!
This book is one of the best books on skills on human relationships that I have ever read. It is easy to understand and gives indepth advice on how to improve. The barriers in communication which are brought up in the book are so common to people which can only help by being aware of them. The style is easy going rather than academic! I do suggest doing some kind of counselling course before reading the book because some of the concepts are related to that area; the book has made me appreciate what really happens in human communication. The areas are well researched with quotes and personal experinces which give the book substance. Unlike some information that is recieved this book will deliver if the contents are properly practiced. It is a book that anyone can read time and time again with something to learn each reading.

Skills that Make A Difference
People Skills is a book that I wish I had read as a young person starting out in life. The concepts and skills that are taught in this book have made a big difference in my life, even though I did not learn the skills until later in my career. (People Skills is the basis for a wonderful workshop - Leadership Communication Skills - that I attended as a mid-career adult.) I highly recommend this excellent book to anyone who is interested in improving relationships and increasing job performance.

INSIDE RADHIKA's MIND
The book "People Skills", by Robert Bolton, Ph.D is one of those self help books that is suppose to help you improve your skills in listening, resolving problems, and asserting yourself. Right away the book shows and explains the numerous communication barriers. It's interesting to read about them because they're common types of speech we all use in our daily lives. After explaining these "roadblocks" the next few chapters explain listening and how a person's physical motions can affect a speaker. In chapter four it lists four methods to better listen to others. The latter part of the book talks about assertion skills in relationships and the impact of it. The fourth and final part of the book deals with conflicts, since everyone has numerous conflicts throughout their lives; knowing how to solve a conflict is a good skill to pick up. This section also discusses the emotions involved in a conflict and how to deal with them.
The reason I decided to read this book was because it explained the different roadblocks and why communication is sometimes a difficult thing. It seems easy enough to communicate but when you see the reasons on why a speaker doesn't show much interest in the conversation, it seems obvious. I liked that the author used many quotes and references to prove his points. I like books that explain people's behavior so if that's the type of books you like than this is an exceptional read. It doesn't go into extreme detail but lays down the basics.
Now while I enjoyed reading this book there were a couple things I didn't like. One thing was the feeling that I was reading about an infomercial was one of those. Well since it is a self-help book I guess the feeling is enviable, once you read past the first chapter you don't really focus on it. That was the only thing really that I felt they could have improved. Well there was one other thing and that was that I wished there were more detail. Maybe insight to why people communicate the way they do would have been a good first chapter. They do have whole books on subjects like that so it's not as if I'll never find out. Overall this is an exceptional guide to help people with communication.

Good ideas although too verbose
"People Skills" is a primer on interacting with others. Bolton's premise is that our communication patterns are inherently faulty and he urges the reader adopt his framework to remedy. He presents - in order - listening skills, assertion skills, conflict-resolution skills, and collaborative problem solving skills, with each building upon the others. He blends keen insight into human nature, concepts of psychology and basic Judeo-Christian values into what appears to be a very effective methodology. The skills seem obvious, but in practice are rarely used, and in fact are rather uncomfortable when trying to start using.

I found Bolton's framework very valuable and thus far see its application can profoundly improve my own people skills in both a business and parental setting. Unfortunately, like most books of this type, the text is extremely verbose. Bolton possesses a style that is much less dry and wordy than many of his peers - in fact, I find it difficult to finish most of these types of books - but the ideas plus examples could have been distilled down to one-half the length of the 300 pages. The text is also very well referenced and footnoted, but - as a lay reader - I think the constant crediting other psychologists and philosophers confuse and muddy the message. This could be a book that one could return to periodically to refresh their skills, but its length will prevent the less diligent. I found myself taking detailed notes on each chapter for later referral; while a testament to the material, I wish the author had made it easier to digest.

This book has made a difference to me.
I have read the book "People Skills" by Jim Bolton again, to further improve my ability to communicate with people, and be more of a support to them. I first used the book when I was training to become a telephone counseller for Lifeline a few years ago, (though I did not qualify to become a telephone counseller). I have always found the book "People Skills" to be particularly useful to me for improving my relationships with people in my life. I have received thanks from others for my willingness to listen as I apply what I read in the book. ... Read more

Book Description

In this compact disc edition of the totally revised underground bestseller -- The E-Myth, Michael Gerber dispels the myths surrounding starting your own business and shows how commonplace assumptions can get in the way of running a business. He walks you through the steps in the life of a business -- from entrepreneurial infancy, through adolescent growing pains, to the mature entrepreneurial perspective, the guiding light of all businesses that succeed -- and shows how to apply the lessons of franchising to any business, whether or not it is a franchise. Finally, Gerber draws the vital, often overlooked distinction between working on your business and working in your business. After you have listened to The E-Myth Revisited, you will truly be able to grow your business in a predictable and productive way.

Reviews (8)

Good book
I think I have learned a lot from the book. Thanks.. It is a good book.

You've got to be kidding me.
This is literally the worst textbook I've ever used in my entire academic career. This book is jam-packed with jargon ("utilize"), acronyms (e.g.,"ERP," a term that the book does a poor job defining), and slashes. By slashes I mean, do you know how IT consultants love to use two synonymous words when one would suffice? For example: "I love/like to go jogging/running to the store/market."

My MIS professor was a moron, however, so it's understandable that he would choose this book. IF YOU ARE A PROFESSOR WHO IS NOT A MORON, DO NOT MAKE YOUR STUDENTS SUFFER THROUGH THIS BOOK. Thanks.

This book isn't good
Consider the following statement from page 256. Here's some "early lessons" from the "new economy":

Dot-com startups as well as clicks-and-mortar strategies can be viable for B2B for B2C ecommerce if the applications leverage Internet technologies AND a marketplace strength.

Aren't you glad you bought the book? You ALSO need a marketplace strength to be successful, not just the Internet stuff. Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it?

USEFUL REFERENCE TOOL
I am finding this book as an extremely useful reference tool for writing my senior thesis at Rutgers University (NJ) on the Internet and B2B transactions. I find it very easy to read and useful, and some of the case studies are very interesting and helpful. Some of the other buyers don't seem to think the book is worth its price but I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THEM. I believe the book is worth its price.

Text is often Inacurate or Outright Incorrect
This text has a tendancy to give misleading information or entirely incorrect information. Even in the most basic concepts, the authors misuse terms or create terms used nowhere else in the IT industry. The authors relay their lack of understanding for basic computer concepts in this supposedly 2001 updated edition.

As an example for those who are literate in IT, the authors make statements such as "virtual memory is used only on larger computer systems". Got a 6 year old computer running MS Windows? You've got virtual memory.

If you wish to learn about IT, please find another book written by authors who understand the field, not business professors. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

A good way to view your future
Book Review: The Art of the Long View

¡®The Art of the Long View¡¯ by Peter Schwartz is a book about planning our future. Different to the past, which we already knew, and the present, which is going on, it is impossible to tell what the future will be. However, people, companies, cities, and states, as well as the world like to know about their future. Thus, we could plan the future with a forecasting skill, scenario writing.

Schwartz suggests a long view for the future planning. He argues that scenarios are tools for helping us to take a long view in a great uncertainty rather than simply predicting the future. Admitting the uncertainty of scenario, the author insists that it is possible for us to prepare for the future.

The purpose of this book is giving a guideline to build scenarios. The author explains uncovering decisions, information hunting and gathering, creating scenario building blocks, composing plots, and writing scenarios. Moreover, he suggests the eight steps of developing scenarios (Step 1. Identify focal issue or decision, 2. Key forces in the local environment, 3. Driving forces, 4. Rank by importance and uncertainty, 5. Selecting scenario logics, 6. Fleshing out the scenarios, 7. Implications, 8. Selection of leading indicators and signposts) which are helpful for scenario writers.

I agree with the author in terms of that scenarios are tools for long view. Although scenarios have much of uncertainty, they are needed for planning. It is better to have plans for people and organizations even the results are different to plans. With social, economic, political, and technological points of views, scenarios could be sufficient alternative future.

Liberate your insights!
In "The Art of the Long View," Peter Schwartz, one of the world leading futurists introduces the concepts of scenario planning. He argues that scenario thinking is an art not a science, and people in general has an innate ability to build scenarios, and to foresee the future. From the book, the readers can learn how to build their own future scenarios. They are neither predictions nor mere extrapolations of the present trends. They help us to know the shape of unfolding future reality. A good scenario must have surprised elements with power to break the stereotypes.

The general principles of scenario planning are neatly summarized in the appendix, "Steps to Developing Scenarios." They compose of: Step One: identify the focal issue or decision; Step Two: list the key Micro-Factors relevant to that issue or decision; Step Three: list the key Macro-Driving Forces; Step Four: cross-rank Factors and Forces in terms of importance and uncertainty; Step Five: select Scenario Logic; Step Six: flesh out Scenarios; Step Seven: identify Probable Implications; and Step Eight: select Leading Indicators and Signposts. However, the order of the steps may be muddled in some cases.

For me, as a former employee of Shell in Cambodia, it is an eye-opening reading. I wish I had read this book before I started to develop the promotion plan for Shell Cambodia. The great pleasure of adopting a constant futurist's perspective on things is that it forces you to think of different possible ways things may happen and have at hand the answers to the "what if...?" questions either plausible or implausible. Then comes a mindshift that leads to the change in behavior in managing organization, let it be global corporation like Royal Dutch Shell or AT&T and small family businesses. It is an excellent read if you want to liberate your insights from your existing "mental map".

What a great book?
You have to buy The Art of the Long View. I don't know how to explain how great the book is. Don't hesitate to grap one

Open Your Brain and Reperceive the World
This book will help you to learn the scenario planning process. At the beginning, the author presents a short but insightful example how scenario playing an important role for starting up a gardening tool company. The author also shares an "information hunting and gathering process" which tell you where to get some helpful data. Various factors influencing the futures are also discussed (including socials, politics, economic, technologies, and environment). In addition, at the end of the book, the author provides a user's guide (eight steps of how to hold a strategic conversation) and eight steps to develop scenarios which I found very useful. The book enables us to use scenario planning as a tool to deal with uncertain futures. Scenarios help us to awake and "reperceive" others possible and impossible alternative futures including both short and long term. The author also believes that a good scenario leads you to ask better questions. The point of scenario-planning is "to help us suspend our disbelieve in all the futures: to allow us to think that any on of them might place. Then, we can prepare for what we DO NOT think is going to happen." (p.195)

However, one annoying thing in this book is that the author keeps referring to chapters (e.g. look in chapter 7) but physically, there are just no chapters number indicated in the book. There are just short titles in the table of content and at the beginning of each chapter. You have to go back and forth between the TOC and chapters to to see which one is actually being referred. However, I consider this is a minor issue comparing to what you will learn from this book.

You may find this book useful if you are preparing for your strategic plans, making decisions having critical impacts to your firm or your personal life, or even you are just an ordinary reader, this book will open your mind to a new level of critical thinking and imagination about unfolding futures. Highly recommend.

Scenario for personal life
As an international student who stays in Hawaii for a while, Peter Schwartz's The Art of the Long View inspired me to make planning for my future whether in Hawaii or other places. His explanations about scenario building may be adapted to my personal life as well as in business to plan my better life in future. Moreover, as a human being, we have an innate ability to build scenarios and to forecast the future. He said that scenarios are apparatuses for helping us to acquire a long view in a great uncertainty rather than simply predicting the future. Therefore, it is possible to prepare for our future.

In real time, the eight steps of developing scenarios which he suggested in his book are used in many fields. Most websites about forecasting adopt his idea as a basic foundation to prepare alternative future with social, economic, political, and technological points of views. Although he said scenario building as "art" not "science", it may not reduce the important of scenario building to identify alternative dimensions of future by recognizing the driving forces and composing the plots.

I recommend for a beginner in particularly non-native English speaker in forecasting or in future planning reading this book as a guide. His guide is easy and simple to apply for everyone to anticipate unexpected changes. ... Read more

Book Description

Cost Management: Accounting and Control emphasizes that changing conditions often require a change in cost management systems.Emphasizing this point stresses the dynamic and exciting nature of the field. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Condition
the book was just like brand new, no underlining, no torn pages etc. the book is great

Graduate Accounting ARGHHH!!!
Pretty good book that explains complex subject matter in an easy to understand manner. MBA students without an accounting background can easily comprehend the concepts presented. The only fault I found is that sometimes the authors get too wordy trying to make their point. One of the best accounting textbooks I've used in my educational career. ... Read more

Book Description

This best-selling survey of contemporary human resource management offers a balance of practical and applied material as well as underlying Human Resource Management theory.It reflects the latest information, including the impact of global competition and rapid technological advances that have accelerated trends such as shared service centers, outsourcing, and just-in-time training. A wealth of actual company examples demonstrates how concepts are being used in today's leading-edge organizations.For all Human Resources personnel and managers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Now this is a good textbook
This was a simply stated book that gave common sense examples.

The chapters were easy to understand without having to have your professor explain everything.

There are a couple of chapters that seem like they should be reorganized, and a couple of chapters that should be put in a different order. Overall though, this is a very good book to help you understand Human Resource Management.

Creative multimedia tie-ins, but getting dated?
I suspect that a new edition will be out shortly.Some of the Internet links sprinkled throughout this book are broken, and the text frequently refers to conditions as they were, "as of mid-1997."Hopefully, the authors will employ a proofreader/style editor, as the sytnax is awkward in a few places.That said, this is a good introductory book.The creative integration of Internet links and video case studies ("On Location at Showtime," and ABC News reports on business trends and issues) add to the value of the text.An Internet site allows instructors to develop an on-line syllabus for students to view and download.Key terms are set on the margins in blue print, repeating their definitions from the text.Summaries at the end of each chapter do the same, and include questions designed to verify reader knowledge of major concepts.The book dwells at length on diversity issues, which is appropriate, given the plethora of Exceutive Orders, Supreme Court decisions, and legislation mandating various EEO/affirmative action practices in the HR field.The chapters on recruitment, selection, and training are the strongest in the book, and cover the topics in a fair amount of depth. The chapter on labor unions reveals a pro-union bias; otherwise, the book is ideology-free.Overall, this is a more than adequate treatment of the subject, and is quite serviceable. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Insightful!
This is a comprehensive guide to identifying and developing future leaders. The authors present an exhaustive (sometimes exhausting) explanation of a program called "Acceleration Pooling" - a fancy collective name for grouping everyone in your firm who has the potential to lead. Much of the content seems like common sense, yet, organizations harried by short-term challenges can easily neglect long-term tasks, such as leadership development. This carefully planned, meticulously documented approach may keep organizations from neglecting the future. Despite its turgid, jargon-choked style, this book may fill the need. Time-pressed managers can glean the most important points quickly from chapters 2, 6 and 16, which have some solid gold principles of succession planning. Human Resource managers will want to delve into the other chapters. The authors, who are consultants, make a strong case for hiring consultants to implement this system, and have registered, copyrighted, service marked and/or trademarked every form and bit of terminology that could possibly be protected. We note that many of these leadership building methods, tools and techniques are in the public domain, in case you want to do-it-yourself, using this guide book.

Excellent Resource from Leading Thinkers and Practitioners
"Grow Your Own Leaders" is an excellent resource for any manager or executive who has a desire to increase his/her reputation as well as the talent pool and bottom line of his/her organization. Comprehensive, state-of-the-art, engaging and brimming with practical and user-friendly templates (the 60+ pages on DDI's website are a major plus), "Grow Your Own Leaders" is one of the best leadership development books I have come across yet. I will be referring to this book for many years to come. Thank you William Byham and company.

Excellent Resource from Leading Thinkers and Practitioners
I whole-heartedly agree with the prior reviewers of "Grow Your Own Leaders." DDI is a powerhouse organization, and the authors have provided a well organized, comprehensive and highly practical resource brimming with insights and development templates. The corresponding internet resources (60+ pages) are a considerable bonus. I have reviewed numerouse leadership development books and consider this to the best.

I strongly recommend this book for any executive or manager who wants to boost their own performance and reputation as well as the bottom line of his/her organization. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Have Your Instructor Standing By
This is a great book if your just getting into business, however if you already know the basics you may want to try something a little deeper. There are quite a few questions this book just won't answer so make sure you go to class. As a supplement to in class lectures and hands on study you will be able to gain alot from reading this text. It offers alot of valuable information in an easy to understand format. I hope you like reading though because it tends to get a little dry.

... Read more

Book Description

In this absorbing tale, you watch the timeless principles of servant leadership unfold through the story of John Daily, a businessman whose outwardly successful life is spiraling out of control. He is failing miserably in each of his leadership roles as boss, husband, father, and coach. To get his life back on track, he reluctantly attends a weeklong leadership retreat at a remote Benedictine monastery.
To John's surprise, the monk leading the seminar is a former business executive and Wall Street legend. Taking John under his wing, the monk guides him to a realization that is simple yet profound: The true foundation of leadership is not power, but authority, which is built upon relationships, love, service, and sacrifice.
Along with John, you will learn that the principles in this book are neither new nor complex. They don't demand special talents; they are simply based on strengthening the bonds of respect, responsibility, and caring with the people around you. Perhaps this is why The Servant has touched readers from all walks of life—because its message can be applied by anyone, anywhere—at home or at work.
If you are tired of books that lecture instead of teach; if you are searching for ways to improve your leadership skills; if you want to understand the timeless virtues that lead to lasting and meaningful success, then this book is one you cannot afford to miss. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

A Must Read for Everyone!
What do you think about attending a week long retreat at a small, relatively unknown Christian monastery built on a magnificent sand cliff a couple of hundred feet above and overlooking lake Michigan? While there, you will attend classes on leadership taugh by the legendary Fortune 500 executive turned monk, Len Hoffman. I've attended the seminar and I'm inviting not just you but all of my family and friends to go. Actually, I don't know if such a seminar exists, but what I described above is the setting of this superbly written, easy to read book. True to claim, it is a quick read! I could hardly put it down. I felt as if I, too, was there at the leadership retreat along with the characters in the book. Everyone should read this book because it not only teaches us how to be good leaders, it also teaches (or reminds) us how to be good people. Thank you, James C. Hunter, for your invaluable contribution!

Spend a life developing others!
This book is a lesson in maturity. John Daily is sent by his psychologist wife to a seminar at a monestery as a last ditch effort to get a grip on his life. The reader is allowed to reflect on the experiences there that bring him to the notion of true leadership- - - Developing others. Developing others is a selfless task, turned into a way of life. John first learns he must give up his ego, then how to encourage, reward, and coach others to be the most they can be. He leaves the seminar believing he has shortchanged all the people in his life and is motivated to make it up to them. He has a new inner voice to follow, and can once again think out of the box. The book does have some religious overtones, but they are very subtle. Whatever your role in life, this book can make a difference for you. It is the type of book that can be re-read at a different point in your life and bring new awareness to an old problem.
If you are involved in motivating individuals at work, at home, school or in any community setting, this is the book for you.

If you humble yourself, the book can teach you something
I read through all the reviews. It seems to me that there are some who had benefited quite a lot from reading this book and then there are those who don't.

I would just say this: This is a good book. It's built upon sound principles. If you allow yourself to be taught by it, you would gain from it. But if you take on the attitude of "I have read tons of leadership books, you better impress me in less than two paragraphs or else..." Well, we all know what the outcome would be. The principle of humility and the willingness to be taught is mentioned also in the book.

The most important thing is, now that you know the principles, go practice immediately or else you never really gain anything.

Those who humble themselves will be taught
I have read through all the various reviews from other people. I discovered one recurring theme and that is, people who rated the book positively are those who had humbled themselves and allow the material to speak to them and be taught by it. And those are did not profit or gain much from the book are those who had started the book from the beginning with a mindset of "I have seen a lot, not another leadership book, you better impress me in less than two paragraphs or else...."

It's interesting to see how some would benefit tremendously while others would not. In fact, that very same principle of humility and willingness to be taught are mentioned inside the book.

I would just say this: go read the book, it's worth the time and effort. I would recommend it.

Inspiring.
This may be one of the best books on leadership I have ever read. It certainly rang a chord within me and has prompted me to begin a leadership training program at my job using some of the examples from this book as the basis.
The Servant is a story of a ragged businessman having trouble in his personal and professional life. He's on the edge emotionally, mentally and spiritually. (Sound like anyone you know?) He winds up at a program in a monestary and finds one of his teachers to be a former Wall Street hot-shot executive. He initially works diligently to find the secret to instant success from the former Wall Streeter but learns that true leadership, true success comes from giving, not getting; from being a servant instead of being served. As you might know, Jesus is the model for servant leadership and the thesis of the book is based on principles illustrated by Christ while on earth.
Whether you are a Christian believer or not, the stories and principles found here are beneficial and can help you be a better person/boss/employer/husband/father. If you really want to find out what the top of the ladder is like, read The Servant. It will help you climb every step of the way. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover how wealth is actually created, the psychology of personal success, how to think and live as an entrepreneur, and how to succeed in network marketing. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Dare to Dream, Work to Win
I've just recently gotten into the networking business and found this book to be very helpfull! I have increased my sales and more! I would recommend this to anyone getting started in networking. The book was in great shape when I recieved it and the service from amazon is awesome!

Wish I have heard of this book long ago! But glad I found it
Great amazing book about the in and out of Networking Marketing!
IT is NOT PYRAMID SCAMS.. but it is a legit business opporunity and this book help you determine which company is legit and not legit...

u do not get rich overnight.. you have to work hard and as a result of hard work you get compenseate CEO's salary...that is a fact... sure beats slaving away for a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle.. I feel that the present economy, high unemployment's rates and corporate's scandals left a bad taste in everyone. So go into business for yourself and as an IBO.. the sky is the limit and you can only go as far you can go!

Anyway - this book is awesome! Very informative and honest and direct!

For those looking into a Direct Sales opportunity.. pls call Donna Harris @ 404 510 7972 and she will get back to you. A small investment is require for nothing is free in life!

Thanks!

Great book about the "Ins and Outs" of Networking
This is, hands down, one of the best books I have read on Network Marketing. If you have never encountered MLM or perhaps have had a "bad" experience in MLM or have some preconceived negative notion about MLM, then read this book and it will help clear up the "bad" and confusion.

Dr. Barrett had spent years researching the different MLM systems and the people who work them (both successful and those who have been unsuccessful) and compiled his final research in this book.

Dr. Barrett describes how those who have been successful in MLM gained that success, what they did "right" to be successful and describes it in great detail in part one. In part two, he moves into the psychology of failure, doubt, etc. and how to overcome some of these "obstacles" in order to be successful in MLM. Finally, in part three, Dr. Barrett discusses the various approaches used to help others be successful - good leadership skills. Teach, lead and coach is the right track and Barrett details this. Putting others first is the principle behind Dr. Barrett's leadership method.

This is a great book for those who are considering a Network Business. In fact, this is a great book for those who are considering any type of business because what is taught in these pages is practiced by every major chain corporation in the world.

Dare to dream, work to win
Anyone considering network marketing as a career needs to read this book. It is insightful and gives specific steps to a plan to be successful. Definitely one of the most useful books I have read on the subject.

This book tackles the issues of why most people quit MLM!
I literally couldn't put this book down. Dr. Barrett tells readers frankly why most people quit MLM. Whenever I feel down, I go to a highlighted place in my book and read it and I am completely boosted! I help my team members do the same. Because of this book, I don't doubt my success ... I KNOW I will be successful in MLM. As Dr. Barrett says, it's simple (not easy, but simple) to become successful beyond your wildest dreams. ... Read more

Book Description

A user-friendly guide to the basics of Six Sigma

From noted Six Sigma consultant and author George Eckes comes Six Sigma for Everyone, a practical guide that explains the underpinnings of the revolutionary quality assurance methodology. Appropriate for employees and top management alike, this book is the only one you need if your company is currently implementing or contemplating Six Sigma. It tells you what Six Sigma is and is not, what it does and how it does it, and what your role likely will be in the implementation process. Eckes uses straightforward definitions and in-depth examples to outline the processes, impact, and desired end result of implementation–eliminating the confusion and fear many feel when first introduced to Six Sigma. If you need to understand the basics, then this is the book for you. Topics include:

• The origins and history of Six Sigma
• Business Process Management: Six Sigma as management philosophy
• Individual and team tactics
• The ten basic tools each team member needs to succeed
• How you and your organization must change to make Six Sigma work

Reviews (4)

Highly Recommended!
George Eckes has written a concise, thorough introduction to the theory and practice of Six Sigma, the management philosophy that Jack Welch called the most important initiative of his entire career at General Electric. The book provides a look at every aspect of Six Sigma. In some places, it seems a bit too detailed for so short a book - particularly when the author introduces the variety of statistical charts, graphs and tables used in the analysis phase of Six Sigma. But that is a quibble. Eckes also gets a bit self-serving when, in the question and answer chapter, he takes a swipe at consultants who agree to work on a contingency basis, for a percentage of the savings a client achieves, instead of for a fee. In fact, we, where we are always glad to avoid a squabble, note that managers who use this book may achieve some level of business improvement without hiring any consultants at all.

Good intro readings on Six Sigma
Just finish reading this book. Good introduction-level material on the Six Sigma topic. This is not to say that the book is superficial or obvious. The book takes a logical cook-book approach to explane Six Sigma and how to implement a Six Sigma effort. If you are a manager that wants to understand Six Sigma and the esstntial elements of a Six Sigma program, this book is a good start. I really liked the section on the 10 Common questions about Six Sigma. However, if you want examples of detailed statistical models and metrics, then look elsewhere.

Good book for Six Sigma implemention at all level
This book provides a simple description on Six Sigma concept and how to use in practice. It will be more useful to Six Sigma experienced person.

Highly Recommended!
George Eckes has written a concise, thorough introduction to the theory and practice of Six Sigma, the management philosophy that Jack Welch called the most important initiative of his entire career at General Electric. The book provides a look at every aspect of Six Sigma. In some places, it seems a bit too detailed for so short a book - particularly when the author introduces the variety of statistical charts, graphs and tables used in the analysis phase of Six Sigma. But that is a quibble. Eckes also gets a bit self-serving when, in the question and answer chapter, he takes a swipe at consultants who agree to work on a contingency basis, for a percentage of the savings a client achieves, instead of for a fee. In fact, where we are always glad to avoid a squabble, notes that managers who use this book may achieve some level of business improvement without hiring any consultants at all. ... Read more

Book Description

Follow the "Proven Path" to successful implementation of enterprise resource planning

Effective forecasting, planning, and scheduling is fundamental to productivity–and ERP is a fundamental way to achieve it. Properly implementing ERP will give you a competitive advantage and help you run your business more effectively, efficiently, and responsively. This guide is structured to support all the people involved in ERP implementation–from the CEO and others in the executive suite to the people doing the detailed implementation work in sales, marketing, manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, finance, and elsewhere.

This book is not primarily about computers and software. Rather, its focus is on people–and how to provide them with superior decision-making processes for customer order fulfillment, supply chain management, financial planning, e-commerce, asset management, and more. This comprehensive guide can be used as a selective reference for those, like top management, who need only specific pieces of information, or as a virtual checklist for those who can use detailed guidance every step of the way. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Complete focus on what's important: processes and management
If you're exploring an enterprise-wide solution, even if it isn't an ERP package, or are planning an implementation after the software has already been selected this book will prove invaluable. Unlike other books about ERP (and e-business and enterprise application integration for that matter), this one is focused on the business processes and what it takes to prepare for and manage the implementation.

Of course, while much of this book applies at a high level to any enterprise application, it is all about ERP. The authors take great pains to avoid talking about software, which in itself is refreshing. They also skillfully guide you through a panorama of key issues, including what ERP is and how it fits into the overall scheme of business value and competitiveness. However, the best part of this book is their implementation strategy, which explores how an ERP package is going to require changes at the business process level, how to break down the implementation into manageable stages. In this respect the book is a combination of a management overview of ERP, organizational change strategies, and project management approach to implementation.

The key areas addressed by this book reflect reality. For example, all of the major challenges that you're likely to face are addressed. The critical success factors, such as training, preparing the organization for the system (from a people perspective), and the way the implementation phases are sequenced can either be learned from this book, or learned the hard way (which is sure to include schedule and cost overruns at best and a disaster at worst). In particular, the process-oriented approach that is reiterated throughout the book needs to be heeded. This is the essence of any ERP package, and it will change your organization. This book gives good advice on how to effect the shift from discrete jobs and procedures to a workflow.

In addition to this excellent book I highly recommend two other resources: (1) "Scorecard System For World Class Enterprise Resource Management" by Travis Anderegg, which is a unique book/online survey combination you can use to evaluate the alignment of your ERP system to business processes, and (2) "Enterprise Resource Planning Systems: Systems, Life Cycle, Electronic Commerce, and Risk" by Daniel Edmund O'Leary. O'Leary's book completely complements this one and fills in a few gaps. ... Read more

Book Description

Value-Based Fees shows consultants how to easily and adroitly educate clients about value determining worth and consequent investment. Unlike the contingency fees of attorneys, Weiss explains, his technique is about establishing a win-win dynamic with clients, while accommodating buyers' egos that "you get what you pay for."

Filled with stories of successful consultants, sample proposals, letters of agreement, and other practical tools, Value-Based Fees' pragmatic advice includes:

• Step-by-step guidance on how to establish value-based fees
• How to create the "good deal" dynamic in client relationships
• Sixty ways to raise fees and increase profits immediately
• How to prevent and rebut fee objections
• How to use retainers wisely
• How to develop fee progression strategies
• How to make money while you sleep, eat, and play!

Value-Based Fees clearly explains how to charge for your value--and get--what you're worth, providing the kind of nontheoretical, pragmatic advice that will help to improve any consultant's practice immediately. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Pricing Paradigm Buster
Alan Weiss has done it again. So many consultants are charging hourly rates for their services that they never benefit from the value they create for their clients. Alan's book describes numerous ways for consultants to change their fee structures and earn higher fees based on value-added work instead of hourly (clerical-type, my term) work. Plus, the book shares several different ways to develop multiple streams of income from consulting and related activities. I recommend this book to everyone. Even as an experienced consultant, I learned some things that will benefit my practice from Alan's book.

The Holy Grail of Consulting
I enjoy Mr. Weiss' books and presentations, which I find engaging and entertaining. With this book he has given me reasons to confirm my belief that charging a client based on my time and materials used in a project is a problem for both myself AND my client. First I am not true to the client when I bill time just for showing up but not providing any value. Then, how do you compare the value of one who charges $150 for one hour versus the consultant who charges $150 for 2 hours (at $75/hour)? Is one better than the other? Why put the client in a position to make that decision. Basing charges on value (either real or perceived) to the client removes hourly rates from the equation.

Yes, all this is based on having true relationships with your clients and Mr. Weiss goes through many different iterations of working with your clients on finding value, education them on value and providing value. There are lots of quick stories and references to his own consulting engagements, many of which are the same ones used as examples in many of his other books, which he not so subtley sells in this one. But then again it is one of the "Ultimate Consultant" series of books he has recently published.

Enjoyable and educational reading which has brought about many heated conversations with my peer group about rates and charging clients. It should provoke you also.

Far Beyond Million Dollar Consulting
While Alan Weiss's eternal best-seller "Million Dollar Consulting" remains the most valuable book overviewing consulting practices, this book takes the reader into the actual mechanics and philosophy of value based fees. The transition will be worth six figures annually, because it's been worth it to me. The single negative review claiming this book repeats "Million Dollar" is far off base as far as I'm concerned (or the reviewer didn't read this book). For example, Value Based Fees deals with converting hourly clients, setting up retainers, combatting the competition's lower fees and a wealth of detail that the more primary book doesn't touch. Get this book today, because you're leaving money on the table every day it's unread.

If you only read one book......
This book is a MUST read not only for those consultants who have to submit proposals but should be required reading for all professions who charge by the hour - YES doctors, opticians, dentists, accountants and lawyers as well!!

This book gives a sound theoretical basis for charging value based fees instead of hourly fees (everyone in the world ONLY has 24 hours in a day so this approach makes absolute sense).

BUT the Coup de Grace is the fourth chapter "If you only read one chapter....." which sets out exactly how to structure value based fee proposals and gives a live example.

I have long been charging value based rather than time based fees but this chapter raised my fees to a new level.

A Better Model
Not only does every consultant and hourly contractor need to read this book--but, so does every business executive and purchaser of consulting services. Alan Weiss presents a clear business case for the evolution of compensation in the consulting industry. He walks the reader through an elegant model and gives the logic and the examples to support what is a radical divergence from the "hourly or daily fee" mentality that pervades the market. This is a must read for any consultant who wants to be paid what they are worth and for any company that wants to get what they pay for when using consulting services! ... Read more

Book Description

• The first-ever book to show businesses step by step how to capitalize on advertising programs offered by Google, the world's #1 search engine, with more than 200 million search queries per day
• Written by a veteran For Dummies author working in cooperation with Google, which will help support the book
• From selecting the right keywords to crafting the right message, the book explains how to boost site traffic using AdWords, Google's hugely successful sponsored-link advertising program, which now has more than 150,000 advertisers
• Also details how to make money with AdSense, a Google program that funnels relevant AdWords ads to other sites-and pays those sites whenever someone clicks on them

Reviews (1)

Great AdWords and SEM Primer
This has got to be one of the best references I've seen that addresses what can be done with online marketing using Google AdWords. AdWords is a confusing but powerful program, and this book offers an excellent primer to becoming an effective AdWords user. That's the primary reason I bought it. There seems to be no end to the ways you can use Google to promote your business. This book helped me familiarize myself with several tools I hadn't looked into beforehand.

Also a good intro to search engine marketing. I purchased Search Engine Optimization For Dummies at the same time that I bought this book. Also an excellent reference. Both highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

How To Make Your Business Run Without You is a how-to resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs to effectively streamline operations that will pave the way for more business, bigger profits and a business that virtually runs itself. Through step-by-step chapters, Author Susan Carter advances readers from the high-risk potential of 'owning their own jobs' to the freedom and control of 'owning their own businesses.' A must read for any owner or self-employed professional who is eager to move from start-up status to ongoing success. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A handy guide for running a business
I found the book to be concise, with excellent examples and exercises that stretched my thinking. After being in business for 15 years, there were still excellent ideas on employee motivation, and niche marketing.

A worthwhile book, and one I refer to often.

I Paid $165 per hour to have someone do this for me!
After owning a jewelry store for 20 years with 16 employees I had a consulting company come into my store. 30% of what they did is exactly what this book shows you what to do.

I have since sold my store and am a consultant in the jewelry industry helping people run a better buisness. I MAKE the stores I visit get two books:

How to make a business run without you by Susan Carter and
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber.

Both books are about why small businesses fail and what to do about it. The E-Myth is the phsychology of how to run a business so it runs without you but Susan Carters book is a step by stpe on how to actually do it.

In a snapshot, it's this: If you can't leave your business because you're "the only one who can do it", think again. Take bank depsoits. Write down exactly how to make the depsoit, where to get the forms, which bank to take it to, where to enter the data.

If you did this on your job, coulsn't soemone else take over?

After doing this, for the last few years of owning my store, I didn't have a job. The employees ran the store.

The best part of this book is the center section, Susan lays out exactly what each chapter of your store operations manual should look like.

Did you know that MOSt McDonals franchises do 100% of their potential after only being open 30 days? Why? because of the operations manual for that franchise.

$[money] for a lifetime of knowledge? Worth it? Buy it and let it sit on a shelf and it's worthless.

Buy it and use it and you get ONLY 5 hours more with your family per week (that's 250 hours per year), is that worth $[money]?

i think so. For me I sold my store and am doing what I love, helping others have their store run without them...

Not worth the money
The first half of this book is totally worthless and the "doggy shop" analogies are condescending and "stupid." The second half as some useful outlines to writing a business operation manual...this book is DEFINITELY NOT worth the price. It is only about 130, paperback. I was expecting a textbook FULL of "how to" suggestions. Save your money for something else.

No other comment but...GREAT!!
The best business book I've ever read!!
Susan discussed the subjects thoroughly but also spesifically. She explained it so clearly, even an idiot may become a millionaire.
It's really applicable in every field of business.
Susan...four thumbs up!!

How To Make Your Business Run Without You
This book is a must for any business owner. Why pay big consultant fees when you can walk through the process as described in this book. This is truly the best How To book I have ever seen. And the author writes in such a way, it is as though you are conversing as she teaches you how to run your business instead of letting it run you. I'm in my third year of business and I owe a great deal of credit to Carter. It's like having my own personal consultant. Kudos! Five stars! ... Read more

Book Description

* This book is based on the fundamental premise that the major role of information technology (IT) is to support employees, regardless of their functional area or level in the organization
* Features additional coverage of wireless and pervasive computing and updated case studies
* Provides a global perspective and shows how IT facilitates export and import, managing multinational companies, and electronic trading around the globe ...