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While many managers still view creativity and originality in the workplace with suspicion and apprehension, some of today's top corporations are parlaying these same traits into notable long-term success. In Innovation: Breakthrough Thinking at 3M, DuPont, GE, Pfizer, and Rubbermaid, business scholars Rosabeth Moss Kanter, John Kao, and Fred Wiersema examine the way five visionary firms and dozens of other companies have flattened hierarchies, opened communication, encouraged inventive thinking, and ultimately improved their operations.
Book Description
Innovation (in/eva/shen) n. 1. Something newly introduced; a new method or device. 2. An improved management technique that escalates a business's success. 3. The most effective and useful guide to making a business #1.
Pfizer, DuPont, Rubbermaid, 3M, General Electric. These are some of the most successful companies in the world, and the reason can be summed up with one word: innovation.
In this first book in our exciting new BusinessMasters series, the CEOs and chief officers of innovation at these firms reveal the secrets of how their companies made it to the pinnacle of success. Explaining how they maintain their strengths in such areas as invention, design and product research, they show readers how they too can create their own processes to sustain innovation and creativity within their company, illustrating their points with fascinating and entertaining anecdotes including DuPont's creation of the covered golf ball (the biggest innovation in the game in 35 years), GE's introduction of the screw-in fluorescent lamp and 3M's invention of the Wet-or-Dry sandpaper. Featuring an introduction by Tom Peters, the undisputed leader on the subject, Innovation brands the BusinessMasters series for immediate recognition.
Customer Reviews:
A Real Breakthrough.......2006-01-24
Many entrepreneurs and independent inventors will tell you they left a large corporation to escape the idea-killing environment. Yet there are some large firms that have found the keys to successful innovation. Many small entrepreneurs and inventors could do well by duplicating some of these keys.
Bringing just one product from conception to market is a challenging feat. Yet 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.) has 50,000 products on the market worldwide and Rubbermaid (often ranked as one of the USA's ten "most admired companies") has over 5,000.
What are some of the successful methods for encouraging innovation? 3M has a rule that allows technical employees to use up to 15% of their time to pursue their own ideas without any monitoring by their supervisors. 3M also has a goal called 30/4. This means "30% of all sales come from products that have been around no longer than 4 years".
But it is not all formulas and goals. Dr. Miller of Dupont points out the importance of intuition and allowing "technical people freedom to break away from the plan and follow their noses". A GE VP points out that despite all that their massive laboratories are capable of; their number-one priority must always be the customers' needs.
In some fields, such as the pharmaceutical field, it would seem the small entrepreneur is locked out. It now takes many years and up to 500 million dollars to get FDA drug approval (up from 50 million dollars just 20 years ago)! Like others, the Pfizer experience is that "the most productive scientists are the self-starters".
It is interesting to note that despite enormous research efforts, serendipity still plays a role. For example, Pfizer had developed a new heart medication that did not live up to expectations. But, by chance, it was discovered to have an amazing side effect -- it works to overcome impotency. In the United States alone, impotence afflicts 20 million men!
Even though large firms have access to large marketing consulting firms, it is often just open minds and simple observations that make the difference. Just about everyone "knows" men buy toolboxes, right? Yet Rubbermaid found that half of the purchases of their toolboxes were made by women. Also, many of us would probably select yellow, gray or black as suitable colors for toolboxes. Yet Rubbermaid found their Hardware-Blue boxes outsold these other colors -- and this included the sales to women.
Plain old-fashioned observing of customers led Rubbermaid to develop a kidney-shaped laundry basket, their Hip Hugger. People seem to naturally want to balance a laundry basket on one hip while carrying laundry supplies with the other arm. Awkward -- but nobody apparently had given thought to this simple problem. They applied the same principle to their home healthcare products. For example, users of walkers often were seen cushioning handles by wrapping towels around them. Rubbermaid came up with spongy hand grips. They also added food tray anchor hooks and front pockets for cordless phones to the walkers.
Rubbermaid looks for people "who have the confidence to take business risks. Stagnation and fear are our worst enemies.
One of the book's editors (Kantor) found that a clever way of researching a company with regard to innovation is to read several years of their newsletters. Who gets their names into the newsletters -- those who just do their time or those who come up with good ideas? Recognition is a must.
The book is an easy read. There are no graphs, no arcane terminology, no pretentious theories regarding creativity. Reading this book can benefit individuals as well a members of the largest firms in the nation.
A profound disappointment!.......2003-06-04
This is how I think it worked. Three well known individuals are asked to have sort of a brainstorming session on innovation. Nothing much happens and nothing really significant surfaces but the verbiage fills one chapter. After that one of the three authors probably asks a graduate assistant to contact the public relations departments of a few companies. The material received is sort of being edited and... voila, you have a book. I don't know if there was an honest effort put into this but what I know is that this book was totally unhelpful.
Book Description
This book provides the tools to measure the risks and benefits of this new generation of high-tech products. For financial market professionals who must stay abreast of the latest advances in financial technology, this book is a must read. Specific products examined include: Equity derivatives; Differential swaps; Mortgage swaps; Various option spreads; Warrants.
Customer Reviews:
Worthwhile adding to your collection.......2000-06-13
While developments in this industry move very fast, this book remains one of my favourites for covering the basics of structured derivatives.
On such a topic, it is very easy to get carried away with complex mathematics and jargon, but this author handles the task very well. Topics such as quantifying risk, measuring swap valuations and understanding complex options are explained in a way most of us will understand.
This book is not for the beginner, but is more aimed at those with an average or above average understanding of derivatives.
Book Description
Focuses on the elite nature of the profession, with its emphasis on serving business interests and its attempt to exclude participation by minorities.
Average customer rating:
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General Biology and Human Biology 109
Sylvia S. Mader
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill College
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
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ASIN: 0072290587 |
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Living at the Heart of Creation: Practical Wisdom for Extraordinary Times
Exeter
Manufacturer: Foundation House Pubns Canada
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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ASIN: 0921790015 |
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- Motivates the ideas permeating most the modern Mathematical theories.
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Tales of Mathematicians and Physicists
Simon Gindikin
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Yearning for the Impossible: The Surprising Truths of Mathematics
ASIN: 0387360263 |
Book Description
This revised and greatly expanded second edition of the Russian text
Tales of Mathematicians and Physicists contains a wealth of new information about the lives and accomplishments of more than a dozen scientists throughout five centuries of history: from the first steps in algebra up to new achievements in geometry in connection with physics. The heroes of the book are renowned figures from early eras, such as Cardano, Galileo, Huygens, Leibniz, Pascal, Euler, Lagrange, and Laplace, as well some scientists of last century: Klein, Poincaré, and Ramanujan.
A unique mixture of mathematics, physics, and history, this volume provides biographical glimpses of scientists and their contributions in the context of the social and political background of their times. The author examines many original sources, from the scientists’ research papers to their personal documents and letters to friends and family; furthermore, detailed mathematical arguments and diagrams are supplied to help explain some of the most significant discoveries in calculus, celestial mechanics, number theory, and mathematical physics. What emerges are intriguing, multifaceted studies of a number of remarkable intellectuals and their scientific legacy.
Written by a distinguished mathematician and accessible to readers at all levels, this book is a wonderful resource for both students and teachers and a welcome introduction to the history of science.
Customer Reviews:
Motivates the ideas permeating most the modern Mathematical theories........2007-06-13
Simon Gindikin did an excellent job in this new edition of his book. I got acquainted with his research not too long ago when reading an essay on Penrose's Twistor theory in the "Mathematical Intellingencer" by Springer dating from early 80's.
Eventually I found out the first edition of his book, which was already quite delightful.
The book, besides being filled with witty historical facts, contains also a few interesting problems to improve one's mathematical culture.
I'm particulary kind of the chapter on Huygens and his mechanical works,Poincare's ideas on non-euclidean geometry and finally and the above mentioned article on twistor theory(which could be included on a course on analytical/projective geometry, example).
As my usual cliche, "Two thumbs up!".
Average customer rating:
- A Powerful Theology
- The Book That Comes With A Warning Label On It
- A chilling version of reality :author sole live being .
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Mark Twain: The Mysterious Stranger and Other Curious Tales
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Twain, Mark
| Classics
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19th Century
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ASIN: 0517150735
Release Date: 1997-03-25 |
Book Description
Mark Twain is America's greatest literary humorist. Here we have a unique collection of mysterious and supernatural tales told with the devilish wit that is truly Twain's own. The collection is highlighted by the classic Mysterious Stranger, but also includes such short stories as: "The Many That Corrupted Hadleyburg," "The Five Boons of Life," "A Dog's Tale," and "Hunting the Deceitful Turkey". 448 pages.
Customer Reviews:
A Powerful Theology.......2002-06-04
When I was a young teenager (and that was many years ago) I read Twain's "The Mysterious Stranger" and it had a most dramatic affect on my life. It was the summation of what my youthful mind had been trying to figure out. Let me preface my further comments by saying that I am a devoted (I hope) Christian and have been for over 15 years. However, there was a long stretch when I was a confirmed atheist and, if I was to point to a Bible for that point of view, for me it was this book. In this short novel, Twain tells his story through the experiences of some young boys who encounter a "mysterious stranger'. The stranger points out many of the inconsistencies of Christianity and the world around us. Essentially the issue is the question many people have asked over the years; Why do bad things happen to good people? Twain delves deeply into this issue and the numerous examples lead the young narrator to conclude that the rantings of the stranger are, indeed, the truth. I am comfortable today re-reading this fascinating story because it is such an excellently crafted expalantion of Twain's theology in his later years. As a student of Twain, I became exasperated by the many scholars who tended to dismiss his later writings as the ramblings of a grieving man. It is true that Twain suffered many personal losses and I am sure that it influenced his perspective. However, much of his later work was brilliant. The reviewers I read often dismissed these later body of writing. It seemed to me that most of them had the opinion that, if it didn't make you laugh or give you insight to life on the Mississippi, then it wasn't important. I heartily disagree and "The Mysterious Stranger" is an excellent example of the brilliance of his later works.
I looked over the table of contents of this collection and I noticed a lot of other good stories among them. Two that came to mind were "Captain Stormfield" and "The Man who Corrupted Hadleyburg". This strikes me as a great introduction to the Mark Twain beyond "Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn".
The Book That Comes With A Warning Label On It.......2001-01-07
Here's a triple-barreled detective story for you: a very badly composited book of Mark Twain stories with a warning label attached:
"Editor's Note: Certain characterizations and language of the author should be viewed as arising from the context of the time in which these stories were written. Any offense to modern sensibilities is unintended and does not reflect the attitudes of the editor or publisher of the current edition."
and an Editor's Introduction calling them "wicked", and a small note which reads:
"COMPILED, EDITED AND COMPOSITED BY FRANK J. FINAMORE"
Did I mention the compositing is of an order that would roil Shakespeare's bones? Mr. Finamore saw his handiwork and thought he would sell it anyway with a bit of bluff, so he wrote the Introduction. That wouldn't serve, as some distant near-relation of the accused might surface to claim retribution, so he slapped the warning label on it. Some angel looking over his shoulder made him sign his name to the whole business, and there you have it. Case closed.
A chilling version of reality :author sole live being ........1998-06-20
Highly presumptuous of me to review as I have not read the entire novella. However I am essaying this review to note how powerful I find Mark Twain's posthumously published thesis. The implications are truly demonic and deserve careful thought. Ironically the current film TRUMAN has a similar theme. Yesterday at a special UC Berkeley collection of Mark Twain's papers and works I saw this little book prominently displayed as number 44 in UC press's massive series on the great author. I will be interested to read the reactions of others---presuming, unlike Twain, that there are such ;!
Average customer rating:
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The Waldorf school approach to history
Werner Glas
Manufacturer: Highland Hall Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Study & Teaching
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ASIN: B0007FKSIW |
Book Description
Introduction by Winton Marsalis.
Slaves came to the Americas from many different parts of the African continent, bringing with them distinct languages, religions, and expressive arts. Jubilee shows the many ways that these diverse peoples united, forged their own identity, and laid the foundations for truly unique African-American social, cultural, political, and economic expressions throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Jubilee is written by Howard Dodson, chief of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture—one of the most prominent institutions of black scholarship in the world. Essays by leading voices in African-American history and literature, including Henry Louis Gates, Jr., John Hope Franklin, Amiri Bakara, Annette Gordon-Reed, and Gail Buckley will explore topics such as abolition and emancipation, changes in family life and social development, religion, and the evolution of language, literacy, and education through the end of Reconstruction. This illuminating text is surrounded by more than 200 stunning illustrations, culled from the Schomburg's collection of more than 5 million items. From slave ship manifests, manumission papers, and some of the earliest photographs of slaves to carved items that echo African sculpture and freedom quilts with African motifs, the book is richly illustrated in an interactive way that brings to life this crucial transition from slavery to freedom.
Customer Reviews:
A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE.......2003-02-10
The title surprised me. Never would I think of "Jubilee" when it comes to slavery. But the end of the slavery era was, indeed, a celebration. And now National Geographic has presented us with an astonishing and beautiful commemoration of the blood, sweat, tears, and toil of enslaved Africans. For a group of people who gave, literally, their labor to build the foundation of the world's greatest culture, we do indeed owe our collective thanks. National Geographic has done just that with this extraordinary book, done in collaboration with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The essays help enormously, as they give voice to the descendants of that painful era. If ever there was a must-read, Jubilee is it!
Product Description
Student Textbook for Chemistry (Bob Jones University Press)
Customer Reviews:
Chemistry for Christian Schools.......2006-03-15
I will give the seller the benefit of the doubt, but I wanted the textbook, and received the workbook. The products listed in my search match the ISBN for the textbook. As a librarian I assume that the two cannot share ISBNs, therefore thought I would receive the text. Your items listed in the search should specify, they often do not do so. This is important when selling materials that come in both textbook and workbook format.
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Basic science for Christian schools
John E Jenkins
Manufacturer: Bob Jones University Press, Textbook Division
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Science & Religion
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ASIN: 0890842159 |
Product Description
This is a five student test pack for the Basic Science curriculum.
Product Description
Wonderful Second Grade textbook designed especially for Christian home schools and Christian schools. Beautifully illustrated with line drawings and watercolors by emminent artist Robin Martin. Guaranteed not in the least politically correct; just simple basic science; the kind that does not become obsolete! Try "Science for Christian Schools" in your school; you won't be disappointed!
Product Description
10x10 3-ring binder.
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Perception about parks and ecotourism: German and Canadian tourists compared.: An article from: Textual Studies in Canada
Susann Gornert
Manufacturer: University College of the Cariboo
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ASIN: B00084320I
Release Date: 2005-08-01 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Textual Studies in Canada, published by University College of the Cariboo on June 22, 2004. The length of the article is 7608 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Perception about parks and ecotourism: German and Canadian tourists compared.
Author: Susann Gornert
Publication:
Textual Studies in Canada (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 2004
Publisher: University College of the Cariboo
Issue: 17
Page: 55(24)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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