Hoover's Handbook of American Business 2005 (Hoover's Handbook of American Business)

Customer Reviews:

"Design is a key task of the leader.".......2000-04-26

"This book is about designing effective organizations. It emphasizes that design is a key task of the leader. It suggests that effective organizations are necessary for competitiveness and they are a growing source for competitive advantage. The focus of the book is therefore on equipping leaders with the understanding and the tools necessary to create organizations that are superior to those of their competitors."

In this context J. Galbraith :

* examines the forces (buyer power, variety, change, and speed) that are shaping organizations.

* presents the organizational design framework in the form of "the star model". In the star model, design policies fall into five categories :

(1) Strategy,

(2) Structure,

(3) Processes,

(4) Rewards,

(5) People.

* looks at policy areas/dimensions that determine the structure of an organization : specialization, shape, distribution of power, and departmentalization.

* discusses the lateral processes as a multidimentional aspects and the ability to be responsive to products, customers, functions, geographies, and work flow processes.

* focuses on three organizational design models : functional integrators, the distributed organization, and the front/back hybrid structure.

* examines virtual corporation as a network of independent companies.

"In conclusion", J. Galbraith writes, "I wish to emphasize once again the role of leader. I see the leader as a decision shaper rather than a decision maker. The decision-shaping role is achieved through the organizational design. The star model provides the management-controlled policies that will influence how others make decisions."

I highly recommend.

See also :

* J. Galbraith - Designing the Global Corporation (2000)

* E. Lawler - From the Ground Up (2000)

* S. A. Mohrman et al - Tomorrow's Organization (1998)

a leading book from a leading authority !.......1998-08-25

A "must" reading for all executives managing living organizations and their human assets.

Designing Organizations An Executive Briefing On Strategy, Structure, and Process

Average customer rating:

Designing Organizations An Executive Briefing On Strategy, Structure, and Process
Galbraith Jay R.
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UII6YY

Book Description

The Potential of U.S. Grazing Lands to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect describes grazing lands, the areas they occupy, and their role in improving the environment. The book gives professionals and students insight into the two crucial issues: shaping policy and targeting research. The reader gets visual and graphic descriptions from the 98 figures included as well as east access to data from the 55 tables. It explores the extent grazing lands should be considered as potential carbon sinks, compares practices that result in soil carbon sequestration, and summarizes approaches for policy makers and research agencies.

Soil Management and Greenhouse Effect (Advances in Soil Science)

Average customer rating:

Soil Management and Greenhouse Effect (Advances in Soil Science)
John M. Kimble , Elissa R. Levine , and Bobby A. Stewart
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Soil Management and Greenhouse Effect focuses on proper management of soils and its effects on global change, specifically, the greenhouse effect. It contains up-to-date information on a broad range of important soil management topics, emphasizing the critical role of soil for carbon storage. Sequestration and emission of carbon and other gases are examined in various ecosystems, in both natural and managed environments, to provide a comprehensive overview. This useful reference includes chapters that address policy issues, as well as research and development priorities. The material in this volume is valuable not only to soil scientists but to the entire environmental science community.

Book Description

Inter Views is Hillman's most biographical and self-revealing book with extraordinary, yet practical accounts of active imagination, writing, daily work, and symptoms in their relation to love. The book is also a radical deconstruction of the interview form itself, even though one reads along as if in a coffee conversation with Hillman explaining his life and thought.

Customer Reviews:

Powerful statement . The reading is a duty for you!.......2004-08-24

This book is simply overwhelming. Laura Pozo interviewed to this brilliant thinker . Because Hillman goes far beyond his profession . He is in the real mood and describes with absolute clearity and mighty precison many of the inarticulated process of growing up and put the cards on the table .
This text should be a reference text for every human being .
Amazing and recommendable!

wow.......2000-06-07

Pozzo interviews archetypal psychologist James Hillman and asks some insightful and penetrating interview questions. Well worth finding.

Laura Pozzo.......1999-08-23

The front cover of the book tells us that "Laura Pozzo" is a pseudonym. And I believe "Laura Pozzo" doesn't exist at all but the author made her up.

Sorry, I didn't read it........1999-06-14

I want to salute Laura Pozzo 'cos I been searching people who belong the familly. Regards, Juan and Laura Pozzo (This Laura is my sister)

Sorry, I didn't read it........1999-06-14

I want to salute Laura Pozzo 'cos I been searching people who belong the familly. Regards, Juan and Laura Pozzo (This Laura is my sister)

Average customer rating:
More Antarctic and Subantarctic sea anemones (Coelenterata:Corallimorpharia and Actiniaria) (Papers 1 and 2 in Biology of the Antarctic seas)
Daphne Gail Fautin
Manufacturer: American Geophysical Union
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 087590193X

Average customer rating:

buy it if you're a seeker

Ruminations of a Ninjutsu Teacher....

Yet another mind-expanding book by Glenn Morris

Home run, again.

A must read!

Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master
Glenn Morris
Manufacturer: Frog, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Path Notes of an American Ninja Master

Awaken Healing Energy Through Tao

The Grandmaster's Book of Ninja Training

Kundalini Awakening for Personal Mastery

Essence of Ninjutsu

ASIN: 1883319293
Release Date: 1996-03-06

Book Description

Glenn Morris examines the fabulous Togakure Ryu in ninth century Japan and moves to present day applications of the ancient skills the stealthy ninja must apply to living in the modern world. Mr. Morris' fans will not be disappointed with the riches offered here: secrets of balance and alignment; seeing with the minds and eyes of gods and spirits; energy applications of qi for healing, warfare and sexual fulfillment; the care and feeding of Bujin, protective spirits; and cross-cultural comparisons of shamans, saints and masters of Budo and Bugei.

Customer Reviews:

buy it if you're a seeker.......2007-08-20

this and path notes are probably the most important and influential books i've read on the esoteric subjects of spirituality, meaning, self-exploration, enlightenment, kundalini, meditation, and the mysteries of life. If you seek you shall find; reading Glenn's books will take you one step closer.

Ruminations of a Ninjutsu Teacher...........2003-02-13

Glenn Morris picks up where he left off in his first book, "Path Notes of an American Ninja Master" (1993). This is not an instructional book on ninjutsu per se (no pictures), although it is chok-full of Morris's further journey on the martial arts /ninpo path (Bujinkan style under Masaaki Hatsumi), anecdotes and interpretations of philosophy, both Asian, Occidental, and other. I found it similar in some ways to Robert Smith's book, "Martial Musings". Some of Glenn Morris's most interesting views he presents in Chapter 9, "Characteristics of Shugyosha Across Cultures" (page 169). Shugyosha he defines as a person who is searching for the truth...I have a feeling that this is what Morris is doing with his series of books.

There is also the enjoyably opinionated Chapter 11, "Mud and Water, Purity and Power" where Morris allows his biases against other well known (sometimes questionable) martial artists of our time, to hang out in the wind. Among them Harunaka Hoshino (originally known as Chi Yuan) who created his own ninpo art from Japanese karate and kobudo during the ninja boom, Choi Hong-hi of Taekwon-Do whom he lambasts as having earned only shodan (1st black belt) before his return to Korea from Japan (now, now--nobody promoted Hatsumi sensei to 15th dan), and Genbukan Ninpo's Shoto Tanemora, once a student of Ninja Great Masaaki Hatsumi (and others) whom he dismisses as "...another cop..." with robotic movements (page 244). Some of the criticisms are fair, some are not...Morris doesn't bother to share his sources.

I don't accept Glenn Morris's interpretations and claims concerning the many things supernatural/psychic which pepper his writings--but if I only read things I agreed with, I wouldn't be living! I am, I admit, a cautious skeptic. I find Morris to be overly generous in the way he doles out his faith, often optimistic in accepting theories and studies which have not been scientifically counducted or checked, although even he draws the line at things like Alien abductions (see Chapter 13, pages 312-316). On the other hand, his insights are honest, and personal. In sharing his beliefs, he hides nothing, holds back nothing. Reading between the (esoteric) lines without any adaptation or interpretation, I find much of the advice he offers on this volume to be homespun, and often sensible.

Morris seems a cross between a scholar-warrior and a pseudo-intellectual hippy. This book is entertaining and fun to read. You don't have to share the man's opinions or beliefs to enjoy his adventures. If you enjoy martial arts autobiographies, or reading the personal thoughts of other people, this volume is just the thing.

Yet another mind-expanding book by Glenn Morris.......2002-06-09

Glenn Morris furthers the subjects he originally touched on in his book "Path Notes," and also gives even more insights into his experiences with meditation, things that go "bump" in the night (as well as the mind!), and his experiences in the martial arts. His insights are useful in exploring the inner workings of the mind, the body, and the spirit, as well as expanding your knowledge of your OWN martial art, whether it be aikido, kung fu, karate, ninjutsu, or whatever.

And, to make matters even better, check out his reading list / bibliography for an even more intense mind screw! :)

Home run, again........1999-12-24

This guy is just amazing. He comes back to answer all of the questions you had from the first book. If you miss these you are missing the chance to improve every aspect of your life. It makes it easier to laugh at all our demons. Mr Morris is uncanny in his observations and ability to relay such amazing information. Definate must for any one interested in martial arts, self-improvement or self-exploration.

A must read!.......1998-12-02

This and Morris' book Path Notes, should be read by everyone. I think the world would be a better place. He is the most inspiring author I have ever read.

Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master

Average customer rating:

Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master
Glenn Morris
Manufacturer: Frog
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LZOXBQ

Amazon.com

Taking the trip and experiencing the anecdote are considerably easier than selling the story. Whether you want to go professional or just want to expand your audience beyond your family and friends, you need to plan ahead to successfully market the fruits of your vacation. Louise Purwin Zobel, a college writing instructor with hundreds of published travel articles to her name, explains the basics of research, audience, market, titles, queries, freebies, photos, angles, interviews, and the latest boon to travel writing: the Internet. She promises that with the mechanics under your belt, you can succeed, and her confidence is catching.

Customer Reviews:

A worthy update.......2007-02-23

A couple of years ago, I found a copy of the fourth edition of this book at a library bag sale. I read it cover to cover, devouring each word, and absorbing hints and tips into the molasses of my mind. To this day, some of these have shaped the way I approach my trips, and when I learned that a new edition had come out, I thought that it would make me a good Christmas present.

It's certainly an excellent book. But I found a few faults with it, all but one quite firmly the fault of the publisher. Let me get that over and done with before I continue with the good bits.

Criticisms:

1. There is no index. There should be. There is so much in this book that forcing the reader to re-read each chapter to find one nugget of information, or to take notes, seems very poor. Admittedly my copy is now covered in x marks and orange marker pen, but do you have any idea how far against the grain defacing a book goes?

2. I don't have any idea why, for this edition, there is a co-author. As far as I can see, this is not explained anywhere in the text. I'm not sure what a second author really contributes to the book. A second author certainly doesn't take away from it, but the major difference I can spot is that sentences beginning with "I" now begin with "Louise" or "Jacqueline". I don't get it. A brief introduction or explanation would have been nice.

3. Speaking of introductions, or the introduction, perhaps somebody should have proof-read it? It is quite obvious that someone did a quick and dirty search and replace and made a complete hash of it. Here is the first sentence of the book:

"Although the travel writing profession is seeing some difficult times this spring and summerthese (sic) past few years, this does not, by any means, indicate an end to the power and pleasure of the written wordtravel (sic) related stories."

This, the very first sentence of the introduction, was very off-putting. Howls of derision followed as I found other printed bloopers.

4. While there is a lovely updated chapter on digital photography, not once is my burning question answered: "What do you do when your magazine listing in "Writers Market 20073 says 'send slides/transparancies/prints?'" It would have been so nice to see a couple of paragraphs defining these terms and explaining how to go about handling the requests. The book seemed to assume that everyone would be using a digital camera, which is very nice because I do, but also seemed to assume that everybody who is a budding travel writer has some kind of in-built knowledge of what magazines want, which is not very nice because I don't. This book purports to be the definitive guide to travel writing, and in my opinion that's not something that should be missed out.

So saying...

This book is thorough. It covers all aspects of freelance writing for travel publications. It starts with a heavy emphasis on research: how to do it, where to get resources, what to look for. It covers interviewing: how to find sources and how to interview them. There is an entire chapter on querying, which I found very useful, as well as etiquette and ways to make yourself look professional even when you're a rank newbie.

I found the chapter entitled "being there is never enough" particlarly useful. It covers how to take notes, how to start noticing, and how to make sure you don't forget what you've seen. You are coached in what to bring along and how to handle it, as well as being reminded that some countries have different dress codes and you'd better be looking like the locals if you go there and want to fit it. Travel is about getting in amongst the people, and if you're wearing clothes that scream "tourist" you're never actually likely to get that far.

One key point emphasized over and over again is that you never write "generally"; always, always you must key your writing to a specific audience...and that without marketing, without learning that and working out your own system (I didn't really "get" the author's system as described) you'll never get far beyond "Gee, I want to be a writer." One of the last chapters in the book, and one of the most helpful, lists 25 different types of travel articles to help you a) find your voice and b) get the most mileage out of your existing writing.

There is some information in here about running the business and organizing yourself, dealing with editors and even the ethics of press trips. A little like having your own personal coach, despite my quibbles this book still thoroughly deserves its title as a classic. And it's highly likely that come the seventh edition, this one will be so thumbed over and have so many pages hanging out from constant reference that I'll need to buy that one, too.

Very thorough and helpful.......2006-05-16

I am now reading this book again before departing to Italy. I am not exactly a "travel writer", but I need some of the same skills to write and edit my travel website. This book is a tremendous help in preparing for a trip knowing I will come back with the information I need. This books coveres everything from packing to writing. It is very readable and very useful.

Best "how-to" guide.......2005-04-11

I read a lot of "how to" guides (trying to find career that I can enjoy) and Mrs. Zobel's is the best so far. She does a great job expanding on the basics and injecting her own personal stories when examples are needed. I re-read the book before every trip so that I don't forget any of her advice. I've already started research on one of my favorite destinations.

Comprehensive introduction.......2001-07-24

I really liked this book. The first six chapters are a little hard to get through, but the rest of the book is well worth the effort.

The chapters on interviewing, what to take with you, and market research are great. I learnt a lot from Zobel, her writing is friendly, helpful and crammed with useful and unusual facts.

All here--nitty gritty details plus broad overview, too!.......1998-05-28

Zobel does a superb job of both introducing the novice to the work of the travel writer while at the same time providing the type of tips & insight even experienced travel writers will find stimulating. The sections on marketing are some of the best I've seen in any book on writing!

Book Description

Charles Stewart Henry Vane-Tempest-Stewart, the 7th Marquess of Londonderry, was born to power and command. Scion of one of Britain's most aristocratic families, cousin of Churchill and confidant of the king, owner of vast coal fields and landed estates, married to the doyenne of London's social scene, Londonderry was an ornament to his class, the 0.1 percent of the population who still owned 30 percent of England's wealth as late as 1930. But history has not been kind to "Charley," as the king called him, because, in his own words, he "backed the wrong horse," and a very dark horse indeed: Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. Londonderry was hardly the only British aristocrat to do so, but he was the only Cabinet member to do so, and it ruined him. In a final irony, his grand London house was bombed by the German Luftwaffe in the blitz.

Ian Kershaw is not out to rehabilitate Lord Londonderry but to understand him and to expose why he was made a scapegoat for views that were much more widely held than anyone now likes to think. H. L. Mencken famously said that "for every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong." The conventional explanation of the coming of World War II is a simple story of the West's craven appeasement of Hitler in the face of his bullying. Through the story of how Lord Londonderry came to be mixed up with the Nazis and how it all went horribly wrong for him, Ian Kershaw shows us that behind the familiar cartoon is a much more complicated and interesting reality, full of miscalculations on both sides, miscalculations that proved to be among the most fateful in history.

Customer Reviews:

Misreading Hitler: The Seductive Logic of Appeasement.......2006-05-26

Making Friends... is a smoothly written, thoroughly researched and disturbing account of how a politician, Lord Londonderry, could completely misread the motivations and intentions of Hitler and the Nazis. It is a study of how a politician seemingly ignored what the other guy was saying and dismissed the notion that how a government treats its people and implements internal policies indicates how it will operate internationally.
Kershaw points out that Londonderry was not alone in faiing to accurately read Hitler and the Nazis. The understandable disgust after WWI left most British politicians and the British electorate anxious to avoid another bloodletting. Kershaw also carefully points out that there was widespread acceptance of the legitimacy of Germany's claims for rescinding some of the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles.
Londonderry clearly was not a very perceptive, astute or potent politician - but it would be wrong to see him as some aberration or as the British might say, an Upper Class Twit. Kershaw does not make this mistake: he recognizes that, however misguided and poorly executed, Londonderry's realpolitiks were not unreasonable given the intransgience of the French and the hovering threat of Stalin and the SOviets.
The book provides a useful means of pondering how our politicians need to deal with the leaders of North Korea, Iran and fundamentalist Islam in general. Kershaw's book reinforces one clear lesson: Dealing with unprincipled or fanatical leaders with the capability for mayhem can only be done from a position of undeniable military strength and the willingness to use that power. Londonderry's failure was that as Air Minister he failed to provide Britain with the air power needed to deter Hitler and to communicate to his German contacts - Goring, Ribbentrop, von Papen and Hitler - that Britain would use that power. What is scary in today's world is that there are so many who believe that you can talk fanatical political leaders out of trying to fulfill their fantasies. They are today's Londonderrys and too many are too close to the levers of power.

HOW I GOT LOST ON THE ROAD TO WORLD WAR II.......2006-01-30

Kershaw has taken an intriguing topic which is essentially a sidebar to the history of the buildup to, and prosecution of, World War II: why did Lord Londonderry, formerly Britain's Minister of the Air, court the Nazi leaders in the 1930s?

Londonderry's visits with Hitler and Goring in Germany and the highly publicized stay of von Ribbentrop at Londonderry's estate put Londonderry and his wife in an untenable position when it became clear that appeasement wasn't working. Why didn't Londonderry see the signs earlier?

Kershaw argues convincingly that Londonderry was not blind to Hitler's faults but he saw little choice for a militarily enfeebled Britain but to woo Hitler to the bargaining table with concessions, thus buying the British Isles time to rearm. Unfortunately, Londonderry had neither the intelligence nor the political skills to negotiate in the modern political world, where high office and the attendant deference were no longer automatic prerogatives of high birth. Mired in an increasingly untenable position, and with his public image besmirched, Londonderry dug his own hole deeper and deeper in efforts to exonerate himself, especially in regard to his earlier stewardship of the air force. Until the very end, Londonderry never understood that compromises could not work without the necessary force behind it to punish transgressors.

It is interesting to see how little Britain's leaders (Churchill and one or two others excepted) understood the menace that Hitler posed nor how much their own concessions worsened their bargaining (and eventually fighting) position in the struggle to confront a new kind of monster on the European scene.

Great Scholarship.......2005-11-01

This piece of excellent scholarship uses Lord Londonderry as the foil with which to see appeasement and the road to war in Europe in the 1930s. An entire generation is understood through this lens, particularly the world of the appeasers and the Nazi elite. For the first time many new pieces of the puzzle are woven together. For instance we learn that the same right wing people like Lord Beaverbrook, who supported appeasement also supported massive rearmament while the Labour politicians were lost in a pacifist dream trying to outlaw bombers on the eve of war and trusting agreements. We finally understand the psychology of appeasement. We see how some right wing politicians misunderstood fascism and that only Winston Churchill alone conceived the threat as it truly was, daring to fight verbally against the Nazi racial laws, which so many on the left and right ignored in favour of economic interpretations. We see here the fear of Bolshevism that led some into the hands of Hitler.

Most remarkable for our own time is the famous call by Londonderry to `understand German needs and policies' in much the same way that we are told today to `understand the root causes of terrorism'. The appeasers in 1938 were asking the world to `understand' Nazism, when the only true course was no understand, no agreements, but only rearmament and the big stick approach. This is excellent scholarship at the highest level, woven with literary talent, showing that history can be truly poetic in its analysis. Through one man we are given a glimpse of an entire world gone mad.

Seth J. Frantzman

"Anglo-German Fellowship" .......2005-10-12

Ian Kershaw continues to add to his list of extraordinarily valuable books on Nazi-era Germany in this volume focusing on Lord Londonderry's activities prior to the World War II. Londonderry (ironically, a cousin of Churchill) took the lead in attempting to improve relations between Britain and Hitler's Germany and, thereby, head off war. By focusing on Londonderry (1878-1949), the reader can come to understand the various reasons why appeasement appealed to so many British politicans and the general public.

Of course, the interesting question is why did Londonderry so embrace the German point of view that he ended up publicly disgraced? Certainly some personal motives played a role, most directly his desire for vindication after being removed from the Cabinet as Air Minister (not to mention his failure to be named Viceroy for India) and generally being humiliated for his visits to Germany (Goering in particular), return visits from Nazi luminaries like Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop, and very public pro-German activities and writings. Kershaw suggests that like many in his aristocratic class, facing increased dimnishment of their wealth and power, Hitler was seen as a helpful bulwark against "Bolshevism" and domestic socialist movements. In exchange for a free hand in Europe, Hitler would protect the prerogatives of the 0.1% of the population that owned 1/3 of Britain's wealth.

Kershaw argues that Hitler was quite masterful in his manipulation of British public opinion--and one can hardly disagree. He also successfully exploited a split in the positions of France and Britain. Through Kershaw's skillful analysis, the genesis and appeal of the appeasement movement become evident. It is no wonder that Chamberlin fell into the trap. For Londonderry and this group, the agreement at Munich was a triumph, because it avoided war and insured a valid sphere of control for Germany. It took both "Krystalnacht" and Hitler's blatant invasion of the remainder of Czechoslovakia before Londonderry began to get the picture. Perhaps the rapid slide downward of the aristocracy after the war is, in part, attributable to the fact that many members shared Londonderry's perspective--and the rest of British society knew it.

As is to be expected, superb research and invaluable notes are part of the package. Like all of Kershaw's volumes, it is well written and easy even for us Yanks to follow as he maneuvers through the ins and out of British politics of the 1930's. The bottom line: the whole appeasement movement (which in hindsight seems somewhat inexplicable) becomes quite understandable after reading this book. That is its greatest contribution.

Lord Londonderry's Follies.......2005-09-30

An intrinsically important and engaging subject treated by Ian Kershaw
in quirky prose and in a numbingly repetitious fashion. Historians,
of course, do a lot of research but they don't have to stuff it all into
one book. A terser narrative perhaps one half the size would have
done the trick beautifully. I read the whole thing but some of it
(especially the overly-detailed figures on Britain's preparations for
airwar under Londonderry's ministry in the '30's) was a slog.
Also, my hardcover edition was full of typos.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books