Approaches to Economic Development: Readings From Economic Development Quarterly

Book Description

This Reader presents a selection of articles from Economic Development Quarterly, the premier journal for practitioners and academics of local economic development. The pieces chosen cover both the breadth and the cutting edge of real world economic development practices.

Book Description

The task of bringing your organization through a change is complex, often daunting, but it is an absolutely vital process that not only must occur, but also must be sustained if your organization, your colleagues, and your mission are to prevail. This book equips you with a concise methodology for the human side of change and the knowledge needed for creating an environment ready for change.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Book!.......2000-04-07

An Excellent Book.. A Must For All The Managers In Any Organistaion.

Getting to Innovation: How Asking the Right Questions Generates the Great Ideas Your Company Needs

Average customer rating:

Vital Issue
Ideal for managers needing a guidebook for getting started on innovation
Practical, Targeted, and Worthwhile
"Getting To Innovation" is a must NOT READ! Don't waste your time...

Getting to Innovation: How Asking the Right Questions Generates the Great Ideas Your Company Needs
Arthur B. Vangundy
Manufacturer: AMACOM/American Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0814408982

Book Description

As an acknowledged guru in the field of creativity and innovation, Arthur VanGundy has inspired businesses in a variety of industries to generate more original, cutting-edge ideas. Getting to Innovation is a detailed guide to achieving the critical first step in formulating creative and useful ideas-i.e., asking the right questions that define the challenges facing any organization. Readers will discover:

* how to write positioning and rationale statements for each challenge

* how to link together multiple objectives in priority frameworks

* the top 10 techniques for generating creative ideas

* tips for designing and running brainstorming retreats

* advice on how to select the best ideas from the many that have been generated

When it comes to true innovation, it's not formulating the great ideas, but asking the right questions that will ultimately lead to results. Getting to Innovation offers the tools to help every company tap into its most inspired thinking.

Customer Reviews:

Vital Issue.......2007-09-28

The whole issue of "framing", as the author calls it, is a really important one for creatives like myself (communication and graphic design). How often do we end up working on projects where we're supposed to develop ideas that are half-baked, because the client just doesn't have enough clarity on the issue or opportunity being addressed and understanding of how it relates to the environment in which they are operating? As I mature in my profession I spend more and more time gently guiding clients toward this pre-innovation work; I simply won't accept jobs where this work hasn't been done because without it, no matter how well I do my job, the result will not be effective.

Creativity and innovation don't happen in a vaccuum. There are always other players and other issues impinging on the work we do. It's really important to get, and to analyze, that information up front. This book is a helpful resource for those of us who recognize this and who need tools to be able to work with our long-term clients to develop this necessary clarity and understanding.

Ideal for managers needing a guidebook for getting started on innovation.......2007-09-28

Getting to Innovation is the ideal guide book for any manager embarking on an innovation process in her company. It explains fundamental concepts and provides a step-by-step process for, as the title puts it, "getting to innovation".

Andy (as author Arthur VanGundy prefers to be called), spends the first half of the book explaining what an innovation challenge is, how to frame an innovation challenge and how to analyze your own organization's innovation needs and turn them into challenges.

This is critical. All too many corporate innovation programs start with suggestion schemes designed to capture all kinds of ideas. Too many brainstorming events begin with poorly thought out problems. As a result, many business innovation programs generate lots of ideas - but the ideas are largely irrelevant to current business needs. This not only wastes money and resources, but is very demotivating to employees.

Effective innovation challenges, on the other hand, are designed to generate ideas that solve your business problems. Andy explains in detail how to frame them, what to include and what to avoid. Andy then goes one step further, providing a framework for organizations to question strategic issues, determine weaknesses and frame challenges designed to overcome those weaknesses.

This is an approach that Andy has honed over many years of creativity and innovation consulting. And it works.

The second half of the book looks at idea generation methods, idea management and idea evaluation approaches. Although less focused than the first half of the book, the second part provides a wealth of tools, techniques and advice to business managers.

Seasoned innovation consultants who have read it all may feel that Getting to Innovation covers a lot of obvious ground - although even they will doubtless learn from this gem of a book. But Getting to Innovation is not written for them. It is written for the many managers today who know they need to launch innovation initiatives in their firms - but don't know where to start. If that describes you - order this book today!

--

Disclaimer: I should point out that Andy VanGundy is a friend with whom I've exchanged many an e-mail on the theory and practice of innovation. I've learned from him during our correspondence and I have learned from this book.

Practical, Targeted, and Worthwhile.......2007-09-28

VanGundy has written an extremely useful book. I've spent the past 25 years working as a strategic and innovation consultant for large corporations around the world. One of the most common traps my clients fall into is the "great answer -- wrong question" syndrome. Unless the problem is framed accurately and in a way that invites the possibility of a targeted solution, it doesn't matter how creative or innovative an individual or organization is. You can't generate useful solutions to problems you don't really understand. It's kind of like a baseball batter having a great swing, but not a great eye. The best swing in the world won't help you, unless you can connect your bat with the ball.

VanGundy's book offers an easy and effective approach to finding and framing problems in a way that opens them up to the possibility of solution. I've read several of VanGundy's earlier books, and each one has provided me with gems that I use almost daily in my business. Getting to Innovation will definitely join that list. My only quibble with the book is that its title may be slightly misleading: it's is less about "getting to innovation" than it is about getting to understand the problem. In that sense it's more of a springboard to innovation. This is a very practical, worthwhile book. Highly recommended if you've even encountered the "great answer -- wrong question syndrome" -- and who hasn't?

"Getting To Innovation" is a must NOT READ! Don't waste your time..........2007-09-16

I found "Getting To Innovation" to be pedestrian and sophmoric as a book on creativity and innovation. I found nothing truly 'innovative' about the book. It's like reading something written by a recent grad student who woke up one morning and decided he was going to write a book on innovation. The examples he uses scrapes off the froth and never achieves serious investigation, the writer tries to argue a lowest-common-denominator thinking position, instead of describing his investigative research (because he didn't do any investigative research), and what upset me about the book were the sweeping know-it-all, all encompassing statements - "Where has all the innovation gone? It has disappeared into black holls of fear and uncertainty, swirling and meandering about, seemingly without bounds."

The writer's premise is this - before a company can innovate they need to figure out why they need to innovate. DUH! The writer fails to drill down and offer real solutions for the different types of creativity needed for an organization - product development creativity, advertising creativity, marketing creativity, social and human creativity, executive creativity. I guess I should expected this - the writer is a writer and not a creator, business artist, or innovator.

My suggestion is PASS on this book!

Book Description

An understanding of international plant health management is essential in the increasingly free-trade environment of today. And administrative methods of plant pest control are of growing importance in crop production. No other recent book introduces students and practitioners to the subject of plant health and quarantine as this one does. Topics covered include: international photsanitary controls; the EU plant health regime; structure and operation of national plant protection organizations; eradication and containment; certification and marketing schemes; indexing, diagnosis and pest risk analysis.

Book Description

The definitive field guide to North American saltwater fish-from the absolute authority on sportfishing

Before you head out to the open seas, listen up: Your tackle box is not complete without Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Saltwater Fish! Written by one of the foremost experts in sportfishing, this colorful reference provides anglers and fish enthusiasts of all levels an easy-to-use, indispensable guide to help you identify and learn about the most common species found off the North American coastlines-from albacore to yellowtail.

Based on the award-winning reference book Ken Schultz's Fishing Encyclopedia, this handy field guide compresses the essence of its bestselling predecessor into a more manageable, compact size. Arranged alphabetically by species, each entry covers the identification, size/age, distribution, habitat, life history/behavior, and feeding habits of each fish. This fully illustrated, full-color guide makes it easy to identify what's at the end of your line. You'll learn how to distinguish an Atlantic mackerel from a Spanish mackerel, for instance; why you might mistake a cobia for a shark or a remora; how the red grouper's saddle spot will help you tell it apart from a Nassau grouper; and so much more.

Written for the 16 million people who enjoy saltwater fishing, Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Saltwater Fish features:

227 of the most common saltwater fish
Large, full-color illustrations to help you identify your catch
Approachable organization in a compact, take-along size
A comprehensive glossary that explains the terms used in the species profiles
Overview and anatomy sections written in layman's terms

Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Saltwater Fish is a must-have for any fan of America's favorite pastime: fishing!

Download Description

An easy-to-use handbook from the foremost expert on fishing in America

A must-have for every saltwater fishing enthusiast, Ken Schultz's fully illustrated, definitive guide to 227 of the most common saltwater fish species found off the North American coastline includes helpful information on identification, habitat, size, and diet. The book's full-color illustrations and compact size make it an ideal take-along guide for fishing trips.

Ken Schultz (Forestburgh, NY) is currently Fishing Editor for Field & Stream, where he has been on staff since 1973. A former author of the "Outdoors "column of the New York Times, Schultz has written sixteen books on sportfishing and angling travel topics, including the authoritative Ken Schultz's Fishing Encyclopedia (0-028-62057-7). Inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame in 1998, Schultz is also a former holder of seven fishing world records. He has been a featured guest on CNBC, ESPN, and TNN.

Customer Reviews:

Good on Fundamentals, Very Dated on Technology.......2006-08-04

This book was written in the late 1980's. Archery and deer hunting have progressed a great deal in the last 20 years.

Bows have changed, the arrows have changed, scent blocking clothing has been introduced and ground blinds have also given hunters additional choices.

On the positive side the author does know how to hunt and shoot and does a good job explaining how to do the same to the reader. An updated edition would be a very good idea.

Great overall for the subject.......2000-09-25

I was impressed by the depth and breadth of the authors knowledge and presentation. It is quite readable and I will use it as a reference for years to come. Some of the advise was related to locale though. I took to heart his "stump shooting" concept as a fine idea and now that I am scouting and setting up my fall hunts I took my bow and some fields points. A hint from and eastern bow hunter... You'll have a hard time getting those arrows out of a hardwood stump! GREAT BOOK!

Valuable Reference.......2000-02-22

Since I got my first compound bow this winter I researched at the library for books for beginners. I found this book and have not been willing to return it to the library. It is such a valuable reference I decided I should buy a copy. It covers information on proper stance and release, tuning your bow, what equipment and accessories are best for a certain person or situation, as well as hunting techniques. Dwight Schuh knows his stuff.

This book is awesome!.......1998-05-10

I am Dwight Schuh's daughter (that's me on the dedication page!), and I think that this an excellent book for those who want to know, well, the fundamentals for bowhunting. My dad knows what he is talking about, and anyone who reads this book will definitely come out a better bowhunter.

Book Description

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 MS Sans Serif;}} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs17 Why purchase a book about only one zodiac sign when you can get the scoop on every sign in Llewellyn's generous \i Sun Sign Book\i0 ? Gain amazing insights into yourself and all the important people in your life with upbeat and perceptive horoscopes by astrologer Terry Lamb. \par \tab Plus, you'll get articles from our trusted experts, including "Your Soul's Purpose" by Anne Windsor, "Solar Return Highlights" by Dorothy Oja, and "Astrological Qualities" by Sasha Fenton. \par }

Average customer rating:

(Too much) accessible for wine lovers.

Infectious and Original, a killer wine book

A Great Wine Guide for Everyone

Buy this book!

A good mental upgrade

Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine: 108 Ingenious Shortcuts to Navigate the World of Wine with Confidence and Style
Mark Oldman
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Wine & Winemaking | Wine | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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The Wine Bible

How to Taste: A Guide to Enjoying Wine

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2007 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course)

Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier

The Accidental Connoisseur: An Irreverent Journey Through the Wine World

ASIN: 0142004928
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Book Description

For the thousands of people who know nothing about wine and want to rectify that swiftly and painlessly, Mark Oldman—the “Naked Chef” of wine—is here to help with the kind of information readers can use right now:
• Australian Shiraz is the most instantly likable red under $15
• Drink slightly sweet wine with spicy food
• Judge a wine shop by whether it has homemade shelf signs
• Don't store unopened wine in the refrigerator for more than a week

Loaded with his personal recommendations—including the top 100 wines less than $15—Oldman's Guide also includes the wine picks of an eclectic mix of collectors, from Le Cirque owner Sirio Maccioni to Morley Safer of 60 Minutes. This is a wine guide like no other and is sure to be savored by anyone who wants their wine without the attitude.

Customer Reviews:

(Too much) accessible for wine lovers........2007-10-02

It is really accessible for all newcomers in the world of wine, but is quite annoying for those who already have a basic knowledge of the subject. In addition, I think that the book is not addressing the issue of wine tasting with the proper detail, and this is a great flaw for a book that is expected to guide casual drinkers into the secrets and the pleasures of wine.

Infectious and Original, a killer wine book.......2007-07-29

Saw Mark Oldman lecture at the Aspen Food and Wine Magazine Classic last month, so I purchased this killer book. He did a fabulous job connecting with the Aspen audience, which included many festival old-timers like myself,and Oldman's Guide connects with you in the much the same way. Mark's way of teaching with down to earth smarts, gusto, and whit is simply infectious and the most original I've seen in any wine guide.

A Great Wine Guide for Everyone.......2007-03-22

This is a wine guide for the person who doesn't want to be talked down to or weighed down with loads of unnecessary detail. His descriptions are clear, concise, informative and entertaining. Though it's a little big to carry to the wine shop, I'd still recommend doing so because it will help the buyer find the right wine to suit their palate.

Buy this book!.......2007-03-14

This is the book to buy if you are just starting to appreciate wine. It is a plain language guide to every varietal and grape. I've purchased several more copies to give as gifts!

A good mental upgrade.......2007-01-27

Mark Oldman rocks.
I was recently confronted with the reality that, when on the roster to host my newly joined wine club, I didn't know near as much about wine as I truly wanted. Buzz words and some old stand-bys were about all. Embarrassing. So I began a quest... to become at least more than a novice. Tasting is fun, but is only one avenue of education. After slogging through several dozen "wine guides" (arrrgghhhh), I came across Mark Oldman's. Wow. Finally something that didn't 1) bore me to tears, 2) made me really, really excited about wine, and 3) was reality based! I have passages dog-eared, highlighted and colorful "sticky notes" stuck in my favorite chapters. I can truly say this book has/is helping me not only speak more intelligently about wine, has made me a better consumer, and enhanced my whole "wine adventure" (from the hunt to the first taste of a great bottle).

Average customer rating:

Oldman's Guide To Outsmarting Wine
Mark Oldman
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJA1XS

Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine 6-copy counter

Average customer rating:

Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine 6-copy counter
Mark Oldman
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0147500699

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