New Product Development: from Initial Idea to Product Management

Book Description

Marc Annacchino's New Product Development will maximize return on development dollar invested by providing the reader with an interdisciplinary understanding of the new product development process.

New Product Development is the last frontier in gaining a competitive edge. While other factors such as functionality, quality and reliability, availability and shipment performance are now entry level requirements, New Product Development is the competitive weapon of necessity.

This comprehensive and detailed book is a practical guide to the process of New Product Development from initial concept and corporate goals assessment through marketing, planning, development, manufacturing and product management. It contains over 200 illustrations with 52 actual tools needed to execute an actual program. On the accompanying CD-ROM version, these tools are embedded in the text for presentation to the reader. Embedded hyperlinks allow the reader to jump to a special "sandbox" which will allow them to apply the concepts presented in the text directly to their development program and save them as part of their filing system, providing the actual framework for practitioner use.

This book and accompanying tool set is the best investment you can make to ensure new product success!

*Contains CD-ROM with over 50 software tools needed to implement programs

*Presents a unique multidimensional perspective that comes from 26 years of experience and over 40 real implementations

*Provides readers with blueprints for organizing and documenting their development programs

Book Description

Presenting a follower-centered perspective on leadership, this book focuses on followers as the direct determinant of leadership effects because it is generally through follower reactions and behaviors that leadership attempts succeed or fail. Therefore, leadership theory needs to be articulated with a theory of how followers create meaning from leadership acts and how this meaning helps followers self-regulate in specific contexts. In this book, an attempt is made to develop such a theory, maintaining that the central construct in this process is the self-identity of followers. In developing this theoretical perspective, the authors draw heavily from several areas of research and theory. The most critical constructs do not come directly from the leadership literature, but from social and cognitive theory pertaining to follower's self-identity, self-regulatory processes, motivation, values, cognitions, and emotions and perceptions of social justice. Leaders may have profound effects on these aspects of followers and it is by analyzing such indirect, follower-mediated leadership effects that most ideas regarding leadership theory and practice are developed.

Due to its broad theoretical focus, this book is relevant to a number of audiences. The authors' principal concern is with the development of leadership theory and the practice of leadership making the book relevant to audiences in management, applied psychology, and social psychology. They have tried to clearly define key constructs and provide practical examples so that the book could be accessible to advanced undergraduate students. However, the diversity of the underlying theoretical literatures and the complexity of the framework developed also make the book appropriate for graduate courses in those disciplines, and for readers with a professional interest in leadership theory or practice.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent academic book on new leadership studies.......2005-04-05

This is a wonderful review of the newer psychological approach to leadership (and "followership"). Much of the previous academic work on this important topic falls short of giving a real explanation of how leadership works--what really makes people follow a leader. The Lord and Brown book integrates their own work, the work of social identity researchers such as Michael Hogg and Daan van Knippenberg, and the work of researchers in related areas (like social cognition and organizational justice)to give an excellent picture of how leadership functions in the behavior of leaders and in the mind of followers.
Be advised: This is a technical book that appears to be written for other academics. I think any intelligent layperson could understand the concepts presented here, but it probably would take a fair amount of effort to do so. That said, the understanding would be well worth the effort!

Book Description

In this book, natural and social scientists examine savanna land use within a policy perspective. The text assesses the ecological, social, and economic constraints to savanna development and identifies the nature of policy changes necessary to enhance prospects for economic growth and development throughout the savanna regions. The book emphasizes development of policy recommendations at a national and international level.

Book Description

Following in the fashion of Stephen Jay Gould and Peter Medawar, one of the world's leading scientists examines how "pure science" is in fact shaped and guided by social and political needs and assumptions.

Customer Reviews:

disappointing.......2007-03-07

This book is a semi-postmodernist criticism of a) biological determinism, and b) the widespread belief that scientists are first and foremost seekers of "truth", rather than furtherers of their own careers. Lewontin takes the argument that there is only so far science can go in explaining humanity, and that one should keep in mind that all scientific claims are convoluted with the power structure from which they arise. I agree with these points, but there's nothing particularly special about them...no serious scientist today would ever suggest that one's personality (let alone all of society) is written in the genetic code, nor dispute that politics often/usually does interfere in the functioning of science as we wish it would be. Lewontin seems to paint scientists with a rather broad brush. Worse, he makes liberal use of the "naturalistic fallacy" (the idea that what is "natural" must be "good" and vice-versa) in much of his reasoning, as when he suggests that Darwinism implies that social inequities are good, necessary, and unavoidable. On top of all this, he fails to notice (or at least to mention) that the door swings both ways, that skepticism about the reach of science (as he seems to advocate) can be used to reinforce unsavory sociopolitical structures just as easily as can unquestioning belief in science. One need only look at Senator James Inhofe, the Discovery Institute, and various other right-wing American institutions to see how the belief that "there are just some questions science can't answer" can be used to justify all manner of ridiculous and/or dangerous behavior. Most of Lewontin's concerns have (since this book's 1991 publication) been addressed and, in my opinion, refuted by the recent writings of Richard Dawkins and Stephen Pinker. Frankly, I'm surprised this book has stayed in print this long.

Science goes after the last sacred cow: itself.......2006-05-07

This fascinating book turns the harsh critical eye of the scientific method back on the field of science itself, questioning everything you thought you knew about the discipline. Think germs cause disease? Think that evolution works through survival of the fittest? Think that people are constrained by their DNA? Richard Lewontin, the preeminent Harvard biologist, will cause you to think again.

A written-down version of Lewontin's Massey Lectures, the book is eminently readable while carefully hewing to the scientific method. Anyone who loves science will love this book.

Lewontin's Biology overcome by Ideology .......2005-03-29

Some interesting and original points are made, but together with many flaws, in general attributing exaggerated weight to ideological influences on the scientific community (possibly concluding from his own strong political nature). Here are a few representative points:

1. "What Darwin did was take early 19th century political economy and expand it to include all of natural economy" (p.10).

On what does he base this allegation ? It is well known that Darwin was impressed by Malthus' reasoning on geometrical increase of populations, but this does not imply he adopted or expanded on the social, ethical or executive conclusions of some form of capitalist economy.
Darwin wrote somewhere, "It is not the strongest nor even the most intelligent species that will survive, but those most responsive to change."

Maybe Lewontin feels some resentment as he writes in the same paragraph: "Darwin... earned his living from investment in shares he followed daily...".

2. When portraying the biological world view, he writes "Genes make individuals and individuals make society, and so genes make society. If one society is different from another, that is because the genes..." (p.14)

This is a caricature of the Dawkins point of view. There are evidently different forms of governance and economic systems that humans can create, which still conform to their basic natures, even if this nature is genetically influenced and shared.

3. "There is at present no convincing measure of the roles of genes in influencing human behavioral variation." (p.33, where he also discusses IQ and twin studies).
And also "we know nothing about the heritability of human temperamental and intellectual traits." (p.96).

That seems to be a very ill-informed reading of the evidence, but maybe this is due also to recent information missing to him as the book was written in 1991.

4. "Sociobiology is the latest and most mystified attempt to convince people that human life is pretty much what it has to be and perhaps even ought to be." (p.89)

It seems he has fallen here onto the 'naturalistic fallacy'. I don't think E.O Wilson ever alluded to that in his writings.

5. "Sociobiological theory claims that all human beings share genes for aggression, for xenophobia, for male dominance, and so on. But if we all share these genes, if evolution has made us all alike in this human nature, then in principle there would be no way to investigate the heritability of those traits... (but) if there is variation then on what basis... is (this) universal human nature."

Has he not contemplated the logical possibility that we share genes that differentially affect measures of tendencies for these traits, with small variation relative to their mean ? Why is it only black or white ?

6. "It must be remembered that the nonreproductive homosexuals must help their brothers and sisters so well that those relatives have twice as many offspring as usual..." (p.103)

I would have expected of him to contemplate the other, more reasonable possibility, that a homosexuality related gene (if indeed exists) may confer some (health) benefit on its bearers in the feminine line, and thus statistically avoid extinction (like the sickle-cell advantage to malaria) ? It doesn't have to do with kin selection.

7. "The most famous theory of evolution before Darwin was... Lamarck... Darwin completely rejected this world-view and replaced it with one in which organisms and environment were completely separated" (p.108)

Not so true. It is known that Darwin himself subscribed to some Lamarckian processes.

The Doctrine of DNA.......2004-11-01

Despite some shortcomings, I was thoroughly impressed by this book that I read it two times in a row. I also chose to base a school project on it. I am quite convinced that "Biology as Ideology" might actually have been one of the most important books of the previous century (Yes, I mentioned this in my project). And although it is atypical of me to comment on other people's reviews, some things just warrant correction. Contrary to what one reviewer said, Lewontin never once suggests that "there is no such thing as race" in this book. And although Lewontin has a thing or to two to say about reductionism - - he does not completely resent it. He talks about an ideal view "that sees the entire world neither as an indissoluble whole, or as isolated bits and pieces". It's easy to miss this message because Lewontin does tend to have a propensity for veering off-topic once in a while. I also don't think that it's far-fetched at all to call Lewontin a Marxist. Although he only mentions Karl Marx once in this book, most of his views on society strongly cohere with Marx's.

In our world today, any product of science is claimed and treated as a universal truth. Lewontin encourages the reader not to be mystified by science (don't just leave it to the experts!) And science has never been as "objective" and "nonpolitical" as it claims because it's a product of society. Scientists will view nature through lens molded by social experience.

I thought it daring (and brave) that Lewontin - a luminary in the study of genetics today - should question Darwin's "natural selection", and see more sense in Lamarck's inheritance of acquired characteristics. This book is good because it makes you observe the other side of things. It makes you think.

Perhaps the most excellent point made by Lewontin in his book is that of biological determinism as a way of social legitimization. Biological determinism has been used to explain and justify the inequalities within and between societies and to claim that those inequalities can never be changed. We are being taught that there is genetic differentiation between racial groups in characteristics such as behavior, temperament, and intelligence. We are also being taught that people's genes are connected to things like unemployment, eroticism, dominance, poverty, and homelessness. It really getting ridiculous! There is too much power being blunderingly put on the DNA molecule.

I however, disagree with Lewontin that the genome project was a waste of time and billions. It has helped not only consolidate the theory of evolution...but it has also helped in areas like systematics, phylogeny, and taxonomy. Another shortcoming is that Lewontin's book is more than a decade old - many discoveries and advancements have occurred since then in molecular genetics.

A Nice Propaganda Piece.......2003-06-13

This book claims that there is no such thing as race. While this would be nice, unfortunatly that is just not the case. Scientists can take a drop of blood and determine if its owner is Asian, African-American, European, Jewish, etc. If there is no such thing as race, then how is this possible?
This book was used in a biased anthropology class that I took for my BA. I only bought it because I was forced to.

Biology As Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA

Average customer rating:

Biology As Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA
R. C. Lewontin
Manufacturer: House of Anansi Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000U7OP9A

Book Description

A celebration in full colour of Madagascar's wildlife. Key parks and reserves, features on evolution, camouflage, wildlife at night, conservation, wildlife watching and photography.

Customer Reviews:

I Need Another!!.......2007-10-13

Fabulous, novice handbook! Great photographs with basic but very purposeful text. My only problem is the owner of the "hotel" in Andisibe, down the street from the main restaurant, enjoyed the book so much I felt compelled to give it to him as a gift!

Good but not grate.......2007-10-11

What it lacks is maps where to find each animal. Layout of the book is a little bit confusing (pictures are put on pages in chaotic manner) but otherwise a good book. It does what is supposed to: inform about different animals species, not only mammals. There is nothing better on the market right now.

Beautiful but Basic Overview.......2007-06-01

This book is certainly very pretty, with excellent photographs.
It is also thin and light-weight, and does cover a little bit of everything: habitats, recommended sites to visit, mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.
As such, it is an inspiring read, and probably the best single-volume book to carry for those who only have a superficial interest in Madagadcar's unique wildlife.

However, for more serious naturalists the information it offers is far too limited. Even mammals, the best detailed group, are only discussed down to genus level, neither mentioning nor illustrating all or even most species. Birds receive a token coverage of 10 pages, and reptiles fare little better.
Even the descriptions of nature reserves can be found in the more recent, excellent and complete field guides like the Mammals of Madagascar: A Complete Guide which actually tells you where to spot every single species separately, and the similarly brilliant Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands which not only covers all the birds of Madagascar, but those of neighbouring islands too, along with recommended birdwatching sites. Fans of herpetofauna should try and get hold of A Field Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Madagascar.
If you buy any of the above field guides, you will find this book a waste of money - I did.

Very helpful.......2005-09-24

I am planning a trip to Madagascar and found this book a very helpful review of the various parks in the country. The photos are excellent and the discussion of the various mammals are readable but provide enough information to be interesting. This is not a technical book on either mammals or ecosystems, but is a good review of both. Perhaps I was looking for too much from this book, but I would have liked more maps and a bit more guidance on how to combine trips to different ecosystems in one trip. I combine it with the Lonely Planet and can cobble together the information, but it requires quite a bit of work. I also liked the sections on reptiles and insects - many books neglect the little creatures, which can be far more interesting than mammals in some ecosystems. Overall highly recommended.

Terrific!.......2004-08-02

Took this book along with me to Madagascar & was very glad I did. I was able to identify many lemur species I came upon throughout the country from the beautiful, close-up photographs in this book. The descriptive of each species is written in layman's terminology along with scientific names for the more biologically erudite. This really is a terrific book.

2004 Coach Of The Year Clinics Football Manual (Coach of the Year Clinics Football Manual)
Average customer rating:

Almost as Good as the Clinic!

2004 Coach Of The Year Clinics Football Manual (Coach of the Year Clinics Football Manual)

Manufacturer: Coaches Choice Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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2005 Coach of the Year Clinics Football Manual

2007 Coach of the Year Clinic Notes: Lectures by Premier High School Coaches (Coach of the Year Clinics)

Football Offenses & Plays

Coaching the Shotgun Triple Option

Complete Guide to Special Teams: Techniques, Drills, Training (American Football Coaches Ass)

ASIN: 1585188964

Book Description

The Coach of the Year Clinics were initiated by renowned football coaches Duffy Daugherty and Bud Wilkinson in the 1950s. This manual provides a "coach-friendly" collection of some of the best lectures selected from the 2004 series of the Coach of the Year Clinics, including articles by co-Coach of the Year coaches Pete Carroll and Nick Saban. Also features articles by Mike Archer, John Bunting, Larry Coker, Mark Dantonio, Mike Dietzel, Darryl Drake, Kirk Ferentz, Mark Gale, Tony Gibson, Al Groh, Jon Gruden, Dan Hawkins, Skip Holtz, Bobby Johnson, Mike Kelly, Larry Kerr, Jim Leavitt, Bill Legg, Mickey Marotti, Greg Mattison, Noel Mazzone, Urban Meyer, Shane Montgomery, Paul Pasqualoni, Brad Paulson, Gary Pinkel, Mark Richt, Mike Riley, Chris Scelfo, Mike Shula, Jack Siedlecki, Joe Tiller, Brian Vangorder, and Tommy West. An absolute must for coaches of any level of play!

Customer Reviews:

Almost as Good as the Clinic!.......2006-03-23

Having now attended a NIKE Coach of the Year Clinic I can say that the books are almost as good as being at the clinic. The information is timely and illustrations are included. If you want the input of the top coaches in the game this is the book to get!

Book Description

Cambridge IELTS 4 provides students with an excellent opportunity to familiarise themselves with IELTS and to practise examination techniques using authentic test material from Cambridge ESOL. This collection contains four complete tests for Academic candidates, plus extra Reading and Writing modules for General Training candidates. An introduction to these different modules is included in each book, together with an explanation of the scoring system used by Cambridge ESOL. A comprehensive section of answers and tapescripts makes the material ideal for students working partly or entirely on their own.

Book Description

"An extraordinarily rich and compelling book, a wonder . . . the perfect companion to his brilliant and memorable poems."-Paul Auster

"Baby sweetness blew his cool again ...".(Just the Thing: Selected Letters of James Schuyler, 1951-1991)(Book Review) : An article from: Poetry

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"Baby sweetness blew his cool again ...".(Just the Thing: Selected Letters of James Schuyler, 1951-1991)(Book Review) : An article from: Poetry
W.S. Di Piero
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Poetry, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2006. The length of the article is 3822 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: "Baby sweetness blew his cool again ...".(Just the Thing: Selected Letters of James Schuyler, 1951-1991)(Book Review)
Author: W.S. Di Piero
Publication: Poetry (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 187 Issue: 4 Page: 307(11)

Article Type: Book Review

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