Book Description
In 1994, the Asia Foundation's Center for Asian Pacific Affairs began a two-year project to compare the transitions of selected East European and Asian economies from centrally-planned communist systems to market economies. The goal was to shed light on the transition process through an understanding of the underlying economic and institutional dynamics. This volume is the culmination of that project.
The volume is divided into three parts. In the first part, an overview, the editors review the authors' findings and highlight major themes. The second part looks closely at the transition process in seven Asian and East European economies: China, Vietnam, Mongolia, Russia, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. The third part contains six comparative studies that explore key elements of the transition process. The papers incorporate feedback obtained from meetings with cabinet members and high government officials, conferences, and seminars in Prague, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Beijing, Ulan Bator, and Washington, D.C.
Contributors: Leszek Balcerowicz, Barbara Blaszczyk, Peter Boone, Yuan Zheng Cao, Bruce Comer, Marek Dabrowski, Georges de Menil, Daniel C. Esty, Gang Fan, Boris Federov, Roman Frydman, Carol Graham, Stephen Parker, Andrzej Rapaczynski, James Riedel, Jeffrey D. Sachs, Baavaa Tarvaa, Vinod Thomas, Gavin Tritt, Adiya Tsend, Enkhbold Tsendjav, Joel Turkewitz, Narantsetseg Unenburen, Yan Wang, Wing Thye Woo
Book Description
A business organization, like a human body, is only as effective as its various processes. Pretty obvious, right? Yet, as V. Daniel Hunt demonstrates in this groundbreaking book, the failure to appreciate this obvious fact is the reason most reengineering schemes fail. Managers whose job it is to improve company performance, like physicians who work to improve patient health, must develop a clear picture of how each process fits into the overall organizational structure; how it ought to function; and how well it is performing at any given moment; before they can form a diagnosis or devise a treatment strategy.
Fortunately, a powerful new analytical tool that has emerged in recent years helps you to do all of that and much more. Developed at General Electric, process mapping has been implemented in companies around the globe, and the results have been simply astonishing. Now find out how to make this breakthrough reengineering technology work for your organization in Process Mapping.
The first and only hands-on guide of its kind, Process Mapping arms you with a full complement of state-of-the-art tools and techniques for assessing existing business processes and developing a detailed road map for ongoing change and improvement. Internationally known management consultant and bestselling author V. Daniel Hunt guides you step-by-step through the entire process. He helps you assess the need for process reengineering in your organization and determine whether or not a process map is what you need. He shows you how to create a process mapping team and helps you select the best-buy process mapping tools for the job. He explains how to gather vital information about your business processes via focused interviews and other interview techniques, and how to use this data in implementing process mapping. He also offers expert advice on how to apply your process map to significantly improve business functions and bottom-line performance.
Hunt draws upon the experiences of companies around the world whose process mapping success stories will be a source of inspiration and instruction. You'll find out just how process mapping was put to use—and the results it achieved—at General Electric, IBM, NASA, Tandy Electronics, Shawmut National Bank, Fluor Daniel, Exxon, and other leading product and service firms.
Find out all about today's most important new management tool and how to put it to work for continuous improvement in your organization in Process Mapping.
The first and only hands-on guide to a powerful new process mapping tool
The most important new process improvement tool to come along in more than a decade, process mapping enables managers to easily identify and assess the various business processes that make up their organizations and to develop a road map for continued performance improvement. Now find out how to make this breakthrough management tool work in your organization by applying Process Mapping. V. Daniel Hunt, the bestselling author of Reengineering, Quality in America, and The Survival Factor, guides you step-by-step through the entire process. He gives you all the proven process mapping tools and techniques you need to:
- Assess the need for process improvement in your company
- Decide if process mapping is right for you
- Create a process mapping team
- Select the best process mapping software tools for the job
- Collect vital information about business processes
- Use the data to build your own process map
- Use your process map to significantly improve bottom-line business performance
Hunt also provides detailed case studies of product and service companies around the globe that have discovered the value of process mapping. You'll find out how General Electric, IBM, NASA, Tandy Electronics, Shawmut National Bank, Fluor Daniel, Exxon, and other leading companies achieved stunning results when they made process mapping part of their business improvement efforts.
Customer Reviews:
Cannot recommend this book.......2007-04-16
I cannot really recommend this book. IMHO, the book makes the classic mistake of trying to serve all audiences but satisfying none. The first four chapters of the book cover 'fluff' topics such as executive sponsorship, identifying strategic goals, getting process owners involved etc. Each of these points are valid of course, but the book drones on repetitiously about them, rehashing each point and spending several paragraphs to explain common sense ideas that can be explained in one sentence (if that sounds like something a consultant would do - you're right on target - the author is a consultant). The cases studies are useless - and oddly short. They seem more like marketing material or PR statements. The chapter on IDEF is decent, but a bit shallow. I was looking for this book to help me develop a good "as-is" map. The IDEF chapter gave me a few good ideas, but was generally lacking in examples. As other reviewers have said, this book lacks substance. I was very glad I checked it out from the library. I would NOT purchase this book. I have to say this book provided minimal value in my re-engineering project.
process mapping.......2004-11-16
a good book although I was looking for a book to help me broader my knowledge of quality. im looking for something perhaps with more details about lot sampling, SPC even six-sigma...still overall a good book for those of you in the begining stages of quality process mapping.
Excellent Starter for Process Mapping.......2003-10-28
I recently bopught this book and found that it was clearly written and gave me an excellent overview of Process Mapping. The author did my homework by bringing together under one cover the basics on process mapping.
I found the section on how to collect process information and the software reviews were excellent. I can imagine some vendors did not like their reviews!
Excellent first book on Process Mapping.
Lacks substance.......2002-04-15
The book contains very little practical information and spends more chapters selling the reader on the concept of process mapping than it does on the concept itself.
Excellent.......2001-10-20
Easy language, nice examples, easy explanations, lots of references about other authors and books related
Book Description
A panicked mother runs through highway traffic to save her wandering child. A green turtle swims hundreds of miles to return to the beach on which it was hatched. Your child utters her first word. Have you ever wondered what causes you to react in a certain way to a certain situation, and if you would react differently under different circumstances?
From Charles Darwin to Malcolm Gladwell, writers and scientists have been fascinated by what prompts us to snap decisions. In Basic Instinct, neuroscientist Mark Blumberg provides readers with a logical perspective that does not rely on the clichéd explanations that have become so prevalent among scientists and laypeople alike. Blumberg delves into the debate between the nativists and evolutionary psychologists, who believe we are born with an instinctive knowledge about the world, and the epigeneticists, who believe that instincts are built anew in each of us, generation after generation. The result is an entertaining and balanced examination of the role of genes, experience, and evolution in the construction of behavior.
Customer Reviews:
Grad school jargon, grade school depth.......2007-06-21
I suffered through this painfully self-congratulatory work, but feel as though I've actually learned LESS. This book reminds me of stuff I wrote in graduate school: full of the "language" of the field, the jargon that pleases the effete academics who live off their taxpayer-funded salaries and have little interaction with the real world--but ultimately hollow, meaningless, and unenlightened.
The basic question: does instinct come from an instinct gene or from learned (devoloped) behavior?
The answer: [and I'm not kidding] Nobody really knows, but we like to talk about it at length.
Even if you're into developmental or evolutionary psychology I wouldn't waste my time on this one. The text is riddled with multiple logical fallacies. For example, the author confuses a "learning curve" in ONE individual with natural selection involving multiple individuals in a species. A cat has a learning curve when forced to escape from the same maze over and over (wow!). But this is NOT evolution. The "learned" behavior cannot be passed on to that cat's offspring. A learning curve in one individual doesn't equate to increasing physiological or anatomical complexity in the whole species.
Another example of the author's flawed logic: he equates design modification by intelligent humans (e.g. perfecting the design of a bridge or a car) with biological macroevolution (!). Both are supposed to be based on "trial and error," you see. In fact--and this is what is called "Berra's Blunder"--he uses human inventions as an argument AGAINST design. Like many academics lost in the make-believe world of their own theories, the author cannot see the forest for the trees. Apparently the fact that manmade inventions were DESIGNED by INTELLIGENT, yet admittedly imperfect, minds is lost on him. Such inventions did not arise by random, mindless mutations.
If you assume that humans are merely the most evolved animal to date, you're destined to wander into the La Brea Tar Pit that conflates ethology with human psychology--and trust me, you'll never find your way out again. Smart people, lost in the maze of their own illusions and imaginings, have been trying for decades if not centuries to explain how a honeybee with a microscopic brain knew how to create a hexagon-based honeycomb that was so mathematically and structurally superior that the U.S. Air Force mimicked the design in the substructure of fighter jet wings. Yet the answer is always the same: "If evolution is true....we haven't a clue. But thanks for buying my book."
How long until someone asks, "Is evolution ACTUALLY a fact?" or "Should we hang all our hats on a Victorian-era philosophy posited by an amateur naturalist and propped up through the decades by Marxists, atheists, and leftists of every sort?"
Once we answer these questions honestly, we'll have the answer to the origin of instinct.
my basic instinct.......2007-02-06
Basic instinct is probably a good book. Unfortunately I never received it, in spite of the fact tha Amazon has collected the money for it. There is no way of complaining, and every attempt to know where the book is will fail. Only automated replies arrive, but the money Amazon has collected is real. I am very disappointed.
Uprooting the sophistry of nativism.......2007-01-28
When we bandy about such familiar terms as "instinct," "innate" and "inherited behaviors" are we saying anything meaningful, or are we merely using vague catchphrases that give a false semblance of understanding? Blumberg develops his case against nativism in an incisive and cogent way, showing the extent to which research in the fields of developmental psychology, ethology and evolutionary psychology has been an imbroglio of false assumptions, naïve explanations, illogic, and high sounding language, much of it lacking substance. Drawing on eye opening research in animal and human behavior, Blumberg exposes the failings of the nativists and evolutionary psychologists in their search for innate behaviors and neural modules. Blumberg takes us beyond the trappings of language to the intriguing complexity of behavior development and non-genetic modes of inheritance. He shows the falsity of simplistic causal notions such as genes being "programmed for" or "controlling" behavior. He rightly recognizes the wall of opposition he is up against, since the nativist view is a popular sell--we are enamored by easily digested explanations of how our genes determine who we are, our traits, our ability to reason, and our use of language. Contrary to what one reviewer has stated, nowhere does Blumberg suggest that natural selection cannot impact on our genes. What he demonstrates is that the processes are more involved and bidirectional than the naïve conception of organisms as having genes "for" complex behaviors like, for example, a sharp memory or being a good typist. As Blumberg clearly states:
"inheritance does not necessarily implicate genes, and it certainly does not imply genetic determination (unless all one means by this is that genes are somehow involved, which is trivially true of every behavioral trait)."
I am sure Blumberg's ideas will fly over the heads of most nativists emotionally attached to their ideas, but his call for more stringent scientific research and analysis, and his invitation to a deeper appreciation of the complexity of the intersecting events between genes and behavior will be of interest to those who value clear thinking and good science. Every student in psychology and biology, indeed in any discipline, could benefit from this book, for it reveals how easily we can be mesmerized by ideas.
Sigh.......2007-01-17
There is some interesting stuff here, and it is worth reading, but the book seems to be organized around a logical fallacy. Several times Blumberg says that because there can be inheritance that is not encoded in the genes, that natural selection cannot act upon genes. This really is a logical fallacy, and one exploded by Dawkins the The Extended Phenotype and elsewhere. Consider an example. "Genes for typing." Imagine there is suddenly a very strong selection pressure in favor of good typists. This could be for all sorts of reasons -- cultural ones. Ones due to non-genetic inheritance. And clearly there where no keyboards on the veldt or in the trees. Does this mean there are no genes "for" typing? No. Natural selection operates on variation. If some genes make one a lousy typist they will be selected against. And those that make typing easier will be selected for. They will become will be genes "for" typing. Blumberg repeatedly misunderstands this, and so misrepresents the "nativist" argument.
this book will open your eyes.......2005-11-10
It is so easy to be swept up in the stories being told by evolutionary psychologists and nativists about human behavior. But as a dog lover, it is also easy to think that we know more than we do about why different breeds (for example, herding dogs, pointers) behave in the way that they do. This book blew away my assumptions and opened my eyes to these issues with real stories about real research. Great!
Book Description
Do animals really suffer in the production of meat? Does the pleasure of eating animal flesh outweigh any pain that might be involved for the animal? Is a vegetarian diet innately healthier than a diet that contains animal products? Do religious traditions teach that humans have a God-given right to sacrifice animals for our benefit or that we have a special responsibility to care for God's creations? For anyone who has ever wondered about the ethics of killing animals for food, this is the definitive collection of essays on the issue. Written by internationally recognized scholars on both sides of the debate, the provocative articles included in FOOD FOR THOUGHT will provide both vegetarians and meat eaters with a thorough grounding in all aspects of this controversial topic.
After an introduction to the nature of the debate by editor Steve F. Sapontzis, seven sections examine the finer points of the subject. The first section reviews the history of vegetarianism. The discussion in the second section highlights the health issues and what anthropology has to tell us about human diet. Section three includes classic cases for and against vegetarianism and new essays rebutting these classic arguments. The fourth section examines religious teachings about eating animals drawn from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as Native American and Eastern traditions. Finally, in the last three sections, the authors debate the ethics of eating meat in connection with feminism, environmentalism, and multiculturalism.
The contributors to this insightful volume include Carol J. Adams, Neal Barnard, John Berkman, Stephen R. L. Clark, Carl Cohen, Randall Collura, Gary L. Comstock, Deane Curtin, Daniel Dombrowski, Johanna T. Dwyer, Jennifer Everett, Fredrick Ferre, Richard Foltz, R.G. Frey, James Gaffney, Kathryn Paxton George, Lori Gruen, Bart Gruzalski, Ned Hettinger, Roberta Kalechofsky, Marti Kheel, Kristine Kieswer, Andrew Linzey, Franklin M. Loew, Evelyn Pluhar, Val Plumwood, Rod Preece, James Rachels, Tom Regan, Roger Scruton, and Peter Singer.
Containing virtually a Who's Who of philosophers, social critics, environmentalists, feminists, and religious scholars who have participated in the vegetarianism debate over the past quarter century, this accessible collection provides the latest thinking on a subject that has provoked intense reaction among individuals and interest groups alike.
Customer Reviews:
An intriguing book.......2007-09-02
An interesting in-depth look at the food chain. Pollen presents his findings in a surprisingly unbiased way, willing to admit when there is another side to an issue he presents. Weather you agree with his ideas or not one thing is clear, we all should be aware of where our food comes from and what it takes to get it to the table.
have a cheeseburger!.......2006-01-26
The book has a thoughtful collection of essays with differing viewpoints on the eating of meat. There is a slight preponderance against the practice. With arguments derived from the morality of killing an animal for its flesh. But also from a slightly different take, there is a feminist critique of meat eating.
The practice is also discussed in the context of various religions and cultures. Indeed, one argument for the practice is that it tolerates cultural diversity.
The book also warns of the dangers in veganism. This strict form of vegetarianism requires careful attention in order to get a balanced diet.
Frankly, none of the anti-arguments will put me off my cheeseburger. Possibly the same goes for you.
Book Description
Join veteran journalist Randy Lange as he revisits the Jets' highlights and history.
Customer Reviews:
Fun Read.......2006-07-14
This is a good introduction to the New York Jets. I consider myself a big fan of the Jets and I really enjoyed the book. It's not loaded with to much information and statistics that would bore someone who is not a die-hard football fan. Easy reading with some interesting information on some of the Jets biggest names, new and old. Also talks about fans, owners,the AFC and NFL.
I love the Jets.......2005-12-11
This is the best sports book to come out ever. Usually I find these books boring, or uninteresting, but this book is completely different. It was a great book, and once i started reading i couldnt put it down. I suggest this book to everyone, even if you usually dont like sports books. This book is different, and amazing.
best sports book.......2005-12-11
This is the best sports book of the year! I Hope he writes another one.
Jets Jets Jets.......2005-12-11
i have been a jets fan for many years now, and this is the best jets book to ever come out! Everyone go read it now!
A great inside look at Gang Green!.......2005-09-01
An absolute must have for EVERY Jets fan, and a great read for any football fan. This book is not your typical home-team love fest; Mr. Lange regales the reader with stories of triumph and of tribulation with equal aplomb. Book is loaded with facts, stats, and history. Highly Recommended!
Book Description
This workbook provides a comprehensive selection of exercises that cover essential structures in German. Thoroughly revised, this edition reflects current trends in the language and brings the workbook in line with the new edition of Hammer's German Grammar and Usage, for which Practicing German Grammar can serve as the companion—or it can be used as a stand-alone workbook for anyone wanting to practice and improve their German skills. - Text-based activities. Encourage students to discover grammar regularities by themselves. - Activities are based on authentic documents, such as newspaper articles, business literature, and extracts from modern novels. Allow students to gain a genuine sense of current usage.
Customer Reviews:
Spelling mistake.......2007-06-21
This book seems to cover the intracies of German grammar well. I am however disturbed that 'Practicing' on the front cover uses a 'c'instead of an 's'. I notice this spelling mistake in the title was corrected inside the book. I hope the German is more accurate than the English.
Intense Grammar Practice.......2002-10-26
This book is perfect together with "Hammer's German Grammar." It's really best to buy both books together. This book incorporates all the new changes from the German Spelling Reform. It's an intense grammar book with lots and lots of practice. This book is perfect for the advanced German student.
assumed excellence.......2002-07-03
I would dearly love to review this book. Sadly, it has still not arrived three months after I ordered it, and I have just received another email informing me that delivery has been pushed back by a further month. I can only assume that this book is so good that it is perpetually sold out.
You must use it with Hammer's German Grammar.......1998-12-08
Actually, this is a workbook that goes along with Hammer's German Grammer and is pretty much useless without it. The exercises and drills presume that you are following along in some book that has explanations of the rule of the grammar you're working on. While the answers are in the back of the book, there are no explanations and no definitions. To go through this workbook without the grammar book would take someone fluent in the language--and they wouldn't need the workbook.
Average customer rating:
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Practicing German Grammar: A Workbook for Use With Hanner's German Grammar and Usage
Martin Durrell ,
Katrin Kohl , and
Gudrun Loftus
Manufacturer: Edward Arnold
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Customer Reviews:
Beautiful and informative - this is all you need!.......2004-01-10
Having done a batik in a craft class in school years ago, I was really interested in doing more, but couldn't find a class in the city (NYC!). I bought this book and everything in it is beautiful artwork, inspiring and really lovely. Aside from being a book depicting the beautiful and intricate work that can be done with batik, this turns out to be a detailed guidebook on how to take on batik and do it in your own home. With step by step pictures about the dying process, detailed information on waxing techniques and options, this book is all you need to get to start doing batik in your own home. I HIGHLY recommended it if you're looking to try batik yourself!
A BEAUTIFUL book.......2001-07-09
This is not your standard hippy type batik. The work in here is incredible. I have never seen anything like it, and I've seen most of the books on batik that are out there. The artists featured are fantastic. The book has extensive information on working with wax and other resists, removing the resists, using different types of dyes. I highly recommend it.
I already have all the materials, had them for years, didn't know where to start. This will help me get going.
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- Empirical Finance: Modelling and Analysis of Emerging Financial and Stock Markets (Contributions to Economics)
- Environmental Economics for Tree Huggers and Other Skeptics
- Essential Foundations of Economics plus MyEconLab Student Access Kit, Second Edition
- Ethical Decision Making in Fund Raising
- Exchange Rate Regimes: Choices and Consequences
- Exhausting Modernity: Grounds for a New Economy
- Experiments with Economic Principles: Microeconomics
- Favorite Ways to Learn Economics
- Financial Econometrics: Problems, Models, and Methods.
- Fish! Tales: Real-Life Stories to Help You Transform Your Workplace and Your Life
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