The End of Organized Capitalism

Book Description

Process improvement, a key element of the most influential management movements in the 1980s and 1990s, can itself be considerably improved by the use of information technology. Distributed and asynchronous group support systems, such as e-mail, computer conferencing and the World Wide Web are like to play a major role in this improvement. In addition, process improvement affects organizational learning, and the use of information technology can boost this influence by increasing the breadth and speed of knowledge dissemination in organizations.

This book analyzes the relationship between collaborative technologies, process improvement and organizational learning. It is based on the author's experiences in numerous process-focused organizational development projects and a three-year project where over 38 process improvement groups were aided by the support of collaborative technologies. This book will help managers prepare their organizations to survive and thrive in the information era. Only the fittest organizations will master the art of efficient and effective acquisition and the use of data, information and knowledge.

Customer Reviews:

It actually tells you something new!.......2000-09-07

I must admit that I felt a bit uneasy when I found out that this book, which was recommended to me by a friend, had been written by someone with a PhD. In my experience, books written by PhDs are often very academic, difficult to read, and end up telling me what I already know in a very convoluted way.

This book, however, dares to enter "dangerous academic territory" by, for example, defining "knowledge" and measuring it in different instances of business communication. Even in doing so, its ideas make sense and are logically consistent. It also wraps everything up nicely by proposing a methodology (MetaProi) to put the ideas in the book into practice and showing the results of the use of that methodology.

I think this book might get a "thumbs down" from academic ivory tower dwellers. From me (what do I know?), it gets two thumbs up!

I used his nine-step system with 4 groups.......1999-10-19

Ned's book is great! I used his nine-step system (MetaProi) to facilitate four Business Process Improvement Teams in a local audio visual supply company. All four teams modeled, redesigned, and developed an implementation plan for at least one business process. Three of the four teams went on to successful implementation of their plans. One dynamo team solved several problems. Other than the kickoff, there were no face-to-face meetings. The widely distributed teams used collaborative technologies for nearly all interactions, resulting in minimal impact to daily operations. Participants were excited about growing with new methodologies and technologies.

Phoenixville, PA

Invaluable Research Tool.......1999-07-15

This book will be essential reading for those wishing to develop insight into process improvement methodologies, which span popular business process reengineering and total quality improvement movements, and the use of computer mediated communication (groupware) to support these process improvement efforts. In particular, the marriage of the Metaproi methodology and groupware techniques, presented and illustrated with field experience, will be invaluable for those researching or undertaking process improvement projects.

The book is written interestingly and in a very well wording.......1999-06-09

Great Book!!! The book is written interestingly and in a very well wording way. The standpoint of the writer integrating naturally into the real life of the reader needs accompanied with a blaze of practical examples which the writer has taken from the real life of his experience. Personally I have done a fascinating use the book to redesign software related process, and I can certainly say that from background in engineering, one can do a tremendously use of this book in any related technical \ business areas and probably more. Recommended!

Is your company re-organizing? Read this book!.......1999-06-02

I knew most companies were listening to someone. This Book mentions who and adds to that body of literature called process improvement. After reading this book I was able to contribute to the on-going process and become a more valuable employee.

Book Description

A much-needed antidote to genetic determinism, The Dependent Gene reveals how all traits-even characteristics like eye and hair color-are caused by complex interactions between genes and the environment at every stage of biological and psychological development, from the single fertilized egg to full-grown adulthood. How we understand the nature versus nurture debate directly affects our thoughts about such basic issues as sex and reproduction, parenting, education, and crime, and has an enormous impact on social policy. With life-and-death questions in the balance surrounding stem-cell research, cloning, and DNA fingerprinting, we can no longer afford to be ignorant of human development. An enlightening guide to this brave new world, The Dependent Gene empowers us to take control of our own destiny.

Customer Reviews:

To agree or not to agree.......2006-07-13

While Mr. Moore presents his view with reasonable facts of science, it leaves one with the impression "what do we do now?" I never got a clear picture of his definition of the Nature vs. Nurture debate.

The Developmental Systems Perspective.......2005-12-15

The Dependent Gene is a deeply thoughtful and carefully articulated synthesis of contemporary genetics, developmental biology and evolutionary principles. Thus, it transcends the gene-centric propositions that directed much biological science in the 20th century, and that pervades today in such starkly different venues as repair shops and hospital chart rooms, where a repairman or a psychiatrist might explain human traits and behavior with "It's in the genes." (cf. D. Nelkin & M.S. Lindee, The DNA Mystique). Professor Moore's penetrating expose of the nature versus nurture fallacy is a sizeable accomplishment because as Stephen Jay Gould has written: "Thinking in dichotomies may be the most venerable (and ineluctable) of all human mental habits." (S.J. Gould, The Structure of Evolutionary Theory).

The author, a professor of psychology at Pitzer College and the Claremont Graduate University, invites the reader's curiosity with such charming chapter headings as - From Aristotle's Wonder to a Fork in the Road: The Wrenching of Genetics from Development; Dependent Genes: Essential Biology and DNA; A Turtle in the Shade: The Development of Sexual Characteristics; Chicken Shoes and Monkey Foods: The Not-so-Subtle Effects of Some Very Subtle Postnatal Experiences; On Big Muscles and Facial Hair: Reconsidering "Inherited," "Acquired," and "Innate." Through aptly chosen vignettes we learn how to speed up the metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog and how a tree can grow from its top to its roots rather than the usual way. In the process we acquire an understanding of "The Developmental Systems Perspective" that melts the arbitrary and artificial boundaries between genomic processes and human development.

The book is separated into five sections: Part I: Where We're Going, Where We've Been; Part II: Background Basics; Part III: Developmental Systems; Part IV: Development and Evolution (by itself, worth the price of the book); Part V: Implications (for the philosophically and policy minded). Taken as a whole, one gets a clear sense of what a fine teacher Professor Moore is. The concepts he presents are not easy ones (for example DNA machinery, immediate early genes, epigenetics, heritability, neoteny) yet, through a careful step-by-step propaedeutic, highly abstract concepts are made real and the hard work of synthesis is made accessible. This fine book will likely be enjoyed by lifetime learners as well as advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

Old Fashion Semantics?.......2002-11-03

Moore's primary concern is that equal emphasis be paid to both genetic and non genetic factors in studying human traits. His hope is that if $3 billion is spent sequencing the human Genome's DNA that another $3 billion should be spent on understanding the development of genes. Put bluntly, Moore thinks that confining yourself to genetic determinism is lazy, dumb thinking. For example, scientists should now know better than to draw connections between skin color and IQ levels. However, I think his whole approach is old fashioned semantics. He thinks because an author traces a trait to a gene this means that author is ignoring the cell in which the gene develops and ignoring proteins, enzymes and hormones that trigger growth. The genetic-non-genetic dichotomy is out of date. Why waste time with it? Moore wants to wean the reader away from genetic determinism but isn't this just a corner he's painted himself into? He suggests that one shouldn't label genes and attribute them to traits. But who is still doing this beyond the media? Modern writers now take a biochemical, proteomic rather than a genetic approach. In many ways the book chops down an old tree that is nearly toppling from the weight of its dead wood.

Moore omits much of what doesn't fit into his pretty picture. For example no mention of knockout studies (The Misunderstood Gene by Michel Morange) where one missing fosB gene prevented the mother mouse from tending her litter of newborns. Also missing is a discussion of certain inherited conditions like sickle cell, Huntington's and hemophilia where the non genetic factors add little to the understanding of these mutations. Genes are only important because they can be modified. The trouble is that the field is moving so fast that anything published is outmoded before the ink is dry.

Beyond the Gene Myth.......2002-02-18

This book is one of the clearest and most convincing critiques of genetic determinism, availing itself of a new, or renewed, developmental perspective. The nature-nurture debate was always an exercise in futility, but here, armed with a new approach, the issues seem to resolve themselves almost transparently. The resurfacing of this developmental perspective in the last decade, even as evolutionary psychology and sociobiology move into the mainstream, is both timely and a source of essential information for those confused by the Darwin debate, with its high powered promotions of genetic reductionism, and the misleading promises of the Human Genome project. It was always hard to resist the rigid claims based on Mendelism, but now we can see there is no alternative, a lesson, after all these years, to remember, think before the experts tell you what constitutes science.
Demonstrating the many confusions here starting with those of Galton, and Weismann, and tracing the embryological perspective all the way back to von Baer in the early nineteenth century, the author shows how the emergence of population genetics derailed developmentalism, leading to the now dominant one-sidedness of the Neo-Mendelian Synthesis, which is not able to account for the relationships of genes in relation to environments. The sidelined corrective of Gerstang and de Beer is now seen to be the source of a newly consolidating research perspective, now envigorated by new knowledge of regulatory genetics. The confusion of genes and traits is reviewed in a very clear and convincing account, with a remarkable discussion of Lamarck's ideas, their direct relevance, and limitations.
The end result is a fascinating new approach to the idea of evolution based on traits at the level of phenotype, a view, by the way, pointed to by Ernst Mayr, long ago. I think here the author is too kind to Darwin and still with the reflex over Lamarck. For now we are given the variant of Darwin whereby his later Lamarckism makes him prefigure the new developmentalism, even as Lamarck is given but a brief pat on the back. That is surely not quite the right history in the middle of what must be an important new outlook very much on the right track.
This is a very useful and important book for those on the defensive in the current environment of genetic fundamentalism. However, although the new perspective is essential as a new foundation for any theory of evolution, I think that this new and inevitable paradigm will still fall short of a full theory of evolution. But that is another story, as one can only hope this new point of view will enable a swift exit from the current dominant confusion.

Book Description

A personal exploration of wildness, territory, and the elusive nature of our lives

In this concise, richly contemplative book, Gary Thorp records his singularquest to see a mountain lion, or cougar—the “cat of one color”— in the wild hills and mountains of northern California, where he lives. Using the traditional form of Japanese writing known as nikki bungaku (literary diary), Thorp recounts his meditations and adventures, from taking a one-day class on tracking animals, to visiting a mountain lion in the zoo, to his numerous forays into the hills during the day and night. The pursuit of one thing invariably leads him to discover many others: The tracks of a solitary mountain lion, for example, evoke a marvelous world of photographic imagery, literary events, dancing foxes, ocean voyages, and blind poets, all gathered together just beyond the limits of human vision. Thorp explores what it means to seek something you might not find and ponders the difference between seeing only darkness and being blind, offering as well bright glimpses into the Zen tradition. Combining an elusive and challenging pursuit with a centuries-old way of uncovering life’s ultimate answers, Caught in Fading Light will give readers a new way of seeing, and will captivate nature lovers and Zen practitioners alike.

Customer Reviews:

A book as full of gentle surprises as hunting for mountain lions.......2007-08-14

Cats are very dear to me, having lived with house cats all my life and being fascinated by the great cats. So when I saw the subtitle of this book "Mountain Lions, Zen Masters, and Wild Nature" I just knew I had to read it. And I wasn't disappointed, not once. The whole book just sparkles with simple, direct writing that could be used as an exemplar of superb prose in any class. But I was especially struck by how many interesting twists and turns Mr. Thorp throws at us, even at the very end, the last 4 paragraphs, which I won't give away. I am sure I will reread this book several times!

Savor it.......2005-08-17

This is a fabulous exploration of what it means to search for something, and how searching for one thing can change your perspective on everything else you do. The book explores metaphysical, natural and personal phenomena in journal entries that are mesmerizingly trim and poetic without being presumptuous. Lots of "Zen journals" and "books of exploration" aim for this mark and don't come close. Read one that gets it all right, and leaves you feeling grateful to Gary Thorp for taking us with him.

Wonderful Book--I agree with these reviewers........2002-11-14

Reviews of Caught in Fading Light

"...The pursuit of one thing invariably leads him to discover many others: The tracks of a solitary mountain lion, for example, evoke a marvelous world of photographic imagery, literary events, dancing foxes, ocean voyages, and blind poets, all gathered together just beyond the limits of human vision. Thorp explores what it means to seek something you might not find and ponders the difference between seeing only darkness and being blind, offering as well bright glimpses into the Zen tradition. Combining an elusive and challenging pursuit with a centuries-old way of uncovering life's ultimate answers, Caught in Fading Light will give readers a new way of seeing, and will captivate nature lovers and Zen practitioners alike." Walker and Company (publisher)

"Thorp's character-and the character of the mountain lions-are expertly interwoven through this wonderfully skillful journal, which manages to be both meditative and suspenseful at the same time. As much as we relish Thorp's search, the question of whether or not he will find his lion soon becomes immaterial. For the central lesson of his book, we are led to realize, is the one expressed by our own St. Francis: 'What you are looking for is who is looking."-The San Francisco Chronicle

"In this small but rich book, Thorp takes us with him on a journey through the Marin hills, on solitary hikes day and night, stationary vigils, and extended drives, all the while sharing with us his growing knowledge of mountain lions and his Zen-influenced reflections on the meaning of journal." -Bay Nature

"Thorp studies himself as much as he does the elusive cat, embracing the world as he narrows his focus, all the while weaving his reflections on the nature of life through this satisfying journal of yearning, learning and observing."-Publishers Weekly

"An artful quest-curious, full of misgivings, humble"-Kirkus Reviews

Average customer rating:
Caught in Fading Light: Mountain Lions, Zen Masters, and Wild Nature
Gary Thorp
Manufacturer: Walker & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NQC3EM

Customer Reviews:

no substance.......2006-06-23

Don't waste your time or money on this book. Too general and not very useful. Go with an In-Fisherman book. Anything else will be better than this.

Poor writing, short on detail.......2006-02-28

I bought both this book and Al Linders Walleye book. Save your money and do not buy this book. Al's books are extremely detailed and full of uselful techniques covering all situations for walleye fishing. Great on the biology and life cycle of these fish. This book was not worth the money!

Walleye Fishing Simplified - Including Lake Fishing With Gordon Steinmetz

Average customer rating:

Walleye Fishing Simplified - Including Lake Fishing With Gordon Steinmetz
Ed; Dick, Lenox Iman
Manufacturer: Frank Amato Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NK8RV6

Book Description

If you grapple daily with spoken Québec French, are thinking of visiting or doing business in la belle province or would like to communicate more effectively with your Québécois friends and colleagues, French Fun is the book for you. With lively illustrations and hilarious literal translations, it introduces you to the French language of Québec through a collection of some of the most common and colourful idioms heard in Québec today. These are words from the real spoken French of Québec — some standard, some informal, others with a fascinating linguistic or cultural story behind them. The perfect complement to all French programs, French Fun is a must for anyone wishing to have a more intimate acquaintance with the French language of Québec and the people who speak it. Ce livre constitue un recueil des mots et expressions les plus courants et colorés de la langue québécoise de tous les jours. En le publiant, l'auteur veut partager cette richesse linguistique avec les anglophones de partout. Bien que s'adressant principalement aux anglophones, cette oeuvre peut aussi être intéressante et utile pour les francophones.

Customer Reviews:

Achetez ce libre icitte!!.......2006-02-23

This is an excellent, light hearted look at the unique and beautiful québécois dialect. It's fun, easy reading and the pictures used to illustrate the words, as well as the amusing examples of word usage, help you to memorise the terms and use them properly. An ideal step up from this would be a "teach yourself" style quebec french book with audio tracks and dialogue, because reading the words is no comparison to hearing quebec french in all its glory. That's my next step! This book will make you yearn for at least a holiday to la belle province!

Funny funny funny.......2005-05-30

I'm learning French, actually Quebec French, to move to Quebec City with my girlfriend. You must realize that Canadian French (and slang) is different in Montreal than in Quebec City than in Gaspe than in ... Anyways, she found this book hilarious because it does capture the slang that she uses. And she finds it even more hilarious when I try to speak this way too ...

Joyful Joual!.......2000-06-30

This book is great, especially for learners of French. I bought it as a guide to the dialect of Quebec for a project I was doing in my French class and found it fascinating. I am going to study French in Quebec this summer and found that a lot of the phrases this book contains are used there. This book is also wonderful for anyone who is interested in dialectology!

Tres Bon!.......2000-01-13

This book is fantastic. I am a writer of fiction and one of my works is about the magnificant sport of ice hockey. Before and even during my quest to get help with the language from on line people, this book came to the rescue with its simplicity and abundance of phrases with common, everyday sayings that a textbook could not offer. My hat is off to, Mr. Timmons. Would like to see more of the same!

IT COULD OF BEEN BETTER.......1999-02-11

THIS WAS THE ONLY BOOK OF ITS KIND THAT I COULD FIND IN MONTREAL AND I FIND IT VERY HELPFUL,ALTHOUGH I HAVE ONE OR TWO PROBLEMS WITH IT.I THINK THAT MORE OF THE FRENCH PHRASES COULD HAVE BEEN SOUNDED OUT SO A BLOKE LIKE ME COULD PRONOUNCE THEM PROPERLY.ALSO SOME OF THE PHRASES IN THIS BOOK ARE NOT USED IN EVERYDAY FRENCH CONVERSATION,AT LEAST IN MONTREAL.FOR EXAMPLE,"BEIGNE",WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO MEAN "KLUTZ",IS NOT USED IN VILLE LASALLE ANYWAY.LAST WEEK WHEN I SPILLED MY COFFEE I SAID "JE SUIS UN VRAI BEIGNE".MY FRENCH BUDDIES LOOKED AT ME LIKE I HAD 3 HEADS.THE FRENCH WORD "GAUCHE "IS A BETTER WORD."TEE-GAUCHE TOI",MEANS "YOU'RE A KLUTZ" .ANYWAY,I APPLAUD MR TIMMINS FOR COMING TO QUEBEC FROM ONTARIO AND LEARNING FRENCH,THIS MAN IS A REAL CANADIAN AND A SAC-RAY BUN GUH.

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