Resources Books

I think this book is the best up to date reference on Operations Research. The book is very well written, very didactic and addresses mainly the practical use of OR. That is, the book isnt so good for algorithm details but it is superb on modeling, interpretation and examples.

This is one of the excellent industrial engineering books. From deterministic and simple linear programming to stochastic systems such as queueing models or dynamic programming, you may read and "learn" lots of things about OR. However, for stochastic cases you will need extra help for its matematics. But if you want to learn something about industrial engineering or something related with it, that is the book you must buy.

A wonderful compendium of Ops algorythms. It has everything from linear programming to queing theory.

I am in my first semester of an MBA program. The required text for my OR/MS class (An Introduction to Management Science, 10th ed., by Anderson, Sweeney, Williams) left something to be desired. I work with the SAS programming language, and happened to be discussing the SAS/OR product with a SAS technical support rep. He recommended this Winston text. I think it explains concepts much better than my Anderson text and has helped me a lot in my OR/MS class.

I have used this book for five years in my Operation Research classes. Its emphasis is in the mathematical modeling. The explanations are complete and clean. But, the exercises are the best part: a lot of examples and modeling exercises. A very good book for engineering students.

The words positive reinforcement inspire different thoughts in different people. Sadly, some think "weak" or "manipulative." But, properly understood, it is neither.

"The world can be a cruel place" is often used as an excuse for introducing cruelty to children, or using it on animals and employees. When I hear that argument, that's when the words "weak" and "manipulative" spring to my mind.

Daniels' writing is easy to read, and he makes a great case for the practicality, effectiveness and deep reward of using reinforcement for others, as well as embracing it when it is directed at us. He clearly lays out all of the aspects of using it well and carefully, not just randomly "being nice."

It seems safe to say that the goal of any responsible person in a position of authority, whether that person is a parent, teacher, therapist, or business manager, is to see others be successful, productive, and satisfied with whatever they do. For most people, however, there is a big question mark as to just how we can accomplish these goals.

Other People's Habits provides some of the clearest examples describing how the principles of behavior analysis can be used to achieve these goals for the benefit of everyone. Daniels does a wonderful job differentiating between recognition, reward, and reinforcement, and how each process is likely to affect the actions of another. His Do's and Don'ts for implementing positive reinforcement successfully are extremely clear and helpful (along with having a great deal of empirical support in the research literature, unlike the majority of procedures described in many pop psychology books). Daniels also describes in detail how most individuals who claim to be using behavior analytic principles are, in fact, often misusing these principles with disastrous results. Rather than turning people into disgruntled non-productive individuals, as author Alfie Kohn likes to suggest in his book Punished By Rewards, positive reinforcement is a very effective process to help each person achieve a productive and meaningful life, when used properly.

Readers who are parents may also wish to look at another book, The Power of Positive Parenting by Latham, for the successful application of behavior analytic principles with children. Scholars who are interested in the intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation debate and how it has played out in the research literature may also wish to pick up a copy of Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation: Resolving the Controversy by Cameron and Pierce.

This is an exceptionally well-organized and clear book. Superficially, it might seem like "only" a suggestion to compliment others more often. However, what distinguishes it from self-help books that emphasize willpower and attitude is the reliance on the teachings of B.F.Skinner's radical behaviorism.

This is one of the best and few books on applying behaviorism to everyday living that I've aware of. You can read Skinner (e.g. "Science and Human Behavior" or his 3-part autobiography) to understand the scientific foundation of his approach and to get a few ideas how you can manage yourself better, but I have found it difficult to work out just how to apply the lessons of behaviorism in daily life. Advancements have been made in applications to such areas as autism and to education, but these require highly trained behavior analysts.

What Daniels has done is work out and carefully explain a straight-forward way in which anyone can apply behaviorism. His advice seems entirely consistent with Skinner, including the avoidance of punishment. Key basics of behaviorism are made simple by Daniels, who has the clearest explanation of the key behaviorist term "contingency" that I've found.

If he didn't so carefully explain how he arrives at this advice, it might seem simplistic. Just compliment? But significantly more than that, for he identifies a number of rules that must hold to effectively positive reinforce others. And because it doesn't require too many rules, it seems quite manageable. I haven't tried it much yet, but I mean to start doing so soon. I hope to succeed because I'll have the scientific power of behaviorism, the laws of nature and the apparent wisdom of Daniels supporting me and keeping it simple.

Well-written and well-researched, this book has the power to revolutionize human interaction. On my suggested reading list.

I don't see why anyone should settle for second best. I read anything and everything on how to be my best and bring out the best in others. I really like the author's perspective of confronting habits. So much of our activity is automatic, based on old coping mechanisms.

This author recognizes that we do have the power to help others be their best and that self-limiting habits need to be conquered. The reader is given a series of steps to take to overcome these habits. Try them!

Doing a performance evaluation on an employee can be a real pain. I know from years of supervising employees and then from teaching the process in human resources management classes at universities for many additional years. That is why I really enjoyed finding "Painless Performance Evaluations" by Marnie E. Green. This book makes the performance evaluation process understandable and as painless as possible. In fact, after reading and studying this book, you will probably never dread doing performance evaluations again.

What I found important about this book was that performance evaluations are detailed as a central part of the whole human resources management process and not as an isolated event. By learning all of the aspects of working with employees, you can more easily deliver an accurate and helpful performance evaluation.

The book is written in a textbook format although geared to every supervisor, manager, and executive who has faced doing performance evaluations. The explanations are very clear about what to do while working with employees so an effective evaluation can be given. Exercises and case studies provide ample practice situations so the real thing won't have to cause a lot of stress. I found this book made a usually mundane topic actually quite interesting. It would be a great addition on the shelf of any professional involved in a human resource capacity in a business or corporation and would also be a great supplemental text for the college level class on human resource management.

This book is an easy read, and it is filled with practical information that can be applied immediately. You may be preparing for your first performance review, or you may have completed hundreds of performance reviews--read this book and you will walk away with a hands-on approach to performance management that will make a real difference in the performance of your team and the overall performance of your organization.
Susan Shoemaker, Head, Education Development Center, Ministry of Health, College of Health Sciences, Kingdom of Bahrain

Painless Performance Evaluations - A Practical Approach to Managing Day-to-Day Employee Performance is an excellent reference for easy-to-apply tools and ideas related to the dreadful subject of performance evaluations. Marnie Green's book successfully provides tips and guidlines that management can implement and follow, making the challenge of evaulating employees a positive experience!

As an HR professional, I am constantly looking for ways to coach the management teams on performance management. Marnie Green does an excellent job of outlining an efficient and truly 'painless' evaluation process. This book not only gives good advice on writing evaluation comments, but also advice on how to effectively deliver evaluations. I look forward to coaching our management team using some of Marnie Green's techniques.

Marnie Green has written a well laid out and easy to use guide for anyone who performs employee performance evaluations. Employees dread their reviews, wondering what they could have done better and how they will stack up against other employees. They come to their evaluation with sweaty palms, a nervous stomach and high hopes. Marnie gives managers and HR professionals an easy, practical outline to streamline and create a positive evaluation experience for the manager and the employee. She helps you conduct an evaluation with confidence, build employee respect, understand that the evaluation is not just on past work, but to plan for the future and help employees succeed. This is a valuable guidebook that should be in every managers office and be required reading.

This book was given to me by my vet after my dog (Nikki) was diagnosed with lymphoma. I read this book in one sitting!! This book was a great resource for me in a time of great sadness. I was able to take the many questions that didn't come to me at the vet's office and get them answered. I highly recommend this book to others who may be going through this experience.

I read this little book the first night I got it, and learned a great deal. I only wish I had this info before I lost my beautiful cat friend Taura to cancer almost 5 yrs ago. Even though I thought I was well informed at the time Taura was sick, I've since learned that I really was not, and a book like this could have made a real difference. Veternarians do not always have the skills or knowledge to give thorough information and this book has an abundance of real life info and leaves one with a great deal to think about.

HOWEVER, I was very disappointed in the section on nutrition, which seemed to lack a full view of nutritional options. Even though there was info given on the importance of protein, carbohydrates,etc. the main recommendation for a cancer fighting food was Hills Diet, which felt bias. Some info was given on supplements, but none on other options for foods, such as the possiblity of homemade diets, either cooked or raw, which under the guidance of a good vet could be the answer to good health, depending on the individual needs of each animal. Also, no other quality foods were listed, of which there are many, which with proper guidance may also be appropriate. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OTHER NUTRITIONAL OPTIONS WITH A VET WHO KNOWS NUTRITION, AS MANY DO NOT.

THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK TO HAVE - I will keep it near and hope I will not need it.

A brilliantly written book which offers hope, comfort and compassionate advice for all pet owners whose animal companions face this horrible disease. Covers all aspects of cancer care from diagnosis to end stages of the disease. A must for the pet owner whose beloved animal companion has been stricken with cancer. Thank you, Dr. Downing for this gem of a book.

This is an excellent book, and if you have ever had, or currently have, a pet with cancer, you deserve a copy of this book.

It takes you by the hand, and explains in easy to understand layman terms, just what the diagnosis of cancer means to you and your pet, in terms of options, cures and hope. It phrases the questions you should ask your vet about any anticipated therapies and operations for the cancer-stricken pet.

The book is positive in outlook, giving pet owners hope, when there seems to be none. Cure types, therapies, and chemotherapy types and kinds are explained. It even discusses nutrition as it relates to saving the pet and `starving' cancer. And research shows diet can play an important role in starving cancer!

The book gives lots of detail; it answers all the questions that the pet owner, in a state of shock after the diagnosis, forgot to ask the vet. It gives helpful hints on how to organize yourself for future vet visits with the cancer-striken pet, and suggests questions you should then ask the vet.

In sum, for anyone with a pet that has cancer - this little book will become your `guide book.'

I'd buy the book `before the event' however, so you have it when you need it.

After my dog was diagnosed with cancer, I searched the internet for answers, and found this book on Amazon. It is a little book, worth it's weight in gold. It is written by a knowledgeable vet who translates clinical information into a factual, yet compassionate conversation with the reader. By using the website links in the back of the book, I was able to find a world class animal hospital in my area that correctly diagnosed the rare form of cancer my dog has. Seven months later, we are on the road to remission. I still refer to Dr. Downing's book, and am more than thanful to have found it.

A unique book... A collection of the best teambuilding-tools from the Pfeiffer-annuals. If you only should buy one book in your life about team activities... Choose this one!

I found the book to be chockful of helpful information--particularly the checklists, personal evaluations, and learning games and tools. I also liked the step-by-step instructions on everything. Very well organized. Easy to find things--just want you're looking for to solve a key issue or use in a special training class.

A terrific book of tools for trainers, consultants and facilitators. Edited by Elaine Biech, the contributors provide comprehensive and integrated teamwork activities to help you develop high-performing teams. A must buy!

This new offering from Pfeiffer/Elaine Biech allows trainers to learn from their peers - working professionals in the field of human resource development. The Ten Block Model clearly presents both a roadmap for new teams and a diagnostic tool for established teams that want to move to the next level. Each of the chapters offers training activities that focus on one of the ten blocks. The final chapter presents a series of team building tools that are practical, easy to use, and thought provoking. This book is the team building equivalent of a recroding star's top hits CD - it presents only the best, culled from a large selection of really good ideas from past Annual editions. A wise addition to your library - a book you'll turn to again and again!

In my work as a training consultant, I get called on to do a lot of work in the area of team building. There are a lot of books on the market that offer games and exercises, but fall short on theory and in depth debriefing. Elaine's book does a tremendous job of doing al of the above. Not only is there a wealth of the practical, but Elaine has gone over and above the expectations of delivering in depth training for the trainer so that one's tool kit if filled with reserve information when conducting teambuilding. YEAH!! Elaine has a way of taking the best of herself and others to make it work for the least to the most experienced trainer in the field. I will use this new tool a lot in my upcoming seminars. I look forward to new books from Elaine...they are ALL on my bookshelf and I use them all regularily for research as well sa recommend them to others!

I purchased this book to supplement my course materials for my mba class. It was the perfect compliment to my research and explained the material nicely, foregoing the often complicated and alienating academic language for common wording and explanations. Truly easy to read and informative!

The invisible fog is trying to solve a problem that can't be solved. It is a fog because the solutions don't work, and it is invisible because focusing on solutions prevents seeing that there isn't a problem to be solved. There is no magic bullet here, and Johnson acknowledges that. What is here are tools for coping with (managing) dualities or polarities inherent in many troublesome situations. Johnson provides the clarity to get above the fog and find a way to address (manage) the situation.

The concepts and underlying explanation are a solid 5-star.
Four stars because I found just a bit too much padding/repetition for a 5 star book.

Polarity Management is one of my favorite "business" books of all time. Johnson's theory, which explains the dynamics of polarized issues, is so simple yet so comprehensive. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand why major issues can be so divisive and how we can move forward when we seem to be at a standstill.

I have not read his book yet. Our company has utilized his seminars and what a difference! We are using the Polarity map in meetings, conferences, and now in my personal life. This is a great tool for any organization or individual that is either in a struggle or is successful - you walk away with more than a tool but a way of looking at your professional and personal life.

This book really shows how we become stuck in dilemmas and static thinking, and how we can instead move at one with change. I am finding it tremendously helpful in analyzing entrenched organizational dysfunction that persists in spite of the efforts of well-meaning managers.

Popper's argument here and his general view are somewhat surprisingly in synch with that of American Pragmatic philosophy. Elements of surprise, of creative newness are what for Pragmatists make the human future, history itself as a whole fundamentally unpredictable. Popper argues in this work that total theories such as Marxism which claim to contain within themselves the true course and outcome of history, are by their very nature, mistaken. A total predictability of history is impossible in part because the prediction itself effects the actors, but also because of unseen, and unforeseeable elements which come with our always imperfect knowledge. The position taken here by Popper is in consonance with his own defense of the Open Society, and human freedom- other major elements of his thought.
Popper sees here a fundamental truth of the human situation.

I read this book, and several of Karl Popper's other books then available in English, while still a graduate student in anthropology at an American university. While neither my dissertation committee members nor even my fellow graduate students were much interested in my attempts to bring Popper's arguments to their attention, I found his work to be exhilarating for its clarity, courage, and fairmindedness. Thirty-plus years later, I still do.

Do you have a deep down, hard to enunciate, disquiet with the level of debate in the broad area of social theory and "social engineering"? Do you feel that many of the claims and pronouncements made by social theorists (of any political disposition) are unjustified, but do not really know why you feel that way? If so, this book is a useful starting point for an examination of the problem.

In it, Popper develops the argument that "Historicism" (the term has more than one meaning in different contexts) as he defines it is a flawed approach, and that it is not a justifiable base for the sweeping claims of the historicist. To Popper, historicism is the concept that, by examination of history, we are able to define the rules that govern social change and hence are able to predict those changes. His initial impetus to look into this area was a critical evaluation of Marx - see his essay "How I became a philosopher without really trying" published in "All life is problem solving".

In its simplest form, Popper's argument is the observation that observation of the past does not allow one to accurately predict the future. This may seem to be a fairly obvious statement, but it is worth keeping in mind as he develops the various arguments that make up the case for and against historicism.

Popper's philosophy is often overlooked, perhaps because he attempts to limit himself to goals that he can reasonably achieve. He is a very prominent figure in the philosophy of science, and much of his epistemology relates to the methodology of the empirical sciences, and hence to direct observation, and the relationship of observation to development and testing of theories. Perhaps because he is not too ambitious, his philosophy is less "sexy". It is, however, eminently reasonable, and avoids many of the great stumbling blocks of traditional Western philosophy - for example, the problem of induction and infinite regress.

This book is non-technical, and is accessible to those with little formal philosophical training. It addresses the dominant paradigm in social engineering, and suggests why we may be unhappy with that paradigm.

Sir Popper is considered one of the most important thinkers in the area of philosophy of science. "The Poverty of Historicism" despite its complexity, carries a fundamental simple message: prediction over the course of history (its social and economic implications) is nothing more than a fantasy, an illusion. And this assertion is based on the principle that the events/persons responsible for changes are themselves affected by these same changes. It is Heisenberg's principle of uncertainty applied to social sciences!
Historicism is the theory that history develops itself according to pre-determined, inexorable laws with a fixed objective or end. Fascism and communism were laid upon these presuppositions, and the course fo history has proven the fallacy (therefore poverty) of such assumptions. The attempt to have a holistic approach by eliminating individual differences through "brain washing" is incompatible with critical thought, and although it will bring about a concentration of power it will also cause an erosion of knowledge. The Poverty of Historicism becomes a poverty of imagination, of the ability of critical judgement and analysis. Historicism, according to Karl Popper preposterously assumes the postion of having discovered the problem of "change," but revolutions are not unique to our modern era and the metaphysical speculation of what constitutes "change" has been addressed since the time of Heraclitus.
The goal of applying scientific methods with the same accuracy and predictability as those in theoretical physics is bound to end in failure when it concerns the course of history. The influence of the prediction upon the predicted events is here being termed as the "Oedipus effect." Physics can arrive at universally valid uniformities, whereas sociology must be contented with the intuitive understanding of unique events, and of the role they play in particular situations, occuring within particular struggles of interests, tendencies and destinies. If sociological laws determine the degree of anything, they will do so only in very vague terms, and will permit, at the best, a very rough scaling.
Karl Popper who was a fierce advocate of democrary and social critiscim, dedicated this book to all of those who have been victims to the fascist and communist belief in the inexorable laws of historical destiny.

This classic little work is a must read for any theorist of history and evolution, which is not to say that one agrees altogether with Popper's formulation. Reflecting Popper's experience both with issues of scientific methodology and the ideologies of scientism, the work ends in a paradoxical mode with respect to the idea of a science of history and/or evolution. The invisible influence of the antinomies of Kantian critical thought buttress the basic argument, as it transforms the term 'historicism' itself from its nineteenth century usage into something different, in a confusion of terminology that does not invalidate the basic thrust. Popper's insight remains fundamental even if the implied usage directed at more rigid forms of Marxism narrows its scope. We live in an age that has reinvented the fallacy of (Popperian)historicism in the search for causal social theories of all types, and the results are always in the same difficulty that Popper points to. If a deterministic theory bent on predicting the future fails for the reasons Popper gives,the implication that there can be no genuine 'universal history' fails as a necessary consequence. For such a history might embrace rather than be contradicted by Popper's argument, leaving us to wonder if there is not also a certain poverty to 'anti-historicism' in the sense of throwing out the baby with the bath, i.e. finding history to be without meaning! In any case, a classic little work. The section on the "Oedipus Effect" invokes the tragic theme, with Popper as a sort of theoretical Tiresias, grizzled and omimous. Read.

This is a great book. Their points expand upon what I have recommended as Coach: Do Not Play in my Success With People system (and book). I recommend the book, just be prepared to scan at certain times because it seems they could have made many points in fewer words.

To demonstrate how "power mentoring" works in practice, authors Ellen Ensher and Susan Murphy provide down-to-earth interviews with about 50 pairs of high-powered mentors and their protégés. The conversations offer useful nuggets of insight about office politics, job advancement and successful networking. In addition, unlike many books on the topic, this one provides a useful snapshot of the issues, dramas and special challenges women and minorities in the modern workplace face - and the picture is not always pretty. The book's biggest flaws are its redundancy and use of boardroom clichés. Still, we recommend this personalized, practical book to potential mentor-protégé teams.

Ellen Ensher is Associate Professor at the College of Management at Loyola Marymount, and Susan Murphy Associate Professor at Claremont McKenna College: each has written and consulted both together and independently and here produces a powerful collaboration on mentoring and its lasting benefits to both mentor and prot?g?. Mentoring has a powerful influence on successful people: that's been proven; but traditional models of mentoring haven't kept up with business programs that have different emphasis today than in past. POWER MENTORING covers these changes in approach and offer new strategies for locating and creating 'power mentoring' relationships. Interviews with 50 top leaders and their proteges in technology, politics and media reinforce these concepts and approaches.

Power Mentoring is a powerful reminder that even in one of the most individualistic societies on earth, most successful people do not succeed alone. Power Mentoring skillfully combines the latest research on mentoring with fascinating interviews of real American success stories. Interesting and well written, this book is a must for business students or anyone wanting to know one of the best kept secrets to success.

We all know how important and valuable a mentor can be, but most of us do not know how to find a good one, and how to make the most of the relationship if we do. "Power Mentoring" taught me so much on the topic, and transformed mentoring from being a nice idea, into something concrete that I too could benefit from. I loved the book, and would recommend it to anyone interested in bettering themselves and their situations.

This is an excellent book for those who are trying to lead churches in the 21st century. Well laid out and easy to follow. The only issue that I had with the book is that all the references and pronouns are for male pastors and male pronouns for God. It was disconcerting and a little abrasive at the end.

If you are looking for the best book on what exactly a vision for ministry is and how to do it...YOU FOUND IT!! This was a required textbook for one of my seminary classes, and I absolutely loved reading it. No other book that I have read so far and I've read quite a few, really explains the "HOW-TO" of vision in your ministry and your life! We all need a vision and passion given to us by the Holy Spirit if we are going to be effective disciples of Christ. I highly recommend this book to all pastors, teachers and laymen.

I wouold recommend this book highly. It offers valuable insights for the 21st century church.

George Barna has put out so many well needed books over the years. He is definitely a Teacher to the Body. When it comes to Vision he definitely has set the standard with this book.

Know that the beauty of this book is that it doesn't feel like he is talking above anyone's head while setting the standard.

He uses a chapter to address 20 common myths of Vision and then gives simple rebuttals for even the novice to understand. The beauty of this book is to see Barna handles an age long question of Vision and how gently but surely continues to take the reader deeper and deeper into the subject without even realizing it.

What Vision? What to know about Vision? Read this and you will walk away satisfied

This book is an invaluable addition to any pastors library. Though brief, it gives a concise and pragmatic look at what vision is and how to implement it. Barna chips away at our misconceptions concerning vision and argues persuasively that it is the one indispensable ingredient for a growing church. Pastors who have a well-defined vision and who are able to articulate it to their congregations grow their churches, those without it do not.

The books greatest strength is Barnas lucid style. I appreciate his way of dealing with each objection that is raised to vision he destroys each with irrepressible logic. Barna disarms the reader whose preconceptions about vision would have torpedoed anything he was trying to communicate.

But the books greatest strength is also its greatest weakness; it left me hungering for more. Although I can understand why he wants us to go to extraordinary lengths to know yourself (pg. 80 ff) the series of forty-one essay questions that each pastor should ask himself is a little much. It would take an extraordinary person not to become lost in the process before discovering the end.

The book gave me hope. I have always known that the reason one church grows and another does not is because of pastoral leadership, rather than congregational indifference. What I did not know was why. Was it merely that some pastors have a natural charisma that others do not? Or was it something more fundamental, namely vision? It also helped me overcome the old enabler model of leadership I was taught in seminary. Vision comes from an inspired pastor and then trickles down from the top and not from committee consensus. It is an outstanding book.

I've managed to get about halfway through this book so far. It's NOT an easy read. Coverage and detail are excellent, however, and if you're interested in plumbing the depths of how MySql works, I would recommend this book as a solid reference for improving your overall knowledge.

No, I am not associated with the authors in any way. I was looking for a book for MySQL that was beyond "this is a database, here is how you select".

I wanted something more challenging that covered topics like clustering, backups, etc.

This book dives deep into MySQL database use and design, including detailed information on indexes, optimizations, etc.

Very good read. I totally recommend this book.

cbmeeks

This book is a great expert overview of all that is current in MySQL 5. This covers both the SQL interaction with the database and the management. There are aspects that users often don't use in any SQL platform, and it is a shame. The effort expended to learn stored procedures and custom functions is greatly rewarded in code creation and support. This is another book I rate as ROI super positive.

Highly indicated reading for any database designer involved in developing a major application or in optimizing database operations using MySQL, this intermediate/advanced level book assumes the reader has a general knowledge of database operations and some familiarity with MySQL database system. However, should such awareness be lacking, the book is sprinkled generously with additional source of information to remedy the deficiency. From conceptualizing and elaborating a database to fit business needs to implementing it in an efficient manner, the author takes the reader deep into the inner workings of MySQL in order to optimize database operations. Tools for benchmarking and profiling, which are essentials to indicate where coding performance could be improved, are explored in an insightful manner.
As much as it is possible to make a book on data processing, much less database innards interesting and captivating reading, the author has done an excellent job in this regard.
Overall, a must reading for any MySQL developer looking into enhancing his/her skills.

For people like me who have a good understanding of MYSQL, the next logical step would be this book. I already know about stored procedures, transactions and the basics of triggers, but I want to learn more about these topics in more "real-world" scenarios in how to develop larger, enterprise-wide applications. Also I want to know more about other advanced topics that I may not even know to think about. If this sounds like you as well, then read on...

The author starts in with reviewing how business requirements and the software development cycle can be part of database development. This a great chapter for people like me who would like to learn how different approaches are taken from different IT perspectives in a team environment (business analysts, application developers, and project managers) This chapter gives you a good understanding of how the other side thinks.

The next chapter focuses on the importance of proper indexing and strategies as pertaining to data storage. Because once your databases reach to the multiple gigabits of storage space, you need to very focused on how long each request takes. A few seconds here and there begin to add up and can cause serious issues if not taken into consideration early in your database design. Like me who only deals with small to an occasional medium-size database I never really had to think about this before.

The next chapter focuses on transaction processing in MYSQL which is one of the more difficult concepts for many and I am in the process now of reading it. I really like the author's explanations and examples. Each point is explained thoroughly and in an easy to read manner.

The rest of the book goes into more advanced topics (system architecture, benchmarking and profiling, security, replication and clustering) as well as giving more detail and explanation to topics that may only be briefly covered in other MYSQL books (stored procedures, functions, and views).

If you already know the basics of MYSQL and want to really advance your knowledge with "real-world" scenarios, this is the book for you.