Resources Books

Utterly absorbing!! Someone actually DISCARDED this book!! I was the lucky person who found it on the discards pile.

Written from the point of view of a "You Were There" journalist, the author keeps the subject matter and the tone of writing IN the 18th century and draws the reader in.

I was utterly amazed at the way the in-fighting, bickering, arguing and rhetoric that tended to demolish all efforts to reach a reasonable meeting of the minds in constructing the Constitution finally came together to (almost) everyone's satisfaction.Jeffrey St John's style of writing is de-personalized in the BEST sense-- the actions come through loud and clear as though the reader was actually watching a live broadcast of events.

The book kept me on the edge of my seat in some places.

WELL DONE!!!!

The 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution resulted in a series of columns by J St. John. These 1787 meetings were secret, no official records were kept. But the notes of James Madison and others survived to reconstruct daily events. The original intent of this meeting was to revise the Articles of Confederation (Appendix 1), but a new Constitution resulted (Appendix 2). There is no index.

Many of the basics were the subject of debate and controversy. Some called the result a "miracle" (p.x), but it shows the power of a committee whose members work to the same ends. This book attempts to portray the meetings as an evolving news story, as it was happening. Most Americans do not understand the Constitution, because it is poorly taught in schools from unclear text books (p.xiv). Deliberate obfuscation? These 230 pages are a remedy. This book will give a short introduction into the daily operations of this historically important event.

The Constitution has endured for over 200 years because it is a framework (p.131), not a detailed plan that can't be adapted to changing situations. The Constitution has endured as long as it is in the interest of "We the People" to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity. The hidden agenda of the convention was to create a strong national government that had veto power over all state laws (5-20-1787). The most important reason was the question of domestic and foreign commerce. Rivalries between the bankers and merchants of the North against the planters of the South prevented Congress from regulating trade (5-23-1787). Both forces would unite against farmers and the common people, and the danger of too much democracy (5-29-1787). The Convention wanted to avoid the failures of the Articles of Confederation. The Confederacy owed [money amount]in debt and needed to find a way to pay off their debts (p.139).

The unlimited powers of the Royal Governors made the delegates fearful of a single executive. The consequences of consolidating power was fatal to ancient republics (6-2-1787). Experience rather than abstract arguments shaped the Convention (6-4-1787). Neither the executive nor the legislature should have absolute power. The big problem was to create a national government that would provide balance between the large and the small states. States would be equally represented in the Senate, the lower House would be directly elected by the people, based on proportion to population. This was the key to creating a new national government (p.110). The Southern states were more numerous and wealthy than the Northern states; their method of computing political representatives won (7-12-1787). The Convention unanimously rejected "wealth" as the basis for representation; they should not fear the growth of population (7-13-1787). The new government would be a compound of national and federal government (7-17-1787). A Supreme Court was established, with lower courts (7-18-1787). A single powerful executive would be elected by the people to control the legislature (7-19-1787). The importance of impeachment was discussed and adopted (7-20-1787). The executive was given a veto (7-21-1787). The Constitution would be ratified by the people, not State Legislatures (7-23-1787). The office of President did not exist under the Confederation (p.133).

Each year in September is a little known holiday known as Constitution Day - timed to be around the close of the Constitutional Convention in September 1787, this day is honoured at the college where I teach by speakers in a special forum, and the gift of pocket versions of the Constitution for all interested students.

However, the Constitution is heavily in the news, more than we often realise. When the election of 2000 was contested, the Constitution became primarily important; it is always in the background of Presidential elections, but this time it came to the forefront. In the current situation between Chief Justices (a relatively rare occurrence in American history), once again the Constitution is big news. We the people are interested, and we the people should be interested. However, we the people often have little concept of how this formative and foundational document came into being. Jeffrey St. John provides an answer to this situation, in very engaging and accessible style.

This is a journal, a day-by-day account, done in a sort of combination of journalistic and court-reporting styles. Of course, we have no direct journal of this sort, as the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention were strictly secret (not the kind of thing that would play out well in our media-saturated world - CSPAN and CNN among others would certainly expect to be there!). Indeed, those who went to the Constitutional Convention in May 1787 were charged with a reformation of the Articles of Confederation, not the drafting of a new Constitution. History had a surprise in store.

This is not the only area of interest. St. John's documentation shows the different influences into the formation of the Constitution - while it is common to look to classical times and contemporary European governments for influences and inspiration, in fact the most memorable words of the Constitution come from the constitution of the Iroquois League, drawn up in 1520, which began with the words 'We the people, in order to form a union...'.

The various federal structures, the separation of state and federal powers and responsibilities, the debates over how representation is carried out (and who gets represented; the issue of slavery was contentious from the start, and one can clearly see the seeds of the Civil War being planted even at the Constitutional Convention) - these are all portrayed with clarity and candour.

The Constitution was not a document that was intended to be from the outset, nor was it passed unanimously (indeed, not all states were represented at all times of the Convention, not all delegates appointed attended, and one state never participated at all). Some of the founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, made references to divine intervention being key in the process; Franklin at the end made the warning about the government being a Republic, 'if you can keep it' - no doubt recalling the fall of other great republics in the history of the world.

This is a fun and exciting book to read, a real page turner. It was published in 1987 as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Constitution; former Chief Justice Warren Burger provides a foreword for this text.

This is a great and inspiring story, one that should be of concern to Americans of all types and walks of life. We are all 'we the people'.

I'm a nerd. 95% of my books are computer-related. This book will gave me an appreciation of what an extraordinary event the convention was. Several times it shows how it could have so easily fallen apart or gone off in a different direction (and Lord knows what kind of land this would be if it had). This book and another great book called 'Voices of 1776' will give you an awesome sense of how lucky we are to be what we are today. I cannot recommend this book more highly. (BTW, did you know that the only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who went on to become presidents, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, died within two hours of each other on July 4, 1826 - 50 years to the day the Declaration was signed?)

Fantastic series! Read all three.

An interesting read that entertains while it teaches, this environmental history of Israel is worthwhile for political junkies, environmental advocates as well as those interested in Israel and the Mideast.

I recently completed a university research paper on air pollution in Israel and found this book to be an important source. The closest copy of this book was hundreds of miles away. The book was purchased and used for the paperand then donated to the university library. I found this book to be the ultimate source for information on the topic.

This is an engaging book describing the economic and institutional development of the Holy Land from the time of the Turks, through the British Mandate period, to the present day. Despite the heft of this volume, the book is a very enjoyable read, and provides a fascinating perspective on the development of the institutions of the State of Israel, the priorities of the naescent state that led to environmental degredation, and the individuals, public interest groups, and government institutions that have tried and often succeeded to stem the tide.
The author, as a founding member of Israel's premier environmental legal advocacy group, has a unique, often first hand view of many of the recent events.

Pollution in a Promised Land is a masterpiece of research and compilation written by the one Israeli who probably is as responsible as anyone in the country for moving the nascent Israeli environmental movement into the 21st century. If it is not already Pollution in a Promised Land is surely bound to become the text of choice for anyone interested in the development of the Israeli environmental movement in response to the environmental challenges faced by Israelis. Alon Tal has captured it all and told a very interesting story.

It's really refreshing to read something about Israel that isn't focused, yet again, on the Arab-Israel conflict, but on an entirely different universe of challenges. If you like history that relies on interesting anecdotes then you'll really like this book.

Oren Rosenthal
Newton, MA

I've enjoyed this book so much. It has helped me to determine which rascals are at work in my spending habits and which ones need a little more attention.

It's an easy to understand explanation of how to help yourself change old patterns.

Kudos to Susan Zimmerman, the Fiscal Therapist!!

I love this book!! Susan helps you understand an emotionally difficult subject in a light hearted, non-threatening way. Not only has this book helped me in my personal quest to better understand the connection between the behavioral and the pshychological components of money, but I also use the information in my money managment classes. It is straight forward and easy to grasp. A great read!

For many, her humor will take the edge off of our "money hassles in relationships".Yet this book is not fluff. Susan has done her homework around our money behaviors. She understands the financial issues and she has tied them to our personalities. Any couple having a tough time dealing with each other when it comes to money should read this book.

I just have to rave about Susan's book, The Power in Your Money Personality. I am a professional financial planner with a CPA and a law background. Not once in may career have I come across such a powerful message. Susan's book opened my eyes to many of the misconceptions that my clients and I myself hold with respect to money and personal finances. Her words and humor have disolved years of anxiety that I have been carrying around. Thank you, Susan!

Since I live Minnesota, I had the pleasure of hearing Susan speak at a conference. As I sat in the chair, I was taken aback at how she seemed to know my spending habits without knowing me. I bought the book and now all the corners are turned and words are underlined. I have an urge to splurge...period. The book looks at how we look at money and use it, or abuse it, in our every days lives. I recommend this for anyone who would like to take an honest look at where their paycheck goes each month. I'm back on Amazon today to order a copy for a friend of mine who is getting married. Solid information presented in a light-hearted way. No matter what your personality, you'll find yourself in the pages of this book. It's awesome.

This is a most useful book, tying together a host of modern concepts of strategic management and organizational development. I especially value the section on Learned Incapacity and the 17 basic syndromes of dysfunction. The time has come to educate the new generation of leadership and management as to the most common mistakes that leaders make as a way of innoculating against repeating failures of the past. Karl Albrecht's book makes a strong contribution towards development of a DSM for management maladies. Good show!

Karl Albrecht's latest book gets to the heart of organizational perfromance. He builds a compelling case that the root causes of organizational performance are directly linked to how well the collective intelligence is managed. Albrecht's vast experience and the case examples he articulates, demonstrate how organizations waste the majority of the combined intelligence that is available to them. He directly links a vast amount of "brain" research to organizational performance issues. The reader will find useful models checklists and tests to conduct their own diagnosis of their organization's mental accuity.

"The Power of Minds at Work" by K.Albrecht is exactly what I wanted to learn in terms of my training profession within my organization in Japan.
Particularly in the context of shaping visions with the shared needs, this book will be much helpful for any businss person to understand why we need to change and what to do in the daily business.

In 1963, Dr. John Gardner, in his book Self Renewal, explored "the forces and habits of mind which hamper personal growth, ranging from fear of failure to the comfortable web of the accustomed" Karl Albrecht's The Power of Minds at Work explores
the habits of mind which stultify organizations, resulting in
costly dysfunction, and then offers ways to free the organizations from those learned patterns. Reading this book stimulates thinking about one's leadership style and opens one's mind to many other options. This is an exciting book for anyone in a leadership role.

With the American economy in a crisis, he presents a timely invitation to the leaders of business and government organizations. Crisis foments great change. He invites leaders to use their own great intelligence and the collective intelligence of all the people in their organization as a powerful living organism, with undreamed of potential for productivity and innovation. With that invitation
he offers practical suggestions and a valuable chapter on thinking styles.
With the accounts of financial disasters due to organizations
operating without systemic intelligence, Albrecht calls for the mobilization of collective intelligence and a collaboration
between the leaders and employees in ways that give new meaning
to work. The vision for an organization shared by all the people
involved bears great motivational energy. He says, "The power of a common cause, together with a sense of commu nity and shared fate, creates a kind of competitive power that's hard to beat.
Just as our culture has viewed the human body as a machine, companies have also been seen as machines with the employees
as cogs in that machine. This book clearly acknowledges what
we now know: that any human system is in reality a living organism demanding respect as such. Stories of companies that have endured one hundred years because the leaders understood this fact set an example for success.
With excellent diagrams to stimulate one's fresh thinking,
and suggestions for fostering collective intelligence, Albrecht
inspires confidence in the kind of changes in organizations that
can restore our economy. This would evoke admiration for the leaders and organizations utilizing the great intelligence that he perceived working as a consultant s all over the world in the past 20 years. The underlying message seems to be: "You are far more intelligent and capable than you think you are, and so are all the people with whom you work." One comes away from the book thinking, "He may be right!"

Employers are plagued by a dearth of leadership. Too many companies are populated by people who can't think for themselves and, worse, by people who can think but don't. Today, when brainpower is so critical to an organization's success, we limit ourselves by doing some really stupid things.

If that statement sounds a little brash, challenging, critical, and accurate, you ain't seen nothin' yet! After a quarter century of consulting to all sorts of organizations around the world, Karl Albrecht has earned an enviable reputation---and the bully pulpit to tell it like it is. His messages (and the book is filled with them) need to be heard by people in charge of today's departments, divisions, companies, agencies, and other organizations. We call these people "leaders," but in truth most are really managers or even administrators in leaders' clothing. Their ignorance, ineptitude, and avoidable blunders inhibit performance.

Leaders need to learn more about leadership. They need to understand leadership in its current context and, at the same time, appreciate how we arrived at this place on our journey. They need to appreciate their role, especially the importance of inspiring and supporting people to use their minds. Creativity? Yes, but an amazing proportion of workers can't---or won't---even think for themselves, limiting their potential for achievement.

Consider Albrecht's Law: "Intelligent people, when assembled into an organization, will tend toward collective stupidity." It's Dilbert ® come to life. Albrecht's assertion is that leveraging the intelligence of an organization can determine the difference between "smart" companies and "dumb" companies. In our increasingly competitive employment environment, companies that allow themselves to be "dumb" (or even just dumber than the competition) may be doomed to extinction. The differentiating factor is leadership, and how well that leadership can utilize the individual and collective intelligence of the organization's members.

This book will grab your attention in the preface and you'll find yourself wanting to keep turning the pages to absorb the knowledge delivered, sometimes irreverently, by the author. Each chapter is filled with insights of past, present, and possibilities that will add to the vital comprehension of how the quality of thinking can help or hinder achievement. A liberal sprinkling of examples, aptly called "Case in Point," bring principles and experiences to life in each chapter. A set of Key Indicators closes each chapter, giving the reader a handy checklist to apply the knowledge gained. This design is very user-friendly.

The first two chapters make the case for smarter organizations. The second section of the book explores Organizational Intelligence, focusing on strategic vision, shared fate, appetite for change, earning discretionary energy, alignment and congruence, knowledge development, and performance pressure. The last two chapters offer the reader some serious guidance in how to make their organizations smarter. Notes at the end of each chapter and a comprehensive 12-page index add value.

The Power of Minds at Work covers a lot of landscape. It's comprehensive, yet delves into sufficient depth to satisfy some of the thought stimulated by his commentary. Yes, you read that sentence correctly: some of your thought will be satisfied. Reading this book will inspire you to go further. Wise leaders will absorb the book, then invite their co-leaders to read and discuss Albrecht's messages....and apply the wisdom that emerges. The content in these pages will generate some rich, productive conversations.

Reviewer's Note: As author of "Impending Crisis: Too Many Jobs, Not Enough People," a wake-up call about the shortage of skilled labor in this decade, I urge corporate executives to sharpen their skills in leadership and drawing more from their people. "The Power of Minds at Work" is an excellent tool to build this strength.

I rely on this resource a lot to get started on organizational needs assessment. No information about cost/benefit analysis, etc. but lots of other great information!

One of the reasons Ms Gupta's first book was so good was the simplicity with which she presented the whole system of needs assessment. Dr's Sleezer and Russ-Eft in this second edition have added considerably to the information and maintained the simplicity and systems approach. Things that work well for me are:
* Systems diagrams
* Applications orientation--lots of how-to's for each step of the way
* Clear pros and cons for each approach
* Check-lists, models and examples
* CD which includes forms and formats and web links

As a trainer of instructional design, this book is one I recommend for my classes and for anyone who does needs assessment.
A Practical Guide to Needs Assessment (Essential Knowledge Resource)

Having attended a book review with Dr.'s Sleezer and Russ-Eft in Indianapolis recently, I was intrigued with the book and thought I would give it a go.

This work is very well-organized! My favorite part is that the authors make it easy to use the book as a reference to the Needs Assessment process by providing an index of what you're looking for and where to find it. Additionally, a CD is provided with a host of needs assessment tools that, so far, appear very useful!

Kavita Gupta wrote a book that is a must-have for anyone desiring an overview of the multiple ways needs assessment can occur. Gupta begins by setting the context of needs assessment, attending first to what needs assessment is and where it fits into the training or performance improvement scheme. By overviewing the works of Gilbert, Kaufman, Rossett, and others, the author creates a very usable comparison. Persons trying to decide what type of needs assessments are best for their situation can quickly narrow their focuses. (Not all needs analyses are built alike, after all, and they start from somewhat different places.) A review of data gathering fundamentals is concise (just over 20 pages) but helpful.

In "Part II, Getting Down to Brass Tacks" Gupta examines and provides very helpful models for conducting four types of needs analyses: Strategic Needs Assessment, Competency-Based Assessment, Job and Task Analysis, and Training Needs Assessment.

The Toolkit in Part III is invaluable--samples of 21 different forms. By itself, this section makes the book worth every penny. The diskette provided, though, provides each of these forms in MSWord--ready to be opened, customized, and used in real applications.

There is great value in this book--enough description of the models that one can begin using them, references to dig deeper into the models if desired, and charts, tables, and job aids that allow anyone to get started quickly on effective needs analysis.

I am a technical trainer of 10 years, and manage a group of four.

This is a great book for anyone looking for best practice approaches to a variety of needs assessment situations. Gupta's chapters are organized by the common type(s) of needs assessments, and each chapter breaks down the component steps that need to be taken to complete the assessment.

I think one of the real gems of the book is that she provides lots of examples of needs assessment interview questions, surveys, training plans, etc. on a floppy disk attached to the back of the book, which you can save to computer and work from to build your own stuff. It saved me some design time, and gave my assessment a "kick start" in the right direction.

As a trainer of Ministry Students, I have found Wiersbe's Preaching & Teaching with Imagination to be an excellent training tool. The book fits well for those with formal undergraduate studies, as well as those who have completed a higher education. Further, I find this book to be valuable in training those with little or no formal training. The book is practical and useful to those desiring to impact those they are teaching, if they maintain an teachable heart when reading.

I've been reading through this text over the past several weeks.

I have been reading chapters of interest only (I do want to complete the book someday, right now, I'm chapter surfing)!

Pastor Wiersbe gives suggestions on how to bring messages alive.
It does take a little more effort; however, I believe it's worth the extra work.

As the title of the book states, it is focused on bringing our messages alive.
Alive in Sunday morning Devotion.
Alive in the Sunday School lesson.
Alive in the preached message in the pulpit.

The text will help those who "Preach" as well as "Teach".

I used some of his techniques last week at HOOPS4KIDZ in Milwaukee.
I had to speak for two sessions, 30 minutes each to boys and girls ranging from ages five to seventeen. I believe the content and presentation (delivery) was well received. Glory To God!



Appendix A: Teaches us how to transform messages from a sermon outline, into a message of hope. Pastor Wiersbe says, "Find one of your old sermons, and do these steps summarized in "Appendix A" and see a change!"

Too often we find ourselves spoon-feeding our hearers with "Information"
and not feeding them "the living Word". This surely is not intentional. We have biblical content, biblical text, biblical interpretation and the leading of the Holy Ghost. We are not trying to entertain anybody; we are attempting to convey life and hope.

The main premise of the book is
"to make our hearers, see the message with their eyes!"

Allow me say this:
Preachers & Teachers:
This is neither a criticism nor an attempt to suggest you need improvement. Pastor Wiersbe is purely sharing his enthusiasm.

God has surely anointed you to preach the Gospel.

I highly recommend this book.

I highly recommend this book to those who are willing to go that extra mile, to draw others into God's Kingdom!!!

Peace
Fellow Laborer In Christ Jesus

Michael
(Youth Minister Volunteer)

I am raving about Dr. Wiersbe's book. It is the best piece of literature I have ever seen on preaching with your imagination. I thought I had no imagination. Now my imagination is stirred. In his book, Wiersbe has put into practice what he has encouraged us to do. Others have already complimented me on my last two sermons. (I am a female teaching Deacon who usually substitute for my pastor when he is away). I have already purchased a copy for my pastor, and have also recommended it to several potential Bible teachers. This book is a God-send. When you begin to read it, you don't want to put it down. There is so much fabulous information that you could read it all day long without getting weary. The insights I have harvested are are valuable indeed. If you need sparkle in preparing/preaching a great sermon or Sunday School lessons, this is one of the most valuable resources you should have on hand.

I cannot tell you how much this book changed my approach to preaching/teaching ministry. Weirsbe begins by explaining the necessity of appealing to the imagination of our listeners to help them to "see" the Gospel. The use of metaphor in preaching and teaching the Bible is a must and Weisbe explains it so well. He uses copious amounts of Scripture to show just how much metaphor is used in the Scripture and makes a clear point that if it is to be communicated you must appreciate the imagery they can produce in the human mind. Amazing book!

Do you avoid using illustrations/stories in preaching for the sake of getting to the point, focusing exclusively on sound doctrine? This book will show you that far from hindering your goal to report the eternal truths of God to His people, metaphorical communication will advance it . The One who gave us the ultimate standard on theology chose to frequently use concrete language = Christ's teaching was 75% illustrative!
If learning God's Word is supposed to be dull and painful, we might as well take the alchohol out of the Lord's Supper as well..too late!! ; )- Just look at how He meets our needs in life in other areas ... Psalm 104, Acts 14, Song of Solomon.. why should 'feed My sheep' be any different? As He adorns the lilies of the field and feeds the sparrows, so we should take great care to provide good spiritual food for the soul's of His people ...not mere abstractions, but luscious illustrative sermons.. Enjoyed!! : )

[i'm not a pastor yet, but am attending seminary]

I read this book for a sermon prep class, and am now thinking of buying it as a book to look at for future use.

The information in this book is so concise. The first two chapters are good for measure and integration theory.

This book deal with the whole picture of probability. One learns the very first roots of rigurous probability. And when I say rigurous I am not regarding it as "engineers rigour = nothing" but as "mathematicians rigour". The book is self-contained, the exposition is clear and is organized in the mathematic classical fashion: definition, lema, proof, theorem, proof.

That rigour, when it comes to probability beyond "number of successful cases / total number of cases", can only be achieved when the theory is developed in the most general background: measure theory. This gives general tools (theorems) which are applied to measures in general, a particular case of which is probability. Measure theory and general abstract Lebesgue integration go together, so the book defines and deepens in Lebesgue theory: integration, convergence theorems, Fubini's theorem, etc.

Once you feel confident and capable of deal with almost anything regarding Lebesgue integration the books moves on relations between integrals and measures: the Radon-Nikodym theorem which is perhaps one of the most important results of the book and whose proof is outstanding. It provides the reader with the tools to tackle Lebesgue almost everywhere differentiation theorem and absolutely continuous measures and functions.
Finally, before starting with probability as special case, there is a functional analysis chapter which gives proof of the three most important theorems of functional analisys in Hilbert and Banach spaces.

From chapter 4 on, everything about probability is covered. From basic distributions to martingales, ergodicity or central limit theoroem. But instead of making up ad-hoc theorems, theorems proved for measures in first chapters renders the proofs in this stage simply colloralies.

Once you read the book you will feel confident about anything touching probability, measure theory and Lebesgue integration and equipped with the most fundamental tools of functional analysis which are used widespread.

I couldn't recommend the book more.

I first used this text in the earlier version, which comprises the first half of the book, in a one-year course in Hilbert Spaces and Lebesgue Measure theory when in the first year of grad school. The material is presented in a clearly written manner and the exposition is some of the clearest mathematical writing I've seen in a subject which is replete with textbooks.

Anyone who wants to be inaugurated into the "mysteries" of measure theory and the fine points of the rigorous theory of stochastic processes and the Ito integral, will do himself or herself a favor by using this text. If it is not assigned to your class and you have the extra cash, order it anyway. It is also well-suited for self-study.

The book very nicely develops the basics of measure theory from a probability perspective (e.g. includes Caratheodory extension theorem, Lebesgue-Stieltjes measures, weak convergence and Kolmogorov extension theorem). It then gives a brief introduction to functional analysis and proceeds to probability theory, martingales and concludes with brownian motion and stochastic integration.

All standard results are given and the book is self-contained. It is a concise, yet readable introduction to this area (less concise then Rudin, Williams but more than Billingsly). An excellent feature of this book is that full solutions to some of the exercises are provided at the end. This makes this book ideal for self-study. The only prerequisite for this book is elementary real analysis (say chapters 1-7 of Rudin's principles of mathematical analysis).

There are other excellent books on measure theory (Rudin, Royden), but if you are interested in measure theory from a probabilistic view this is the book to choose.
As far as a probability textbook, it is clearer and more readable than Billingsly, Chung, Williams and Durrett.

This was my textbook for a course in Probability Theory that I did in my third year at college. I had course work in Probability, but this course took a measure theoretic approach to probability. This book does the same. I found that the book is written for an audience that already understands some measure theory. That notwithstaning, I still think the book is an excellent introduction to Probability through measure, and is one of the most comprehensive books on the topic. Almost everything one might want to talk about in the subject are dealth with thoroughly. For first timers, the book is a little difficult to follow, but a little perseverance should pay off. This book is something every grad student of mathematics should have on his bookshelf. This also happens to be one of those rare math books that have a selection of the exercises solved at the end. Cant ask for more, can you?

I also recommend K L Chung's book on advanced probability. Sometimes when I was stuck with Ash, I referred to Chung.

This book describes the way to assess a project management improvement initiative following the concept of the balanced scorecard. It uses a change stage approach that leads to a real ROI: from reaction/satisfaction (acceptance), learning, application/implementation, business impact and quantified ROI. It also provides advice on how to measure each of these stages. I have found the project follow-up questionnaire especially insightful.
At first, I found this book a bit confusing about whether it was trying to assess projects themselves or the project management initiative, but after a second look at it, I see it as is really useful if you need to show the benefits of implementing/developing project management in your organization.

This book has a mundane title but could be titled "Everything you ever wanted to know about project success and then some". The Project Management Scorecard focuses on how to evaluate and measure the success of project management solutions. Given that failed projects are far more common than successful projects, executives are investing more time and money in developing project managers. This book recognizes the challenges in measuring the return on project management investment and provides clarity and techniques on how to overcome this obstacle.

The book is very thorough in its examination of the problems, process, and solutions to measuring project management success. First the authors break down the problem into its component parts, then they take a look at the project management process steps, and finally they present multiple approaches on how to create an effective scorecard and to use it to achieve desired results. The book includes not only straight-forward steps to follow, but also questionnaires and forms that can be easily used. Success stories and case studies are also included to illustrate major points.

Some of the topics include the following:
o Project management issues and challenges
o Changing corporate cultures
o Measuring reaction and satisfaction
o How to calculate and interpret and ROI
o Capturing business impact data
o Measuring skill and knowledge changes during the project
o Monitoring the true costs of the project
o Converting business measure to monetary values
o Forecasting ROI

This book provides a straight-forward approach to setting up and measuring project success. The authors have taken an onerous topic and provided clarity through simple techniques that can be easily adopted. If implemented, the solutions presented should siginificantly contribute to overall organizational success.

Having read and then reviewed three books co-authored by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton (The Balanced Scorecard, The Strategy-Focused Organization, and Strategy Maps) as well as Paul R. Niven's Balanced Scorecard Step-by-Step, all of which I highly regard, I was especially interested in reading this book which the authors explain how to measure the success of project management solutions.

In the Preface, they assert that, currently, "there is no book that offers a comprehensive, practical presentation on a project management scorecard, using a process that meets the demands of [project managers, clients and senior managers who must approve project budgets, and evaluation researchers who develop, explore, and analyze new processes and techniques]. Most models and representations of the scorecard process ignore, or provide very little insight into, the two key elements essential to developing the scorecard: isolating the effects of project management solutions and converting data to monetary values." Others (notably Kaplan, Norton, and Niven) are far better qualified than I am to verify or dispute that claim. Of greater interest to me is how well organized and written this book is, and, how helpful I believe it will be, at least to project managers as well as to those who must approve project budgets. My Five Star rating speaks for itself.

Phillips, Bothell, and Snead present their material within four Parts: Setting the Stage (e.g. "Project Management Issues and Challenges), The Seven Measures (e.g. "How to Capture Business Impact Data"), Key Issues with the Measures (e.g. "How to Convert Business Measures to Monetary Values"), and Challenges (e.g. "Overcoming Resistance and Barriers to the Project Management Scorecard"). They conclude with an Appendix in which they suggest how to establish an effective project management culture. In it, they identify 16 "Best Practices" and include a brief case study example for each.

What I especially appreciate about this volume is the fact that the authors devote the bulk of their attention to explaining how to implement effectively the various concepts, strategies, and tactics they present. They are also to be commended for concluding each of the 16 chapters with a "Final Thoughts" section. This facilitates a convenient review when a reader wishes to review key points. In fact, I strongly recommend to project managers that they complete such a review at least every 90 days but, preferably, every 30 days throughout their project's duration.

As the authors correctly point out, "One of the greatest challenges is deciding which costs should be included in the project solution cost calculation. For some projects, certain costs are hidden and never included in the cost calculation. Our preference is a conservative one: Account for all costs, both direct and indirect."

There are several major cost categories:

Initial analysis and assessment
Development of solutions
Acquisition of solutions
Implementation and application
Maintenance and monitoring
Administrative support and overhead
Evaluation and reporting

For most projects, the authors recommend this sequence by which to convert data to monetary values:

1. First, define a unit of measure
2. Determine the monetary value of each unit
3. Calculate the change in performance data
4. Determine the annual rate (and amount) of change
5. Calculate the annual value of the improvement

"Costs are important and should be fully loaded in the ROI calculation. From a practical standpoint, some costs may be optional based on an organization's guidelines and philosophy. However, because of the scrutiny involved in the ROI calculations, it is recommended that all costs be included, even if this goes beyond the requirements of the policy."

In this volume, Phillips, Bothell, and Snead offer a wealth of information and counsel which can help achieve the ultimate success of almost any project in almost any organization. That success can then inform and guide efforts to create throughout the same organization a "project management culture."

This book is ROI-focused and integrates the people and process elements of project management with a balanced scorecard approach. One of the authors, Jack J. Phillips, has extensive experience and a large published body of knowledge in the domains of HR, ROI and scorecard development. This book has his touch, and covers the essentials of a mature project organization, what to measure and how to measure it.

The approach is as follows:
1. Measure:
* reaction and satisfaction
* skill and knowledge churn during the project
* implementation and progress metrics throughout the project
2. From the metrics capture:
* business impact data
* ROI
3. Identify both tangible and intangible benefits and apply them to an aggregate 'true cost'.

The book also shows how to translate business metrics to dollar values, build a business case, and communicate status, based on the scorecard, to clients and stakeholders. This is essential for anyone who is setting up or managing a program management office or who wants to improve internal project managment processes. It also provides one of the best methods for communicating status to clients and upper management.

I love this book! Why?
1. It is written in easy to read style, simple and direct; anyone with minimal PM expertise, culture will understand it
2. It is covering a wide range of tools and possibilities
3. Anyone can start design, or adjust her/his own tools immediately
4. A great refference for future, to come and review it from time to time
5. It is obvious the author has experience in practicing what he is preaching

Begginer PM practitioner will find a lot of good points, easy to catch and study for future.
Experienced PM experts will have an useful guide to improve or design their own PM tools and ideas to adjust their appeoaches and processes. Highly recommended!

I have very much enjoyed my book its in perfect condition exactly like it was stated. They were super to do business with. A real blessing. Thanks for the great experance. Vickie

I really enjoyed this book and the divine insight I acquired from reading it. I have always wanted to know about the prophetic ministry and this book answered most of those questions. I would recommend this book to all who seek more of God and his prophetic minsitry.

But didn't know WHO to ask. This book is a must have for every member of the Body of Christ. I have ordered more copies of this book and given them away that any other book I've ever read!! Where was this book 10 years ago? Dr. Price lays out everything from A-Z that deals with the prophetic and its role in today's church. If you want to go higher and deepen your understanding of the prophetic and its function, then this book is for you. Don't forget to get the companion The Prophet's Dictionary too.

Not only is this book a must-have for Prophets, but
it will give other offices insight into what the function
of a Prophet is, how they operate and for what purpose.

If you are a Prophet, or want to understand Prophetic
language, you should also get her other book,
The Prophet's Dictionary.

This book is the former title 'Church Prophets' with a little more added to it. It is a very good book. It is a must have for prophets/pastors and those desiring to have a deeper comprehension and understanding of the prophet, the prophetic and distinguishing it from the occult. It gives practical guidelines that encourage proper protocol and parameters for safe operation as the pastor opens the members that they have rule over in the Lord to the ministry of the Prophet. It's full of revelation and i recommend it highly.

Karr & Chu write to inspire improvement in biological assesment protocols; no doubut I agree with them on this goal. They also remind us all that the "proof of the pudding" is in the biological relevance of the statistical analyses which we undertake to perform this task. Again, no problem. I do have suspicions re: their rather singular fixation on univariate compression of data to the IBI format to the extent that any & all multivariate data treatments are avoided. I would strongly recommend this text as a starting point, but would equally strongly recommend that you *avoid* considering it a definitive Bible for these assessment processes. An apt ecologist who is conversant with contemporary techniques of biotic quantification should perhaps be able to come up with some more multivariate and flexible metrics in addition to those suggested in this text -- although their tables of "what works where" are very helpful starting guidlines for pragmatic issues of what variables to measure in the field. Excellent documentation if you want to go after the references found in the bibliography. Wonderfully aggresive attitude re: preserving our rivers & engaging style -- I read most of the book this afternoon just because it's so engaging, which is pretty high praise for a textbook. If you also happen to be involved with biomonitoring efforts, please drop me an email as I'm working remotely via the 'Net & wold love the comraderie & discussion -- Eric entfolks@mwci.net

This book provides a functional, usable set of guidelines to consider when working on fisheries habitat and stream rehabilitation problems. Although it is oriented towards the American environmental processes - EPA etc, the background concepts and information should be required reading for everyone who is involved in both environmental monitoring and assessment, and those who are involved in trying to bring back stream habitat that has been lost.

Useful for a much broader audience than originally targetted. For instance Community Stewardship groups here in BC have found it most useful.

Karr & Chu provide compelling arguments for the inclusion of reasoned biomonitoring efforts in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of aquatic ecosystems. This is long-overdue. Their desire for biological relevance above and beyond statistical significance is also laudable, reminding me of a dear mentor's constant advice: "But what do the numbers *mean* biologically??" It is an extremely well documented book as well, providing ample resources for further scholarly investigation of related topics. I laud their eagerness to create biological relevance and move beyond standard statistical distributions by brute biological common sense. Their approach is clearly robust, time-effective, and biologically relevant - an excellent combination for real-world environmental management decisions! I do, however, find the authors' quite one-dimensional focus on the use of single "multimetric indices" to be limiting in the practice of aquatic EIA. (Multimetric indices are sums of individual indices, each measuring a different ecological factor.) I fear that the same mathematical machinations which make Karr & Chu's methods robust may also make them insensitive to subtle biological changes. They might contend that robust management considerations render subtle biological changes irrelevant; I would argue that subtle change over time can be at least as powerful as quantum, near-instantaneous changes. The author's methods are also constrained by the fact that the a significant effort is expended in calibration, which may be fine and justified for future studies, but may be of little help for projects currently "in-hand." In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this book as a required read in aquatic biomonitoring strategies, but I will continue to examine my data in more statistically conventional ways as well as through multimetric indices --- I'm not likely to throw out the entire old toolbox for the addition of one new tool, after all, and all the multimetric indices in the world won't do a jot of good without sound experimental design practices.

Karr & Chu write to inspire improvement in biological assesment protocols; no doubut I agree with them on this goal. They also remind us all that the "proof of the pudding" is in the biological relevance of the statistical analyses which we undertake to perform this task. Again, no problem. I do have suspicions re: their rather singular fixation on univariate compression of data to the IBI format to the extent that any & all multivariate data treatments are avoided. I would strongly recommend this text as a starting point, but would equally strongly recommend that you *avoid* considering it a definitive Bible for these assessment processes. An apt ecologist who is conversant with contemporary techniques of biotic quantification should perhaps be able to come up with some more multivariate and flexible metrics in addition to those suggested in this text -- although their tables of "what works where" are very helpful starting guidlines for pragmatic issues of what variables to measure in the field. Excellent documentation if you want to go after the references found in the bibliography. Wonderfully aggresive attitude re: preserving our rivers & engaging style -- I read most of the book this afternoon just because it's so engaging, which is pretty high praise for a textbook. If you also happen to be involved with biomonitoring efforts, please drop me an email as I'm working remotely via the 'Net & wold love the comraderie & discussion -- Eric entfolks@mwci.net

A very informative, thorough, and interesting coverage of the topic. Very well written and an enjoyable read. I especially liked the presentation of the "chapters" as "premises."

Advocacy is one theme of this book, but I didn't find that objectionable. As a former professional in the regulatory field, I think it is important for people with opinions to express them!

This book is really a must-read for people working on any aspect of biological monitoring of aquatic systems.