Controls Books

There aren't a lot of really good books about performance management, and performance measurement specifically, available yet. Too many of them are overly prescriptive in what to measure and very light on the details of how to measure (properly).

Because I specialise in performance measurement (and have done for over 14 years now), I've read quite a bit in this field and expected that Gary's book was going to be another one I'd refuse to recommend to my clients and subscribers.

But that's not what happened. I actually really enjoyed Gary's book, and support a lot of his philosophy about performance management. It's got to have strong alignment to strategy, it's got to be well thought through, it's not really about scorecards and technology, it's about making it easier to execute strategy, and it's about reliable and objective data.

It's a great book to give people that really need to take performance management more seriously, particularly senior managers and executives. It's not a book for the operational manager that is new to performance measurement (in this case try "Performance Scorecards" by Chang and Morgan).

From TQM to Balanced Score Cards - this is the book that provides a practical synthesis. Focus on cause and effect relationships and away from abstractions. Must have book.

If execution is the goal these days, then this book brings an interesting perspective -- it's both big picture AND 'how to do it' at the same time. Cokins does a great job of putting the execution imperative into the larger context of "why." A good read for a reminder of basic performance management tools and for exploring how they work best in the context of today's tough business environment.

I met Gary at a SAS conference the other day and we had a discussion on various issues. One of them being the query of why so many strategies to improve performance fail. Is it in the design or the execution of strategy? Gary popped the commonly accepted view that it is failure to execute otherwise sound strategies. And I replied, being a Strategy Consultant for over 16 years, that I haven't seen a sound strategy yet. After some debat we agreed that design and execution are equaly important.

This book is about execution of sound strategies using a series of quantifiable performance management methods. These are most popular in the Anglo-Saxon (US/UK) world and have been exported to the European mainland as well where they compete with qualifiable performance management systems. What is the difference? Quantifiable PMS' are based on measurement and consequences as strategy and tactics are imposed top-down. Qualifiable PMS' however are based upon a 'meeting-in-between' strategy process where productivity is boosted by inspiration, motivation and creativity. Employee involvement is the key. Instead of using fixed targets and bandwiths, one would use waypoints and scenario's, leaving the control of execution to operational teamleaders. (In W.W.II the Germans were 1.7 times more effective than the Allied forces using qualifiable techniques, even though they were outnumbered 3 to 1 by allied forces using quantifiable techniques). Qualifiable techniques are based on the assumption that operational conditions and short term objectives change all too rapidly for a rigid approach of planning & control. But if operational teamleaders understand the strategic and tactical objectives they can easily adapt to new conditions.

However Gary's latest book is the best book on quantifiable PMS' since Maximum Performance Management by Boyett & Conn (that actually tries to combine qualifiable and quantifiable techniques).

Don't just buy it, read it!

Gary's book, on Performance Management published by Wiley, does an excellent job of pointing out there are no "Silver Bullets" or management tools that solve all problems. Combinations of the right techniques is an art. Bold graphics and flow charts in the book do much to stimulate the thought process. Business failure is often a result of inadequate performance management systems. Survival in today's global economy requires many of the better performance management techniques described in Gary's new book. A great addition to any business library. Bill Hass, Certified Turnaround Professional, wjhass@aol.com

Rebecca and Kevin have created an excellent resource for HIPAA Security Practictioners. They provide practical guidance for interpreting the HIPAA security rule, in terms that the non-security professional can understand. Especially of value are the ideas on how to "implement" the security rule, broken down by the relevant HIPAA security standard. I agree with the practical approach that they take within the book, as it is consistent with the HIPAA message that I have also been communicating over the past several years. There are also useful lists of items needed to maintain security compliance after implementation. This is a good book for the novice and experienced privacy/security professional. It is nice to see that someone has compiled this much useful information into one book. Nice job ! This is a must have book if you are a Security of Privacy Officer.

The guide layout is very easy to follow and provides the reader with a clear and concise roadmap for beginning or maintaining HIPAA compliance.

Very well done.

As the title states, the book provides a very practical guide to HIPAA Privacy and Security. I used this book as a key reference to understanding the HIPAA privacy and security rule and in building a comprehensive roadmap (project plan) for compliance -- nicely done!

I strongly recommend the book to all Security Professionals that are working to build an environment based on standards of good practice -- including HIPAA compliance.

For all the people out there looking for a comprehensive and thorough, plain-language explanation of the HIPAA security rule, who then complain about not having a clue about what next steps should be taken, the complaints should cease and the excuses should disappear after reading this book. "The Practical Guide to HIPAA Privacy and Security Compliance" not only "talks the talk" but the authors allow the reader to "walk the talk" as well, The appendices are invaluable resource. As a healthcare compliance consultant, I definitely will be recommending this book to my clients as well as apply some of the implemmentation suggestions with my clients during my own engagements.

Well done Beaver and Herold!!!

This is the best single reference that I've seen on the subject. Kevin and Rebecca have assembled a guide that is eminently practical, superbly organized, and tremendously helpful. I reach for it every time I have a question on HIPPA. In fact, it's the only HIPPA reference I've used since I got it.

I got this book as part of a college course i was doing, but in reality it is so good it has helped me out in my job. There are times in our jobs when we dont get a chance to do new things and this book actually makes it very simple to introduce new initiatives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering a career in quality mangement.

I am a CQE & Six Sigma Black Belt and have owned this book for a little over two years now. This book provides a very handy and useful reference for the tools used in problem-solving, quality management, six sigma and project management as well. The Tool Matrix in the first chapter divides the tools under various categories and helps to identify the right tool needed for a certain stage or situation.

The chapter on Quality Improvement Stories show the use of these tools in successful continuous improvement projects. The quality tools are arranged in alphabetical order with details like when, what and how with a very relevant example.

This text is recommended for anyone in the area of quality/process improvements. It is a learning book for beginners and reference for advanced users.

This book is so well done. For Six Sigma and Quality professionals it will become one of your most well worn books.

This is just about the most relevant and useful quality book I have come across. It provides a comprehensive library of tools to use to solve different kinds of problems. Many of the tools covered in this book are covered elsewhere, but in this case the author has a knack for guiding the reader through a set-by-step process in a way that it was very easy for me to instantly apply the tools to my job.

I also welcomed the fact that the book covers the overall history of the different quality methodologies. This is important because there are many choices to be made when it comes to choosing a quality methodology, so knowing where a tool came from helps you determine whether it applies to your particular problem.

If your job relates to quality, this is money well spent.

This is one of the best books I have ever reviewed. It is so easy to know the quality tools but understanding the tools is the key to effective implementation. The book provides a comprehensive review of all the tools in the quality profession with indexed case studies and applications. I use the quality tools while training Meirc participants on Total quality, six sigma, simplification of work processes and procedures in Dubai seminars and it is certainly has gained our participants lots of benefits on applying these tools. I would highly recommend this book for all quality professionals in the quality management and training.

this book has all the information needed to develope better eating habits to help move through menopause.

I received this book as a gift about 2 years ago when I had just turned 50. I had moderate PMS and perimenopause and as of yet at age 52 have not entered menopause yet. This has been a fabulous book for me preparing me for those years to come, not to mention it has helped me to stabalize my roller coaster blood sugar. I received this book right about the time I gave up on traditional medicene for treating my Fibromyalgia and went to an acupuncturitst and alternative medicene. He put me on a whole foods diet and this book really saved me with loads of terrific and delicious recipes. The authors also give such good support. I feed my husband and sons these recipes and we all enjoy them. I recommend this to all who are serious about their health. Whole foods is really the answer to most of our problems.

I am a natural foods/vegetarian cookbook junkie, and this is my alltime favorite (although please note it is not vegetarian, but is vegetarian friendly).

Everything I have made from this book has been delicious. The difference between this book and many others I own is that I actually use the recipes. The recipes are easy to follow and the ingredients are not too strange, exotic or expensive. Focus is on fresh foods, produce, healthy fats.

My copy (paperback) fell apart, so I recently replaced it with a hardcover version. A shame it is out of print -- I would recommend purchasing a hardcover copy as the paperback is not very sturdy.

Don't let the title fool you. You do not have to be experiencing Menopause to get these great recipes. The information they provide is excellent. I use this as my primary recipe book and I have a long way before I hit menopause

This recipe book rejuvinated my interest in eating healthy foods. Note: I did not say health foods. There is a difference. Being a '60's child, I did all the natural/health food routine which served me well over the years. This recipe book adds to that healthy foundation. For all women coming into their wisened (this is a word!) years.

This book is perfect for a first six sigma book.
There are no negative points.

It is amazing book for study six sigma. Good explanations and practical examples in combination with Minitab software. For those who are dedicated in learning six sigma, this book can offer enough information and practice.

I was surprised by the well balanced and complete coverage of the Six Sigma methodology from DMAIC, including managerial steps, all the way to statistics up through Design of Experiments. The all inclusive topics seem to parallel full Black Belt training. I would expect green belts to be offered selections from the book in a standard course. I would say no other book has this "textbooky" look and feel (that is not meant as a criticism). At the end of chapters find Minitab instructions including screen shots. The material is well written, hence understandable, hence I think this is one of the best overall introductions to the subject without slamming the reader with high levels of mathematical theory.

I think this book is an excellent resource for experienced Six Sima managers. However, if you want to buy this book as a study guide for the SSGB certification test, or as an introduction to Six Sigma, it isn't going to help you out much. I guess my lowered rating is due to the fact that the book didn't meet my expectations as it was described on the Amazon site.

This book was well worth my time and money! Being a Six Sigma beginer, I found this book to be easy to follow and comprehend.

Explained is the DMAIC process model, Voice of Customer (VOC), Voice of Process (VOP)and Design of Experements (DOE) in clarifying detail. Best of all, it includes step-by-step explanations of project experiments and the statistical analyses from the expereiments using Minitab 14!

Whether you want to learn the basics of the Six Sigma process (Chapters 1-8) and / or basic Six Sigma statistical tools and methods (Chapters 9-15), I highly recommend this book!

Note: Minitab 14 (Statistical software)is free for 30 days and the associated minitab-formatted excercise worksheets are down-loadable from the publisher's website.

Warren Brusee gets right into the thick of Six Sigma from the very beginning. The author discusses shortcuts and simpler methods than traditional Six Sigma processes that are equally as effective.

Statistics and Quantitative Methods have never been particularly friends of mine. This book is approachable, reads well, has very clear examples, and sample problems.

If you are looking for a book to introduce you to Six Sigma, and teach some very useful tools, make this the first book on the subject you buy.

Nice customer seervice and quick shipping. This is Six Sigma style. AAAA+.

Brussee's Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy is a wonderful "how to" text for six sigma stat tools that is very readable, and usable, by anyone with at least a high school level background in mathematics. He has done a great job of simplifying much of what a Green Belt would use from the Six Sigma toolkit, and he presents the material in a format highly conducive to application. The result is a valuable statistics manual for the Six Sigma implementer.

I like the level of detalization in this book and simple language explaining the concept, application of statistics, and Sigma methods. The value of this book from my practical point of view is the Case Studies which help to better understand when and how statistics for Six Sigma can be used.

Es un libro de altisima calidad, escrito en un lenguaje simple y fácil de entender. Altamente recomendable para todo aquel que quiera introducirse en los conceptos de SixSigma

This is one of the best golf books I have read. It was very easy to understand about the golf swing. The book taught me how to solve my problems, and gave me some very good drills that helped me to feel the correct swing. I highly recommended this book to all level of golfers.

Terry has compiled a tremendous amount of detailed information about the golf game in an easy to read and understandable context. Beginners will really appreciate the simple language as well as comprehensive drills that will make a fast impact to improvement. The skilled or avid golfer will find "Take Control of Your Game" refreshing and brings about an element of enjoyment back to the game of golf and allows one to look beyond the complicated and crazy industry of equipment and game improvement gimmicks. Terry has created this book to relieve the common fustrations and anxieties of game improvement. You can skip the next "Papa Smurf" Titanium Driver, and the Nuclear Driven Irons, because help is on the way with this simple paperback. Buy the book now before your wife finds out about the new $2000 set of clubs you just bought.

Terry Myers' book is an excellent reference guide for golfers of all levels. It's a fast, easy to read book that covers everything from understanding the fundamentals (how and why) to trouble shooting. The illustrations show amazing detail of what each movement should look like in a clear step by step fashion. The Drills and Aids section enables me to practice effectively at home so I can make every minute at the range and on the course count.

Terry has written a text consistent with his philosophy that golf is a game to be enjoyed - not rocket science. His approach combines a total understanding of the mechanics of golf with a passion for teaching the game at every level. The text and illustrations are completely helpful, not a wasted word or superfluous comment to be found. This book will replace confusion with competence and allow students at every level to take their game "up a notch." A winner in every respect.

I've been looking for an easy to use self help guide for a long time. Taking Control of Your Game helped guide me through changes not only in my swing but also my attitude toward the game. My wife and I both found it easy to read, understand, and follow. I wish I had it 10 years ago.

This book has recipes that are very good and pretty easy to make. One thing that I really appreciated was that they all use the same flour mixture, and the flour actually has nutritional value, as opposed to having 5 different flours throughout the book that you have to make, or just using a mixture of corn starch and potato starch. If you need to cook gluten-free desserts, I would highly recommend this book!

Since my gluten-free regimen began after diagnosis for "intolerance"; I've sought nutritional direction and assistance with finding a new path for cooking. However, baking has never been high on my list of favorites, mostly because my own consumption of wheat flour-based desserts was never enjoyable and their creation just as unsatisfying. In this book, the ingredients, steps, methods and results are all TOP NOTCH. Great attention and just-enough explanation has helped me create very delectable cakes and pies that I would have never bothered attempting before. As with most recipe books, the paperback version is void of helpful photos. However, it has given my family and friends another glance into the challenges of eating gluten-free; it's great for sharing recipes with those who'd cook for those with intolerances/allergies.

I really enjoyed the "Glazed Chocolate Fantasy" Cake. The answer to any Chocolate Lovers sweet tooth.

My sister, her daughter and I have used this cookbook to make some wonder desserts. No one knows or cares that they are gluten free because they taste so GREAT! Recipes are easy to follow. I double recipes and have had no problems. Great buy!

I admit it... I have a cookbook addiction! And since our family has been gluten free, I have added quite the collection of gluten free cookbooks to my shelves. And I use them ALL! Well, I now have a new favorite for gluten free desserts... CONNIE SARROS' DESSERT COOKBOOK! EVERY recipe I've tried is fantastic! And if you can crave it, Connie has a recipe for it! I can't say enough about it! I highly recommend it to ANYONE who wants to venture into gluten free baking, or just add new options to the dessert menu. But warning: everyone will start asking you to bring the dessert... everytime!

This book is a perfect summary of the dark side of humanitarian work. Unequipped, unprepared contract workers who are unprotected and essentially thrown to the wolves.

The author answers an fax looking for boat drivers and the only preparation he's given is a night at a bar and told to watch out for displaced wildlife. From the moment he steps off the plane it goes downhill. Even a good deed ends in tragedy because he doesn't understand the population he's trying to help.

Mostly though this is an indictment of the conditions the relief workers have to deal with because different UN agencies and Non governmental organizations all want to show how much they are "helping". The individuals may do good things but the organizations use it to play politics.

Burnett provides a vivid picture of the logistics and politics surrounding relief work as well as the dangers and difficulties of doing this work in a war zone. What I liked best about this book is he didn't enter into this job with any particular altruistic or political agenda. As a result Burnett is able to paint a rather honest and impartial picture of NGOs, the UN, the people of Somalia and his fellow aid workers. The book is written in a way that lets you experience what he experienced. It is a personal account that keeps you turning the pages.

This is a well-written, fast-paced book that sheds an important light on relief work, its benefits and its risks. I knew very little about the floods in Somalia, and this was a great lesson as to what I missed.
Great read. You won't be disappointed.

This book reads like a bullet train from New York to Mogadishu, from heaven to hell, a pageturner if ever there was one. You get a privileged insight into the life of a reliefworker, a first hand account of the absurd madness of a godforsaken place where anarchy rules and where lives have no value.

Speedboats donated by western governments to distribute relief supplies quickly turn into perfect terror tools for local warlords, who find them to be ideal to impose their will on the population, specially when mounted with a machine gun...

John Burnett completely repaints the picture that I had in my mind of a relief worker. Only guts, ingenuity and a whole lotta luck will help you to get out alive of a place like this.

From the comfort of your home to the nightmare of Somalia is just a book away...

Superbly written and very hard to put down, this book throws quite a few surprises. Burnett provides first-hand insight into the adventurous and dangerous world of those on the field who distribute humanitarian aid.

Relief workers, like those they are trying to help, survive crocodiles, snakes and hippos, feuding warlords, and child soldiers. At the same time they are dealing with competing aid organisations and governments' political and military agendas. Through tears, anger and frustration, he reveals what it is like trying to save lives in a war zone.

The 5 Pillars described in this book are the 5S's derived from the Toyota Production System. Are: Organization, Orderliness, Cleanliness, Organized Cleanup and Discipline. The 5S's help lay a solid foundation for the implementation of the Just in Time system in any plant.

The book talks about a step by step procedure for implementing this productivity improvement tool in any organization. This tool is highly effective in something as simple as an office area to something as complex as a Nuclear power plant. We realized an improvement of 11% in productivity at our manufacturing facility and has helped us increase the morale of the workers substantially.

The chapters could have been put in a better order as one needs to jump from one chapter to the other for simple references. It covers all the details in depth, but is not put in the best possible manner.

...this book shows you how. The author explains how costly untidiness and dirt can be. Imagine the cost of employees wandering around looking for tools instead of adding value through their work. This is one of the few books you can study and then implement the lessons learned from your study. For years to come every time you study it you will learn something new; therefore I recommend the sturdy hardcover edition. You will find your colleagues wanting to continually improve their 5S process too.

A simple "how-to-do-it" book (step by step) with many examples. When I started to talk to top management I did not have to convince them, the book did this.

As a quality and safety manager for more than 15 years, I STILL found this book to be wonderfully useful. A clean, well structured and smooth functioning work environment MUST be at the basis for quality and productivity. The text is well organized and presented with clearn B&W photos, flow charts and sample forms. Hirano also includes plenty of funny, true life stories to keep the book interesting. Highly recommended.

I checked this out from the library and read it in one day (I didn't do anything else all day, and I'm a fast reader). Hirano's style is very educational: he resorts to humor, he states his biases clearly, he details step-by-step instructions, he warns about pitfalls, he gives his own insight on overcoming those pitfalls. He walks the walk: the only photo of him in the book is of him cleaning the floor in a factory.

For anyone already familiar with Lean Principles, the focus of this book is 5S, of which the English translation is approximately Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain. However, Hirano never or rarely uses those, preferring instead to use more accurate (but less alliterative) words like, Organization, Orderliness, Cleanliness, Standardized Cleanup, and Discipline. He explains strategies for starting and for sustaining these "pillars", such as a ruthless red-tag campaign to initiate organization, signboards to maintain orderliness, and 5S patrols to maintain cleanliness and to improve on what already exists. He includes sample forms and kick-off campaign letters.

Best of all, this book shows how 5S is the basis for all other Lean Principles, such as reducing muda and improving throughput. A fantastic resource that I know I will be using over and over.